201
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Wendt FR, Pathak GA, Levey DF, Nuñez YZ, Overstreet C, Tyrrell C, Adhikari K, De Angelis F, Tylee DS, Goswami A, Krystal JH, Abdallah CG, Stein MB, Kranzler HR, Gelernter J, Polimanti R. Sex-stratified gene-by-environment genome-wide interaction study of trauma, posttraumatic-stress, and suicidality. Neurobiol Stress 2021; 14:100309. [PMID: 33665242 PMCID: PMC7905234 DOI: 10.1016/j.ynstr.2021.100309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2020] [Revised: 01/20/2021] [Accepted: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Epidemiologic studies recognize that trauma and posttraumatic stress are associated with heightened suicidal behavior severity, yet examination of these associations from a genetic perspective is limited. We performed a multivariate gene-by-environment genome-wide interaction study (GEWIS) of suicidality in 123,633 individuals using a covariance matrix based on 26 environments related to traumatic experiences, posttraumatic stress, social support, and socioeconomic status. We discovered five suicidality risk loci, including the male-associated rs2367967 (CWC22), which replicated in an independent cohort. All GEWIS-significant loci exhibited interaction effects where at least 5% of the sample had environmental profiles conferring opposite SNP effects from the majority. We identified PTSD as a primary driving environment for GxE at suicidality risk loci. The male suicidality GEWIS was enriched for three middle-temporal-gyrus inhibitory neuron transcriptomic profiles: SCUBE- and PVALB-expressing cells (β = 0.028, p = 3.74 × 10-4), OPRM1-expressing cells (β = 0.030, p = 0.001), and SPAG17-expressing cells (β = 0.029, p = 9.80 × 10-4). Combined with gene-based analyses (CNTN5 p association = 2.38 × 10-9, p interaction = 1.51 × 10-3; PSMD14 p association = 2.04 × 10-7, p interaction = 7.76 × 10-6; HEPACAM p association = 2.43 × 10-6, p interaction = 3.82 × 10-7) including information about brain chromatin interaction profiles (UBE2E3 in male neuron p = 1.07 × 10-5), our GEWIS points to extracellular matrix biology and synaptic plasticity as biological interactors with the effects of potentially modifiable lifetime traumatic experiences on genetic risk for suicidality. Characterization of molecular basis for the effects of traumatic experience and posttraumatic stress on risk of suicidal behaviors may help to identify novel targets for which more effective treatments can be developed for use in high-risk populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank R. Wendt
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA
- VA CT Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, 06520, USA
| | - Gita A. Pathak
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA
- VA CT Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, 06520, USA
| | - Daniel F. Levey
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA
- VA CT Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, 06520, USA
| | - Yaira Z. Nuñez
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA
- VA CT Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, 06520, USA
| | - Cassie Overstreet
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA
- VA CT Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, 06520, USA
- National Center for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Clinical Neurosciences Division, West Haven CT, 06520, USA
| | - Chelsea Tyrrell
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA
- VA CT Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, 06520, USA
| | - Keyrun Adhikari
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA
- VA CT Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, 06520, USA
| | - Flavio De Angelis
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA
- VA CT Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, 06520, USA
| | - Daniel S. Tylee
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA
- VA CT Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, 06520, USA
| | - Aranyak Goswami
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA
- VA CT Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, 06520, USA
| | - John H. Krystal
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA
| | - Chadi G. Abdallah
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA
- VA CT Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, 06520, USA
| | - Murray B. Stein
- Psychiatry Service, VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA, USA
- Departments of Psychiatry and Family Medicine & Public Health, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Henry R. Kranzler
- University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
- Crescenz Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Joel Gelernter
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA
- VA CT Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, 06520, USA
- Departments of Genetics and Neuroscience, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA
| | - Renato Polimanti
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA
- VA CT Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, 06520, USA
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202
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Lambert J, Lloret-Fernández C, Laplane L, Poole RJ, Jarriault S. On the origins and conceptual frameworks of natural plasticity-Lessons from single-cell models in C. elegans. Curr Top Dev Biol 2021; 144:111-159. [PMID: 33992151 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ctdb.2021.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
How flexible are cell identities? This problem has fascinated developmental biologists for several centuries and can be traced back to Abraham Trembley's pioneering manipulations of Hydra to test its regeneration abilities in the 1700s. Since the cell theory in the mid-19th century, developmental biology has been dominated by a single framework in which embryonic cells are committed to specific cell fates, progressively and irreversibly acquiring their differentiated identities. This hierarchical, unidirectional and irreversible view of cell identity has been challenged in the past decades through accumulative evidence that many cell types are more plastic than previously thought, even in intact organisms. The paradigm shift introduced by such plasticity calls into question several other key traditional concepts, such as how to define a differentiated cell or more generally cellular identity, and has brought new concepts, such as distinct cellular states. In this review, we want to contribute to this representation by attempting to clarify the conceptual and theoretical frameworks of cell plasticity and identity. In the context of these new frameworks we describe here an atlas of natural plasticity of cell identity in C. elegans, including our current understanding of the cellular and molecular mechanisms at play. The worm further provides interesting cases at the borderlines of cellular plasticity that highlight the conceptual challenges still ahead. We then discuss a set of future questions and perspectives arising from the studies of natural plasticity in the worm that are shared with other reprogramming and plasticity events across phyla.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julien Lambert
- IGBMC, Development and Stem Cells Department, CNRS UMR7104, INSERM U1258, Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Carla Lloret-Fernández
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Lucie Laplane
- CNRS UMR 8590, University Paris I Panthéon-Sorbonne, IHPST, Paris, France
| | - Richard J Poole
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University College London, London, United Kingdom.
| | - Sophie Jarriault
- IGBMC, Development and Stem Cells Department, CNRS UMR7104, INSERM U1258, Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France.
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203
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Compensation for Neurodegeneration by Hippocampal Neurogenesis in Alzheimer's Disease: Where is the Way? Neurosci Bull 2021; 37:885-888. [PMID: 33905098 DOI: 10.1007/s12264-021-00660-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2020] [Accepted: 11/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
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204
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Hu C, Chen C, Dong XP. Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Patients With Neurodegenerative Diseases. Front Aging Neurosci 2021; 13:664965. [PMID: 33897410 PMCID: PMC8060506 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2021.664965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2021] [Accepted: 03/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
COVID-19 pandemic has already produced great impacts on global health security and social-economy. Elderly, particularly those with underlying diseases, are suffering from higher fatality rate. Neurodegenerative diseases are a group of incurable neurological disorders of loss of neuron and/or myelin sheath, which affect hundreds of millions of elderly populations and usually need long-term care. Older population is one of the most vulnerable to COVID-19 pandemic. In this report, we reviewed the current status of COVID-19 on the patients with several neurodegenerative diseases, particularly Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, prion disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Meanwhile, the potential mechanisms of SARS-CoV-2 infection in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases were also summarized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Hu
- State Key Laboratory for Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, NHC Key Laboratory of Medical Virology and Viral Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases (Zhejiang University), National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Cao Chen
- State Key Laboratory for Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, NHC Key Laboratory of Medical Virology and Viral Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases (Zhejiang University), National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China.,Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiao-Ping Dong
- State Key Laboratory for Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, NHC Key Laboratory of Medical Virology and Viral Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases (Zhejiang University), National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China.,Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China.,Center for Global Public Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China.,China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
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205
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Jiang MQ, Yu SP, Wei ZZ, Zhong W, Cao W, Gu X, Wu A, McCrary MR, Berglund K, Wei L. Conversion of Reactive Astrocytes to Induced Neurons Enhances Neuronal Repair and Functional Recovery After Ischemic Stroke. Front Aging Neurosci 2021; 13:612856. [PMID: 33841125 PMCID: PMC8032905 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2021.612856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The master neuronal transcription factor NeuroD1 can directly reprogram astrocytes into induced neurons (iNeurons) after stroke. Using viral vectors to drive ectopic ND1 expression in gliotic astrocytes after brain injury presents an autologous form of cell therapy for neurodegenerative disease. Cultured astrocytes transfected with ND1 exhibited reduced proliferation and adopted neuronal morphology within 2-3 weeks later, expressed neuronal/synaptic markers, and extended processes. Whole-cell recordings detected the firing of evoked action potentials in converted iNeurons. Focal ischemic stroke was induced in adult GFAP-Cre-Rosa-YFP mice that then received ND1 lentivirus injections into the peri-infarct region 7 days after stroke. Reprogrammed cells did not express stemness genes, while 2-6 weeks later converted cells were co-labeled with YFP (constitutively activated in astrocytes), mCherry (ND1 infection marker), and NeuN (mature neuronal marker). Approximately 66% of infected cells became NeuN-positive neurons. The majority (~80%) of converted cells expressed the vascular glutamate transporter (vGLUT) of glutamatergic neurons. ND1 treatment reduced astrogliosis, and some iNeurons located/survived inside of the savaged ischemic core. Western blotting detected higher levels of BDNF, FGF, and PSD-95 in ND1-treated mice. MultiElectrode Array (MEA) recordings in brain slices revealed that the ND1-induced reprogramming restored interrupted cortical circuits and synaptic plasticity. Furthermore, ND1 treatment significantly improved locomotor, sensorimotor, and psychological functions. Thus, conversion of endogenous astrocytes to neurons represents a plausible, on-site regenerative therapy for stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Qize Jiang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States
- Center for Visual and Neurocognitive Rehabilitation, Atlanta Veterans Affair Medical Center, Decatur, GA, United States
| | - Shan Ping Yu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States
- Center for Visual and Neurocognitive Rehabilitation, Atlanta Veterans Affair Medical Center, Decatur, GA, United States
| | - Zheng Zachory Wei
- Department of Anesthesiology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States
- Center for Visual and Neurocognitive Rehabilitation, Atlanta Veterans Affair Medical Center, Decatur, GA, United States
| | - Weiwei Zhong
- Department of Anesthesiology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States
- Center for Visual and Neurocognitive Rehabilitation, Atlanta Veterans Affair Medical Center, Decatur, GA, United States
| | - Wenyuan Cao
- Department of Anesthesiology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Xiaohuan Gu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States
- Center for Visual and Neurocognitive Rehabilitation, Atlanta Veterans Affair Medical Center, Decatur, GA, United States
| | - Anika Wu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Myles Randolph McCrary
- Department of Anesthesiology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Ken Berglund
- Center for Visual and Neurocognitive Rehabilitation, Atlanta Veterans Affair Medical Center, Decatur, GA, United States
- Department of Neurosurgery, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Ling Wei
- Department of Anesthesiology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States
- Department of Neurology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States
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206
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Wang X, Pei Z, Hossain A, Bai Y, Chen G. Transcription factor-based gene therapy to treat glioblastoma through direct neuronal conversion. Cancer Biol Med 2021; 18:j.issn.2095-3941.2020.0499. [PMID: 33755378 PMCID: PMC8330525 DOI: 10.20892/j.issn.2095-3941.2020.0499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2020] [Accepted: 12/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most prevalent and aggressive adult primary cancer in the central nervous system. Therapeutic approaches for GBM treatment are under intense investigation, including the use of emerging immunotherapies. Here, we propose an alternative approach to treat GBM through reprogramming proliferative GBM cells into non-proliferative neurons. METHODS Retroviruses were used to target highly proliferative human GBM cells through overexpression of neural transcription factors. Immunostaining, electrophysiological recording, and bulk RNA-seq were performed to investigate the mechanisms underlying the neuronal conversion of human GBM cells. An in vivo intracranial xenograft mouse model was used to examine the neuronal conversion of human GBM cells. RESULTS We report efficient neuronal conversion from human GBM cells by overexpressing single neural transcription factor Neurogenic differentiation 1 (NeuroD1), Neurogenin-2 (Neurog2), or Achaete-scute homolog 1 (Ascl1). Subtype characterization showed that the majority of Neurog2- and NeuroD1-converted neurons were glutamatergic, while Ascl1 favored GABAergic neuron generation. The GBM cell-converted neurons not only showed pan-neuronal markers but also exhibited neuron-specific electrophysiological activities. Transcriptome analyses revealed that neuronal genes were activated in glioma cells after overexpression of neural transcription factors, and different signaling pathways were activated by different neural transcription factors. Importantly, the neuronal conversion of GBM cells was accompanied by significant inhibition of GBM cell proliferation in both in vitro and in vivo models. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that GBM cells can be reprogrammed into different subtypes of neurons, leading to a potential alternative approach to treat brain tumors using in vivo cell conversion technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Wang
- Department of Biology, Huck Institutes of Life Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Zifei Pei
- Department of Biology, Huck Institutes of Life Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Aasma Hossain
- Department of Biology, Huck Institutes of Life Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Yuting Bai
- Department of Biology, Huck Institutes of Life Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Gong Chen
- Department of Biology, Huck Institutes of Life Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
- GHM Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
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207
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Kim KM, Thaqi M, Peterson DA, Marr RA. Induced Neurons for Disease Modeling and Repair: A Focus on Non-fibroblastic Cell Sources in Direct Reprogramming. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2021; 9:658498. [PMID: 33777923 PMCID: PMC7995206 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2021.658498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2021] [Accepted: 02/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Direct cellular reprogramming exhibits distinct advantages over reprogramming from an induced pluripotent stem cell intermediate. These include a reduced risk of tumorigenesis and the likely preservation of epigenetic data. In vitro direct reprogramming approaches primarily aim to model the pathophysiological development of neurological disease and identify therapeutic targets, while in vivo direct reprogramming aims to develop treatments for various neurological disorders, including cerebral injury and cancer. In both approaches, there is progress toward developing increased control of subtype-specific production of induced neurons. A majority of research primarily utilizes fibroblasts as the donor cells. However, there are a variety of other somatic cell types that have demonstrated the potential for reprogramming into induced neurons. This review highlights studies that utilize non-fibroblastic cell sources for reprogramming, such as astrocytes, olfactory ensheathing cells, peripheral blood cells, Müller glia, and more. We will examine benefits and obstructions for translation into therapeutics or disease modeling, as well as efficiency of the conversion. A summary of donor cells, induced neuron types, and methods of induction is also provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn M. Kim
- Center for Neurodegenerative Disease and Therapeutics, Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Mentor Thaqi
- Center for Neurodegenerative Disease and Therapeutics, Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL, United States
- Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Daniel A. Peterson
- Center for Neurodegenerative Disease and Therapeutics, Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Robert A. Marr
- Center for Neurodegenerative Disease and Therapeutics, Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL, United States
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208
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Mollinari C, Merlo D. Direct Reprogramming of Somatic Cells to Neurons: Pros and Cons of Chemical Approach. Neurochem Res 2021; 46:1330-1336. [PMID: 33666839 PMCID: PMC8084785 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-021-03282-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2020] [Revised: 01/31/2021] [Accepted: 02/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Translating successful preclinical research in neurodegenerative diseases into clinical practice has been difficult. The preclinical disease models used for testing new drugs not always appear predictive of the effects of the agents in the human disease state. Human induced pluripotent stem cells, obtained by reprogramming of adult somatic cells, represent a powerful system to study the molecular mechanisms of the disease onset and pathogenesis. However, these cells require a long time to differentiate into functional neural cells and the resetting of epigenetic information during reprogramming, might miss the information imparted by age. On the contrary, the direct conversion of somatic cells to neuronal cells is much faster and more efficient, it is safer for cell therapy and allows to preserve the signatures of donors’ age. Direct reprogramming can be induced by lineage-specific transcription factors or chemical cocktails and represents a powerful tool for modeling neurological diseases and for regenerative medicine. In this Commentary we present and discuss strength and weakness of several strategies for the direct cellular reprogramming from somatic cells to generate human brain cells which maintain age‐related features. In particular, we describe and discuss chemical strategy for cellular reprogramming as it represents a valuable tool for many applications such as aged brain modeling, drug screening and personalized medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristiana Mollinari
- Institute of Translational Pharmacology, National Research Council, Via Fosso del Cavaliere 100, 00133, Rome, Italy. .,Department of Neuroscience, Istituto Superiore di Sanita', Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161, Rome, Italy.
| | - Daniela Merlo
- Department of Neuroscience, Istituto Superiore di Sanita', Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161, Rome, Italy
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209
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Abstract
In mammals, many organs lack robust regenerative abilities. Lost cells in impaired tissue could potentially be compensated by converting nearby cells in situ through in vivo reprogramming. Small molecule-induced cell reprogramming offers a temporally flexible and non-integrative strategy for altering cell fate, which is, in principle, favorable for in vivo reprogramming in organs with notoriously poor regenerative abilities, such as the brain. Here, we demonstrate that in the adult mouse brain, small molecules can reprogram astrocytes into neurons. The in situ chemically induced neurons resemble endogenous neurons in terms of neuron-specific marker expression, electrophysiological properties, and synaptic connectivity. Our study demonstrates the feasibility of in vivo chemical reprogramming in the adult mouse brain and provides a potential approach for developing neuronal replacement therapies.
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210
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Kataoka Y. [Imaging and Manipulation of Stem and Progenitor Cells for Revealing the Novel Mechanism of Local Tissue Maintenance in the Brain]. YAKUGAKU ZASSHI 2021; 141:343-348. [PMID: 33642502 DOI: 10.1248/yakushi.20-00198-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
We have been investigating the physiological and pathological roles of stem cells and progenitor cells in the central nervous system using multimodal imaging methods, including positron emission tomography (PET), in vivo optical imaging, and light as well as electron microscopy. Furthermore, we generated transgenic rats for selective ablation of these cells. Imaging studies have demonstrated the proliferation and dynamics of neural stem cells in neurogenic regions and glial progenitor cells expressing a chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan (neuron-glial antigen 2; NG2) in the brain of adult rodents. Glial progenitor cells change their direction of differentiation into mature oligodendrocytes or astrocytes by neural activity following their proliferation. This phenomenon was thought to control the local tissue structure for maintenance of moderate neural activity. Furthermore, selective ablation of glial progenitor cells in the brain induced defects of neurons via neuroinflammation with microglial activation and proinflammatory cytokine production in the region. Thus, we have proposed a novel concept that glial progenitor cells regulate the neuro-immune system in the central nervous system, in addition to their role as germinal cells, giving rise to mature glial cells. Neuroinflammation is associated with the onset and progression of depression, chronic fatigue syndrome, and neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease. Anti-inflammatory effects of glial progenitor cells might bring about the possibility of these cells as the new therapeutic targets for such neurological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yosky Kataoka
- Laboratory for Cellular Function Imaging, RIKEN Biosystems Dynamics Research.,Multi-modal Microstructure Analysis Unit, RIKEN-JEOL Collaboration Center
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211
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Hassanzadeh S, Jalessi M, Jameie SB, Khanmohammadi M, Bagher Z, Namjoo Z, Davachi SM. More attention on glial cells to have better recovery after spinal cord injury. Biochem Biophys Rep 2021; 25:100905. [PMID: 33553683 PMCID: PMC7844125 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrep.2020.100905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2020] [Revised: 12/29/2020] [Accepted: 12/29/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Functional improvement after spinal cord injury remains an unsolved difficulty. Glial scars, a major component of SCI lesions, are very effective in improving the rate of this recovery. Such scars are a result of complex interaction mechanisms involving three major cells, namely, astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, and microglia. In recent years, scientists have identified two subtypes of reactive astrocytes, namely, A1 astrocytes that induce the rapid death of neurons and oligodendrocytes, and A2 astrocytes that promote neuronal survival. Moreover, recent studies have suggested that the macrophage polarization state is more of a continuum between M1 and M2 macrophages. M1 macrophages that encourage the inflammation process kill their surrounding cells and inhibit cellular proliferation. In contrast, M2 macrophages promote cell proliferation, tissue growth, and regeneration. Furthermore, the ability of oligodendrocyte precursor cells to differentiate into adult oligodendrocytes or even neurons has been reviewed. Here, we first scrutinize recent findings on glial cell subtypes and their beneficial or detrimental effects after spinal cord injury. Second, we discuss how we may be able to help the functional recovery process after injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sajad Hassanzadeh
- Skull Base Research Center, Hazrat Rasoul Hospital, The Five Senses Health Institute, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Neuroscience Research Center (NRC), Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Jalessi
- Skull Base Research Center, Hazrat Rasoul Hospital, The Five Senses Health Institute, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Seyed Behnamedin Jameie
- Neuroscience Research Center (NRC), Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Medical Basic Sciences, Faculty of Allied Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mehdi Khanmohammadi
- Skull Base Research Center, Hazrat Rasoul Hospital, The Five Senses Health Institute, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zohre Bagher
- ENT and Head & Neck Research Center and Department, The Five Senses Health Institute, Hazrat Rasoul Akram Hospital, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zeinab Namjoo
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran
| | - Seyed Mohammad Davachi
- Department of Food Science, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
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212
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Liu F, Zhang Y, Chen F, Yuan J, Li S, Han S, Lu D, Geng J, Rao Z, Sun L, Xu J, Shi Y, Wang X, Liu Y. Neurog2 directly converts astrocytes into functional neurons in midbrain and spinal cord. Cell Death Dis 2021; 12:225. [PMID: 33649354 PMCID: PMC7921562 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-021-03498-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2020] [Revised: 01/03/2021] [Accepted: 01/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Conversion of astrocytes into neurons in vivo offers an alternative therapeutic approach for neuronal loss after injury or disease. However, not only the efficiency of the conversion of astrocytes into functional neurons by single Neurog2, but also the conundrum that whether Neurog2-induced neuronal cells (Neurog2-iNs) are further functionally integrated into existing matured neural circuits remains unknown. Here, we adopted the AAV(2/8) delivery system to overexpress single factor Neurog2 into astrocytes and found that the majority of astrocytes were successfully converted into neuronal cells in multiple brain regions, including the midbrain and spinal cord. In the midbrain, Neurog2-induced neuronal cells (Neurog2-iNs) exhibit neuronal morphology, mature electrophysiological properties, glutamatergic identity (about 60%), and synapse-like configuration local circuits. In the spinal cord, astrocytes from both the intact and lesioned sources could be converted into functional neurons with ectopic expression of Neurog2 alone. Notably, further evidence from our study also proves that Neurog2-iNs in the intact spinal cord are capable of responding to diverse afferent inputs from dorsal root ganglion (DRG). Together, this study does not merely demonstrate the feasibility of Neurog2 for efficient in vivo reprogramming, it gives an indication for the Neurog2-iNs as a functional and potential factor in cell-replacement therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei Liu
- Anhui Clinical and Preclinical Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease; Molecular Diagnosis Center, Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui, 233000, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Yijie Zhang
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Fuliang Chen
- Department of Immunology, School of Laboratory Medicine, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Immunology in Chronic Diseases, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui, 233030, China
| | - Jiacheng Yuan
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Sanlan Li
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Sue Han
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Dengyu Lu
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Junlan Geng
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Zhiping Rao
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Li Sun
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, 233004, China
| | - Jianhua Xu
- Department of Neurology, Jiading District Central Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Medicine & Health Sciences, Shanghai, 201800, China
| | - Yuhan Shi
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China.
| | - Xiaojing Wang
- Anhui Clinical and Preclinical Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease; Molecular Diagnosis Center, Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui, 233000, China.
| | - Yueguang Liu
- Department of Neurology, Jiading District Central Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Medicine & Health Sciences, Shanghai, 201800, China.
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213
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Direct cell reprogramming: approaches, mechanisms and progress. Nat Rev Mol Cell Biol 2021; 22:410-424. [PMID: 33619373 DOI: 10.1038/s41580-021-00335-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 170] [Impact Index Per Article: 56.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The reprogramming of somatic cells with defined factors, which converts cells from one lineage into cells of another, has greatly reshaped our traditional views on cell identity and cell fate determination. Direct reprogramming (also known as transdifferentiation) refers to cell fate conversion without transitioning through an intermediary pluripotent state. Given that the number of cell types that can be generated by direct reprogramming is rapidly increasing, it has become a promising strategy to produce functional cells for therapeutic purposes. This Review discusses the evolution of direct reprogramming from a transcription factor-based method to a small-molecule-driven approach, the recent progress in enhancing reprogrammed cell maturation, and the challenges associated with in vivo direct reprogramming for translational applications. It also describes our current understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying direct reprogramming, including the role of transcription factors, epigenetic modifications, non-coding RNAs, and the function of metabolic reprogramming, and highlights novel insights gained from single-cell omics studies.
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214
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Sivandzade F, Cucullo L. Regenerative Stem Cell Therapy for Neurodegenerative Diseases: An Overview. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:2153. [PMID: 33671500 PMCID: PMC7926761 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22042153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2021] [Revised: 02/18/2021] [Accepted: 02/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases resulting from the progressive loss of structure and/or function of neurons contribute to different paralysis degrees and loss of cognition and sensation. The lack of successful curative therapies for neurodegenerative disorders leads to a considerable burden on society and a high economic impact. Over the past 20 years, regenerative cell therapy, also known as stem cell therapy, has provided an excellent opportunity to investigate potentially powerful innovative strategies for treating neurodegenerative diseases. This is due to stem cells' capability to repair injured neuronal tissue by replacing the damaged or lost cells with differentiated cells, providing a conducive environment that is in favor of regeneration, or protecting the existing healthy neurons and glial cells from further damage. Thus, in this review, the various types of stem cells, the current knowledge of stem-cell-based therapies in neurodegenerative diseases, and the recent advances in this field are summarized. Indeed, a better understanding and further studies of stem cell technologies cause progress into realistic and efficacious treatments of neurodegenerative disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farzane Sivandzade
- Department of Biological Sciences, Oakland University, Rochester, MI 48309, USA;
- Department of Foundation Medical Studies, Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine, Rochester, MI 48309, USA
| | - Luca Cucullo
- Department of Foundation Medical Studies, Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine, Rochester, MI 48309, USA
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215
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Boshans LL, Soh H, Wood WM, Nolan TM, Mandoiu II, Yanagawa Y, Tzingounis AV, Nishiyama A. Direct reprogramming of oligodendrocyte precursor cells into GABAergic inhibitory neurons by a single homeodomain transcription factor Dlx2. Sci Rep 2021; 11:3552. [PMID: 33574458 PMCID: PMC7878775 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-82931-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2020] [Accepted: 01/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Oligodendrocyte precursor cells (NG2 glia) are uniformly distributed proliferative cells in the mammalian central nervous system and generate myelinating oligodendrocytes throughout life. A subpopulation of OPCs in the neocortex arises from progenitor cells in the embryonic ganglionic eminences that also produce inhibitory neurons. The neuronal fate of some progenitor cells is sealed before birth as they become committed to the oligodendrocyte lineage, marked by sustained expression of the oligodendrocyte transcription factor Olig2, which represses the interneuron transcription factor Dlx2. Here we show that misexpression of Dlx2 alone in postnatal mouse OPCs caused them to switch their fate to GABAergic neurons within 2 days by downregulating Olig2 and upregulating a network of inhibitory neuron transcripts. After two weeks, some OPC-derived neurons generated trains of action potentials and formed clusters of GABAergic synaptic proteins. Our study revealed that the developmental molecular logic can be applied to promote neuronal reprogramming from OPCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda L Boshans
- Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA
| | - Heun Soh
- Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA
| | - William M Wood
- Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA
| | - Timothy M Nolan
- Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA
| | - Ion I Mandoiu
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA
- Institute for Systems Genomics, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA
| | - Yuchio Yanagawa
- Department of Genetic and Behavioral Neuroscience, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, Maebashi, Japan
| | | | - Akiko Nishiyama
- Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA.
- Institute for Systems Genomics, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA.
- The Connecticut Institute for Brain and Cognitive Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA.
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216
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Molecular Mechanisms Underlying Ascl1-Mediated Astrocyte-to-Neuron Conversion. Stem Cell Reports 2021; 16:534-547. [PMID: 33577795 PMCID: PMC7940254 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2021.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2019] [Revised: 01/12/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Direct neuronal reprogramming potentially provides valuable sources for cell-based therapies. Proneural gene Ascl1 converts astrocytes into induced neuronal (iN) cells efficiently both in vitro and in vivo. However, the underlying mechanisms are largely unknown. By combining RNA sequencing and chromatin immunoprecipitation followed by high-throughput sequencing, we found that the expression of 1,501 genes was markedly changed during the early stages of Ascl1-induced astrocyte-to-neuron conversion and that the regulatory regions of 107 differentially expressed genes were directly bound by ASCL1. Among Ascl1's direct targets, Klf10 regulates the neuritogenesis of iN cells at the early stage, Myt1 and Myt1l are critical for the electrophysiological maturation of iN cells, and Neurod4 and Chd7 are required for the efficient conversion of astrocytes into neurons. Together, this study provides more insights into understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying Ascl1-mediated astrocyte-to-neuron conversion and will be of value for the application of direct neuronal reprogramming. RNA-seq and ChIP-seq were used to study Ascl1-induced astrocyte-to-neuron conversion Early Klf10 regulates neuritogenesis and electrophysiological properties of iN cells Myt1 and Myt1l are critical for the electrophysiological maturation of iN cells Neurod4 and Chd7 are required for efficient conversion of astrocytes to neurons
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217
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Ding Z, Dai C, Zhong L, Liu R, Gao W, Zhang H, Yin Z. Neuregulin-1 converts reactive astrocytes toward oligodendrocyte lineage cells via upregulating the PI3K-AKT-mTOR pathway to repair spinal cord injury. Biomed Pharmacother 2021; 134:111168. [PMID: 33395598 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2020.111168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2020] [Revised: 11/21/2020] [Accepted: 12/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Axonal demyelination is a consistent pathological characteristic of Spinal cord injury (SCI). Promoting differentiation of oligodendrocytes is of importance for remyelination. Conversion of reactive astrocytes with stem cell potential to oligodendrocytes is proposed as an innovative strategy for SCI repair. Neuregulin-1 (Nrg1) plays an essential role in the differentiation of oligodendrocytes. Therefore, it's a potential treatment for demyelination in SCI that using Nrg1 to drive reactive astrocytes toward oligodendrocyte lineage cells. In this study, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) was used to induce dedifferentiation of primary rat spinal cord astrocytes into reactive astrocytes and Nrg1 was used to induce astrocytes in vitro and in vivo. The results showed that astrocytes treated with TNF-α expressed immaturity markers CD44 and Musashi1 at mRNA and protein levels, indicating that TNF-α induced the stem cell state of astrocytes. Nrg1 induced reactive astrocytes to express oligodendrocyte markers PDGFR-α and O4 at mRNA and protein levels, indicating that Nrg1 directly converts reactive astrocytes toward oligodendrocyte lineage cells. Moreover, upregulation of PI3K-AKT-mTOR signaling activation in response to Nrg1 was observed. In rats with SCI, intrathecal treatment with Nrg1 converted reactive astrocytes to oligodendrocyte lineage cells, inhibited astrogliosis, promoted remyelination, protected axons and eventually improved BBB score. All the biological effects of Nrg1 were significantly reversed by the co-administration of Nrg1 and ErbB inhibitor, suggesting that Nrg1 functioned through the receptor ErbB. Our findings indicate that Nrg1 is sufficient to trans-differentiate reactive astrocytes to oligodendrocytes via the PI3K-AKT-mTOR signaling pathway and repair SCI. Delivery of Nrg1 for the remyelination processes could be a promising strategy for spinal cord repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenfei Ding
- Department of Orthopaedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, 218#Ji Xi Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Ce Dai
- Department of Orthopaedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, 218#Ji Xi Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Lin Zhong
- Department of Orthopaedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, 218#Ji Xi Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Rui Liu
- Department of Orthopaedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, 218#Ji Xi Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Weilu Gao
- Department of Orthopaedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, 218#Ji Xi Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Hui Zhang
- Department of Orthopaedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, 218#Ji Xi Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Zongsheng Yin
- Department of Orthopaedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, 218#Ji Xi Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China.
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218
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Balakrishnan A, Belfiore L, Chu TH, Fleming T, Midha R, Biernaskie J, Schuurmans C. Insights Into the Role and Potential of Schwann Cells for Peripheral Nerve Repair From Studies of Development and Injury. Front Mol Neurosci 2021; 13:608442. [PMID: 33568974 PMCID: PMC7868393 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2020.608442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2020] [Accepted: 12/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Peripheral nerve injuries arising from trauma or disease can lead to sensory and motor deficits and neuropathic pain. Despite the purported ability of the peripheral nerve to self-repair, lifelong disability is common. New molecular and cellular insights have begun to reveal why the peripheral nerve has limited repair capacity. The peripheral nerve is primarily comprised of axons and Schwann cells, the supporting glial cells that produce myelin to facilitate the rapid conduction of electrical impulses. Schwann cells are required for successful nerve regeneration; they partially “de-differentiate” in response to injury, re-initiating the expression of developmental genes that support nerve repair. However, Schwann cell dysfunction, which occurs in chronic nerve injury, disease, and aging, limits their capacity to support endogenous repair, worsening patient outcomes. Cell replacement-based therapeutic approaches using exogenous Schwann cells could be curative, but not all Schwann cells have a “repair” phenotype, defined as the ability to promote axonal growth, maintain a proliferative phenotype, and remyelinate axons. Two cell replacement strategies are being championed for peripheral nerve repair: prospective isolation of “repair” Schwann cells for autologous cell transplants, which is hampered by supply challenges, and directed differentiation of pluripotent stem cells or lineage conversion of accessible somatic cells to induced Schwann cells, with the potential of “unlimited” supply. All approaches require a solid understanding of the molecular mechanisms guiding Schwann cell development and the repair phenotype, which we review herein. Together these studies provide essential context for current efforts to design glial cell-based therapies for peripheral nerve regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anjali Balakrishnan
- Biological Sciences Platform, Sunnybrook Research Institute (SRI), Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Lauren Belfiore
- Biological Sciences Platform, Sunnybrook Research Institute (SRI), Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Tak-Ho Chu
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Taylor Fleming
- Biological Sciences Platform, Sunnybrook Research Institute (SRI), Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Rajiv Midha
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Jeff Biernaskie
- Department of Comparative Biology and Experimental Medicine, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Carol Schuurmans
- Biological Sciences Platform, Sunnybrook Research Institute (SRI), Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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219
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Fujita Y, Yamashita T. Alterations in Chromatin Structure and Function in the Microglia. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 8:626541. [PMID: 33553166 PMCID: PMC7858661 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.626541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2020] [Accepted: 12/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Microglia are resident immune cells in the central nervous system (CNS). Microglia exhibit diversity in their morphology, density, electrophysiological properties, and gene expression profiles, and play various roles in neural development and adulthood in both physiological and pathological conditions. Recent transcriptomic analysis using bulk and single-cell RNA-seq has revealed that microglia can shift their gene expression profiles in various contexts, such as developmental stages, aging, and disease progression in the CNS, suggesting that the heterogeneity of microglia may be associated with their distinct functions. Epigenetic changes, including histone modifications and DNA methylation, coordinate gene expression, thereby contributing to the regulation of cellular state. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge regarding the epigenetic mechanisms underlying spatiotemporal and functional diversity of microglia that are altered in response to developmental stages and disease conditions. We also discuss how this knowledge may lead to advances in therapeutic approaches for diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuki Fujita
- Department of Molecular Neuroscience, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan.,WPI Immunology Frontier Research Center, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Toshihide Yamashita
- Department of Molecular Neuroscience, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan.,WPI Immunology Frontier Research Center, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan.,Graduate School of Frontier Bioscience, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan.,Department of Neuro-Medical Science, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
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220
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Zhang Z, Zhou H, Zhou J. Heterogeneity and Proliferative and Differential Regulators of NG2-glia in Physiological and Pathological States. Curr Med Chem 2021; 27:6384-6406. [PMID: 31333083 DOI: 10.2174/0929867326666190717112944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2019] [Revised: 06/12/2019] [Accepted: 06/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
NG2-glia, also called Oligodendrocyte Precursor Cells (OPCs), account for approximately 5%-10% of the cells in the developing and adult brain and constitute the fifth major cell population in the central nervous system. NG2-glia express receptors and ion channels involved in rapid modulation of neuronal activities and signaling with neuronal synapses, which have functional significance in both physiological and pathological states. NG2-glia participate in quick signaling with peripheral neurons via direct synaptic touches in the developing and mature central nervous system. These distinctive glia perform the unique function of proliferating and differentiating into oligodendrocytes in the early developing brain, which is critical for axon myelin formation. In response to injury, NG2-glia can proliferate, migrate to the lesions, and differentiate into oligodendrocytes to form new myelin sheaths, which wrap around damaged axons and result in functional recovery. The capacity of NG2-glia to regulate their behavior and dynamics in response to neuronal activity and disease indicate their critical role in myelin preservation and remodeling in the physiological state and in repair in the pathological state. In this review, we provide a detailed summary of the characteristics of NG2-glia, including their heterogeneity, the regulators of their proliferation, and the modulators of their differentiation into oligodendrocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zuo Zhang
- National Drug Clinical Trial Institution, the Second Affiliated Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing 400037, China
| | - Hongli Zhou
- National Drug Clinical Trial Institution, the Second Affiliated Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing 400037, China
| | - Jiyin Zhou
- National Drug Clinical Trial Institution, the Second Affiliated Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing 400037, China
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221
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Gao H, A L, Huang X, Chen X, Xu H. Müller Glia-Mediated Retinal Regeneration. Mol Neurobiol 2021; 58:2342-2361. [PMID: 33417229 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-020-02274-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Müller glia originate from neuroepithelium and are the principal glial cells in the retina. During retinal development, Müller glia are one of the last cell types to be born. In lower vertebrates, such as zebrafish, Müller glia possess a remarkable capacity for retinal regeneration following various forms of injury through a reprogramming process in which endogenous Müller glia proliferate and differentiate into all types of retinal cells. In mammals, Müller glia become reactive in response to damage to protect or to further impair retinal function. Although mammalian Müller glia have regenerative potential, it is limited as far as repairing damaged retina. Lessons learned from zebrafish will help reveal the critical mechanisms involved in Müller glia reprogramming. Progress has been made in triggering Müller glia to reprogram and generate functional neurons to restore vision in mammals indicating that Müller glia reprogramming may be a promising therapeutic strategy for human retinal diseases. This review comprehensively summarizes the mechanisms related to retinal regeneration in model animals and the critical advanced progress made in Müller glia reprogramming in mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Gao
- Southwest Hospital/Southwest Eye Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China
- Key Lab of Visual Damage and Regeneration & Restoration of Chongqing, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Luodan A
- Southwest Hospital/Southwest Eye Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China
- Key Lab of Visual Damage and Regeneration & Restoration of Chongqing, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Xiaona Huang
- Southwest Hospital/Southwest Eye Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China
- Key Lab of Visual Damage and Regeneration & Restoration of Chongqing, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Xi Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Haiwei Xu
- Southwest Hospital/Southwest Eye Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China.
- Key Lab of Visual Damage and Regeneration & Restoration of Chongqing, Chongqing, 400038, China.
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222
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Wang L, Xiong X, Zhang L, Shen J. Neurovascular Unit: A critical role in ischemic stroke. CNS Neurosci Ther 2021; 27:7-16. [PMID: 33389780 PMCID: PMC7804897 DOI: 10.1111/cns.13561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2020] [Revised: 11/23/2020] [Accepted: 11/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Ischemic stroke (IS), a common cerebrovascular disease, results from a sudden blockage of a blood vessel in the brain, thereby restricting blood supply to the area in question, and making a significantly negative impact on human health. Unfortunately, current treatments, that are mainly based on a recanalization of occluded blood vessels, are insufficient or inaccessible to many stroke patients. Recently, the profound influence of the neurovascular unit (NVU) on recanalization and the prognosis of IS have become better understood; in‐depth studies of the NVU have also provided novel approaches for IS treatment. In this article, we review the intimate connections between the changes in the NVU and IS outcomes, and discuss possible new management strategies having practical significance to IS. We discuss the concept of the NVU, as well as its roles in IS blood‐brain barrier regulation, cell preservation, inflammatory immune response, and neurovascular repair. Besides, we also summarize the influence of noncoding RNAs in NVU, and IS therapies targeting the NVU. We conclude that both the pathophysiological and neurovascular repair processes of IS are strongly associated with the homeostatic state of the NVU and that further research into therapies directed at the NVU could expand the range of treatments available for IS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liyun Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shengzhou People's Hospital (the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University Shengzhou Branch), Shengzhou, China
| | - Xiaoxing Xiong
- Department of Neurosurgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Luyuan Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jian Shen
- Department of Neurosurgery, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
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223
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Pacheco-Herrero M, Soto-Rojas LO, Reyes-Sabater H, Garcés-Ramirez L, de la Cruz López F, Villanueva-Fierro I, Luna-Muñoz J. Current Status and Challenges of Stem Cell Treatment for Alzheimer's Disease. J Alzheimers Dis 2021; 84:917-935. [PMID: 34633316 PMCID: PMC8673502 DOI: 10.3233/jad-200863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases called tauopathies, such as Alzheimer's disease (AD), frontotemporal dementia, progressive supranuclear palsy, and Parkinson's disease, among others, are characterized by the pathological processing and accumulation of tau protein. AD is the most prevalent neurodegenerative disease and is characterized by two lesions: neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs) and neuritic plaques. The presence of NFTs in the hippocampus and neocortex in early and advanced stages, respectively, correlates with the patient's cognitive deterioration. So far, no drugs can prevent, decrease, or limit neuronal death due to abnormal pathological tau accumulation. Among potential non-pharmacological treatments, physical exercise has been shown to stimulate the development of stem cells (SCs) and may be useful in early stages. However, this does not prevent neuronal death from the massive accumulation of NFTs. In recent years, SCs therapies have emerged as a promising tool to repopulate areas involved in cognition in neurodegenerative diseases. Unfortunately, protocols for SCs therapy are still being developed and the mechanism of action of such therapy remains unclear. In this review, we show the advances and limitations of SCs therapy. Finally, we provide a critical analysis of its clinical use for AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mar Pacheco-Herrero
- Neuroscience Research Laboratory, Faculty of Health Sciences, Pontificia Universidad Católica Madre y Maestra, Dominican Republic
| | - Luis O. Soto-Rojas
- Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, State of Mexico, Mexico
| | - Heidy Reyes-Sabater
- Neuroscience Research Laboratory, Faculty of Health Sciences, Pontificia Universidad Católica Madre y Maestra, Dominican Republic
| | - Linda Garcés-Ramirez
- Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Depto de Fisiología, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Fidel de la Cruz López
- Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Depto de Fisiología, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Mexico City, Mexico
| | | | - José Luna-Muñoz
- National Dementia BioBank, Ciencias Biológicas, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Cuautitlán, UNAM, State of Mexico, Mexico
- Banco Nacional de Cerebros-UNPHU, Universidad Nacional Pedro Henríquez Ureña, Dominican Republic
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224
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Li Z, Song Y, He T, Wen R, Li Y, Chen T, Huang S, Wang Y, Tang Y, Shen F, Tian HL, Yang GY, Zhang Z. M2 microglial small extracellular vesicles reduce glial scar formation via the miR-124/STAT3 pathway after ischemic stroke in mice. Am J Cancer Res 2021; 11:1232-1248. [PMID: 33391532 PMCID: PMC7738903 DOI: 10.7150/thno.48761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2020] [Accepted: 10/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Rationale: Glial scars present a major obstacle for neuronal regeneration after stroke. Thus, approaches to promote their degradation and inhibit their formation are beneficial for stroke recovery. The interaction of microglia and astrocytes is known to be involved in glial scar formation after stroke; however, how microglia affect glial scar formation remains unclear. Methods: Mice were treated daily with M2 microglial small extracellular vesicles through tail intravenous injections from day 1 to day 7 after middle cerebral artery occlusion. Glial scar, infarct volume, neurological score were detected after ischemia. microRNA and related protein were examined in peri-infarct areas of the brain following ischemia. Results: M2 microglial small extracellular vesicles reduced glial scar formation and promoted recovery after stroke and were enriched in miR-124. Furthermore, M2 microglial small extracellular vesicle treatment decreased the expression of the astrocyte proliferation gene signal transducer and activator of transcription 3, one of the targets of miR-124, and glial fibrillary acidic protein and inhibited astrocyte proliferation both in vitro and in vivo. It also decreased Notch 1 expression and increased Sox2 expression in astrocytes, which suggested that astrocytes had transformed into neuronal progenitor cells. Finally, miR-124 knockdown in M2 microglial small extracellular vesicles blocked their effects on glial scars and stroke recovery. Conclusions: Our results showed, for the first time, that microglia regulate glial scar formation via small extracellular vesicles, indicating that M2 microglial small extracellular vesicles could represent a new therapeutic approach for stroke.
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225
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Xiang Z, Xu L, Liu M, Wang Q, Li W, Lei W, Chen G. Lineage tracing of direct astrocyte-to-neuron conversion in the mouse cortex. Neural Regen Res 2021; 16:750-756. [PMID: 33063738 PMCID: PMC8067918 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.295925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Regenerating functional new neurons in the adult mammalian central nervous system has been proven to be very challenging due to the inability of neurons to divide and repopulate themselves after neuronal loss. Glial cells, on the other hand, can divide and repopulate themselves under injury or diseased conditions. We have previously reported that ectopic expression of NeuroD1 in dividing glial cells can directly convert them into neurons. Here, using astrocytic lineage-tracing reporter mice (Aldh1l1-CreERT2 mice crossing with Ai14 mice), we demonstrate that lineage-traced astrocytes can be successfully converted into NeuN-positive neurons after expressing NeuroD1 through adeno-associated viruses. Retroviral expression of NeuroD1 further confirms that dividing glial cells can be converted into neurons. Importantly, we demonstrate that for in vivo cell conversion study, using a safe level of adeno-associated virus dosage (1010–1012 gc/mL, 1 µL) in the rodent brain is critical to avoid artifacts caused by toxic dosage, such as that used in a recent bioRxiv study (2 × 1013 gc/mL, 1 µL, mouse cortex). For therapeutic purpose under injury or diseased conditions, or for non-human primate studies, adeno-associated virus dosage needs to be optimized through a series of dose-finding experiments. Moreover, for future in vivo glia-to-neuron conversion studies, we recommend that the adeno-associated virus results are further verified with retroviruses that mainly express transgenes in dividing glial cells in order to draw solid conclusions. The study was approved by the Laboratory Animal Ethics Committee of Jinan University, China (approval No. IACUC-20180330-06) on March 30, 2018.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zongqin Xiang
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration; Department of Neurosurgery, the First Affiliated Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Liang Xu
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Minhui Liu
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Qingsong Wang
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Wen Li
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Wenliang Lei
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Gong Chen
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
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226
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Kersigo J, Gu L, Xu L, Pan N, Vijayakuma S, Jones T, Shibata SB, Fritzsch B, Hansen MR. Effects of Neurod1 Expression on Mouse and Human Schwannoma Cells. Laryngoscope 2021; 131:E259-E270. [PMID: 32438526 PMCID: PMC7772964 DOI: 10.1002/lary.28671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2019] [Revised: 03/11/2020] [Accepted: 03/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The objective was to explore the effect of the proneuronal transcription factor neurogenic differentiation 1 (Neurod1, ND1) on Schwann cells (SC) and schwannoma cell proliferation. METHODS Using a variety of transgenic mouse lines, we investigated how expression of Neurod1 effects medulloblastoma (MB) growth, schwannoma tumor progression, vestibular function, and SC cell proliferation. Primary human vestibular schwannoma (VS) cell cultures were transduced with adenoviral vectors expressing Neurod1. Cell proliferation was assessed by 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU) uptake. STUDY DESIGN Basic science investigation. RESULTS Expression of Neurod1 reduced the growth of slow-growing but not fast-growing MB models. Gene transfer of Neurod1 in human schwannoma cultures significantly reduced cell proliferation in dose-dependent way. Deletion of the neurofibromatosis type 2 (Nf2) tumor-suppressor gene via Cre expression in SCs led to increased intraganglionic SC proliferation and mildly reduced vestibular sensory-evoked potentials (VsEP) responses compared to age-matched wild-type littermates. The effect of Neurod1-induced expression on intraganglionic SC proliferation in animals lacking Nf2 was mild and highly variable. Sciatic nerve axotomy significantly increased SC proliferation in wild-type and Nf2-null animals, and expression of Neurod1 reduced the proliferative capacity of both wild-type and Nf2-null SCs following nerve injury. CONCLUSION Expression of Neurod1 reduces slow-growing MB progression and reduces human SC proliferation in primary VS cultures. In a genetic mouse model of schwannomas, we find some effects of Neurod1 expression; however, the high variability indicates that more tightly regulated Neurod1 expression levels that mimic our in vitro data are needed to fully validate Neurod1 effects on schwannoma progression. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE NA Laryngoscope, 131:E259-E270, 2021.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Kersigo
- Department of Biology, University of Lowa, Lowa City, Lowa, U.S.A
| | - Lintao Gu
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Lowa, Lowa City, Lowa, U.S.A
- Decibel Pharmaceutical, Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.A
| | - Linjing Xu
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Lowa, Lowa City, Lowa, U.S.A
| | - Ning Pan
- Department of Biology, University of Lowa, Lowa City, Lowa, U.S.A
- Department of Special Education & Communication Disorders, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, Nebraska, U.S.A
| | - Sarath Vijayakuma
- Department of Otolaryngology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Timothy Jones
- Department of Otolaryngology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Seiji B Shibata
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Lowa, Lowa City, Lowa, U.S.A
| | - Bernd Fritzsch
- Department of Biology, University of Lowa, Lowa City, Lowa, U.S.A
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Lowa, Lowa City, Lowa, U.S.A
| | - Marlan R Hansen
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Lowa, Lowa City, Lowa, U.S.A
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227
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Chen WH, Lin YX, Lin L, Zhang BQ, Xu SX, Wang W. Identification of potential candidate proteins for reprogramming spinal cord-derived astrocytes into neurons: a proteomic analysis. Neural Regen Res 2021; 16:2257-2263. [PMID: 33818510 PMCID: PMC8354129 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.310697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Our previous study has confirmed that astrocytes overexpressing neurogenic differentiation factor 1 (NEUROD1) in the spinal cord can be reprogrammed into neurons under in vivo conditions. However, whether they can also be reprogrammed into neurons under in vitro conditions remains unclear, and the mechanisms of programmed conversion from astrocytes to neurons have not yet been clarified. In the present study, we prepared reactive astrocytes from newborn rat spinal cord astrocytes using the scratch method and infected them with lentivirus carrying NEUROD1. The results showed that NEUROD1 overexpression reprogrammed the cultured reactive astrocytes into neurons in vitro with an efficiency of 13.4%. Using proteomic and bioinformatic analyses, 1952 proteins were identified, of which 92 were differentially expressed. Among these proteins, 11 were identified as candidate proteins in the process of reprogramming based on their biological functions and fold-changes in the bioinformatic analysis. Furthermore, western blot assay revealed that casein kinase II subunit alpha (CSNK2A2) and pinin (PNN) expression in NEUROD1-overexpressing reactive astrocytes was significantly increased, suggesting that NEUROD1 can directly reprogram spinal cord-derived reactive astrocytes into neurons in vitro, and that the NEUROD1-CSNK2A2-PNN pathway is involved in this process. This study was approved by the Animal Ethics Committee of Fujian Medical University, China (approval No. 2016-05) on April 18, 2016.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Hao Chen
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, China
| | - Yu-Xiang Lin
- Department of Breast Surgery, Affiliated Union Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, China
| | - Ling Lin
- Institutes of Biomedical Sciences of Shanghai Medical School, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Bao-Quan Zhang
- Department of Neonatology, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, China
| | - Shu-Xia Xu
- Department of Pathology, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Anatomy and Histoembryology, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, China
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228
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Puls B, Ding Y, Zhang F, Pan M, Lei Z, Pei Z, Jiang M, Bai Y, Forsyth C, Metzger M, Rana T, Zhang L, Ding X, Keefe M, Cai A, Redilla A, Lai M, He K, Li H, Chen G. Regeneration of Functional Neurons After Spinal Cord Injury via in situ NeuroD1-Mediated Astrocyte-to-Neuron Conversion. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:591883. [PMID: 33425896 PMCID: PMC7793709 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.591883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2020] [Accepted: 11/25/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) often leads to impaired motor and sensory functions, partially because the injury-induced neuronal loss cannot be easily replenished through endogenous mechanisms. In vivo neuronal reprogramming has emerged as a novel technology to regenerate neurons from endogenous glial cells by forced expression of neurogenic transcription factors. We have previously demonstrated successful astrocyte-to-neuron conversion in mouse brains with injury or Alzheimer's disease by overexpressing a single neural transcription factor NeuroD1. Here we demonstrate regeneration of spinal cord neurons from reactive astrocytes after SCI through AAV NeuroD1-based gene therapy. We find that NeuroD1 converts reactive astrocytes into neurons in the dorsal horn of stab-injured spinal cord with high efficiency (~95%). Interestingly, NeuroD1-converted neurons in the dorsal horn mostly acquire glutamatergic neuronal subtype, expressing spinal cord-specific markers such as Tlx3 but not brain-specific markers such as Tbr1, suggesting that the astrocytic lineage and local microenvironment affect the cell fate after conversion. Electrophysiological recordings show that the NeuroD1-converted neurons can functionally mature and integrate into local spinal cord circuitry by displaying repetitive action potentials and spontaneous synaptic responses. We further show that NeuroD1-mediated neuronal conversion can occur in the contusive SCI model with a long delay after injury, allowing future studies to further evaluate this in vivo reprogramming technology for functional recovery after SCI. In conclusion, this study may suggest a paradigm shift from classical axonal regeneration to neuronal regeneration for spinal cord repair, using in vivo astrocyte-to-neuron conversion technology to regenerate functional new neurons in the gray matter.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brendan Puls
- Department of Biology, Huck Institutes of Life Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States
| | - Yan Ding
- Department of Biology, Huck Institutes of Life Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States
| | - Fengyu Zhang
- Department of Biology, Huck Institutes of Life Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States
| | - Mengjie Pan
- Department of Biology, Huck Institutes of Life Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States
| | - Zhuofan Lei
- Department of Biology, Huck Institutes of Life Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States
| | - Zifei Pei
- Department of Biology, Huck Institutes of Life Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States
| | - Mei Jiang
- Department of Biology, Huck Institutes of Life Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States
| | - Yuting Bai
- Department of Biology, Huck Institutes of Life Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States
| | - Cody Forsyth
- Department of Biology, Huck Institutes of Life Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States
| | - Morgan Metzger
- Department of Biology, Huck Institutes of Life Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States
| | - Tanvi Rana
- Department of Biology, Huck Institutes of Life Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States
| | - Lei Zhang
- Department of Biology, Huck Institutes of Life Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States
| | - Xiaoyun Ding
- Department of Biology, Huck Institutes of Life Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States
| | - Matthew Keefe
- Department of Biology, Huck Institutes of Life Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States
| | - Alice Cai
- Department of Biology, Huck Institutes of Life Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States
| | - Austin Redilla
- Department of Biology, Huck Institutes of Life Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States
| | - Michael Lai
- Department of Biology, Huck Institutes of Life Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States
| | - Kevin He
- Department of Biology, Huck Institutes of Life Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States
| | - Hedong Li
- Department of Biology, Huck Institutes of Life Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States
- Department of Neuroscience & Regenerative Medicine, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA, United States
| | - Gong Chen
- Department of Biology, Huck Institutes of Life Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
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229
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Kang YJ, Diep YN, Tran M, Cho H. Therapeutic Targeting Strategies for Early- to Late-Staged Alzheimer's Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E9591. [PMID: 33339351 PMCID: PMC7766709 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21249591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2020] [Revised: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 12/08/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common cause of dementia, typically showing progressive neurodegeneration in aging brains. The key signatures of the AD progression are the deposition of amyloid-beta (Aβ) peptides, the formation of tau tangles, and the induction of detrimental neuroinflammation leading to neuronal loss. However, conventional pharmacotherapeutic options are merely relying on the alleviation of symptoms that are limited to mild to moderate AD patients. Moreover, some of these medicines discontinued to use due to either the insignificant effectiveness in improving the cognitive impairment or the adverse side effects worsening essential bodily functions. One of the reasons for the failure is the lack of knowledge on the underlying mechanisms that can accurately explain the major causes of the AD progression correlating to the severity of AD. Therefore, there is an urgent need for the better understanding of AD pathogenesis and the development of the disease-modifying treatments, particularly for severe and late-onset AD, which have not been covered thoroughly. Here, we review the underlying mechanisms of AD progression, which have been employed for the currently established therapeutic strategies. We believe this will further spur the discovery of a novel disease-modifying treatment for mild to severe, as well as early- to late-onset, AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- You Jung Kang
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Engineering Science, Center for Biomedical Engineering and Science, University of North Carolina, Charlotte, NC 28223, USA;
- Department of Biological Sciences, Center for Biomedical Engineering and Science, University of North Carolina, Charlotte, NC 28223, USA
| | - Yen N. Diep
- Institute of Quantum Biophysics, Department of Biophysics, Sungkyunkwan University, 2066 Seobu-ro, Jangan-gu, Suwon-si, Gyeonggi-do 16419, Korea; (Y.N.D.); (M.T.)
- Department of Intelligent Precision Healthcare Convergence, Sungkyunkwan University, 2066 Seobu-ro, Jangan-gu, Suwon-si, Gyeonggi-do 16419, Korea
| | - Minh Tran
- Institute of Quantum Biophysics, Department of Biophysics, Sungkyunkwan University, 2066 Seobu-ro, Jangan-gu, Suwon-si, Gyeonggi-do 16419, Korea; (Y.N.D.); (M.T.)
- Department of Intelligent Precision Healthcare Convergence, Sungkyunkwan University, 2066 Seobu-ro, Jangan-gu, Suwon-si, Gyeonggi-do 16419, Korea
| | - Hansang Cho
- Institute of Quantum Biophysics, Department of Biophysics, Sungkyunkwan University, 2066 Seobu-ro, Jangan-gu, Suwon-si, Gyeonggi-do 16419, Korea; (Y.N.D.); (M.T.)
- Department of Intelligent Precision Healthcare Convergence, Sungkyunkwan University, 2066 Seobu-ro, Jangan-gu, Suwon-si, Gyeonggi-do 16419, Korea
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230
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He L, Sun Z, Li J, Zhu R, Niu B, Tam KL, Xiao Q, Li J, Wang W, Tsui CY, Hong Lee VW, So KF, Xu Y, Ramakrishna S, Zhou Q, Chiu K. Electrical stimulation at nanoscale topography boosts neural stem cell neurogenesis through the enhancement of autophagy signaling. Biomaterials 2020; 268:120585. [PMID: 33307364 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2020.120585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2020] [Revised: 11/13/2020] [Accepted: 11/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Neural stem cells (NSCs) transplantation at the injury site of central nerve system (CNS) makes it possible for neuroregeneration. Long-term cell survival and low proliferation, differentiation, and migration rates of NSCs-graft have been the most challenging aspect on NSCs application. New multichannel electrical stimulation (ES) device was designed to enhance neural stem cells (NSCs) differentiation into mature neurons. Compared to controls, ES at nanoscale topography enhanced the expression of mature neuronal marker, growth of the neurites, concentration of BDNF and electrophysiological activity. RNA sequencing analysis validated that ES promoted NSC-derived neuronal differentiation through enhancing autophagy signaling. Emerging evidences showed that insufficient or excessive autophagy contributes to neurite degeneration. Excessive ES current were able to enhance neuronal autophagy, the neuronal cells showed poor viability, reduced neurite outgrowth and electrophysiological activity. Well-controlled autophagy not only protects against neurodegeneration, but also regulates neurogenesis. Current NSC treatment protocol efficiently enhanced NSC differentiation, maturation and survival through combination of proper ES condition followed by balance of autophagy level in the cell culture system. The successful rate of such protreated NSC at injured CNS site should be significantly improved after transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liumin He
- Department of Spine Surgery, The 3rd Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510630, PR China; College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, Guangdong, PR China.
| | - Zhongqing Sun
- Department of Ophthalmology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, PR China
| | - Jianshuang Li
- Zhuhai Institute of Translational Medicine Zhuhai People's Hospital Affiliated with Jinan University, Jinan University, Zhuhai, 519000, Guangdong, PR China; The First Affiliated Hospital, The Biomedical Translational Research Institute, Faculty of Medical Science, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Rong Zhu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, PR China; MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of CNS Regeneration, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration (GHMICR), Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, PR China
| | - Ben Niu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, PR China
| | - Ka Long Tam
- Department of Electronic and Computer Engineering, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong SAR, PR China
| | - Qiao Xiao
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of CNS Regeneration, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration (GHMICR), Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, PR China
| | - Jun Li
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of CNS Regeneration, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration (GHMICR), Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, PR China
| | - Wenjun Wang
- The First Affiliated Hospital, The Biomedical Translational Research Institute, Faculty of Medical Science, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Chi Ying Tsui
- Department of Electronic and Computer Engineering, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong SAR, PR China
| | - Vincent Wing Hong Lee
- Department of Ophthalmology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, PR China
| | - Kwok-Fai So
- Department of Ophthalmology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, PR China; MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of CNS Regeneration, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration (GHMICR), Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, PR China; State Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, PR China
| | - Ying Xu
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of CNS Regeneration, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration (GHMICR), Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, PR China
| | - Seeram Ramakrishna
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of CNS Regeneration, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration (GHMICR), Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, PR China; Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117576, Singapore
| | - Qinghua Zhou
- Zhuhai Institute of Translational Medicine Zhuhai People's Hospital Affiliated with Jinan University, Jinan University, Zhuhai, 519000, Guangdong, PR China; The First Affiliated Hospital, The Biomedical Translational Research Institute, Faculty of Medical Science, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, Guangdong, PR China.
| | - Kin Chiu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, PR China; State Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, PR China.
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231
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Villalón-García I, Álvarez-Córdoba M, Suárez-Rivero JM, Povea-Cabello S, Talaverón-Rey M, Suárez-Carrillo A, Munuera-Cabeza M, Sánchez-Alcázar JA. Precision Medicine in Rare Diseases. Diseases 2020; 8:diseases8040042. [PMID: 33202892 PMCID: PMC7709101 DOI: 10.3390/diseases8040042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2020] [Revised: 11/05/2020] [Accepted: 11/12/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Rare diseases are those that have a low prevalence in the population (less than 5 individuals per 10,000 inhabitants). However, infrequent pathologies affect a large number of people, since according to the World Health Organization (WHO), there are about 7000 rare diseases that affect 7% of the world’s population. Many patients with rare diseases have suffered the consequences of what is called the diagnostic odyssey, that is, extensive and prolonged serial tests and clinical visits, sometimes for many years, all with the hope of identifying the etiology of their disease. For patients with rare diseases, obtaining the genetic diagnosis can mean the end of the diagnostic odyssey, and the beginning of another, the therapeutic odyssey. This scenario is especially challenging for the scientific community, since more than 90% of rare diseases do not currently have an effective treatment. This therapeutic failure in rare diseases means that new approaches are necessary. Our research group proposes that the use of precision or personalized medicine techniques can be an alternative to find potential therapies in these diseases. To this end, we propose that patients’ own cells can be used to carry out personalized pharmacological screening for the identification of potential treatments.
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232
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Lana D, Ugolini F, Giovannini MG. An Overview on the Differential Interplay Among Neurons-Astrocytes-Microglia in CA1 and CA3 Hippocampus in Hypoxia/Ischemia. Front Cell Neurosci 2020; 14:585833. [PMID: 33262692 PMCID: PMC7686560 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2020.585833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Accepted: 10/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurons have been long regarded as the basic functional cells of the brain, whereas astrocytes and microglia have been regarded only as elements of support. However, proper intercommunication among neurons-astrocytes-microglia is of fundamental importance for the functional organization of the brain. Perturbation in the regulation of brain energy metabolism not only in neurons but also in astrocytes and microglia may be one of the pathophysiological mechanisms of neurodegeneration, especially in hypoxia/ischemia. Glial activation has long been considered detrimental for survival of neurons, but recently it appears that glial responses to an insult are not equal but vary in different brain areas. In this review, we first take into consideration the modifications of the vascular unit of the glymphatic system and glial metabolism in hypoxic conditions. Using the method of triple-labeling fluorescent immunohistochemistry coupled with confocal microscopy (TIC), we recently studied the interplay among neurons, astrocytes, and microglia in chronic brain hypoperfusion. We evaluated the quantitative and morpho-functional alterations of the neuron-astrocyte-microglia triads comparing the hippocampal CA1 area, more vulnerable to ischemia, to the CA3 area, less vulnerable. In these contiguous and interconnected areas, in the same experimental hypoxic conditions, astrocytes and microglia show differential, finely regulated, region-specific reactivities. In both areas, astrocytes and microglia form triad clusters with apoptotic, degenerating neurons. In the neuron-astrocyte-microglia triads, the cell body of a damaged neuron is infiltrated and bisected by branches of astrocyte that create a microscar around it while a microglial cell phagocytoses the damaged neuron. These coordinated actions are consistent with the scavenging and protective activities of microglia. In hypoxia, the neuron-astrocyte-microglia triads are more numerous in CA3 than in CA1, further indicating their protective effects. These data, taken from contiguous and interconnected hippocampal areas, demonstrate that glial response to the same hypoxic insult is not equal but varies significantly. Understanding the differences of glial reactivity is of great interest to explain the differential susceptibility of hippocampal areas to hypoxia/ischemia. Further studies may evidence the differential reactivity of glia in different brain areas, explaining the higher or lower sensitivity of these areas to different insults and whether glia may represent a target for future therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniele Lana
- Department of Health Sciences, Section of Clinical Pharmacology and Oncology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Filippo Ugolini
- Department of Health Sciences, Section of Anatomopathology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Maria G Giovannini
- Department of Health Sciences, Section of Clinical Pharmacology and Oncology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
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Direct Conversion of Human Stem Cell-Derived Glial Progenitor Cells into GABAergic Interneurons. Cells 2020; 9:cells9112451. [PMID: 33182669 PMCID: PMC7698048 DOI: 10.3390/cells9112451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2020] [Revised: 11/06/2020] [Accepted: 11/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Glial progenitor cells are widely distributed in brain parenchyma and represent a suitable target for future therapeutic interventions that generate new neurons via in situ reprogramming. Previous studies have shown successful reprogramming of mouse glia into neurons whereas the conversion of human glial cells remains challenging due to the limited accessibility of human brain tissue. Here, we have used a recently developed stem cell-based model of human glia progenitor cells (hGPCs) for direct neural reprogramming by overexpressing a set of transcription factors involved in GABAergic interneuron fate specification. GABAergic interneurons play a key role in balancing excitatory and inhibitory neural circuitry in the brain and loss or dysfunction of these have been implicated in several neurological disorders such as epilepsy, schizophrenia, and autism. Our results demonstrate that hGPCs successfully convert into functional induced neurons with postsynaptic activity within a month. The induced neurons have properties of GABAergic neurons, express subtype-specific interneuron markers (e.g. parvalbumin) and exhibit a complex neuronal morphology with extensive dendritic trees. The possibility of inducing GABAergic interneurons from a renewable in vitro hGPC system could provide a foundation for the development of therapies for interneuron pathologies.
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234
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Stricker SH, Götz M. Epigenetic regulation of neural lineage elaboration: Implications for therapeutic reprogramming. Neurobiol Dis 2020; 148:105174. [PMID: 33171228 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2020.105174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2020] [Revised: 10/19/2020] [Accepted: 11/06/2020] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
The vulnerability of the mammalian brain is mainly due to its limited ability to generate new neurons once fully matured. Direct conversion of non-neuronal cells to neurons opens up a new avenue for therapeutic intervention and has made great strides also for in vivo applications in the injured brain. These great achievements raise the issue of adequate identity and chromatin hallmarks of the induced neurons. This may be particularly important, as aberrant epigenetic settings may reveal their adverse effects only in certain brain activity states. Therefore, we review here the knowledge about epigenetic memory and partially resetting of chromatin hallmarks from other reprogramming fields, before moving to the knowledge in direct neuronal reprogramming, which is still limited. Most importantly, novel tools are available now to manipulate specific epigenetic marks at specific sites of the genome. Applying these will eventually allow erasing aberrant epigenetic memory and paving the way towards new therapeutic approaches for brain repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan H Stricker
- Institute for Stem Cell Research, Helmholtz Zentrum Muenchen, German Research Center for Environmental Health, 82152 Planegg, Germany; Physiological Genomics, Biomedical Center (BMC), Ludwig-Maximilians Universitaet Muenchen, 82152 Planegg, Munich, Germany; MCN Junior Research Group, Munich Center for Neurosciences, Ludwig-Maximilian-Universität, BioMedical Center, Grosshaderner Strasse 9, Planegg-Martinsried 82152, Germany.
| | - Magdalena Götz
- Institute for Stem Cell Research, Helmholtz Zentrum Muenchen, German Research Center for Environmental Health, 82152 Planegg, Germany; Physiological Genomics, Biomedical Center (BMC), Ludwig-Maximilians Universitaet Muenchen, 82152 Planegg, Munich, Germany; SYNERGY, Excellence Cluster of Systems Neurology, BioMedical Center (BMC), Ludwig-Maximilians-Universitaet Muenchen, 82152 Planegg, Munich, Germany.
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235
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Zhang L, Lei Z, Guo Z, Pei Z, Chen Y, Zhang F, Cai A, Mok G, Lee G, Swaminathan V, Wang F, Bai Y, Chen G. Development of Neuroregenerative Gene Therapy to Reverse Glial Scar Tissue Back to Neuron-Enriched Tissue. Front Cell Neurosci 2020; 14:594170. [PMID: 33250718 PMCID: PMC7674596 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2020.594170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2020] [Accepted: 10/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Injuries in the central nervous system (CNS) often causes neuronal loss and glial scar formation. We have recently demonstrated NeuroD1-mediated direct conversion of reactive glial cells into functional neurons in adult mouse brains. Here, we further investigate whether such direct glia-to-neuron conversion technology can reverse glial scar back to neural tissue in a severe stab injury model of the mouse cortex. Using an adeno-associated virus (AAV)-based gene therapy approach, we ectopically expressed a single neural transcription factor NeuroD1 in reactive astrocytes in the injured areas. We discovered that the reactive astrocytes were efficiently converted into neurons both before and after glial scar formation, and the remaining astrocytes proliferated to repopulate themselves. The astrocyte-converted neurons were highly functional, capable of firing action potentials and establishing synaptic connections with other neurons. Unexpectedly, the expression of NeuroD1 in reactive astrocytes resulted in a significant reduction of toxic A1 astrocytes, together with a significant decrease of reactive microglia and neuroinflammation. Furthermore, accompanying the regeneration of new neurons and repopulation of new astrocytes, new blood vessels emerged and blood-brain-barrier (BBB) was restored. These results demonstrate an innovative neuroregenerative gene therapy that can directly reverse glial scar back to neural tissue, opening a new avenue for brain repair after injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Zhang
- Department of Biology, Huck Institute of Life Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States
| | - Zhuofan Lei
- Department of Biology, Huck Institute of Life Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States
| | - Ziyuan Guo
- Department of Biology, Huck Institute of Life Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States
| | - Zifei Pei
- Department of Biology, Huck Institute of Life Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States
| | - Yuchen Chen
- Department of Biology, Huck Institute of Life Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States
| | - Fengyu Zhang
- Department of Biology, Huck Institute of Life Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States
| | - Alice Cai
- Department of Biology, Huck Institute of Life Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States
| | - Gabriel Mok
- Department of Biology, Huck Institute of Life Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States
| | - Grace Lee
- Department of Biology, Huck Institute of Life Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States
| | - Vishal Swaminathan
- Department of Biology, Huck Institute of Life Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States
| | - Fan Wang
- Department of Biology, Huck Institute of Life Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States
| | - Yuting Bai
- Department of Biology, Huck Institute of Life Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States
| | - Gong Chen
- Department of Biology, Huck Institute of Life Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States
- Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
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236
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Ge LJ, Yang FH, Li W, Wang T, Lin Y, Feng J, Chen NH, Jiang M, Wang JH, Hu XT, Chen G. In vivo Neuroregeneration to Treat Ischemic Stroke Through NeuroD1 AAV-Based Gene Therapy in Adult Non-human Primates. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:590008. [PMID: 33224952 PMCID: PMC7674285 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.590008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2020] [Accepted: 10/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Stroke may cause severe death and disability but many clinical trials have failed in the past, partially because the lack of an effective method to regenerate new neurons after stroke. In this study, we report an in vivo neural regeneration approach through AAV NeuroD1-based gene therapy to repair damaged brains after ischemic stroke in adult non-human primates (NHPs). We demonstrate that ectopic expression of a neural transcription factor NeuroD1 in the reactive astrocytes after monkey cortical stroke can convert 90% of the infected astrocytes into neurons. Interestingly, astrocytes are not depleted in the NeuroD1-converted areas, consistent with the proliferative capability of astrocytes. Following ischemic stroke in monkey cortex, the NeuroD1-mediated astrocyte-to-neuron (AtN) conversion significantly increased local neuronal density, reduced microglia and macrophage, and surprisingly protected parvalbumin interneurons in the converted areas. Furthermore, the NeuroD1 gene therapy showed a broad time window in AtN conversion, from 10 to 30 days following ischemic stroke. The cortical astrocyte-converted neurons showed Tbr1+ cortical neuron identity, similar to our earlier findings in rodent animal models. Unexpectedly, NeuroD1 expression in converted neurons showed a significant decrease after 6 months of viral infection, indicating a downregulation of NeuroD1 after neuronal maturation in adult NHPs. These results suggest that in vivo cell conversion through NeuroD1-based gene therapy may be an effective approach to regenerate new neurons for tissue repair in adult primate brains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Long-Jiao Ge
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of Chinese Academy of Sciences and Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China
- Kunming College of Life Science, University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China
| | - Fu-Han Yang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of Chinese Academy of Sciences and Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China
| | - Wen Li
- Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Tao Wang
- Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yu Lin
- National Resource Center for Non-Human Primates, Kunming Primate Research Center, and National Research Facility for Phenotypic and Genetic Analysis of Model Animals (Primate Facility), Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China
| | - Jie Feng
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of Chinese Academy of Sciences and Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China
| | - Nan-Hui Chen
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of Chinese Academy of Sciences and Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China
| | - Min Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontier Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jian-Hong Wang
- National Resource Center for Non-Human Primates, Kunming Primate Research Center, and National Research Facility for Phenotypic and Genetic Analysis of Model Animals (Primate Facility), Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China
| | - Xin-Tian Hu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of Chinese Academy of Sciences and Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China
- National Resource Center for Non-Human Primates, Kunming Primate Research Center, and National Research Facility for Phenotypic and Genetic Analysis of Model Animals (Primate Facility), Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China
- CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Gong Chen
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of Chinese Academy of Sciences and Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China
- Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Biology, Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States
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237
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Wang LJ, Li XX, Hou J, Song XH, Xie WH, Shen L. Integrated Analyses of Mouse Stem Cell Transcriptomes Provide Clues for Stem Cell Maintenance and Transdifferentiation. Front Genet 2020; 11:563798. [PMID: 33101382 PMCID: PMC7500244 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2020.563798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2020] [Accepted: 08/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
In vivo cell fate reprogramming has emerged as a new method for understanding cell plasticity and as potential treatment for tissue regeneration. Highly efficient and precise reprogramming requires fully understanding of the transcriptomes which function within different cell types. Here, we adopt weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) to explore the molecular mechanisms of self-renewal in several well-known stem cell types, including embryonic stem cells (ESC), primordial germ cells (PGC), spermatogonia stem cells (SSC), neural stem cells (NSC), mesenchymal stem cells (MSC), and hematopoietic stem cells (HSC). We identified 37 core genes that were up-regulated in all of the stem cell types examined, as well as stem cell correlated gene co-expression networks. The validation of the co-expression genes revealed a continued protein-protein interaction network that included 823 nodes and 3113 edges. Based on the topology, we identified six densely connected regions within the continued protein-protein interaction network. The SSC specific genes Itgam, Cxcr6, and Agtr2 bridged four densely connected regions that consisted primarily of HSC-, NSC-, and MSC-correlated genes. The expression levels of identified stem cell related transcription factors were confirmed consistent with bioinformatics prediction in ESCs and NSCs by qPCR. Exploring the mechanisms underlying adult stem cell self-renewal will aid in the understanding of stem cell pool maintenance and will promote more accurate and efficient strategies for tissue regeneration and repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Juan Wang
- Zibo Key Laboratory of New Drug Development of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Shandong Provincial Research Center for Bioinformatics Engineering and Technique, Institute of Biomedical Research, Shandong University of Technology, Zibo, China.,School of Life Sciences, Shandong University of Technology, Zibo, China
| | - Xiao-Xiao Li
- Zibo Key Laboratory of New Drug Development of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Shandong Provincial Research Center for Bioinformatics Engineering and Technique, Institute of Biomedical Research, Shandong University of Technology, Zibo, China.,School of Life Sciences, Shandong University of Technology, Zibo, China
| | - Jie Hou
- School of Life Sciences, Shandong University of Technology, Zibo, China
| | - Xin-Hua Song
- School of Life Sciences, Shandong University of Technology, Zibo, China
| | - Wen-Hai Xie
- Zibo Key Laboratory of New Drug Development of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Shandong Provincial Research Center for Bioinformatics Engineering and Technique, Institute of Biomedical Research, Shandong University of Technology, Zibo, China.,School of Life Sciences, Shandong University of Technology, Zibo, China
| | - Liang Shen
- Zibo Key Laboratory of New Drug Development of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Shandong Provincial Research Center for Bioinformatics Engineering and Technique, Institute of Biomedical Research, Shandong University of Technology, Zibo, China.,School of Life Sciences, Shandong University of Technology, Zibo, China
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238
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Astrocytes in the Ventrolateral Preoptic Area Promote Sleep. J Neurosci 2020; 40:8994-9011. [PMID: 33067363 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1486-20.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2020] [Revised: 10/05/2020] [Accepted: 10/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Although ventrolateral preoptic (VLPO) nucleus is regarded as a center for sleep promotion, the exact mechanisms underlying the sleep regulation are unknown. Here, we used optogenetic tools to identify the key roles of VLPO astrocytes in sleep promotion. Optogenetic stimulation of VLPO astrocytes increased sleep duration in the active phase in naturally sleep-waking adult male rats (n = 6); it also increased the extracellular ATP concentration (n = 3) and c-Fos expression (n = 3-4) in neurons within the VLPO. In vivo microdialysis analyses revealed an increase in the activity of VLPO astrocytes and ATP levels during sleep states (n = 4). Moreover, metabolic inhibition of VLPO astrocytes reduced ATP levels (n = 4) and diminished sleep duration (n = 4). We further show that tissue-nonspecific alkaline phosphatase (TNAP), an ATP-degrading enzyme, plays a key role in mediating the somnogenic effects of ATP released from astrocytes (n = 5). An appropriate sample size for all experiments was based on statistical power calculations. Our results, taken together, indicate that astrocyte-derived ATP may be hydrolyzed into adenosine by TNAP, which may in turn act on VLPO neurons to promote sleep.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Glia have recently been at the forefront of neuroscience research. Emerging evidence illustrates that astrocytes, the most abundant glial cell type, are the functional determinants for fates of neurons and other glial cells in the central nervous system. In this study, we newly identified the pivotal role of hypothalamic ventrolateral preoptic (VLPO) astrocytes in the sleep regulation, and provide novel insights into the mechanisms underlying the astrocyte-mediated sleep regulation.
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239
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Milichko V, Dyachuk V. Novel Glial Cell Functions: Extensive Potency, Stem Cell-Like Properties, and Participation in Regeneration and Transdifferentiation. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:809. [PMID: 33015034 PMCID: PMC7461986 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.00809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2020] [Accepted: 07/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Glial cells are the most abundant cells in both the peripheral and central nervous systems. During the past decade, a subpopulation of immature peripheral glial cells, namely, embryonic Schwann cell-precursors, have been found to perform important functions related to development. These cells have properties resembling those of the neural crest and, depending on their location in the body, can transform into several different cell types in peripheral tissues, including autonomic neurons. This review describes the multipotent properties of Schwann cell-precursors and their importance, together with innervation, during early development. The heterogeneity of Schwann cells, as revealed using single-cell transcriptomics, raises a question on whether some glial cells in the adult peripheral nervous system retain their stem cell-like properties. We also discuss how a deeper insight into the biology of both embryonic and adult Schwann cells might lead to an effective treatment of the damage of both neural and non-neural tissues, including the damage caused by neurodegenerative diseases. Furthermore, understanding the potential involvement of Schwann cells in the regulation of tumor development may reveal novel targets for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentin Milichko
- Department of Nanophotonics and Metamaterials, ITMO University, St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Vyacheslav Dyachuk
- Department of Nanophotonics and Metamaterials, ITMO University, St. Petersburg, Russia.,National Scientific Center of Marine Biology, Far Eastern Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, Vladivostok, Russia
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240
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Qian C, Zhou FQ. Updates and challenges of axon regeneration in the mammalian central nervous system. J Mol Cell Biol 2020; 12:798-806. [PMID: 32470988 PMCID: PMC7816684 DOI: 10.1093/jmcb/mjaa026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2019] [Revised: 05/01/2020] [Accepted: 05/26/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Axon regeneration in the mammalian central nervous system (CNS) has been a long-standing and highly challenging issue. Successful CNS axon regeneration will benefit many human diseases involving axonal damage, such as spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury, glaucoma, and neurodegenerative diseases. The current consensus is that the diminished intrinsic regenerative ability in mature CNS neurons and the presence of extrinsic inhibitors blocking axon regrowth are two major barriers for axon regeneration. During the past decade, studies targeting the intrinsic axon growth ability via regulation of gene transcription have produced very promising results in optic nerve and/or spinal cord regeneration. Manipulations of various signaling pathways or the nuclear transcription factors directly have been shown to sufficiently drive CNS axon regrowth. Converging evidence reveals that some pro-regenerative transcriptomic states, which are commonly accomplished by more comprehensive epigenetic regulations, exist to orchestrate the complex tasks of injury sensing and axon regeneration. Moreover, genetic reprogramming achieved via transcriptome and epigenome modifications provides novel mechanisms for enhancing axon regeneration. Recent studies also highlighted the important roles of remodeling neuronal cytoskeleton in overcoming the extrinsic inhibitory cues. However, our knowledge about the cellular and molecular mechanisms by which neurons regulate their intrinsic axon regeneration ability and response to extrinsic inhibitory cues is still fragmented. Here, we provide an update about recent research progress in axon regeneration and discuss major remaining challenges for long-distance axon regeneration and the subsequent functional recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng Qian
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Feng-Quan Zhou
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA.,The Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
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241
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Yang T, Xing L, Yu W, Cai Y, Cui S, Chen G. Astrocytic reprogramming combined with rehabilitation strategy improves recovery from spinal cord injury. FASEB J 2020; 34:15504-15515. [PMID: 32975845 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202001657rr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2020] [Revised: 09/02/2020] [Accepted: 09/11/2020] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
After spinal cord injury (SCI), the irreversible loss of neurons and the dense glial scar are two of the leading causes of axon regeneration failure. The adult mammalian spinal cord lacks the ability to spontaneously produce new neurons, making it a key challenge to provide new neurons for spinal cord regeneration. Additionally, the dual role of the glial scar (both inhibitory and protective) makes it difficult to manipulate it for therapeutic purposes. In this study, using a single transcription factor Sry-related HMG-box 2 (Sox2) delivered by adeno-associated virus (AAV), we reprogrammed some of the astrocytes targeted by the viral vectors in the glial scar into neurons in a severe SCI model. We show that this astrocytic reprogramming alone can propel axon regeneration by not only replenishing the lost neurons, but also moderately reducing the density of the glial scar without interrupting its integrity. Beyond that, astrocytic reprogramming can significantly improve functional recovery when combined with running wheel rehabilitation, which provides use-dependent plasticity. These findings may provide us with a new idea for how to manipulate the glial scar and a promising therapeutic strategy that combines biological intervention with a rehabilitation strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tuo Yang
- Department of Hand Surgery, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China.,Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and the Ministry of Education, Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Lingyan Xing
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and the Ministry of Education, Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Weiwei Yu
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and the Ministry of Education, Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Yunyun Cai
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and the Ministry of Education, Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Shusen Cui
- Department of Hand Surgery, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Gang Chen
- Department of Tissue and Embryology, Medical School of Nantong University, Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, China.,Department of Anesthesiology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China
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242
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Nolbrant S, Giacomoni J, Hoban DB, Bruzelius A, Birtele M, Chandler-Militello D, Pereira M, Ottosson DR, Goldman SA, Parmar M. Direct Reprogramming of Human Fetal- and Stem Cell-Derived Glial Progenitor Cells into Midbrain Dopaminergic Neurons. Stem Cell Reports 2020; 15:869-882. [PMID: 32976765 PMCID: PMC7562948 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2020.08.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2020] [Revised: 08/25/2020] [Accepted: 08/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Human glial progenitor cells (hGPCs) are promising cellular substrates to explore for the in situ production of new neurons for brain repair. Proof of concept for direct neuronal reprogramming of glial progenitors has been obtained in mouse models in vivo, but conversion using human cells has not yet been demonstrated. Such studies have been difficult to perform since hGPCs are born late during human fetal development, with limited accessibility for in vitro culture. In this study, we show proof of concept of hGPC conversion using fetal cells and also establish a renewable and reproducible stem cell-based hGPC system for direct neural conversion in vitro. Using this system, we have identified optimal combinations of fate determinants for the efficient dopaminergic (DA) conversion of hGPCs, thereby yielding a therapeutically relevant cell type that selectively degenerates in Parkinson's disease. The induced DA neurons show a progressive, subtype-specific phenotypic maturation and acquire functional electrophysiological properties indicative of DA phenotype. Human glial progenitors (hGPCs) can be directly converted into functional neurons Specific transcription factor combinations result in dopaminergic conversion Reprogrammed neurons show subtype-specific and functional maturation over time
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Nolbrant
- Developmental and Regenerative Neurobiology, Wallenberg Neuroscience Center, and Lund Stem Cell Centre, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Jessica Giacomoni
- Developmental and Regenerative Neurobiology, Wallenberg Neuroscience Center, and Lund Stem Cell Centre, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Deirdre B Hoban
- Developmental and Regenerative Neurobiology, Wallenberg Neuroscience Center, and Lund Stem Cell Centre, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Andreas Bruzelius
- Regenerative Neurophysiology, Wallenberg Neuroscience Center, Lund Stem Cell Center, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Marcella Birtele
- Developmental and Regenerative Neurobiology, Wallenberg Neuroscience Center, and Lund Stem Cell Centre, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Devin Chandler-Militello
- Center for Translational Neuromedicine and Department of Neurology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Maria Pereira
- Developmental and Regenerative Neurobiology, Wallenberg Neuroscience Center, and Lund Stem Cell Centre, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Daniella Rylander Ottosson
- Regenerative Neurophysiology, Wallenberg Neuroscience Center, Lund Stem Cell Center, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Steven A Goldman
- Center for Translational Neuromedicine and Department of Neurology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA; Center for Neuroscience, University of Copenhagen Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Copenhagen, Denmark; Neuroscience Center, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Malin Parmar
- Developmental and Regenerative Neurobiology, Wallenberg Neuroscience Center, and Lund Stem Cell Centre, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.
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243
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Carter JL, Halmai JANM, Fink KD. The iNs and Outs of Direct Reprogramming to Induced Neurons. Front Genome Ed 2020; 2:7. [PMID: 34713216 PMCID: PMC8525349 DOI: 10.3389/fgeed.2020.00007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2020] [Accepted: 07/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Understanding of cell-type specific transcription factors has promoted progress in methods for cellular reprogramming, such as directly reprogramming somatic cells to induced neurons (iN). Methods for direct reprogramming require neuronal-fate determining gene activation via neuron-specific microRNAs, chemical modulation of key neuronal signaling pathways or overexpression via viral vectors, with some reprogramming strategies requiring a combination of these methods to induce the neuronal-cell fate. These methods have been employed in a multitude of cell types, including fibroblasts, hepatocytes, peripheral blood mononuclear, and T cells. The ability to create iN from skin biopsies and blood samples coupled with recent advancements in artificially inducing age- and disease-associated phenotypes are accelerating the development of disease models for late-onset neurodegenerative disorders. Here, we review how activation of the neuronal transcriptome alters the epigenetic landscape of the donor cell to facilitate reprogramming to neurons. We also discuss the advantages of using DNA binding domains such as CRISPR/dCas9 to overcome epigenetic barriers to induce neuronal-cell fate by activating endogenous neuronal cell-fate determining genes.
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244
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Abstract
The regulation of gliogenesis is a fundamental process for nervous system development, as the appropriate glial number and identity is required for a functional nervous system. To investigate the molecular mechanisms involved in gliogenesis, we used C. elegans as a model and identified the function of the proneural gene lin-32/Atoh1 in gliogenesis. We found that lin-32 functions during embryonic development to negatively regulate the number of AMsh glia. The ectopic AMsh cells at least partially arise from cells originally fated to become CEPsh glia, suggesting that lin-32 is involved in the specification of specific glial subtypes. Moreover, we show that lin-32 acts in parallel with cnd-1/ NeuroD1 and ngn-1/ Neurog1 in negatively regulating an AMsh glia fate. Furthermore, expression of murine Atoh1 fully rescues lin-32 mutant phenotypes, suggesting lin-32/Atoh1 may have a conserved role in glial specification.
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245
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Kumar A, Mali P. Mapping regulators of cell fate determination: Approaches and challenges. APL Bioeng 2020; 4:031501. [PMID: 32637855 PMCID: PMC7332300 DOI: 10.1063/5.0004611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2020] [Accepted: 06/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Given the limited regenerative capacities of most organs, strategies are needed to efficiently generate large numbers of parenchymal cells capable of integration into the diseased organ. Although it was initially thought that terminally differentiated cells lacked the ability to transdifferentiate, it has since been shown that cellular reprogramming of stromal cells to parenchymal cells through direct lineage conversion holds great potential for the replacement of post-mitotic parenchymal cells lost to disease. To this end, an assortment of genetic, chemical, and mechanical cues have been identified to reprogram cells to different lineages both in vitro and in vivo. However, some key challenges persist that limit broader applications of reprogramming technologies. These include: (1) low reprogramming efficiencies; (2) incomplete functional maturation of derived cells; and (3) difficulty in determining the typically multi-factor combinatorial recipes required for successful transdifferentiation. To improve efficiency by comprehensively identifying factors that regulate cell fate, large scale genetic and chemical screening methods have thus been utilized. Here, we provide an overview of the underlying concept of cell reprogramming as well as the rationale, considerations, and limitations of high throughput screening methods. We next follow with a summary of unique hits that have been identified by high throughput screens to induce reprogramming to various parenchymal lineages. Finally, we discuss future directions of applying this technology toward human disease biology via disease modeling, drug screening, and regenerative medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aditya Kumar
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, USA
| | - Prashant Mali
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, USA
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246
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Marchetti B. Nrf2/Wnt resilience orchestrates rejuvenation of glia-neuron dialogue in Parkinson's disease. Redox Biol 2020; 36:101664. [PMID: 32863224 PMCID: PMC7395594 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2020.101664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2020] [Revised: 07/15/2020] [Accepted: 07/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Oxidative stress and inflammation have long been recognized to contribute to Parkinson's disease (PD), a common movement disorder characterized by the selective loss of midbrain dopaminergic neurons (mDAn) of the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc). The causes and mechanisms still remain elusive, but a complex interplay between several genes and a number of interconnected environmental factors, are chiefly involved in mDAn demise, as they intersect the key cellular functions affected in PD, such as the inflammatory response, mitochondrial, lysosomal, proteosomal and autophagic functions. Nuclear factor erythroid 2 -like 2 (NFE2L2/Nrf2), the master regulator of cellular defense against oxidative stress and inflammation, and Wingless (Wnt)/β-catenin signaling cascade, a vital pathway for mDAn neurogenesis and neuroprotection, emerge as critical intertwinned actors in mDAn physiopathology, as a decline of an Nrf2/Wnt/β-catenin prosurvival axis with age underlying PD mutations and a variety of noxious environmental exposures drive PD neurodegeneration. Unexpectedly, astrocytes, the so-called "star-shaped" cells, harbouring an arsenal of "beneficial" and "harmful" molecules represent the turning point in the physiopathological and therapeutical scenario of PD. Fascinatingly, "astrocyte's fil rouge" brings back to Nrf2/Wnt resilience, as boosting the Nrf2/Wnt resilience program rejuvenates astrocytes, in turn (i) mitigating nigrostriatal degeneration of aged mice, (ii) reactivating neural stem progenitor cell proliferation and neuron differentiation in the brain and (iii) promoting a beneficial immunomodulation via bidirectional communication with mDAns. Then, through resilience of Nrf2/Wnt/β-catenin anti-ageing, prosurvival and proregenerative molecular programs, it seems possible to boost the inherent endogenous self-repair mechanisms. Here, the cellular and molecular aspects as well as the therapeutical options for rejuvenating glia-neuron dialogue will be discussed together with major glial-derived mechanisms and therapies that will be fundamental to the identification of novel diagnostic tools and treatments for neurodegenerative diseases (NDs), to fight ageing and nigrostriatal DAergic degeneration and promote functional recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bianca Marchetti
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences (BIOMETEC), Pharmacology Section, Medical School, University of Catania, Via S. Sofia 65, 95125, Catania, Italy; Oasi Research Institute-IRCCS, Neuropharmacology Section, Via Conte Ruggero 73, 94018, Troina, EN, Italy.
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247
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Egawa N, Suzuki H, Takahashi R, Hayakawa K, Li W, Lo EH, Arai K, Inoue H. From in vitro to in vivo reprogramming for neural transdifferentiation: An approach for CNS tissue remodeling using stem cell technology. J Cereb Blood Flow Metab 2020; 40:1739-1751. [PMID: 32423328 PMCID: PMC7446571 DOI: 10.1177/0271678x20910324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Advances in stem cell technology have provided three approaches to address the demanding issue of the treatment of intractable neurological disease. One of the approaches is the screening of compounds attenuating pathological phenotypes in stem-cell based models. A second approach consists of exogenous-targeted cell supplementation to the lesion with stem cell-derived differentiated cells. A third approach involves in vivo direct programming to transdifferentiate endogenous somatic cells and to boost CNS tissue remodeling. In this review, we outline research advances in stem cell technology of direct reprogramming in vitro and in vivo and discuss the future challenge of tissue remodeling by neural transdifferentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naohiro Egawa
- Department of Neurology, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan.,iPSC-based Drug Discovery and Development Team, RIKEN BioResource Research Center (BRC), Kyoto, Japan.,Center for iPS Cell Research and Application (CiRA), Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Hidefumi Suzuki
- Department of Neurology, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan.,iPSC-based Drug Discovery and Development Team, RIKEN BioResource Research Center (BRC), Kyoto, Japan.,Center for iPS Cell Research and Application (CiRA), Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Ryosuke Takahashi
- Department of Neurology, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Kazuhide Hayakawa
- Neuroprotection Research Laboratories, Departments of Radiology and Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Wenlu Li
- Neuroprotection Research Laboratories, Departments of Radiology and Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Eng H Lo
- Neuroprotection Research Laboratories, Departments of Radiology and Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ken Arai
- Neuroprotection Research Laboratories, Departments of Radiology and Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Haruhisa Inoue
- iPSC-based Drug Discovery and Development Team, RIKEN BioResource Research Center (BRC), Kyoto, Japan.,Center for iPS Cell Research and Application (CiRA), Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan.,Medical-risk Avoidance based on iPS Cells Team, RIKEN Center for Advanced Intelligence Project (AIP), Kyoto, Japan
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248
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Li S, Shi Y, Yao X, Wang X, Shen L, Rao Z, Yuan J, Liu Y, Zhou Z, Zhang Z, Liu F, Han S, Geng J, Yang H, Cheng L. Conversion of Astrocytes and Fibroblasts into Functional Noradrenergic Neurons. Cell Rep 2020; 28:682-697.e7. [PMID: 31315047 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2019.06.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2018] [Revised: 04/25/2019] [Accepted: 06/12/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Dysfunction of noradrenergic (NA) neurons is associated with a number of neuronal disorders. Diverse neuronal subtypes can be generated by direct reprogramming. However, it is still unknown how to convert non-neuronal cells into NA neurons. Here, we show that seven transcription factors (TFs) (Ascl1, Phox2b, AP-2α, Gata3, Hand2, Nurr1, and Phox2a) are able to convert astrocytes and fibroblasts into induced NA (iNA) neurons. These iNA neurons express the genes required for the biosynthesis, release, and re-uptake of noradrenaline. Moreover, iNA neurons fire action potentials, receive synaptic inputs, and control the beating rate of co-cultured ventricular myocytes. Furthermore, iNA neurons survive and integrate into neural circuits after transplantation. Last, human fibroblasts can be converted into functional iNA neurons as well. Together, iNA neurons are generated by direct reprogramming, and they could be potentially useful for disease modeling and cell-based therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanlan Li
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yuhan Shi
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Xuan Yao
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Xing Wang
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Libing Shen
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Zhiping Rao
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Jiacheng Yuan
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Yueguang Liu
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Zhenning Zhou
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Ziheng Zhang
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Fei Liu
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Su'e Han
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Junlan Geng
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Hui Yang
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Leping Cheng
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China.
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249
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Zamboni M, Llorens-Bobadilla E, Magnusson JP, Frisén J. A Widespread Neurogenic Potential of Neocortical Astrocytes Is Induced by Injury. Cell Stem Cell 2020; 27:605-617.e5. [PMID: 32758425 PMCID: PMC7534841 DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2020.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2019] [Revised: 05/02/2020] [Accepted: 07/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Parenchymal astrocytes have emerged as a potential reservoir for new neurons in non-neurogenic brain regions. It is currently unclear how astrocyte neurogenesis is controlled molecularly. Here we show that Notch signaling-deficient astrocytes can generate new neurons after injury. Using single-cell RNA sequencing, we found that, when Notch signaling is blocked, astrocytes transition to a neural stem cell-like state. However, only after injury do a few of these primed astrocytes unfold a neurogenic program, including a self-amplifying progenitor-like state. Further, reconstruction of the trajectories of individual cells allowed us to uncouple astrocyte neurogenesis from reactive gliosis, which occur along independent branches. Finally, we show that cortical neurogenesis molecularly recapitulates canonical subventricular zone neurogenesis with remarkable fidelity. Our study supports a widespread potential of parenchymal astrocytes to function as dormant neural stem cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margherita Zamboni
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Karolinska Institute, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - Jens Peter Magnusson
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Karolinska Institute, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jonas Frisén
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Karolinska Institute, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden.
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250
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Xu Z, Rao Y, Huang Y, Zhou T, Feng R, Xiong S, Yuan TF, Qin S, Lu Y, Zhou X, Li X, Qin B, Mao Y, Peng B. Efficient Strategies for Microglia Replacement in the Central Nervous System. Cell Rep 2020; 32:108041. [DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2020.108041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2019] [Revised: 04/15/2020] [Accepted: 07/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
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