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Pio T, Hill EJ, Kebede N, Andersen J, Sloan SA. Neuron-Astrocyte Interactions: A Human Perspective. ADVANCES IN NEUROBIOLOGY 2024; 39:69-93. [PMID: 39190072 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-64839-7_4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/28/2024]
Abstract
This chapter explores the intricate interactions between neurons and astrocytes within the nervous system with a particular emphasis on studies conducted in human tissue or with human cells. We specifically explore how neuron-astrocyte interactions relate to processes of cellular development, morphology, migration, synapse formation, and metabolism. These findings enrich our understanding of basic neurobiology and how disruptions in these processes are relevant to human diseases.The study of human neuron-astrocyte interactions is made possible because of transformative in vitro advancements that have facilitated the generation and sustained culture of human neural cells. In addition, the rise of techniques like sequencing at single-cell resolution has enabled the exploration of numerous human cell atlases and their comparisons to other animal model systems. Thus, the innovations outlined in this chapter illuminate the convergence and divergence of neuron-astrocyte interactions across species. As technologies progress, continually more sophisticated in vitro systems will increasingly reflect in vivo environments and deepen our command of neuron-glial interactions in human biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taylor Pio
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Emily J Hill
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Nardos Kebede
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Jimena Andersen
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Steven A Sloan
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA.
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2
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Labba NA, Wæhler HA, Houdaifi N, Zosen D, Haugen F, Paulsen RE, Hadera MG, Eskeland R. Paracetamol perturbs neuronal arborization and disrupts the cytoskeletal proteins SPTBN1 and TUBB3 in both human and chicken in vitro models. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2022; 449:116130. [PMID: 35714712 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2022.116130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2022] [Revised: 05/28/2022] [Accepted: 06/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Epidemiological studies have linked long-term/high-dose usage of paracetamol (N-acetyl-para-aminophenol, APAP) during pregnancy to adverse neuropsychiatric outcomes, primarily attention-deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD), in the offspring. Though variable, ADHD has been associated with phenotypic alterations characterized by reductions in grey matter densities and aberrations in structural connectivity, effects which are thought to originate in neurodevelopment. We used embryonic chicken cerebellar granule neurons (CGNs) and neuronally differentiating human NTERA2 cells (NT2Ns) to investigate the in vitro effects of APAP on cell viability, migration, neuritogenesis, and the intracellular levels of various proteins involved in neurodevelopment as well as in the maintenance of the structure and function of neurites. Exposure to APAP ranging from 100 to 1600 μM yielded concentration- and time-dependent reductions in cell viability and levels of neurite arborization, as well as reductions in the levels of the cytoskeletal protein β2-spectrin, with the highest APAP concentration resulting in between 50 and 75% reductions in the aforementioned metrics over the course of 72 h. Exposure to APAP also reduced migration in the NT2Ns but not CGNs. Moreover, we found concentration- and time-dependent increases in punctate aggregation of the cytoskeletal protein β3-tubulin following exposure to APAP in both cell model systems, with the highest APAP concentration approximately doubling the number of aggregates over 72-120 h. Our findings demonstrate that APAP negatively perturbs neurite arborization degree, with concurrent reductions in the protein levels of β2-spectrin and disruption of the integrity of β3-tubulin, both proteins of which play important roles in neuronal structure and function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nils-Anders Labba
- Section for Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Oslo, Norway; Department of Molecular Medicine, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Norway; PharmaTox Strategic Research Initiative, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Oslo, Norway
| | - Hallvard Austin Wæhler
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Norway; PharmaTox Strategic Research Initiative, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Oslo, Norway
| | - Nora Houdaifi
- Section for Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Oslo, Norway
| | - Denis Zosen
- Section for Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Oslo, Norway
| | - Fred Haugen
- Department of Work Psychology and Physiology, National Institute of Occupational Health (STAMI), Oslo, Norway
| | - Ragnhild Elisabeth Paulsen
- Section for Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Oslo, Norway; PharmaTox Strategic Research Initiative, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Oslo, Norway
| | - Mussie Ghezu Hadera
- Section for Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Oslo, Norway; PharmaTox Strategic Research Initiative, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Oslo, Norway
| | - Ragnhild Eskeland
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Norway; PharmaTox Strategic Research Initiative, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Oslo, Norway.
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Woo YH, Martinez LR. Cryptococcus neoformans-astrocyte interactions: effect on fungal blood brain barrier disruption, brain invasion, and meningitis progression. Crit Rev Microbiol 2021; 47:206-223. [PMID: 33476528 DOI: 10.1080/1040841x.2020.1869178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Cryptococcus neoformans is an opportunistic, neurotropic, and encapsulated fungus that causes life-threatening cryptococcal meningitis (CM), especially in regions of the world where AIDS is endemic. The polysaccharide capsule of C. neoformans is the fungus major virulent factor, being copiously released during infection and causing immunosuppressive defects in the host. Although the capsular material is commonly associated with reactive astrocytes in fatal CM, little is known about the molecular and cellular interactions among astroglia and C. neoformans. As astrocytes also make up the neurovascular unit at the blood-brain barrier (BBB), which C. neoformans must transverse to colonize the central nervous system and cause CM; these cells may play a significant regulatory role in the prevention and progression of infection. For example, astrocytes are implicated in neurological disease including the regulation of cerebral intracranial pressure, immune function, and water homeostasis. Hence, in this review, we provide a general overview of astroglia biology and discuss the current knowledge on C. neoformans-astrocyte interactions including their involvement in the development of CM. This "gliocentric view" of cerebral cryptococcosis suggests that therapeutic interventions particularly targeting at preserving the neuroprotective function of astrocytes may be used in preventing and managing C. neoformans BBB transmigration, brain invasion, colonization, and meningitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yeon Hwa Woo
- Department of Metallurgical, Materials and Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, The University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX, USA
| | - Luis R Martinez
- Department of Oral Biology, College of Dentistry, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
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4
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Perez-Catalan NA, Doe CQ, Ackerman SD. The role of astrocyte-mediated plasticity in neural circuit development and function. Neural Dev 2021; 16:1. [PMID: 33413602 PMCID: PMC7789420 DOI: 10.1186/s13064-020-00151-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2020] [Accepted: 12/26/2020] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuronal networks are capable of undergoing rapid structural and functional changes called plasticity, which are essential for shaping circuit function during nervous system development. These changes range from short-term modifications on the order of milliseconds, to long-term rearrangement of neural architecture that could last for the lifetime of the organism. Neural plasticity is most prominent during development, yet also plays a critical role during memory formation, behavior, and disease. Therefore, it is essential to define and characterize the mechanisms underlying the onset, duration, and form of plasticity. Astrocytes, the most numerous glial cell type in the human nervous system, are integral elements of synapses and are components of a glial network that can coordinate neural activity at a circuit-wide level. Moreover, their arrival to the CNS during late embryogenesis correlates to the onset of sensory-evoked activity, making them an interesting target for circuit plasticity studies. Technological advancements in the last decade have uncovered astrocytes as prominent regulators of circuit assembly and function. Here, we provide a brief historical perspective on our understanding of astrocytes in the nervous system, and review the latest advances on the role of astroglia in regulating circuit plasticity and function during nervous system development and homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nelson A Perez-Catalan
- Institute of Neuroscience, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, USA
- Kennedy Center, Department of Pediatrics, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Chris Q Doe
- Institute of Neuroscience, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, USA
| | - Sarah D Ackerman
- Institute of Neuroscience, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, USA.
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5
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Liu L, Koo Y, Russell T, Gay E, Li Y, Yun Y. Three-dimensional brain-on-chip model using human iPSC-derived GABAergic neurons and astrocytes: Butyrylcholinesterase post-treatment for acute malathion exposure. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0230335. [PMID: 32163499 PMCID: PMC7067464 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0230335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2019] [Accepted: 02/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Organophosphates (OPs) induce acute and chronic neurotoxicity, primarily by inhibiting acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity as well as by necrosis, and apoptosis. Butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE), an exogenous bioscavenger of OPs, can be used as a treatment for OP exposure. It is prerequisite to develop in vitro brain models that can study BuChE post-treatment for acute OP exposure. In this study, we developed a three-dimensional (3D) brain-on-chip platform with human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived neurons and astrocytes to simulate human brain behavior. The platform consists of two compartments: 1) a hydrogel embedded with human iPSC-derived GABAergic neurons and astrocytes and 2) a perfusion channel with dynamic medium flow. The brain tissue constructs were exposed to Malathion (MT) at various concentrations and then treated with BuChE after 20 minutes of MT exposure. Results show that the iPSC-derived neurons and astrocytes directly interacted and formed synapses in the 3D matrix, and that treatment with BuChE improved viability after MT exposure up to a concentration of 10−3 M. We conclude that the 3D brain-on-chip platform with human iPSC-derived brain cells is a suitable model to study the neurotoxicity of OP exposure and evaluate therapeutic compounds for treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lumei Liu
- FIT BEST Laboratory, Department of Chemical, Biological, and Bio Engineering, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, Greensboro, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Youngmi Koo
- FIT BEST Laboratory, Department of Chemical, Biological, and Bio Engineering, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, Greensboro, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Teal Russell
- FIT BEST Laboratory, Department of Chemical, Biological, and Bio Engineering, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, Greensboro, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Elaine Gay
- Center for Drug Discovery, RTI International, Research Triangle Park, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Yan Li
- Chemical Engineering, Florida A&M University-Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida, United States of America
| | - Yeoheung Yun
- FIT BEST Laboratory, Department of Chemical, Biological, and Bio Engineering, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, Greensboro, North Carolina, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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6
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Popović J, Klajn A, Paunesku T, Ma Q, Chen S, Lai B, Stevanović M, Woloschak GE. Neuroprotective Role of Selected Antioxidant Agents in Preventing Cisplatin-Induced Damage of Human Neurons In Vitro. Cell Mol Neurobiol 2019; 39:619-636. [PMID: 30874981 PMCID: PMC6535150 DOI: 10.1007/s10571-019-00667-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2018] [Accepted: 02/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a side effect of platinum-based chemotherapy and decreases the quality of life of cancer patients. We compared neuroprotective properties of several agents using an in vitro model of terminally differentiated human cells NT2-N derived from cell line NT2/D1. Sodium azide and an active metabolite of amifostine (WR1065) increase cell viability in simultaneous treatment with cisplatin. In addition, WR1065 protects the non-dividing neurons by decreasing cisplatin caused oxidative stress and apoptosis. Accumulation of Pt in cisplatin-treated cells was heterogeneous, but the frequency and concentration of Pt in cells were lowered in the presence of WR1065 as shown by X-ray fluorescence microscopy (XFM). Transition metals accumulation accompanied Pt increase in cells; this effect was equally diminished in the presence of WR1065. To analyze possible chemical modulation of Pt-DNA bonds, we examined the platinum LIII near edge spectrum by X-ray absorption spectroscopy. The spectrum found in cisplatin-DNA samples is altered differently by the addition of either WR1065 or sodium azide. Importantly, a similar change in Pt edge spectra was noted in cells treated with cisplatin and WR1065. Therefore, amifostine should be reconsidered as a candidate for treatments that reduce or prevent CIPN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jelena Popović
- Institute of Molecular Genetics and Genetic Engineering, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, 11010, Serbia
- Feinberg School of Medicine, Department of Radiation Oncology, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Andrijana Klajn
- Institute of Molecular Genetics and Genetic Engineering, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, 11010, Serbia
| | - Tatjana Paunesku
- Feinberg School of Medicine, Department of Radiation Oncology, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Qing Ma
- DND CAT, Northwestern Synchrotron Research Center at the Advanced Photon Source, Argonne National Laboratory, 9700 South Cass Avenue, Argonne, IL, 60439, USA
| | - Si Chen
- X-ray Science Division, Advanced Photon Source, Argonne National Laboratory, 9700 South Cass Avenue, Argonne, IL, 60439, USA
| | - Barry Lai
- X-ray Science Division, Advanced Photon Source, Argonne National Laboratory, 9700 South Cass Avenue, Argonne, IL, 60439, USA
| | - Milena Stevanović
- Institute of Molecular Genetics and Genetic Engineering, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, 11010, Serbia.
- Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, 11000, Serbia.
- Serbian Academy of Sciences and Arts, Belgrade, 11000, Serbia.
| | - Gayle E Woloschak
- Feinberg School of Medicine, Department of Radiation Oncology, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA.
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Curcumin Induces Neural Differentiation of Human Pluripotent Embryonal Carcinoma Cells through the Activation of Autophagy. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2019; 2019:4378710. [PMID: 30800669 PMCID: PMC6360631 DOI: 10.1155/2019/4378710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2018] [Revised: 12/10/2018] [Accepted: 01/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Curcumin is a natural polyphenolic compound, isolated from Curcuma longa, and is an important ingredient of Asian foods. Curcumin has revealed its strong activities of anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticancer. The efficient amount of curcumin could induce differentiation of stem cells and promoted the differentiation of glioma-initiating cells; however, the mechanisms underlying neural induction of curcumin have not yet been revealed. In this study, neural-inducing ability of curcumin was explored by using human pluripotent embryonal carcinoma cells, NTERA2 cells. The cells were induced toward neural lineage with curcumin and were compared with a standard neutralizing agent (retinoic acid). It was found that, after 14 days of the induction by curcumin, NTERA2 cells showed neuronal morphology and expressed neural-specific genes, including NeuroD, TUJ1, and PAX6. Importantly, curcumin activated neurogenesis of NTERA2 cells via the activation of autophagy, since autophagy-related genes, such as LC3, LAMP1, and ATG5, were upregulated along with the expression of neural genes. The inhibition of autophagy by chloroquine suppressed both autophagy and neural differentiation, highlighting the positive role of autophagy during neural differentiation. This autophagy-mediated neural differentiation of curcumin was found to be an ROS-dependent manner; curcumin induced ROS generation and suppressed antioxidant gene expression. Altogether, this study proposed the neural-inducing activity of curcumin via the regulation of autophagy within NTERA2 cells and underscored the health beneficial effects of curcumin for neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease.
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8
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Pamies D, Block K, Lau P, Gribaldo L, Pardo CA, Barreras P, Smirnova L, Wiersma D, Zhao L, Harris G, Hartung T, Hogberg HT. Rotenone exerts developmental neurotoxicity in a human brain spheroid model. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2018; 354:101-114. [PMID: 29428530 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2018.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2017] [Revised: 01/22/2018] [Accepted: 02/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Growing concern suggests that some chemicals exert (developmental) neurotoxicity (DNT and NT) and are linked to the increase in incidence of autism, attention deficit and hyperactivity disorders. The high cost of routine tests for DNT and NT assessment make it difficult to test the high numbers of existing chemicals. Thus, more cost effective neurodevelopmental models are needed. The use of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) in combination with the emerging human 3D tissue culture platforms, present a novel tool to predict and study human toxicity. By combining these technologies, we generated multicellular brain spheroids (BrainSpheres) from human iPSC. The model has previously shown to be reproducible and recapitulates several neurodevelopmental features. Our results indicate, rotenone's toxic potency varies depending on the differentiation status of the cells, showing higher reactive oxygen species (ROS) and higher mitochondrial dysfunction during early than later differentiation stages. Immuno-fluorescence morphology analysis after rotenone exposure indicated dopaminergic-neuron selective toxicity at non-cytotoxic concentrations (1 μM), while astrocytes and other neuronal cell types were affected at (general) cytotoxic concentrations (25 μM). Omics analysis showed changes in key pathways necessary for brain development, indicating rotenone as a developmental neurotoxicant and show a possible link between previously shown effects on neurite outgrowth and presently observed effects on Ca2+ reabsorption, synaptogenesis and PPAR pathway disruption. In conclusion, our BrainSpheres model has shown to be a reproducible and novel tool to study neurotoxicity and developmental neurotoxicity. Results presented here support the idea that rotenone can potentially be a developmental neurotoxicant.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Pamies
- Center for Alternative to Animal Testing (CAAT), Johns Hopkins University, 615 North Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Katharina Block
- Center for Alternative to Animal Testing (CAAT), Johns Hopkins University, 615 North Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Pierre Lau
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre, European Reference Laboratory - European Centre for the Validation of Alternative Methods (EURL ECVAM), Via Enrico Fermi 2749, Ispra, VA 21027, Italy
| | - Laura Gribaldo
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre, European Reference Laboratory - European Centre for the Validation of Alternative Methods (EURL ECVAM), Via Enrico Fermi 2749, Ispra, VA 21027, Italy
| | - Carlos A Pardo
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University, 600 N Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Paula Barreras
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University, 600 N Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Lena Smirnova
- Center for Alternative to Animal Testing (CAAT), Johns Hopkins University, 615 North Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Daphne Wiersma
- Center for Alternative to Animal Testing (CAAT), Johns Hopkins University, 615 North Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Liang Zhao
- Center for Alternative to Animal Testing (CAAT), Johns Hopkins University, 615 North Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; Bloomberg-Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins University, 650 Orleans Street, CRB1, Rm 464, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Georgina Harris
- Center for Alternative to Animal Testing (CAAT), Johns Hopkins University, 615 North Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Thomas Hartung
- Center for Alternative to Animal Testing (CAAT), Johns Hopkins University, 615 North Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; University of Konstanz, CAAT-Europe, Universitätsstr. 10, Konstanz 78464, Germany
| | - Helena T Hogberg
- Center for Alternative to Animal Testing (CAAT), Johns Hopkins University, 615 North Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
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9
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mGlu5-mediated signalling in developing astrocyte and the pathogenesis of autism spectrum disorders. Curr Opin Neurobiol 2018; 48:139-145. [DOI: 10.1016/j.conb.2017.12.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2017] [Revised: 12/18/2017] [Accepted: 12/22/2017] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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10
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Neuro-differentiated Ntera2 cancer stem cells encapsulated in alginate beads: First evidence of biological functionality. MATERIALS SCIENCE & ENGINEERING. C, MATERIALS FOR BIOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS 2017; 81:32-38. [DOI: 10.1016/j.msec.2017.07.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2017] [Revised: 07/07/2017] [Accepted: 07/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
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11
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Cell Biology of Astrocyte-Synapse Interactions. Neuron 2017; 96:697-708. [PMID: 29096081 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2017.09.056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 597] [Impact Index Per Article: 85.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2017] [Revised: 09/24/2017] [Accepted: 09/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Astrocytes, the most abundant glial cells in the mammalian brain, are critical regulators of brain development and physiology through dynamic and often bidirectional interactions with neuronal synapses. Despite the clear importance of astrocytes for the establishment and maintenance of proper synaptic connectivity, our understanding of their role in brain function is still in its infancy. We propose that this is at least in part due to large gaps in our knowledge of the cell biology of astrocytes and the mechanisms they use to interact with synapses. In this review, we summarize some of the seminal findings that yield important insight into the cellular and molecular basis of astrocyte-neuron communication, focusing on the role of astrocytes in the development and remodeling of synapses. Furthermore, we pose some pressing questions that need to be addressed to advance our mechanistic understanding of the role of astrocytes in regulating synaptic development.
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12
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Stem cell therapy for abrogating stroke-induced neuroinflammation and relevant secondary cell death mechanisms. Prog Neurobiol 2017; 158:94-131. [PMID: 28743464 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2017.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 171] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2017] [Revised: 07/18/2017] [Accepted: 07/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Ischemic stroke is a leading cause of death worldwide. A key secondary cell death mechanism mediating neurological damage following the initial episode of ischemic stroke is the upregulation of endogenous neuroinflammatory processes to levels that destroy hypoxic tissue local to the area of insult, induce apoptosis, and initiate a feedback loop of inflammatory cascades that can expand the region of damage. Stem cell therapy has emerged as an experimental treatment for stroke, and accumulating evidence supports the therapeutic efficacy of stem cells to abrogate stroke-induced inflammation. In this review, we investigate clinically relevant stem cell types, such as hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs), mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs), very small embryonic-like stem cells (VSELs), neural stem cells (NSCs), extraembryonic stem cells, adipose tissue-derived stem cells, breast milk-derived stem cells, menstrual blood-derived stem cells, dental tissue-derived stem cells, induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), teratocarcinoma-derived Ntera2/D1 neuron-like cells (NT2N), c-mycER(TAM) modified NSCs (CTX0E03), and notch-transfected mesenchymal stromal cells (SB623), comparing their potential efficacy to sequester stroke-induced neuroinflammation and their feasibility as translational clinical cell sources. To this end, we highlight that MSCs, with a proven track record of safety and efficacy as a transplantable cell for hematologic diseases, stand as an attractive cell type that confers superior anti-inflammatory effects in stroke both in vitro and in vivo. That stem cells can mount a robust anti-inflammatory action against stroke complements the regenerative processes of cell replacement and neurotrophic factor secretion conventionally ascribed to cell-based therapy in neurological disorders.
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13
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Stewart R, Lako M, Horrocks GM, Przyborski SA. Neural Development by Transplanted Human Embryonal Carcinoma Stem Cells Expressing Green Fluorescent Protein. Cell Transplant 2017; 14:339-51. [PMID: 16180653 DOI: 10.3727/000000005783982945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
For many years, researchers have investigated the fate and potential of neuroectodermal cells during the development of the central nervous system. Although several key factors that regulate neural differentiation have been identified, much remains unknown about the molecular mechanisms that control the fate and specification of neural subtypes, especially in humans. Human embryonal carcinoma (EC) stem cells are valuable research tools for the study of neural development; however, existing in vitro experiments are limited to inducing the differentiation of EC cells into only a handful of cell types. In this study, we developed and characterized a novel EC cell line (termed TERA2.cl.SP12-GFP) that carries the reporter molecule, green fluorescent protein (GFP). We demonstrate that TERA2.cl.SP12-GFP stem cells and their differentiated neural derivatives constitutively express GFP in cells grown both in vitro and in vivo. Cellular differentiation does not appear to be affected by insertion of the transgene. We propose that TERA2.cl.SP12-GFP cells provide a valuable research tool to track the fate of cells subsequent to transplantation into alternative environments and that this approach may be particularly useful to investigate the differentiation of human neural tissues in response to local environmental signals.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Stewart
- School of Biological and Biomedical Science, University of Durham, South Road, Durham DH1 3LE, UK.
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14
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Hill E, Nagel D, Parri R, Coleman M. Stem cell-derived astrocytes: are they physiologically credible? J Physiol 2016; 594:6595-6606. [PMID: 26634807 PMCID: PMC5108894 DOI: 10.1113/jp270658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2015] [Accepted: 11/28/2015] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes are now increasingly acknowledged as having fundamental and sophisticated roles in brain function and dysfunction. Unravelling the complex mechanisms that underlie human brain astrocyte-neuron interactions is therefore an essential step on the way to understanding how the brain operates. Insights into astrocyte function to date have almost exclusively been derived from studies conducted using murine or rodent models. Whilst these have led to significant discoveries, preliminary work with human astrocytes has revealed a hitherto unknown range of astrocyte types with potentially greater functional complexity and increased neuronal interaction with respect to animal astrocytes. It is becoming apparent, therefore, that many important functions of astrocytes will only be discovered by direct physiological interrogation of human astrocytes. Recent advancements in the field of stem cell biology have provided a source of human-based models. These will provide a platform to facilitate our understanding of normal astrocyte functions as well as their role in CNS pathology. A number of recent studies have demonstrated that stem cell-derived astrocytes exhibit a range of properties, suggesting that they may be functionally equivalent to their in vivo counterparts. Further validation against in vivo models will ultimately confirm the future utility of these stem cell-based approaches in fulfilling the need for human-based cellular models for basic and clinical research. In this review we discuss the roles of astrocytes in the brain and highlight the extent to which human stem cell-derived astrocytes have demonstrated functional activities that are equivalent to those observed in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Hill
- Aston Research Centre for Healthy AgeingLife and Health SciencesAston UniversityBirminghamB4 7ETUK
| | - David Nagel
- Aston Research Centre for Healthy AgeingLife and Health SciencesAston UniversityBirminghamB4 7ETUK
| | - Rheinallt Parri
- Aston Research Centre for Healthy AgeingLife and Health SciencesAston UniversityBirminghamB4 7ETUK
| | - Michael Coleman
- Aston Research Centre for Healthy AgeingLife and Health SciencesAston UniversityBirminghamB4 7ETUK
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15
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Kilic O, Pamies D, Lavell E, Schiapparelli P, Feng Y, Hartung T, Bal-Price A, Hogberg HT, Quinones-Hinojosa A, Guerrero-Cazares H, Levchenko A. Brain-on-a-chip model enables analysis of human neuronal differentiation and chemotaxis. LAB ON A CHIP 2016; 16:4152-4162. [PMID: 27722368 DOI: 10.1039/c6lc00946h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Migration of neural progenitors in the complex tissue environment of the central nervous system is not well understood. Progress in this area has the potential to drive breakthroughs in neuroregenerative therapies, brain cancer treatments, and neurodevelopmental studies. To a large extent, advances have been limited due to a lack of controlled environments recapitulating characteristics of the central nervous system milieu. Reductionist cell culture models are frequently too simplistic, and physiologically more relevant approaches such as ex vivo brain slices or in situ experiments provide little control and make information extraction difficult. Here, we present a brain-on-chip model that bridges the gap between cell culture and ex vivo/in vivo conditions through recapitulation of self-organized neural differentiation. We use a new multi-layer silicone elastomer device, over the course of four weeks to differentiate pluripotent human (NTERA2) cells into neuronal clusters interconnected with thick axonal bundles and interspersed with astrocytes, resembling the brain parenchyma. Neurons within the device express the neurofilament heavy (NF200) mature axonal marker and the microtubule-associated protein (MAP2ab) mature dendritic marker, demonstrating that the devices are sufficiently biocompatible to allow neuronal maturation. This neuronal-glial environment is interfaced with a layer of human brain microvascular endothelial cells showing characteristics of the blood-brain barrier including the expression of zonula occludens (ZO1) tight junctions and increased trans-endothelial electrical resistance. We used this device to model migration of human neural progenitors in response to chemotactic cues within a brain-tissue setting. We show that in the presence of an environment mimicking brain conditions, neural progenitor cells show a significantly enhanced chemotactic response towards shallow gradients of CXCL12, a key chemokine expressed during embryonic brain development and in pathological tissue regions of the central nervous system. Our brain-on-chip model thus provides a convenient and scalable model of neural differentiation and maturation extensible to analysis of complex cell and tissue behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Onur Kilic
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - David Pamies
- Center for Alternatives to Animal Testing (CAAT), Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Emily Lavell
- Department of Neurosurgery and Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | - Paula Schiapparelli
- Department of Neurosurgery and Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | - Yun Feng
- Department of Neurosurgery and Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA. and Department of Pharmacology, School of Medical Science and Laboratory Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Thomas Hartung
- Center for Alternatives to Animal Testing (CAAT), Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA and CAAT-Europe, University of Konstanz, Germany
| | - Anna Bal-Price
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre, Institute for Health and Consumer Protection, Ispra, Italy
| | - Helena T Hogberg
- Center for Alternatives to Animal Testing (CAAT), Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Alfredo Quinones-Hinojosa
- Department of Neurosurgery and Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | - Hugo Guerrero-Cazares
- Department of Neurosurgery and Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | - Andre Levchenko
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Yale Systems Biology Institute, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA.
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16
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Halliwell RF. Electrophysiological properties of neurons derived from human stem cells and iNeurons in vitro. Neurochem Int 2016; 106:37-47. [PMID: 27742467 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2016.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2016] [Revised: 09/22/2016] [Accepted: 10/10/2016] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Functional studies of neurons have traditionally used nervous system tissues from a variety of non-human vertebrate and invertebrate species, even when the focus of much of this research has been directed at understanding human brain function. Over the last decade, the identification and isolation of human stem cells from embryonic, tissue (or adult) and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) has revolutionized the availability of human neurons for experimental studies in vitro. In addition, the direct conversion of terminally differentiated fibroblasts into Induced neurons (iN) has generated great excitement because of the likely value of such human stem cell derived neurons (hSCNs) and iN cells in drug discovery, neuropharmacology, neurotoxicology and regenerative medicine. This review addresses the current state of our knowledge of functional receptors and ion channels expressed in neurons derived from human stem cells and iNeurons and identifies gaps and questions that might be investigated in future studies; it focusses almost exclusively on what is known about the electrophysiological properties of neurons derived from human stem cells and iN cells in vitro with an emphasis on voltage and ligand gated ion channels, since these mediate synaptic signalling in the nervous system and they are at the heart of neuropharmacology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert F Halliwell
- Schools of Pharmacy & Dentistry, University of the Pacific, 751 Brookside Road, Stockton, CA, USA.
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17
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Functional metabolic interactions of human neuron-astrocyte 3D in vitro networks. Sci Rep 2016; 6:33285. [PMID: 27619889 PMCID: PMC5020407 DOI: 10.1038/srep33285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2015] [Accepted: 08/19/2016] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The generation of human neural tissue-like 3D structures holds great promise for disease modeling, drug discovery and regenerative medicine strategies. Promoting the establishment of complex cell-cell interactions, 3D culture systems enable the development of human cell-based models with increased physiological relevance, over monolayer cultures. Here, we demonstrate the establishment of neuronal and astrocytic metabolic signatures and shuttles in a human 3D neural cell model, namely the glutamine-glutamate-GABA shuttle. This was indicated by labeling of neuronal GABA following incubation with the glia-specific substrate [2-(13)C]acetate, which decreased by methionine sulfoximine-induced inhibition of the glial enzyme glutamine synthetase. Cell metabolic specialization was further demonstrated by higher pyruvate carboxylase-derived labeling in glutamine than in glutamate, indicating its activity in astrocytes and not in neurons. Exposure to the neurotoxin acrylamide resulted in intracellular accumulation of glutamate and decreased GABA synthesis. These results suggest an acrylamide-induced impairment of neuronal synaptic vesicle trafficking and imbalanced glutamine-glutamate-GABA cycle, due to loss of cell-cell contacts at synaptic sites. This work demonstrates, for the first time to our knowledge, that neural differentiation of human cells in a 3D setting recapitulates neuronal-astrocytic metabolic interactions, highlighting the relevance of these models for toxicology and better understanding the crosstalk between human neural cells.
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18
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González-Burguera I, Ricobaraza A, Aretxabala X, Barrondo S, García del Caño G, López de Jesús M, Sallés J. Highly efficient generation of glutamatergic/cholinergic NT2-derived postmitotic human neurons by short-term treatment with the nucleoside analogue cytosine β-D-arabinofuranoside. Stem Cell Res 2016; 16:541-51. [PMID: 26985738 DOI: 10.1016/j.scr.2016.02.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2015] [Revised: 01/25/2016] [Accepted: 02/26/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The human NTERA2/D1 (NT2) cells generate postmitotic neurons (NT2N cells) upon retinoic acid (RA) treatment and are functionally integrated in the host tissue following grafting into the rodent and human brain, thus representing a promising source for neuronal replacement therapy. Yet the major limitations of this model are the lengthy differentiation procedure and its low efficiency, although recent studies suggest that the differentiation process can be shortened to less than 1 week using nucleoside analogues. To explore whether short-term exposure of NT2 cells to the nucleoside analogue cytosine β-d-arabinofuranoside (AraC) could be a suitable method to efficiently generate mature neurons, we conducted a neurochemical and morphometric characterization of AraC-differentiated NT2N (AraC/NT2N) neurons and improved the differentiation efficiency by modifying the cell culture schedule. Moreover, we analyzed the neurotransmitter phenotypes of AraC/NT2N neurons. Cultures obtained by treatment with AraC were highly enriched in postmitotic neurons and essentially composed of dual glutamatergic/cholinergic neurons, which contrasts with the preferential GABAergic phenotype that we found after RA differentiation. Taken together, our results further reinforce the notion NT2 cells are a versatile source of neuronal phenotypes and provide a new encouraging platform for studying mechanisms of neuronal differentiation and for exploring neuronal replacement strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Imanol González-Burguera
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Paseo de la Universidad 7, 01006 Vitoria-Gasteiz (Araba), Spain.
| | - Ana Ricobaraza
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Paseo de la Universidad 7, 01006 Vitoria-Gasteiz (Araba), Spain.
| | - Xabier Aretxabala
- Department of Neurosciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Paseo de la Universidad 7, 01006 Vitoria-Gasteiz (Araba), Spain.
| | - Sergio Barrondo
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Paseo de la Universidad 7, 01006 Vitoria-Gasteiz (Araba), Spain; CIBERSAM, Spain.
| | - Gontzal García del Caño
- Department of Neurosciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Paseo de la Universidad 7, 01006 Vitoria-Gasteiz (Araba), Spain.
| | - Maider López de Jesús
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Paseo de la Universidad 7, 01006 Vitoria-Gasteiz (Araba), Spain; CIBERSAM, Spain.
| | - Joan Sallés
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Paseo de la Universidad 7, 01006 Vitoria-Gasteiz (Araba), Spain; CIBERSAM, Spain.
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19
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Klajn A, Drakulic D, Tosic M, Pavkovic Z, Schwirtlich M, Stevanovic M. SOX2 overexpression affects neural differentiation of human pluripotent NT2/D1 cells. BIOCHEMISTRY (MOSCOW) 2015; 79:1172-82. [PMID: 25540002 DOI: 10.1134/s0006297914110042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
SOX2 is one of the key transcription factors involved in maintenance of neural progenitor identity. However, its function during the process of neural differentiation, including phases of lineage-specification and terminal differentiation, is still poorly understood. Considering growing evidence indicating that SOX2 expression level must be tightly controlled for proper neural development, the aim of this research was to analyze the effects of constitutive SOX2 overexpression on outcome of retinoic acid-induced neural differentiation of pluripotent NT2/D1 cells. We demonstrated that in spite of constitutive SOX2 overexpression, NT2/D1 cells were able to reach final phases of neural differentiation yielding both neuronal and glial cells. However, SOX2 overexpression reduced the number of mature MAP2-positive neurons while no difference in the number of GFAP-positive astrocytes was detected. In-depth analysis at single-cell level showed that SOX2 downregulation was in correlation with both neuronal and glial phenotype acquisitions. Interestingly, while in mature neurons SOX2 was completely downregulated, astrocytes with low level of SOX2 expression were detected. Nevertheless, cells with high level of SOX2 expression were incapable of entering in either of two differentiation pathways, neurogenesis or gliogenesis. Accordingly, our results indicate that fine balance between undifferentiated state and neural differentiation depends on SOX2 expression level. Unlike neurons, astrocytes could maintain low level of SOX2 expression after they acquired glial fate. Further studies are needed to determine whether differences in the level of SOX2 expression in GFAP-positive astrocytes are in correlation with their self-renewal capacity, differentiation status, and/or their phenotypic characteristics.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Klajn
- Institute of Molecular Genetics and Genetic Engineering, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, 11010, Serbia.
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20
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Tarczyluk MA, Nagel DA, Rhein Parri H, Tse EHY, Brown JE, Coleman MD, Hill EJ. Amyloid β 1-42 induces hypometabolism in human stem cell-derived neuron and astrocyte networks. J Cereb Blood Flow Metab 2015; 35:1348-57. [PMID: 25853906 PMCID: PMC4528011 DOI: 10.1038/jcbfm.2015.58] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2014] [Revised: 02/17/2015] [Accepted: 03/07/2015] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia, affecting more than 35 million people worldwide. Brain hypometabolism is a major feature of AD, appearing decades before cognitive decline and pathologic lesions. To date, the majority of studies on hypometabolism in AD have used transgenic animal models or imaging studies of the human brain. As it is almost impossible to validate these findings using human tissue, alternative models are required. In this study, we show that human stem cell-derived neuron and astrocyte cultures treated with oligomers of amyloid beta 1-42 (Aβ1-42) also display a clear hypometabolism, particularly with regard to utilization of substrates such as glucose, pyruvate, lactate, and glutamate. In addition, a significant increase in the glycogen content of cells was also observed. These changes were accompanied by changes in NAD(+)/NADH, ATP, and glutathione levels, suggesting a disruption in the energy-redox axis within these cultures. The high energy demands associated with neuronal functions such as memory formation and protection from oxidative stress put these cells at particular risk from Aβ-induced hypometabolism. Further research using this model may elucidate the mechanisms associated with Aβ-induced hypometabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta A Tarczyluk
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, James Black Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, London, UK
| | - David A Nagel
- Aston Research Centre for Healthy Ageing, School of Life and Health Sciences, Aston University, Birmingham, UK
| | - H Rhein Parri
- Aston Research Centre for Healthy Ageing, School of Life and Health Sciences, Aston University, Birmingham, UK
| | - Erin H Y Tse
- Aston Research Centre for Healthy Ageing, School of Life and Health Sciences, Aston University, Birmingham, UK
| | - James E Brown
- Aston Research Centre for Healthy Ageing, School of Life and Health Sciences, Aston University, Birmingham, UK
| | - Michael D Coleman
- Aston Research Centre for Healthy Ageing, School of Life and Health Sciences, Aston University, Birmingham, UK
| | - Eric J Hill
- Aston Research Centre for Healthy Ageing, School of Life and Health Sciences, Aston University, Birmingham, UK
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21
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Woehrling EK, Parri HR, Tse EHY, Hill EJ, Maidment ID, Fox GC, Coleman MD. A predictive in vitro model of the impact of drugs with anticholinergic properties on human neuronal and astrocytic systems. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0118786. [PMID: 25738989 PMCID: PMC4349811 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0118786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2014] [Accepted: 01/22/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The link between off-target anticholinergic effects of medications and acute cognitive impairment in older adults requires urgent investigation. We aimed to determine whether a relevant in vitro model may aid the identification of anticholinergic responses to drugs and the prediction of anticholinergic risk during polypharmacy. In this preliminary study we employed a co-culture of human-derived neurons and astrocytes (NT2.N/A) derived from the NT2 cell line. NT2.N/A cells possess much of the functionality of mature neurons and astrocytes, key cholinergic phenotypic markers and muscarinic acetylcholine receptors (mAChRs). The cholinergic response of NT2 astrocytes to the mAChR agonist oxotremorine was examined using the fluorescent dye fluo-4 to quantitate increases in intracellular calcium [Ca2+]i. Inhibition of this response by drugs classified as severe (dicycloverine, amitriptyline), moderate (cyclobenzaprine) and possible (cimetidine) on the Anticholinergic Cognitive Burden (ACB) scale, was examined after exposure to individual and pairs of compounds. Individually, dicycloverine had the most significant effect regarding inhibition of the astrocytic cholinergic response to oxotremorine, followed by amitriptyline then cyclobenzaprine and cimetidine, in agreement with the ACB scale. In combination, dicycloverine with cyclobenzaprine had the most significant effect, followed by dicycloverine with amitriptyline. The order of potency of the drugs in combination frequently disagreed with predicted ACB scores derived from summation of the individual drug scores, suggesting current scales may underestimate the effect of polypharmacy. Overall, this NT2.N/A model may be appropriate for further investigation of adverse anticholinergic effects of multiple medications, in order to inform clinical choices of suitable drug use in the elderly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth K. Woehrling
- School of Life and Health Sciences, Aston University, Birmingham, B4 7ET, United Kingdom
| | - H. Rheinallt Parri
- School of Life and Health Sciences, Aston University, Birmingham, B4 7ET, United Kingdom
| | - Erin H. Y. Tse
- School of Life and Health Sciences, Aston University, Birmingham, B4 7ET, United Kingdom
| | - Eric J. Hill
- Aston Research Centre into Healthy Ageing (ARCHA), Aston University, Birmingham, B4 7ET, United Kingdom
| | - Ian D. Maidment
- Aston Research Centre into Healthy Ageing (ARCHA), Aston University, Birmingham, B4 7ET, United Kingdom
| | - G. Christopher Fox
- Norwich Medical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, NR4 7TJ, United Kingdom
| | - Michael D. Coleman
- School of Life and Health Sciences, Aston University, Birmingham, B4 7ET, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
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22
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Chung WS, Allen NJ, Eroglu C. Astrocytes Control Synapse Formation, Function, and Elimination. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Biol 2015; 7:a020370. [PMID: 25663667 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a020370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 502] [Impact Index Per Article: 55.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Astrocytes, through their close associations with synapses, can monitor and alter synaptic function, thus actively controlling synaptic transmission in the adult brain. Besides their important role at adult synapses, in the last three decades a number of critical findings have highlighted the importance of astrocytes in the establishment of synaptic connectivity in the developing brain. In this article, we will review the key findings on astrocytic control of synapse formation, function, and elimination. First, we will summarize our current structural and functional understanding of astrocytes at the synapse. Then, we will discuss the cellular and molecular mechanisms through which developing and mature astrocytes instruct the formation, maturation, and refinement of synapses. Our aim is to provide an overview of astrocytes as important players in the establishment of a functional nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Won-Suk Chung
- Stanford University, School of Medicine, Department of Neurobiology, Stanford, California 94305
| | - Nicola J Allen
- Salk Institute for Biological Studies, Molecular Neurobiology Laboratory, La Jolla, California 92037
| | - Cagla Eroglu
- Duke University Medical Center, Cell Biology and Neurobiology Departments, Duke Institute for Brain Sciences, Durham, North Carolina 27710
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23
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Silencing of PNPLA6, the neuropathy target esterase (NTE) codifying gene, alters neurodifferentiation of human embryonal carcinoma stem cells (NT2). Neuroscience 2014; 281:54-67. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2014.08.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2014] [Revised: 08/18/2014] [Accepted: 08/19/2014] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
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24
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Changes in miRNA Expression Profiling during Neuronal Differentiation and Methyl Mercury-Induced Toxicity in Human in Vitro Models. TOXICS 2014. [DOI: 10.3390/toxics2030443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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25
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Pamies D, Hartung T, Hogberg HT. Biological and medical applications of a brain-on-a-chip. Exp Biol Med (Maywood) 2014; 239:1096-1107. [PMID: 24912505 DOI: 10.1177/1535370214537738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The desire to develop and evaluate drugs as potential countermeasures for biological and chemical threats requires test systems that can also substitute for the clinical trials normally crucial for drug development. Current animal models have limited predictivity for drug efficacy in humans as the large majority of drugs fails in clinical trials. We have limited understanding of the function of the central nervous system and the complexity of the brain, especially during development and neuronal plasticity. Simple in vitro systems do not represent physiology and function of the brain. Moreover, the difficulty of studying interactions between human genetics and environmental factors leads to lack of knowledge about the events that induce neurological diseases. Microphysiological systems (MPS) promise to generate more complex in vitro human models that better simulate the organ's biology and function. MPS combine different cell types in a specific three-dimensional (3D) configuration to simulate organs with a concrete function. The final aim of these MPS is to combine different "organoids" to generate a human-on-a-chip, an approach that would allow studies of complex physiological organ interactions. The recent discovery of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) gives a range of possibilities allowing cellular studies of individuals with different genetic backgrounds (e.g., human disease models). Application of iPSCs from different donors in MPS gives the opportunity to better understand mechanisms of the disease and can be a novel tool in drug development, toxicology, and medicine. In order to generate a brain-on-a-chip, we have established a 3D model from human iPSCs based on our experience with a 3D rat primary aggregating brain model. After four weeks of differentiation, human 3D aggregates stain positive for different neuronal markers and show higher gene expression of various neuronal differentiation markers compared to 2D cultures. Here we present the applications and challenges of this emerging technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Pamies
- Centers for Alternatives to Animal Testing (CAAT) at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; University of Konstanz, POB 600, Konstanz 78457, Germany
| | - Thomas Hartung
- Centers for Alternatives to Animal Testing (CAAT) at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; University of Konstanz, POB 600, Konstanz 78457, Germany
| | - Helena T Hogberg
- Centers for Alternatives to Animal Testing (CAAT) at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; University of Konstanz, POB 600, Konstanz 78457, Germany
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26
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Haile Y, Fu W, Shi B, Westaway D, Baker G, Jhamandas J, Giuliani F. Characterization of the NT2-derived neuronal and astrocytic cell lines as alternative in vitro models for primary human neurons and astrocytes. J Neurosci Res 2014; 92:1187-98. [PMID: 24801011 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.23399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2014] [Revised: 03/01/2014] [Accepted: 03/30/2014] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Primary human fetal neurons and astrocytes (HFNs and HFAs, respectively) provide relevant cell types with which to study in vitro the mechanisms involved in various human neurological diseases, such as multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, and Alzheimer's disease. However, the limited availability of human fetal cells poses a significant problem for the study of these diseases when a human cell model system is required. Thus, generating a readily available alternative cell source with the essential features of human neurons and astrocytes is necessary. The human teratoma-derived NTera2/D1 (NT2) cell line is a promising tool from which both neuronal and glial cells can be generated. Nevertheless, a direct comparison of NT2 neurons and primary HFNs in terms of their morphology physiological and chemical properties is still missing. This study directly compares NT2-derived neurons and primary HFNs using immunocytochemistry, confocal calcium imaging, high-performance liquid chromatography, and high-content analysis techniques. We investigated the morphological similarities and differences, levels of relevant amino acids, and internal calcium fluctuations in response to certain neurotransmitters/stimuli. We also compared NT2-derived astrocytes and HFAs. In most of the parameters tested, both neuronal and astrocytic cell types exhibited similarities to primary human fetal neurons and astrocytes. NT2-derived neurons and astrocytes are reliable in vitro tools and a renewable cell source that can serve as a valid alternative to HFNs/HFAs for mechanistic studies of neurological diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yohannes Haile
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
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27
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Popovic J, Stanisavljevic D, Schwirtlich M, Klajn A, Marjanovic J, Stevanovic M. Expression analysis of SOX14 during retinoic acid induced neural differentiation of embryonal carcinoma cells and assessment of the effect of its ectopic expression on SOXB members in HeLa cells. PLoS One 2014; 9:e91852. [PMID: 24637840 PMCID: PMC3956720 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0091852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2013] [Accepted: 02/17/2014] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
SOX14 is a member of the SOXB2 subgroup of transcription factors implicated in neural development. Although the first SOX14 gene in vertebrates was cloned and characterized more than a decade ago and its expression profile during development was revealed in various animal model systems, the role of this gene during neural development is largely unknown. In the present study we analyzed the expression of SOX14 in human NT2/D1 and mouse P19 pluripotent embryonal carcinoma cells. We demonstrated that it is expressed in both cell lines and upregulated during retinoic acid induced neural differentiation. We showed that SOX14 was expressed in both neuronal and non-neuronal differentiated derivatives, as revealed by immunocytochemistry. Since it was previously proposed that increased SOXB2 proteins level interfere with the activity of SOXB1 counteracting partners, we compared expression patterns of SOXB members during retinoic acid induction of embryonal carcinoma cells. We revealed that upregulation of SOX14 expression is accompanied by alterations in the expression patterns of SOXB1 members. In order to analyze the potential cross-talk between them, we generated SOX14 expression construct. The ectopic expression of SOX14 was demonstrated at the mRNA level in NT2/D1, P19 and HeLa cells, while an increased level of SOX14 protein was detected in HeLa cells only. By transient transfection experiments in HeLa cells we showed for the first time that ectopic expression of SOX14 repressed SOX1 expression, whereas no significant effect on SOX2, SOX3 and SOX21 was observed. Data presented here provide an insight into SOX14 expression during in vitro neural differentiation of embryonal carcinoma cells and demonstrate the effect of its ectopic expression on protein levels of SOXB members in HeLa cells. Obtained results contribute to better understanding the role of one of the most conserved SOX proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jelena Popovic
- Laboratory for Human Molecular Genetics, Institute of Molecular Genetics and Genetic Engineering, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
- * E-mail:
| | - Danijela Stanisavljevic
- Laboratory for Human Molecular Genetics, Institute of Molecular Genetics and Genetic Engineering, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Marija Schwirtlich
- Laboratory for Human Molecular Genetics, Institute of Molecular Genetics and Genetic Engineering, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Andrijana Klajn
- Laboratory for Human Molecular Genetics, Institute of Molecular Genetics and Genetic Engineering, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Jelena Marjanovic
- Laboratory for Human Molecular Genetics, Institute of Molecular Genetics and Genetic Engineering, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Milena Stevanovic
- Laboratory for Human Molecular Genetics, Institute of Molecular Genetics and Genetic Engineering, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
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28
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Antibodies directed to the gram-negative bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae cross-react with the 60 kDa heat shock protein and lead to impaired neurite outgrowth in NTera2/D1 cells. J Mol Neurosci 2014; 54:125-36. [PMID: 24577885 DOI: 10.1007/s12031-014-0258-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2013] [Accepted: 02/06/2014] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Children of mothers with prenatal gonococcal infections are of increased risk to develop schizophrenic psychosis in later life. The present study hypothesizes an autoimmune mechanism for this, investigating interactions of a commercial rabbit antiserum directed to Neisseria gonorrhoeae (α-NG) with human NTera2/D1 cells, an established in vitro model for human neuronal differentiation. Immunocytochemistry demonstrated α-NG to label antigens on an intracellular organelle, which by Western blot analysis showed a molecular weight shortly below 72 kDa. An antiserum directed to Neisseria meningitidis (α-NM) reacts with an antigen shortly below 95 kDa, confirming antibody specificity of these interactions. Two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and partial Western transfer, allowed to localize an α-NG reactive protein spot which was identified by LC-Q-TOF MS/MS analysis as mitochondrial heat shock protein Hsp60. This was confirmed by Western blot analysis of α-NG immunoreactivity with a commercial Hsp60 protein sample, with which α-NM failed to interact. Finally, analysis of neurite outgrowth in retinoic acid-stimulated differentiating NTera2-D1 cells, demonstrates that α-NG but not α-NM treatment reduces neurite length. These results demonstrate that α-NG can interact with Hsp60 in vitro, whereas pathogenetic relevance of this interaction for psychotic symptomatology remains to be clarified.
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MacDonald C, Unsworth CP, Graham ES. Enrichment of differentiated hNT neurons and subsequent analysis using flow-cytometry and xCELLigence sensing. J Neurosci Methods 2014; 227:47-56. [PMID: 24530700 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2014.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2014] [Revised: 02/02/2014] [Accepted: 02/04/2014] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Human neurons (hNT neurons), obtained from the NTera2/D1 precursor cell line, are highly valued by many neuroscientists as isolation of adult human primary neuronal cells continues to elude us. hNT neurons are generated by differentiation of the NT2 precursors for a period of 4 weeks followed by 2 weeks of mitotic inhibition. This yields a heterogeneous population of neuronal phenotypes and underlying astrocyte precursors, the latter of which are very difficult to visualise using standard light microscopy. Such a mixed culture is acceptable for some applications (e.g. measurement of synaptic plasticity), whereas others (e.g. proteomics or transcriptomics) require almost pure cultures of hNT neurons. NEW METHOD Here we describe a simple method for obtaining highly enriched cultures of hNT neurons following the first neuronal harvest and detail several additional methods, namely flow-cytometry and xCELLigence© biosensor technology, to rapidly and reliably determine the purity and viability of the cultures. COMPARISON WITH EXISTING METHODS This method of enrichment for the neurons is novel and advances the end user applications of the cells. RESULTS In addition, we apply the enrichment method to conduct analysis of cell-surface markers using flow-cytometry on the enriched neuronal cells. Furthermore, we apply this method to generate enriched neuronal cells on which we conduct analysis of cell-surface markers using flow-cytometry. CONCLUSIONS Collectively, this paper describes several new advances, which will create opportunities when using these cells and similar preparations, and provides the protocol for analysis of these cells using flow-cytometry and biosensor technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christa MacDonald
- Department of Pharmacology and Centre for Brain Research, School of Medical Sciences, The University of Auckland, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, Private Bag 92019, Auckland 1142, New Zealand; Department of Engineering Science, The University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland 1142, New Zealand
| | - Charles P Unsworth
- Department of Engineering Science, The University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland 1142, New Zealand
| | - E Scott Graham
- Department of Pharmacology and Centre for Brain Research, School of Medical Sciences, The University of Auckland, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, Private Bag 92019, Auckland 1142, New Zealand.
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Functional astrocyte-neuron lactate shuttle in a human stem cell-derived neuronal network. J Cereb Blood Flow Metab 2013; 33:1386-93. [PMID: 23715062 PMCID: PMC3764384 DOI: 10.1038/jcbfm.2013.81] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2013] [Revised: 03/28/2013] [Accepted: 04/27/2013] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The NT2.D1 cell line is one of the most well-documented embryocarcinoma cell lines, and can be differentiated into neurons and astrocytes. Great focus has also been placed on defining the electrophysiological properties of the neuronal cells, and more recently we have investigated the functional properties of their associated astrocytes. We now show for the first time that human stem cell-derived astrocytes produce glycogen and that co-cultures of these cells demonstrate a functional astrocyte-neuron lactate shuttle (ANLS). The ANLS hypothesis proposes that during neuronal activity, glutamate released into the synaptic cleft is taken up by astrocytes and triggers glucose uptake, which is converted into lactate and released via monocarboxylate transporters for neuronal use. Using mixed cultures of NT2-derived neurons and astrocytes, we have shown that these cells modulate their glucose uptake in response to glutamate. Additionally, we demonstrate that in response to increased neuronal activity and under hypoglycaemic conditions, co-cultures modulate glycogen turnover and increase lactate production. Similar results were also shown after treatment with glutamate, potassium, isoproterenol, and dbcAMP. Together, these results demonstrate for the first time a functional ANLS in a human stem cell-derived co-culture.
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A human pluripotent carcinoma stem cell-based model for in vitro developmental neurotoxicity testing: effects of methylmercury, lead and aluminum evaluated by gene expression studies. Int J Dev Neurosci 2013; 31:679-91. [PMID: 23501475 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijdevneu.2013.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2012] [Revised: 01/24/2013] [Accepted: 03/03/2013] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The major advantage of the neuronal cell culture models derived from human stem cells is their ability to replicate the crucial stages of neurodevelopment such as the commitment of human stem cells to the neuronal lineage and their subsequent stages of differentiation into neuronal and glial-like cell. In these studies we used mixed neuronal/glial culture derived from the NTERA-2 (NT-2) cell line, which has been established from human pluripotent testicular embryonal carcinoma cells. After characterization of the different stages of cell differentiation into neuronal- and glial-like phenotype toxicity studies were performed to evaluate whether this model would be suitable for developmental neurotoxicity studies. The cells were exposed during the differentiation process to non-cytotoxic concentrations of methylmercury chloride, lead chloride and aluminum nitrate for two weeks. The toxicity was then evaluated by measuring the mRNA levels of cell specific markers (neuronal and glial). The results obtained suggest that lead chloride and aluminum nitrate at low concentrations were toxic primarily to astrocytes and at the higher concentrations it also induced neurotoxicity. In contrast, MetHgCl was toxic for both cell types, neuronal and glial, as mRNA specific for astrocytes and neuronal markers were affected. The results obtained suggest that a neuronal mixed culture derived from human NT2 precursor cells is a suitable model for developmental neurotoxicity studies and gene expression could be used as a sensitive endpoint for initial screening of potential neurotoxic compounds.
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Hill EJ, Jiménez-González C, Tarczyluk M, Nagel DA, Coleman MD, Parri HR. NT2 derived neuronal and astrocytic network signalling. PLoS One 2012; 7:e36098. [PMID: 22567128 PMCID: PMC3342170 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0036098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2011] [Accepted: 03/30/2012] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
A major focus of stem cell research is the generation of neurons that may then be implanted to treat neurodegenerative diseases. However, a picture is emerging where astrocytes are partners to neurons in sustaining and modulating brain function. We therefore investigated the functional properties of NT2 derived astrocytes and neurons using electrophysiological and calcium imaging approaches. NT2 neurons (NT2Ns) expressed sodium dependent action potentials, as well as responses to depolarisation and the neurotransmitter glutamate. NT2Ns exhibited spontaneous and coordinated calcium elevations in clusters and in extended processes, indicating local and long distance signalling. Tetrodotoxin sensitive network activity could also be evoked by electrical stimulation. Similarly, NT2 astrocytes (NT2As) exhibited morphology and functional properties consistent with this glial cell type. NT2As responded to neuronal activity and to exogenously applied neurotransmitters with calcium elevations, and in contrast to neurons, also exhibited spontaneous rhythmic calcium oscillations. NT2As also generated propagating calcium waves that were gap junction and purinergic signalling dependent. Our results show that NT2 derived astrocytes exhibit appropriate functionality and that NT2N networks interact with NT2A networks in co-culture. These findings underline the utility of such cultures to investigate human brain cell type signalling under controlled conditions. Furthermore, since stem cell derived neuron function and survival is of great importance therapeutically, our findings suggest that the presence of complementary astrocytes may be valuable in supporting stem cell derived neuronal networks. Indeed, this also supports the intriguing possibility of selective therapeutic replacement of astrocytes in diseases where these cells are either lost or lose functionality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric J. Hill
- Aston Research Centre into Healthy Ageing (ARCHA), Aston University, Birmingham, West Midlands, United Kingdom
| | | | - Marta Tarczyluk
- Aston Research Centre into Healthy Ageing (ARCHA), Aston University, Birmingham, West Midlands, United Kingdom
| | - David A. Nagel
- School of Life and Health Sciences, Aston University, Birmingham, West Midlands, United Kingdom
| | - Michael D. Coleman
- School of Life and Health Sciences, Aston University, Birmingham, West Midlands, United Kingdom
| | - H. Rheinallt Parri
- School of Life and Health Sciences, Aston University, Birmingham, West Midlands, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
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Eaton MJ, Berrocal Y, Wolfe SQ. Potential for Cell-Transplant Therapy with Human Neuronal Precursors to Treat Neuropathic Pain in Models of PNS and CNS Injury: Comparison of hNT2.17 and hNT2.19 Cell Lines. PAIN RESEARCH AND TREATMENT 2012; 2012:356412. [PMID: 22619713 PMCID: PMC3348681 DOI: 10.1155/2012/356412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2011] [Accepted: 01/15/2012] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Effective treatment of sensory neuropathies in peripheral neuropathies and spinal cord injury (SCI) is one of the most difficult problems in modern clinical practice. Cell therapy to release antinociceptive agents near the injured spinal cord is a logical next step in the development of treatment modalities. But few clinical trials, especially for chronic pain, have tested the potential of transplant of cells to treat chronic pain. Cell lines derived from the human neuronal NT2 cell line parentage, the hNT2.17 and hNT2.19 lines, which synthesize and release the neurotransmitters gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and serotonin (5HT), respectively, have been used to evaluate the potential of cell-based release of antinociceptive agents near the lumbar dorsal (horn) spinal sensory cell centers to relieve neuropathic pain after PNS (partial nerve and diabetes-related injury) and CNS (spinal cord injury) damage in rat models. Both cell lines transplants potently and permanently reverse behavioral hypersensitivity without inducing tumors or other complications after grafting. Functioning as cellular minipumps for antinociception, human neuronal precursors, like these NT2-derived cell lines, would likely provide a useful adjuvant or replacement for current pharmacological treatments for neuropathic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary J. Eaton
- Miami VA Health System Center, D806C, 1201 NW 16th Street, Miami, FL 33199, USA
| | - Yerko Berrocal
- Department of Cellular Biology and Pharmacology, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Stacey Q. Wolfe
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tripler Army Medical Center, 1 Jarrett White Road, Honolulu, HI 96859-5000, USA
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Neurotransmitter vesicle release from human model neurons (NT2) is sensitive to botulinum toxin A. Cell Mol Neurobiol 2012; 32:1021-9. [PMID: 22373696 DOI: 10.1007/s10571-012-9818-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2011] [Accepted: 02/14/2012] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Botulinum neurotoxins (BoNTs) internalize into nerve terminals and block the release of neurotransmitters into the synapse. BoNTs are widely used as a therapeutic agent for treatment of movement disorders and recently gained more attention as a biological weapon. Consequently, there is strong interest to develop a cell-based assay platform to screen the toxicity and bioactivity of the BoNTs. In this study, we present an in vitro screening assay for BoNT/A based on differentiated human embryonal carcinoma stem (NT2) cells. The human NT2 cells fully differentiated into mature neurons that display immunoreactivity to cytoskeletal markers (βIII-tubulin and MAP2) and presynaptic proteins (synapsin and synaptotagmin I). We showed that the human NT2 cells undergo a process of exo-endocytotic synaptic vesicle recycling upon depolarization with high K(+) buffer. By employing an antibody directed against light chain of BoNT/A, we detected internalized toxin as a punctate staining along the neurites of the NT2 neurons. Using well-established methods of synaptic vesicle exocytosis assay (luminal synaptotagmin I and FM1-43 imaging) we show that pre-incubation with BoNT/A resulted in a blockade of vesicle release from human NT2 neurons in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, this blocking effect of BoNT/A was abolished by pre-adsorbing the toxin with neutralizing antibody. In a proof of principle, we demonstrate that our cell culture assay for vesicle release is sensitive to BoNT/A and the activity of BoNT/A can be blocked by specific neutralizing antibodies. Overall our data suggest that human NT2 neurons are suitable for large scale screening of botulinum bioactivity.
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Kakinohana O, Hefferan MP, Miyanohara A, Nejime T, Marsala S, Juhas S, Juhasova J, Motlik J, Kucharova K, Strnadel J, Platoshyn O, Lazar P, Galik J, Vinay L, Marsala M. Combinational spinal GAD65 gene delivery and systemic GABA-mimetic treatment for modulation of spasticity. PLoS One 2012; 7:e30561. [PMID: 22291989 PMCID: PMC3264568 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0030561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2011] [Accepted: 12/19/2011] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Loss of GABA-mediated pre-synaptic inhibition after spinal injury plays a key role in the progressive increase in spinal reflexes and the appearance of spasticity. Clinical studies show that the use of baclofen (GABAB receptor agonist), while effective in modulating spasticity is associated with major side effects such as general sedation and progressive tolerance development. The goal of the present study was to assess if a combined therapy composed of spinal segment-specific upregulation of GAD65 (glutamate decarboxylase) gene once combined with systemic treatment with tiagabine (GABA uptake inhibitor) will lead to an antispasticity effect and whether such an effect will only be present in GAD65 gene over-expressing spinal segments. Methods/Principal Findings Adult Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were exposed to transient spinal ischemia (10 min) to induce muscle spasticity. Animals then received lumbar injection of HIV1-CMV-GAD65 lentivirus (LVs) targeting ventral α-motoneuronal pools. At 2–3 weeks after lentivirus delivery animals were treated systemically with tiagabine (4, 10, 20 or 40 mg/kg or vehicle) and the degree of spasticity response measured. In a separate experiment the expression of GAD65 gene after spinal parenchymal delivery of GAD65-lentivirus in naive minipigs was studied. Spastic SD rats receiving spinal injections of the GAD65 gene and treated with systemic tiagabine showed potent and tiagabine-dose-dependent alleviation of spasticity. Neither treatment alone (i.e., GAD65-LVs injection only or tiagabine treatment only) had any significant antispasticity effect nor had any detectable side effect. Measured antispasticity effect correlated with increase in spinal parenchymal GABA synthesis and was restricted to spinal segments overexpressing GAD65 gene. Conclusions/Significance These data show that treatment with orally bioavailable GABA-mimetic drugs if combined with spinal-segment-specific GAD65 gene overexpression can represent a novel and highly effective anti-spasticity treatment which is associated with minimal side effects and is restricted to GAD65-gene over-expressing spinal segments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Osamu Kakinohana
- Neuroregeneration Laboratory, Department of Anesthesiology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Michael P. Hefferan
- Neuroregeneration Laboratory, Department of Anesthesiology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Atsushi Miyanohara
- Gene Therapy Program and Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Tetsuya Nejime
- Neuroregeneration Laboratory, Department of Anesthesiology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Silvia Marsala
- Neuroregeneration Laboratory, Department of Anesthesiology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Stefan Juhas
- Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics, AS CR, Liběchov, Czech Republic
| | - Jana Juhasova
- Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics, AS CR, Liběchov, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Motlik
- Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics, AS CR, Liběchov, Czech Republic
| | - Karolina Kucharova
- Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Jan Strnadel
- Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics, AS CR, Liběchov, Czech Republic
| | - Oleksandr Platoshyn
- Neuroregeneration Laboratory, Department of Anesthesiology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Peter Lazar
- Department of Breeding and Diseases of Game and Fish, University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy, Komenskeho, Košice, Slovakia
| | - Jan Galik
- Institute of Neurobiology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Košice, Slovakia
- Faculty of Science, Institute of Biology and Ecology, Pavol Jozef Safarik University, Košice, Slovakia
| | - Laurent Vinay
- Laboratoire Plasticité et Physio-Pathologie de la Motricité (UMR6196), Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) and Aix-Marseille Université, Marseille, France
| | - Martin Marsala
- Neuroregeneration Laboratory, Department of Anesthesiology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
- Institute of Neurobiology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Košice, Slovakia
- * E-mail:
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Unsworth CP, Holloway H, Delivopoulos E, Murray AF, Simpson MC, Dickinson ME, Graham ES. Patterning and detailed study of human hNT astrocytes on parylene-C/silicon dioxide substrates to the single cell level. Biomaterials 2011; 32:6541-50. [PMID: 21641029 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2011.05.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2011] [Accepted: 05/10/2011] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
It is estimated that the adult human brain contains 100 billion neurons with 5-10 times as many astrocytes. Although it has been generally considered that the astrocyte is a simple supportive cell to the neuron, recent research has revealed new functionality of the astrocyte in the form of information transfer to neurons of the brain. In our previous work we developed a protocol to pattern the hNT neuron (derived from the human teratocarcinoma cell line (hNT)) on parylene-C/SiO(2) substrates. In this work, we report how we have managed to pattern hNT astrocytes, on parylene-C/SiO(2) substrates to single cell resolution. This article disseminates the nanofabrication and cell culturing steps necessary for the patterning of such cells. In addition, it reports the necessary strip lengths and strip width dimensions of parylene-C that encourage high degrees of cellular coverage and single cell isolation for this cell type. The significance in patterning the hNT astrocyte on silicon chip is that it will help enable single cell and network studies into the undiscovered functionality of this interesting cell, thus, contributing to closer pathological studies of the human brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles P Unsworth
- Department of Engineering Science, The University of Auckland, New Zealand.
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Burkert K, Moodley K, Angel CE, Brooks A, Graham ES. Detailed analysis of inflammatory and neuromodulatory cytokine secretion from human NT2 astrocytes using multiplex bead array. Neurochem Int 2011; 60:573-80. [PMID: 21939706 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2011.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2011] [Revised: 08/12/2011] [Accepted: 09/05/2011] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Astrocytes are a very important cell type in the brain fulfilling roles in both neuroimmunology and neurotransmission. We have conducted the most comprehensive analysis of secreted cytokines conducted to date (astrocytes of any source) to determine whether astrocytes derived from the human Ntera2 (NT2) cell-line are a good model of human primary astrocytes. We have compared the secretion of cytokines from NT2 astrocytes with those produced in astrocyte enriched human brain cultures and additional cytokines implicated in brain injury or known to be expressed in the human brain. The concentration of cytokines was measured in astrocyte conditioned media using multiplex bead array (MBA), where 18 cytokines were measured simultaneously. Resting NT2 astrocytes produced low levels (∼1-30 pg/ml) of MIP1α, IL-6 and GM-CSF and higher levels of MCP-1, IP-10 and IL-8 (1-11 ng/ml) under non-inflammatory conditions. All of these in addition to IL-1β, TNFα, and IL-13, were increased by pro-inflammatory activation (TNFα or IL-1β stimulation). In contrast, IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-7, IL-10, IL-12, LTα, and IFNγ were not detected in astrocyte conditioned media under any of the culture conditions tested. NT2 astrocytes were unresponsive to IL-2 and the adenyl cyclase agonist, forskolin. Interestingly, IFNγ stimulation selectively increased IP-10 secretion only. As astrocytes stimulated with IL-1β or TNFα produced several chemokines in the ng/ml range, we next assessed the chemoattractant properties of these cells. Conditioned media from TNFα-stimulated astrocytes significantly chemoattracted leukocytes from human blood. This study provides the most comprehensive analysis of cytokine production by human astrocytes thus far, and shows that NT2 astrocytes are highly responsive to pro-inflammatory mediators including TNFα and IL-1β, producing cytokines and chemokines capable of attracting leukocytes from human blood. We conclude that in the absence of adult human primary astrocytes that NT2-astrocytes may provide a valuable alternative to study the immunological behaviour of human astrocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristina Burkert
- School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Auckland, New Zealand
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38
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Tegenge MA, Roloff F, Bicker G. Rapid differentiation of human embryonal carcinoma stem cells (NT2) into neurons for neurite outgrowth analysis. Cell Mol Neurobiol 2011; 31:635-43. [PMID: 21331625 DOI: 10.1007/s10571-011-9659-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2010] [Accepted: 01/31/2011] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Human neurons derived from stem cells can be employed as in vitro models to predict the potential of neurochemicals affecting neurodevelopmental cellular processes including proliferation, migration, and differentiation. Here, we developed a model of differentiating human neurons from well characterized human embryonal carcinoma stem cells (NT2). NT2 cells were induced to differentiate into neuronal phenotypes after 2 weeks of treatment with retinoic acid in aggregate culture. Nestin positive progenitor cells migrate out of NT2 aggregates and differentiate into βIII-tubulin expressing neuronal cells. Culturing the NT2 cells for an additional 7-14 days resulted in increased percentage of βIII-tubulin expressing cells, elaborating a long neurite that positively stained for axonal marker (Tau) and presynaptic protein (synapsin). We then asked whether neurite outgrowth from NT2 cells is modulated by bioactive chemicals. Since the cAMP/PKA pathway has been widely investigated as a regulator of neurite outgrowth/regeneration in several experimental systems, we used chemical activators and inhibitors of cAMP/PKA pathway in the culture. The adenylyl cyclase activator, forskolin, and cell-permeable analog of cAMP, 8-Br-cAMP increased the percentage of neurite bearing cells and neurite extension. Application of the protein kinase A inhibitors, H-89 and Rp-cAMP, blocked neurite formation. Taken together, NT2 aggregates undergo migration, differentiation, and neurite elaboration and can be used as a model of differentiating human neurons to screen neurochemicals and to understand cellular mechanisms of human nerve cell development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Million Adane Tegenge
- Division of Cell Biology, Institute of Physiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Bischofsholer Damm 15, 30173, Hannover, Germany.
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Coyle DE, Li J, Baccei M. Regional differentiation of retinoic acid-induced human pluripotent embryonic carcinoma stem cell neurons. PLoS One 2011; 6:e16174. [PMID: 21283767 PMCID: PMC3024414 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0016174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2010] [Accepted: 12/08/2010] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The NTERA2 cl D1 (NT2) cell line, derived from human teratocarcinoma, exhibits similar properties as embryonic stem (ES) cells or very early neuroepithelial progenitors. NT2 cells can be induced to become postmitotic central nervous system neurons (NT2N) with retinoic acid. Although neurons derived from pluripotent cells, such as NT2N, have been characterized for their neurotransmitter phenotypes, their potential suitability as a donor source for neural transplantation also depends on their ability to respond to localized environmental cues from a specific region of the CNS. Therefore, our study aimed to characterize the regional transcription factors that define the rostocaudal and dorsoventral identity of NT2N derived from a monolayer differentiation paradigm using quantitative PCR (qPCR). Purified NT2N mainly expressed both GABAergic and glutamatergic phenotypes and were electrically active but did not form functional synapses. The presence of immature astrocytes and possible radial glial cells was noted. The NT2N expressed a regional transcription factor code consistent with forebrain, hindbrain and spinal cord neural progenitors but showed minimal expression of midbrain phenotypes. In the dorsoventral plane NT2N expressed both dorsal and ventral neural progenitors. Of major interest was that even under the influence of retinoic acid, a known caudalization factor, the NT2N population maintained a rostral phenotype subpopulation which expressed cortical regional transcription factors. It is proposed that understanding the regional differentiation bias of neurons derived from pluripotent stem cells will facilitate their successful integration into existing neuronal networks within the CNS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dennis E Coyle
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States of America.
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40
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Enhancing Stroke Recovery with Cellular Therapies. Stroke 2011. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-1-4160-5478-8.10057-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Cullen DK, Gilroy ME, Irons HR, Laplaca MC. Synapse-to-neuron ratio is inversely related to neuronal density in mature neuronal cultures. Brain Res 2010; 1359:44-55. [PMID: 20800585 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2010.08.058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2008] [Revised: 08/16/2010] [Accepted: 08/19/2010] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Synapse formation is a fundamental process in neurons that occurs throughout development, maturity, and aging. Although these stages contain disparate and fluctuating numbers of mature neurons, tactics employed by neuronal networks to modulate synapse number as a function of neuronal density are not well understood. The goal of this study was to utilize an in vitro model to assess the influence of cell density and neuronal maturity on synapse number and distribution. Specifically, cerebral cortical neurons were plated in planar culture at densities ranging from 10 to 5000 neurons/mm², and synapse number and distribution were evaluated via immunocytochemistry over 21 days in vitro (DIV). High-resolution confocal microscopy revealed an elaborate three-dimensional distribution of neurites and synapses across the heights of high-density neuronal networks by 21 DIV, which were up to 18 μm thick, demonstrating the complex degree of spatial interactions even in planar high-density cultures. At 7 DIV, the mean number of synapses per neuron was less than 5, and this did not vary as a function of neuronal density. However, by 21 DIV, the number of synapses per neuron had jumped 30- to 80-fold, and the synapse-to-neuron ratio was greatest at lower neuronal densities (< 500 neurons/mm²; mean approximately 400 synapses/neuron) compared to mid and higher neuronal densities (500-4500 neurons/mm²; mean of approximately 150 synapses/neuron) (p<0.05). These results suggest a relationship between neuronal density and synapse number that may have implications in the neurobiology of developing neuronal networks as well as processes of cell death and regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Kacy Cullen
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
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Pewsey E, Bruce C, Tonge P, Evans C, Ow SY, Georgiou AS, Wright PC, Andrews PW, Fazeli A. Nuclear Proteome Dynamics in Differentiating Embryonic Carcinoma (NTERA-2) Cells. J Proteome Res 2010; 9:3412-26. [DOI: 10.1021/pr901069d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Emma Pewsey
- Academic Unit of Reproductive and Developmental Medicine, University of Sheffield, Level 4, The Jessop Wing, S10 2SF Sheffield, United Kingdom, The Centre for Stem Cell Biology, Department of Biomedical Science, University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield, S10 2TN, United Kingdom, Department of Chemical and Process Engineering, ChELSI Institute, Mappin Street, Sheffield, S1 3JD, United Kingdom, and Centre for Developmental Genetics, School of Medicine and Biomedical Science, University of Sheffield,
| | - Christine Bruce
- Academic Unit of Reproductive and Developmental Medicine, University of Sheffield, Level 4, The Jessop Wing, S10 2SF Sheffield, United Kingdom, The Centre for Stem Cell Biology, Department of Biomedical Science, University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield, S10 2TN, United Kingdom, Department of Chemical and Process Engineering, ChELSI Institute, Mappin Street, Sheffield, S1 3JD, United Kingdom, and Centre for Developmental Genetics, School of Medicine and Biomedical Science, University of Sheffield,
| | - Peter Tonge
- Academic Unit of Reproductive and Developmental Medicine, University of Sheffield, Level 4, The Jessop Wing, S10 2SF Sheffield, United Kingdom, The Centre for Stem Cell Biology, Department of Biomedical Science, University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield, S10 2TN, United Kingdom, Department of Chemical and Process Engineering, ChELSI Institute, Mappin Street, Sheffield, S1 3JD, United Kingdom, and Centre for Developmental Genetics, School of Medicine and Biomedical Science, University of Sheffield,
| | - Caroline Evans
- Academic Unit of Reproductive and Developmental Medicine, University of Sheffield, Level 4, The Jessop Wing, S10 2SF Sheffield, United Kingdom, The Centre for Stem Cell Biology, Department of Biomedical Science, University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield, S10 2TN, United Kingdom, Department of Chemical and Process Engineering, ChELSI Institute, Mappin Street, Sheffield, S1 3JD, United Kingdom, and Centre for Developmental Genetics, School of Medicine and Biomedical Science, University of Sheffield,
| | - Saw Yen Ow
- Academic Unit of Reproductive and Developmental Medicine, University of Sheffield, Level 4, The Jessop Wing, S10 2SF Sheffield, United Kingdom, The Centre for Stem Cell Biology, Department of Biomedical Science, University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield, S10 2TN, United Kingdom, Department of Chemical and Process Engineering, ChELSI Institute, Mappin Street, Sheffield, S1 3JD, United Kingdom, and Centre for Developmental Genetics, School of Medicine and Biomedical Science, University of Sheffield,
| | - A. Stephen Georgiou
- Academic Unit of Reproductive and Developmental Medicine, University of Sheffield, Level 4, The Jessop Wing, S10 2SF Sheffield, United Kingdom, The Centre for Stem Cell Biology, Department of Biomedical Science, University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield, S10 2TN, United Kingdom, Department of Chemical and Process Engineering, ChELSI Institute, Mappin Street, Sheffield, S1 3JD, United Kingdom, and Centre for Developmental Genetics, School of Medicine and Biomedical Science, University of Sheffield,
| | - Phillip C. Wright
- Academic Unit of Reproductive and Developmental Medicine, University of Sheffield, Level 4, The Jessop Wing, S10 2SF Sheffield, United Kingdom, The Centre for Stem Cell Biology, Department of Biomedical Science, University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield, S10 2TN, United Kingdom, Department of Chemical and Process Engineering, ChELSI Institute, Mappin Street, Sheffield, S1 3JD, United Kingdom, and Centre for Developmental Genetics, School of Medicine and Biomedical Science, University of Sheffield,
| | - Peter W. Andrews
- Academic Unit of Reproductive and Developmental Medicine, University of Sheffield, Level 4, The Jessop Wing, S10 2SF Sheffield, United Kingdom, The Centre for Stem Cell Biology, Department of Biomedical Science, University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield, S10 2TN, United Kingdom, Department of Chemical and Process Engineering, ChELSI Institute, Mappin Street, Sheffield, S1 3JD, United Kingdom, and Centre for Developmental Genetics, School of Medicine and Biomedical Science, University of Sheffield,
| | - Alireza Fazeli
- Academic Unit of Reproductive and Developmental Medicine, University of Sheffield, Level 4, The Jessop Wing, S10 2SF Sheffield, United Kingdom, The Centre for Stem Cell Biology, Department of Biomedical Science, University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield, S10 2TN, United Kingdom, Department of Chemical and Process Engineering, ChELSI Institute, Mappin Street, Sheffield, S1 3JD, United Kingdom, and Centre for Developmental Genetics, School of Medicine and Biomedical Science, University of Sheffield,
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Podrygajlo G, Wiegreffe C, Scaal M, Bicker G. Integration of human model neurons (NT2) into embryonic chick nervous system. Dev Dyn 2010; 239:496-504. [PMID: 20034101 DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.22193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Postmitotic neurons were generated from the human NT2 teratocarcinoma cell line in a novel cell aggregate differentiation procedure. Approximately a third of the differentiated neurons expressed cell markers related to cholinergic neurotransmission. To examine whether this human cell model system can be directed toward a motoneuronal fate, postmitotic neurons were co-cultured with mouse myotubes. Outgrowing neuronal processes established close contact with the myotubes and formed neuromuscular junction-like structures that bound alpha-bungarotoxin. To determine how grafted precursor cells and neurons respond to embryonic nerve tissue, NT2 cells at different stages of neural development were injected into chick embryo neural tube and brain. Grafted NT2 neurons populated both parts of the nervous system, sometimes migrating away from the site of injection. The neural tube appeared to be more permissive for neurite extensions than the brain. Moreover, extending neurites of spinal grafts were approaching the ventral roots, thus resembling motoneuronal projections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grzegorz Podrygajlo
- Division of Cell Biology, Institute of Physiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
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Mojsin M, Stevanovic M. PBX1 and MEIS1 up-regulate SOX3 gene expression by direct interaction with a consensus binding site within the basal promoter region. Biochem J 2009; 425:107-16. [PMID: 19799567 DOI: 10.1042/bj20090694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Sox3/SOX3 [SRY (sex determining region Y)-box 3] is considered to be one of the earliest neural markers in vertebrates, playing a role in specifying neuronal fate. We have previously reported characterization of the SOX3 promoter and demonstrated that the general transcription factors NF-Y (nuclear factor-Y), Sp1 (specificity protein 1) and USF (upstream stimulatory factor) are involved in transcriptional regulation of SOX3 promoter activity. In the present study we provide the first evidence that the TALE (three-amino-acid loop extension) transcription factors PBX1 (pre-B-cell leukaemia homeobox 1) and MEIS1 (myeloid ecotropic viral integration site 1 homologue) participate in regulating human SOX3 gene expression in NT2/D1 cells by direct interaction with the consensus PBX/MEIS-binding site, which is conserved in all mammalian orthologue promoters analysed. PBX1 is present in the protein complex formed at this site with nuclear proteins from uninduced cells, whereas both PBX1 and MEIS1 proteins were detected in the complex created with extract from RA (retinoic acid)-induced NT2/D1 cells. By functional analysis we also showed that mutations of the PBX1/MEIS1-binding sites resulted in profound reduction of SOX3 promoter responsiveness to RA. Finally, we demonstrated that overexpressed PBX1 and MEIS1 increased endogenous SOX3 protein expression in both uninduced and RA-induced NT2/D1 cells. With the results of the present study, for the first time, we have established a functional link between the TALE proteins, PBX1 and MEIS1, and expression of the human SOX3 gene. This link is of particular interest since both TALE family members and members of the SOX superfamily are recognized as important developmental regulators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marija Mojsin
- Institute of Molecular Genetics and Genetic Engineering, University of Belgrade, Vojvode Stepe 444a, PO Box 23, 11010 Belgrade, Serbia
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45
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Podrygajlo G, Song Y, Schlesinger F, Krampfl K, Bicker G. Synaptic currents and transmitter responses in human NT2 neurons differentiated in aggregate culture. Neurosci Lett 2009; 468:207-10. [PMID: 19895870 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2009.10.092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2009] [Accepted: 10/28/2009] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Postmitotic neurons were generated from the human NT2 teratocarcinoma cell line in a novel cell aggregate differentiation procedure. The NT2 model neurons express punctate immunoreactivity for synapsin and for cell markers related to GABAergic and glutamatergic neurotransmission. Using the outside-out patch-clamp configuration, we characterized the kinetics of currents elicited by a rapid application of the amino acid neurotransmitters. Moreover, we detected spontaneous postsynaptic currents in glia free cell cultures that may result from the firing activity of glutamatergic and GABAergic NT2 neurons. These cultured spontaneously active networks may be a useful tool to analyze factors that modulate the formation and efficacy of synapses between human neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grzegorz Podrygajlo
- Div. of Cell Biology, Institute of Physiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
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46
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Tegenge MA, Stern M, Bicker G. Nitric oxide and cyclic nucleotide signal transduction modulates synaptic vesicle turnover in human model neurons. J Neurochem 2009; 111:1434-46. [PMID: 19807845 DOI: 10.1111/j.1471-4159.2009.06421.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The human Ntera2 (NT2) teratocarcinoma cell line can be induced to differentiate into post-mitotic neurons. Here, we report that the human NT2 neurons generated by a spherical aggregate cell culture method express increasing levels of typical pre-synaptic proteins (synapsin and synaptotagmin I) along the neurite depending on the length of in vitro culture. By employing an antibody directed against the luminal domain of synaptotagmin I and the fluorescent dye N-(3-triethylammoniumpropyl)-4-(4-(dibutylamino)styryl)pyridinium dibromide, we show that depolarized NT2 neurons display calcium-dependent exo-endocytotic synaptic vesicle recycling. NT2 neurons express the neuronal isoform of neuronal nitric oxide synthase and soluble guanylyl cyclase (sGC), the major receptor for nitric oxide (NO). We tested whether NO signal transduction modulates synaptic vesicle turnover in human NT2 neurons. NO donors and cylic guanosine-monophosphate analogs enhanced synaptic vesicle recycling while a sGC inhibitor blocked the effect of NO donors. Two NO donors, sodium nitroprusside, and and N-Ethyl-2-(1-ethyl-2-hydroxy-2-nitrosohydrazino) ethanamine evoked vesicle exocytosis which was partially blocked by the sGC inhibitor. The activator of adenylyl cyclase, forskolin, and a cAMP analog induced synaptic vesicle recycling and exocytosis via a parallel acting protein kinase A pathway. Our data from NT2 neurons suggest that NO/cyclic nucleotide signaling pathways may facilitate neurotransmitter release in human brain cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Million Adane Tegenge
- Division of Cell Biology, Institute of Physiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
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47
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Woehrling EK, Hill EJ, Coleman MD. Evaluation of the importance of astrocytes when screening for acute toxicity in neuronal cell systems. Neurotox Res 2009; 17:103-13. [PMID: 19593679 DOI: 10.1007/s12640-009-9084-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2009] [Revised: 04/24/2009] [Accepted: 07/01/2009] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Reliable, high throughput, in vitro preliminary screening batteries have the potential to greatly accelerate the rate at which regulatory neurotoxicity data is generated. This study evaluated the importance of astrocytes when predicting acute toxic potential using a neuronal screening battery of pure neuronal (NT2.N) and astrocytic (NT2.A) and integrated neuronal/astrocytic (NT2.N/A) cell systems derived from the human NT2.D1 cell line, using biochemical endpoints (mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) depolarisation and ATP and GSH depletion). Following exposure for 72 h, the known acute human neurotoxicants trimethyltin-chloride, chloroquine and 6-hydroxydopamine were frequently capable of disrupting biochemical processes in all of the cell systems at non-cytotoxic concentrations. Astrocytes provide key metabolic and protective support to neurons during toxic challenge in vivo and generally the astrocyte containing cell systems showed increased tolerance to toxicant insult compared with the NT2.N mono-culture in vitro. Whilst there was no consistent relationship between MMP, ATP and GSH log IC(50) values for the NT2.N/A and NT2.A cell systems, these data did provide preliminary evidence of modulation of the acute neuronal toxic response by astrocytes. In conclusion, the suitability of NT2 neurons and astrocytes as cell systems for acute toxicity screening deserves further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- E K Woehrling
- School of Life and Health Sciences, Aston University, Birmingham, UK.
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Garbuzova-Davis S, Willing AE, Saporta S, Justen EB, Misiuta IE, Dellis J, Sanberg PR. Multiple transplants of hNT cells into the spinal cord of SOD1 mouse model of familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2009; 7:221-6. [PMID: 17127560 DOI: 10.1080/17482960600864470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
hNT cells, derived from a human teratocarcinoma cell line, are versatile neuron-like cells that have been studied as possible treatment vehicles for neurodegenerative diseases. Previously, we showed the postponement of motor deficit symptoms in a G93A mouse model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) by transplanting hNT cells into the lumbar spinal cord. In this study, we examined the engraftment of hNT cells at multiple sites within the lumbar spinal cord by morphological analysis of neuritic process development. Results demonstrated that cells implanted at multiple sites established neuritic processes of different lengths independent of the number of cell implants. The hNT fiber outgrowth was a maximum of 0.15-0.3 mm from the transplants and mostly spread within the gray matter; interconnections between implants were not found. Therefore, we suggest that the observed postponement of motor deficit symptoms in G93A mice was not a result of neuritic outgrowth from the implanted hNT cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Svitlana Garbuzova-Davis
- Center of Excellence for Aging and Brain Repair, Department of Neurosurgery, University of South Florida, College of Medicine, Health Sciences Center, Tampa, FL 33612, USA.
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Podrygajlo G, Tegenge MA, Gierse A, Paquet-Durand F, Tan S, Bicker G, Stern M. Cellular phenotypes of human model neurons (NT2) after differentiation in aggregate culture. Cell Tissue Res 2009; 336:439-52. [PMID: 19377856 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-009-0783-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2008] [Accepted: 02/12/2009] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The well-characterized human teratocarcinoma line Ntera2 (NT2) can be differentiated into mature neurons. We have significantly shortened the time-consuming process for generating postmitotic neurons to approximately 4 weeks by introducing a differentiation protocol for free-floating cell aggregates and a subsequent purification step. Here, we characterize the neurochemical phenotypes of the neurons derived from this cell aggregate method. During differentiation, the NT2 cells lose immunoreactivity for vimentin and nestin filaments, which are characteristic for the immature state of neuronal precursors. Instead, they acquire typical neuronal markers such as beta-tubulin type III, microtubule-associated protein 2, and phosphorylated tau, but no astrocyte markers such as glial fibrillary acidic protein. They grow neural processes that express punctate immunoreactivity for synapsin and synaptotagmin suggesting the formation of presynaptic structures. Despite their common clonal origin, neurons cultured for 2-4 weeks in vitro comprise a heterogeneous population expressing several neurotransmitter phenotypes. Approximately 40% of the neurons display glutamatergic markers. A minority of neurons is immunoreactive for serotonin, gamma-amino-butyric acid, and its synthesizing enzyme glutamic acid decarboxylase. We have found no evidence for a dopaminergic phenotype. Subgroups of NT2 neurons respond to the application of nitric oxide donors with the synthesis of cGMP. A major subset shows immunoreactivity to the cholinergic markers choline acetyl-transferase, vesicular acetylcholine transporter, and the non-phosphorylated form of neurofilament H, all indicative of motor neurons. The NT2 system may thus be well suited for research related to motor neuron diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grzegorz Podrygajlo
- Division of Cell Biology, Institute of Physiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Bischofsholer Damm 15, 30173, Hannover, Germany
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50
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Stem cells: implications in experimental ischaemic stroke therapy. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2008; 4:227-33. [PMID: 18516704 DOI: 10.1007/s12015-008-9025-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/05/2008] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Ischaemic stroke is a syndrome characterized by rapid onset of neurological injury due to interruption of blood flow to the brain. Widespread neuronal damage throughout the CNS has been shown to cause marked and multifarious functional impairments in the ischaemic brain. Recent advances as enumerated above have propelled acute ischaemic stroke management into a therapeutic era. However, once the damage from a stroke event has maximized, little can be done to recover premorbid function. Experimental animal data suggests that stem cell therapy may be an effective alternate to the conventional disease management strategies of ischaemic stroke. Therefore, the present review focuses on detailing the scope of stem cell therapy in the treatment of ischaemic stroke.
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