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Herrera ML, Paraíso-Luna J, Bustos-Martínez I, Barco Á. Targeting epigenetic dysregulation in autism spectrum disorders. Trends Mol Med 2024:S1471-4914(24)00162-X. [PMID: 38971705 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2024.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2024] [Revised: 06/08/2024] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/08/2024]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) comprise a range of neurodevelopmental pathologies characterized by deficits in social interaction and repetitive behaviors, collectively affecting almost 1% of the worldwide population. Deciphering the etiology of ASD has proven challenging due to the intricate interplay of genetic and environmental factors and the variety of molecular pathways affected. Epigenomic alterations have emerged as key players in ASD etiology. Their research has led to the identification of biomarkers for diagnosis and pinpointed specific gene targets for therapeutic interventions. This review examines the role of epigenetic alterations, resulting from both genetic and environmental influences, as a central causative factor in ASD, delving into its contribution to pathogenesis and treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Macarena L Herrera
- Instituto de Neurociencias (Universidad Miguel Hernández - Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas), Av. Santiago Ramón y Cajal s/n, Sant Joan d'Alacant, 03550 Alicante, Spain
| | - Juan Paraíso-Luna
- Instituto de Neurociencias (Universidad Miguel Hernández - Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas), Av. Santiago Ramón y Cajal s/n, Sant Joan d'Alacant, 03550 Alicante, Spain
| | - Isabel Bustos-Martínez
- Instituto de Neurociencias (Universidad Miguel Hernández - Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas), Av. Santiago Ramón y Cajal s/n, Sant Joan d'Alacant, 03550 Alicante, Spain
| | - Ángel Barco
- Instituto de Neurociencias (Universidad Miguel Hernández - Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas), Av. Santiago Ramón y Cajal s/n, Sant Joan d'Alacant, 03550 Alicante, Spain.
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2
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Spathopoulou A, Podlesnic M, De Gaetano L, Kirsch EM, Tisch M, Finotello F, Aigner L, Günther K, Edenhofer F. Single-cell Profiling of Reprogrammed Human Neural Stem Cells Unveils High Similarity to Neural Progenitors in the Developing Central Nervous System. Stem Cell Rev Rep 2024; 20:1325-1339. [PMID: 38519702 PMCID: PMC11222274 DOI: 10.1007/s12015-024-10698-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Similar to induced pluripotent cells (iPSCs), induced neural stem cells (iNSCs) can be directly converted from human somatic cells such as dermal fibroblasts and peripheral blood monocytes. While previous studies have demonstrated the resemblance of iNSCs to neural stem cells derived from primary sources and embryonic stem cells, respectively, a comprehensive analysis of the correlation between iNSCs and their physiological counterparts remained to be investigated. METHODS Nowadays, single-cell sequencing technologies provide unique opportunities for in-depth cellular benchmarking of complex cell populations. Our study involves the comprehensive profiling of converted human iNSCs at a single-cell transcriptomic level, alongside conventional methods, like flow cytometry and immunofluorescence stainings. RESULTS Our results show that the iNSC conversion yields a homogeneous cell population expressing bona fide neural stem cell markers. Extracting transcriptomic signatures from published single cell transcriptomic atlas data and comparison to the iNSC transcriptome reveals resemblance to embryonic neuroepithelial cells of early neurodevelopmental stages observed in vivo at 5 weeks of development. CONCLUSION Our data underscore the physiological relevance of directly converted iNSCs, making them a valuable in vitro system for modeling human central nervous system development and establishing translational applications in cell therapy and compound screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angeliki Spathopoulou
- Department of Molecular Biology & CMBI, Genomics, Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine Group, University of Innsbruck, Technikerstraße 25, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Martina Podlesnic
- Department of Molecular Biology & CMBI, Genomics, Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine Group, University of Innsbruck, Technikerstraße 25, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Laura De Gaetano
- Department of Molecular Biology & CMBI, Genomics, Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine Group, University of Innsbruck, Technikerstraße 25, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Elena Marie Kirsch
- Institute of Molecular Regenerative Medicine, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
- Center for Stroke Research, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Department of Experimental Neurology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Marcel Tisch
- Department of Molecular Biology & CMBI, Genomics, Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine Group, University of Innsbruck, Technikerstraße 25, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Francesca Finotello
- Department of Molecular Biology, Digital Science Center (DiSC), University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Ludwig Aigner
- Institute of Molecular Regenerative Medicine, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Katharina Günther
- Department of Molecular Biology & CMBI, Genomics, Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine Group, University of Innsbruck, Technikerstraße 25, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria
- Institute of Molecular Regenerative Medicine, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Frank Edenhofer
- Department of Molecular Biology & CMBI, Genomics, Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine Group, University of Innsbruck, Technikerstraße 25, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria.
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Traxler L, Borgogno O, Mertens J. Ignorance is bliss: Inhibition of proteomic stress sensing improves direct neuronal conversion. Neuron 2024; 112:1035-1037. [PMID: 38574725 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2024.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2024] [Revised: 03/07/2024] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
Direct conversion of non-neuronal cells to neurons offers opportunities for disease modeling and therapy. In this issue of Neuron, Sonsalla et al.1 reveal the unfolded protein response (UPR) pathway as a "proteomic roadblock" to direct neuronal conversion; overcoming this roadblock enhances reprogramming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Larissa Traxler
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA; Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, La Jolla, CA, USA; Laboratory of Genetics, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Oliver Borgogno
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA; Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, La Jolla, CA, USA; Laboratory of Genetics, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Jerome Mertens
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA; Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, La Jolla, CA, USA; Laboratory of Genetics, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, USA.
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4
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Bellon A. Comparing stem cells, transdifferentiation and brain organoids as tools for psychiatric research. Transl Psychiatry 2024; 14:127. [PMID: 38418498 PMCID: PMC10901833 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-024-02780-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/01/2024] Open
Abstract
The inaccessibility of neurons coming directly from patients has hindered our understanding of mental illnesses at the cellular level. To overcome this obstacle, six different cellular approaches that carry the genetic vulnerability to psychiatric disorders are currently available: Olfactory Neuroepithelial Cells, Mesenchymal Stem Cells, Pluripotent Monocytes, Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells, Induced Neuronal cells and more recently Brain Organoids. Here we contrast advantages and disadvantages of each of these six cell-based methodologies. Neuronal-like cells derived from pluripotent monocytes are presented in more detail as this technique was recently used in psychiatry for the first time. Among the parameters used for comparison are; accessibility, need for reprograming, time to deliver differentiated cells, differentiation efficiency, reproducibility of results and cost. We provide a timeline on the discovery of these cell-based methodologies, but, our main goal is to assist researchers selecting which cellular approach is best suited for any given project. This manuscript also aims to help readers better interpret results from the published literature. With this goal in mind, we end our work with a discussion about the differences and similarities between cell-based techniques and postmortem research, the only currently available tools that allow the study of mental illness in neurons or neuronal-like cells coming directly from patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alfredo Bellon
- Penn State Hershey Medical Center, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, Hershey, PA, USA.
- Penn State Hershey Medical Center, Department of Pharmacology, Hershey, PA, USA.
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5
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Beirute-Herrera J, López-Amo Calvo B, Edenhofer F, Esk C. The promise of genetic screens in human in vitro brain models. Biol Chem 2024; 405:13-24. [PMID: 37697643 DOI: 10.1515/hsz-2023-0174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/13/2023]
Abstract
Advances of in vitro culture models have allowed unprecedented insights into human neurobiology. At the same time genetic screening has matured into a robust and accessible experimental strategy allowing for the simultaneous study of many genes in parallel. The combination of both technologies is a newly emerging tool for neuroscientists, opening the door to identifying causal cell- and tissue-specific developmental and disease mechanisms. However, with complex experimental genetic screening set-ups new challenges in data interpretation and experimental scope arise that require a deep understanding of the benefits and challenges of individual approaches. In this review, we summarize the literature that applies genetic screening to in vitro brain models, compare experimental strengths and weaknesses and point towards future directions of these promising approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julianne Beirute-Herrera
- Institute of Molecular Biology, University Innsbruck, Technikerstr. 25, A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria
- Center for Molecular Biosciences, University Innsbruck, Technikerstr. 25, A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Beatriz López-Amo Calvo
- Institute of Molecular Biology, University Innsbruck, Technikerstr. 25, A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria
- Center for Molecular Biosciences, University Innsbruck, Technikerstr. 25, A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Frank Edenhofer
- Institute of Molecular Biology, University Innsbruck, Technikerstr. 25, A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria
- Center for Molecular Biosciences, University Innsbruck, Technikerstr. 25, A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Christopher Esk
- Institute of Molecular Biology, University Innsbruck, Technikerstr. 25, A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria
- Center for Molecular Biosciences, University Innsbruck, Technikerstr. 25, A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria
- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology of the Austrian Academy of Science (IMBA), Vienna BioCenter (VBC), Dr. Bohr Gasse 3, 1030 Vienna, Austria
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6
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Réthelyi JM, Vincze K, Schall D, Glennon J, Berkel S. The role of insulin/IGF1 signalling in neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric disorders - Evidence from human neuronal cell models. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2023; 153:105330. [PMID: 37516219 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2023.105330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Revised: 07/15/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/31/2023]
Abstract
Insulin and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1) signalling play a central role in the development and maintenance of neurons in the brain, and human neurodevelopmental as well as neuropsychiatric disorders have been linked to impaired insulin and IGF1 signalling. This review focuses on the impairments of the insulin and IGF1 signalling cascade in the context of neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric disorders, based on evidence from human neuronal cell models. Clear evidence was obtained for impaired insulin and IGF1 receptor downstream signalling in neurodevelopmental disorders, while the evidence for its role in neuropsychiatric disorders was less substantial. Human neuronal model systems can greatly add to our knowledge about insulin/IGF1 signalling in the brain, its role in restoring dendritic maturity, and complement results from clinical studies and animal models. Moreover, they represent a useful model for the development of new therapeutic strategies. Further research is needed to systematically investigate the exact role of the insulin/IGF1 signalling cascades in neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric disorders, and to elucidate the respective therapeutic implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- János M Réthelyi
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Katalin Vincze
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary; Doctoral School of Mental Health Sciences, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Dorothea Schall
- Institute of Human Genetics, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jeffrey Glennon
- Conway Institute of Biomedical and Biomolecular Research, School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Simone Berkel
- Institute of Human Genetics, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany; Interdisciplinary Centre of Neurosciences (IZN), Heidelberg University, Germany.
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7
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Sierra-Delgado JA, Sinha-Ray S, Kaleem A, Ganjibakhsh M, Parvate M, Powers S, Zhang X, Likhite S, Meyer K. In Vitro Modeling as a Tool for Testing Therapeutics for Spinal Muscular Atrophy and IGHMBP2-Related Disorders. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:867. [PMID: 37372153 DOI: 10.3390/biology12060867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) is the leading genetic cause of infant mortality. The most common form of SMA is caused by mutations in the SMN1 gene, located on 5q (SMA). On the other hand, mutations in IGHMBP2 lead to a large disease spectrum with no clear genotype-phenotype correlation, which includes Spinal Muscular Atrophy with Muscular Distress type 1 (SMARD1), an extremely rare form of SMA, and Charcot-Marie-Tooth 2S (CMT2S). We optimized a patient-derived in vitro model system that allows us to expand research on disease pathogenesis and gene function, as well as test the response to the AAV gene therapies we have translated to the clinic. We generated and characterized induced neurons (iN) from SMA and SMARD1/CMT2S patient cell lines. After establishing the lines, we treated the generated neurons with AAV9-mediated gene therapy (AAV9.SMN (Zolgensma) for SMA and AAV9.IGHMBP2 for IGHMBP2 disorders (NCT05152823)) to evaluate the response to treatment. The iNs of both diseases show a characteristic short neurite length and defects in neuronal conversion, which have been reported in the literature before with iPSC modeling. SMA iNs respond to treatment with AAV9.SMN in vitro, showing a partial rescue of the morphology phenotype. For SMARD1/CMT2S iNs, we were able to observe an improvement in the neurite length of neurons after the restoration of IGHMBP2 in all disease cell lines, albeit to a variable extent, with some lines showing better responses to treatment than others. Moreover, this protocol allowed us to classify a variant of uncertain significance on IGHMBP2 on a suspected SMARD1/CMT2S patient. This study will further the understanding of SMA, and SMARD1/CMT2S disease in particular, in the context of variable patient mutations, and might further the development of new treatments, which are urgently needed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Shrestha Sinha-Ray
- The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH 43205, USA
| | - Abuzar Kaleem
- The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH 43205, USA
| | - Meysam Ganjibakhsh
- The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH 43205, USA
| | - Mohini Parvate
- The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH 43205, USA
| | - Samantha Powers
- The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH 43205, USA
| | - Xiaojin Zhang
- The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH 43205, USA
| | - Shibi Likhite
- The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH 43205, USA
| | - Kathrin Meyer
- The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH 43205, USA
- College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43205, USA
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8
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Zimyanin VL, Pielka AM, Glaß H, Japtok J, Großmann D, Martin M, Deussen A, Szewczyk B, Deppmann C, Zunder E, Andersen PM, Boeckers TM, Sterneckert J, Redemann S, Storch A, Hermann A. Live Cell Imaging of ATP Levels Reveals Metabolic Compartmentalization within Motoneurons and Early Metabolic Changes in FUS ALS Motoneurons. Cells 2023; 12:1352. [PMID: 37408187 PMCID: PMC10216752 DOI: 10.3390/cells12101352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Revised: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Motoneurons are one of the most energy-demanding cell types and a primary target in Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a debilitating and lethal neurodegenerative disorder without currently available effective treatments. Disruption of mitochondrial ultrastructure, transport, and metabolism is a commonly reported phenotype in ALS models and can critically affect survival and the proper function of motor neurons. However, how changes in metabolic rates contribute to ALS progression is not fully understood yet. Here, we utilize hiPCS-derived motoneuron cultures and live imaging quantitative techniques to evaluate metabolic rates in fused in sarcoma (FUS)-ALS model cells. We show that differentiation and maturation of motoneurons are accompanied by an overall upregulation of mitochondrial components and a significant increase in metabolic rates that correspond to their high energy-demanding state. Detailed compartment-specific live measurements using a fluorescent ATP sensor and FLIM imaging show significantly lower levels of ATP in the somas of cells carrying FUS-ALS mutations. These changes lead to the increased vulnerability of diseased motoneurons to further metabolic challenges with mitochondrial inhibitors and could be due to the disruption of mitochondrial inner membrane integrity and an increase in its proton leakage. Furthermore, our measurements demonstrate heterogeneity between axonal and somatic compartments, with lower relative levels of ATP in axons. Our observations strongly support the hypothesis that mutated FUS impacts the metabolic states of motoneurons and makes them more susceptible to further neurodegenerative mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vitaly L Zimyanin
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biological Physics, School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22903, USA
- Center for Membrane and Cell Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22903, USA
- Department of Neurology, Technische Universität Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Anna-Maria Pielka
- Translational Neurodegeneration Section, "Albrecht Kossel", Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Rostock, University of Rostock, 18147 Rostock, Germany
| | - Hannes Glaß
- Translational Neurodegeneration Section, "Albrecht Kossel", Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Rostock, University of Rostock, 18147 Rostock, Germany
| | - Julia Japtok
- Department of Neurology, Technische Universität Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Dajana Großmann
- Translational Neurodegeneration Section, "Albrecht Kossel", Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Rostock, University of Rostock, 18147 Rostock, Germany
| | - Melanie Martin
- Institute of Physiology, Technische Universität Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Andreas Deussen
- Institute of Physiology, Technische Universität Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Barbara Szewczyk
- Translational Neurodegeneration Section, "Albrecht Kossel", Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Rostock, University of Rostock, 18147 Rostock, Germany
| | - Chris Deppmann
- Department of Biology, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22902, USA
| | - Eli Zunder
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22902, USA
| | - Peter M Andersen
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Neurosciences, Umeå University, SE-901 85 Umeå, Sweden
| | - Tobias M Boeckers
- Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen (DZNE), Ulm Site, 89081 Ulm, Germany
- Institute for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Ulm University, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Jared Sterneckert
- Centre for Regenerative Therapie, Technische Universität Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany
- Medical Faculty Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Stefanie Redemann
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biological Physics, School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22903, USA
- Center for Membrane and Cell Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22903, USA
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22902, USA
| | - Alexander Storch
- Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen (DZNE) Rostock/Greifswald, 18147 Rostock, Germany
- Center for Transdisciplinary Neurosciences Rostock (CTNR), University Medical Centre, University of Rostock, 18147 Rostock, Germany
- Department of Neurology, University of Rostock, 18147 Rostock, Germany
| | - Andreas Hermann
- Translational Neurodegeneration Section, "Albrecht Kossel", Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Rostock, University of Rostock, 18147 Rostock, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen (DZNE) Rostock/Greifswald, 18147 Rostock, Germany
- Center for Transdisciplinary Neurosciences Rostock (CTNR), University Medical Centre, University of Rostock, 18147 Rostock, Germany
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Santarriaga S, Gerlovin K, Layadi Y, Karmacharya R. Human stem cell-based models to study synaptic dysfunction and cognition in schizophrenia: A narrative review. Schizophr Res 2023:S0920-9964(23)00084-1. [PMID: 36925354 PMCID: PMC10500041 DOI: 10.1016/j.schres.2023.02.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2022] [Revised: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023]
Abstract
Cognitive impairment is the strongest predictor of functional outcomes in schizophrenia and is hypothesized to result from synaptic dysfunction. However, targeting synaptic plasticity and cognitive deficits in patients remains a significant clinical challenge. A comprehensive understanding of synaptic plasticity and the molecular basis of learning and memory in a disease context can provide specific targets for the development of novel therapeutics targeting cognitive impairments in schizophrenia. Here, we describe the role of synaptic plasticity in cognition, summarize evidence for synaptic dysfunction in schizophrenia and demonstrate the use of patient derived induced-pluripotent stem cells for studying synaptic plasticity in vitro. Lastly, we discuss current advances and future technologies for bridging basic science research of synaptic dysfunction with clinical and translational research that can be used to predict treatment response and develop novel therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Santarriaga
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; Chemical Biology and Therapeutic Science Program, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Kaia Gerlovin
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; Chemical Biology and Therapeutic Science Program, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Yasmine Layadi
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; Chimie ParisTech, Université Paris Sciences et Lettres, Paris, France
| | - Rakesh Karmacharya
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; Chemical Biology and Therapeutic Science Program, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Schizophrenia and Bipolar Disorder Program, McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA, USA.
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10
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Labarrade F, Botto JM, Imbert I. Co-culture of iNeurons with primary human skin cells provides a reliable model to examine intercellular communication. J Cosmet Dermatol 2023. [PMID: 36847702 DOI: 10.1111/jocd.15675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Revised: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/01/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The skin is a sensory organ, densely innervated with various types of sensory nerve endings, capable of discriminating touch, environmental sensations, proprioception, and physical affection. Neurons communication with skin cells confer to the tissue the ability to undergo adaptive modifications during response to environmental changes or wound healing after injury. Thought for a long time to be dedicated to the central nervous system, the glutamatergic neuromodulation is increasingly described in peripheral tissues. Glutamate receptors and transporters have been identified in the skin. There is a strong interest in understanding the communication between keratinocytes and neurons, as the close contacts with intra-epidermal nerve fibers is a favorable site for efficient communication. To date, various coculture models have been described. However, these models were based on non-human or immortalized cell line. Even the use of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) is posing limitations because of epigenetic variations during the reprogramming process. METHODS In this study, we performed small molecule-driven direct conversion of human skin primary fibroblasts into induced neurons (iNeurons). RESULTS The resulting iNeurons were mature, showed pan-neuronal markers, and exhibited a glutamatergic subtype and C-type fibers characteristics. Autologous coculture of iNeurons with human primary keratinocytes, fibroblasts, and melanocytes was performed and remained healthy for many days, making possible to study the establishment of intercellular interactions. CONCLUSION Here, we report that iNeurons and primary skin cells established contacts, with neurite ensheathment by keratinocytes, and demonstrated that iNeurons cocultured with primary skin cells provide a reliable model to examine intercellular communication.
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Direct Cell Reprogramming and Phenotypic Conversion: An Analysis of Experimental Attempts to Transform Astrocytes into Neurons in Adult Animals. Cells 2023; 12:cells12040618. [PMID: 36831283 PMCID: PMC9954435 DOI: 10.3390/cells12040618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Revised: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Central nervous system (CNS) repair after injury or disease remains an unresolved problem in neurobiology research and an unmet medical need. Directly reprogramming or converting astrocytes to neurons (AtN) in adult animals has been investigated as a potential strategy to facilitate brain and spinal cord recovery and advance fundamental biology. Conceptually, AtN strategies rely on forced expression or repression of lineage-specific transcription factors to make endogenous astrocytes become "induced neurons" (iNs), presumably without re-entering any pluripotent or multipotent states. The AtN-derived cells have been reported to manifest certain neuronal functions in vivo. However, this approach has raised many new questions and alternative explanations regarding the biological features of the end products (e.g., iNs versus neuron-like cells, neural functional changes, etc.), developmental biology underpinnings, and neurobiological essentials. For this paper per se, we proposed to draw an unconventional distinction between direct cell conversion and direct cell reprogramming, relative to somatic nuclear transfer, based on the experimental methods utilized to initiate the transformation process, aiming to promote a more in-depth mechanistic exploration. Moreover, we have summarized the current tactics employed for AtN induction, comparisons between the bench endeavors concerning outcome tangibility, and discussion of the issues of published AtN protocols. Lastly, the urgency to clearly define/devise the theoretical frameworks, cell biological bases, and bench specifics to experimentally validate primary data of AtN studies was highlighted.
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12
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Halonen SK. Use of in vitro derived human neuronal models to study host-parasite interactions of Toxoplasma gondii in neurons and neuropathogenesis of chronic toxoplasmosis. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2023; 13:1129451. [PMID: 36968101 PMCID: PMC10031036 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1129451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii infects approximately one-third of the world's population resulting in a chronic infection with the parasite located in cysts in neurons in the brain. In most immunocompetent hosts the chronic infection is asymptomatic, but several studies have found correlations between Toxoplasma seropositivity and neuropsychiatric disorders, including Schizophrenia, and some other neurological disorders. Host-parasite interactions of bradyzoites in cysts in neurons is not well understood due in part to the lack of suitable in vitro human neuronal models. The advent of stem cell technologies in which human neurons can be derived in vitro from human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) or direct conversion of somatic cells generating induced neurons (iNs), affords the opportunity to develop in vitro human neuronal culture systems to advance the understanding of T. gondii in human neurons. Human neurons derived from hiPSCs or iNs, generate pure human neuron monolayers that express differentiated neuronal characteristics. hiPSCs also generate 3D neuronal models that better recapitulate the cytoarchitecture of the human brain. In this review, an overview of iPSC-derived neurons and iN protocols leading to 2D human neuron cultures and hiPSC-derived 3D cerebral organoids will be given. The potential applications of these 2D and 3D human neuronal models to address questions about host-parasite interactions of T. gondii in neurons and the parasite in the CNS, will be discussed. These human neuronal in vitro models hold the promise to advance the understanding of T. gondii in human neurons and to improve the understanding of neuropathogenesis of chronic toxoplasmosis.
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Sattarov R, Toresson H, Orbjörn C, Mattsson-Carlgren N. Direct Conversion of Fibroblast into Neurons for Alzheimer's Disease Research: A Systematic Review. J Alzheimers Dis 2023; 95:805-828. [PMID: 37661882 PMCID: PMC10578293 DOI: 10.3233/jad-230119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a prevalent neurodegenerative disorder without a cure. Innovative disease models, such as induced neurons (iNs), could enhance our understanding of AD mechanisms and accelerate treatment development. However, a review of AD human iN studies is necessary to consolidate knowledge. OBJECTIVE The objective of this review is to examine the current body of literature on AD human iN cells and provide an overview of the findings to date. METHODS We searched two databases for relevant studies published between 2010 and 2023, identifying nine studies meeting our criteria. RESULTS Reviewed studies indicate the feasibility of generating iNs directly from AD patients' fibroblasts using chemical induction or viral vectors. These cells express mature neuronal markers, including MAP-2, NeuN, synapsin, and tau. However, most studies were limited in sample size and primarily focused on autosomal dominant familial AD (FAD) rather than the more common sporadic forms of AD. Several studies indicated that iNs derived from FAD fibroblasts exhibited abnormal amyloid-β metabolism, a characteristic feature of AD in humans. Additionally, elevated levels of hyperphosphorylated tau, another hallmark of AD, were reported in some studies. CONCLUSION Although only a limited number of small-scale studies are currently available, AD patient-derived iNs hold promise as a valuable model for investigating AD pathogenesis. Future research should aim to conduct larger studies, particularly focusing on sporadic AD cases, to enhance the clinical relevance of the findings for the broader AD patient population. Moreover, these cells can be utilized in screening potential novel treatments for AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roman Sattarov
- Department of Clinical Sciences Malmö, Clinical Memory Research Unit, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Håkan Toresson
- Department of Clinical Sciences Malmö, Clinical Memory Research Unit, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Camilla Orbjörn
- Department of Clinical Sciences Malmö, Clinical Memory Research Unit, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Niklas Mattsson-Carlgren
- Department of Clinical Sciences Malmö, Clinical Memory Research Unit, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Department of Neurology, Skåne University Hospital, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Wallenberg Center for Molecular Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
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14
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Aversano S, Caiazza C, Caiazzo M. Induced pluripotent stem cell-derived and directly reprogrammed neurons to study neurodegenerative diseases: The impact of aging signatures. Front Aging Neurosci 2022; 14:1069482. [PMID: 36620769 PMCID: PMC9810544 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2022.1069482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Many diseases of the central nervous system are age-associated and do not directly result from genetic mutations. These include late-onset neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs), which represent a challenge for biomedical research and drug development due to the impossibility to access to viable human brain specimens. Advancements in reprogramming technologies have allowed to obtain neurons from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) or directly from somatic cells (iNs), leading to the generation of better models to understand the molecular mechanisms and design of new drugs. Nevertheless, iPSC technology faces some limitations due to reprogramming-associated cellular rejuvenation which resets the aging hallmarks of donor cells. Given the prominent role of aging for the development and manifestation of late-onset NDDs, this suggests that this approach is not the most suitable to accurately model age-related diseases. Direct neuronal reprogramming, by which a neuron is formed via direct conversion from a somatic cell without going through a pluripotent intermediate stage, allows the possibility to generate patient-derived neurons that maintain aging and epigenetic signatures of the donor. This aspect may be advantageous for investigating the role of aging in neurodegeneration and for finely dissecting underlying pathological mechanisms. Here, we will compare iPSC and iN models as regards the aging status and explore how this difference is reported to affect the phenotype of NDD in vitro models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Aversano
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Carmen Caiazza
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Massimiliano Caiazzo
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy,Department of Pharmaceutics, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences (UIPS), Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands,*Correspondence: Massimiliano Caiazzo,
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15
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Tsujimoto H, Osafune K. Current status and future directions of clinical applications using iPS cells-focus on Japan. FEBS J 2022; 289:7274-7291. [PMID: 34407307 DOI: 10.1111/febs.16162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2021] [Revised: 08/04/2021] [Accepted: 08/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Regenerative medicine using iPS cell technologies has progressed remarkably in recent years. In this review, we summarize these technologies and their clinical application. First, we discuss progress in the establishment of iPS cells, including the HLA-homo iPS cell stock project in Japan and the advancement of low antigenic iPS cells using genome-editing technology. Then, we describe iPS cell-based therapies in or approaching clinical application, including those for ophthalmological, neurological, cardiac, hematological, cartilage, and metabolic diseases. Next, we introduce disease models generated from patient iPS cells and successfully used to identify therapeutic agents for intractable diseases. Clinical medicine using iPS cells has advanced safely and effectively by making full use of current scientific standards, but tests on cell safety need to be further developed and validated. The next decades will see the further spread of iPS cell technology-based regenerative medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiraku Tsujimoto
- Center for iPS Cell Research and Application (CiRA), Kyoto University, Japan.,RegeNephro Co., Ltd., MIC bldg. Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Japan
| | - Kenji Osafune
- Center for iPS Cell Research and Application (CiRA), Kyoto University, Japan.,Meiji University International Institute for Bio-Resource Research, Meiji University, Kanagawa, Japan
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16
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Traxler L, Herdy JR, Stefanoni D, Eichhorner S, Pelucchi S, Szücs A, Santagostino A, Kim Y, Agarwal RK, Schlachetzki JCM, Glass CK, Lagerwall J, Galasko D, Gage FH, D'Alessandro A, Mertens J. Warburg-like metabolic transformation underlies neuronal degeneration in sporadic Alzheimer's disease. Cell Metab 2022; 34:1248-1263.e6. [PMID: 35987203 PMCID: PMC9458870 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmet.2022.07.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2021] [Revised: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
The drivers of sporadic Alzheimer's disease (AD) remain incompletely understood. Utilizing directly converted induced neurons (iNs) from AD-patient-derived fibroblasts, we identified a metabolic switch to aerobic glycolysis in AD iNs. Pathological isoform switching of the glycolytic enzyme pyruvate kinase M (PKM) toward the cancer-associated PKM2 isoform conferred metabolic and transcriptional changes in AD iNs. These alterations occurred via PKM2's lack of metabolic activity and via nuclear translocation and association with STAT3 and HIF1α to promote neuronal fate loss and vulnerability. Chemical modulation of PKM2 prevented nuclear translocation, restored a mature neuronal metabolism, reversed AD-specific gene expression changes, and re-activated neuronal resilience against cell death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Larissa Traxler
- Neural Aging Laboratory, Institute of Molecular Biology, CMBI, Leopold-Franzens-University, Innsbruck 6020, Austria.
| | - Joseph R Herdy
- Neural Aging Laboratory, Institute of Molecular Biology, CMBI, Leopold-Franzens-University, Innsbruck 6020, Austria; Laboratory of Genetics, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Davide Stefanoni
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Sophie Eichhorner
- Neural Aging Laboratory, Institute of Molecular Biology, CMBI, Leopold-Franzens-University, Innsbruck 6020, Austria
| | - Silvia Pelucchi
- Neural Aging Laboratory, Institute of Molecular Biology, CMBI, Leopold-Franzens-University, Innsbruck 6020, Austria
| | - Attila Szücs
- Neuronal Cell Biology Research Group, Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest 1117, Hungary
| | - Alice Santagostino
- Neural Aging Laboratory, Institute of Molecular Biology, CMBI, Leopold-Franzens-University, Innsbruck 6020, Austria
| | - Yongsung Kim
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-5624, USA
| | - Ravi K Agarwal
- Laboratory of Genetics, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Johannes C M Schlachetzki
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Christopher K Glass
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Jessica Lagerwall
- Neural Aging Laboratory, Institute of Molecular Biology, CMBI, Leopold-Franzens-University, Innsbruck 6020, Austria
| | - Douglas Galasko
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Fred H Gage
- Laboratory of Genetics, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Angelo D'Alessandro
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Jerome Mertens
- Neural Aging Laboratory, Institute of Molecular Biology, CMBI, Leopold-Franzens-University, Innsbruck 6020, Austria; Laboratory of Genetics, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA.
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17
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Barbé L, Finkbeiner S. Genetic and Epigenetic Interplay Define Disease Onset and Severity in Repeat Diseases. Front Aging Neurosci 2022; 14:750629. [PMID: 35592702 PMCID: PMC9110800 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2022.750629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Repeat diseases, such as fragile X syndrome, myotonic dystrophy, Friedreich ataxia, Huntington disease, spinocerebellar ataxias, and some forms of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, are caused by repetitive DNA sequences that are expanded in affected individuals. The age at which an individual begins to experience symptoms, and the severity of disease, are partially determined by the size of the repeat. However, the epigenetic state of the area in and around the repeat also plays an important role in determining the age of disease onset and the rate of disease progression. Many repeat diseases share a common epigenetic pattern of increased methylation at CpG islands near the repeat region. CpG islands are CG-rich sequences that are tightly regulated by methylation and are often found at gene enhancer or insulator elements in the genome. Methylation of CpG islands can inhibit binding of the transcriptional regulator CTCF, resulting in a closed chromatin state and gene down regulation. The downregulation of these genes leads to some disease-specific symptoms. Additionally, a genetic and epigenetic interplay is suggested by an effect of methylation on repeat instability, a hallmark of large repeat expansions that leads to increasing disease severity in successive generations. In this review, we will discuss the common epigenetic patterns shared across repeat diseases, how the genetics and epigenetics interact, and how this could be involved in disease manifestation. We also discuss the currently available stem cell and mouse models, which frequently do not recapitulate epigenetic patterns observed in human disease, and propose alternative strategies to study the role of epigenetics in repeat diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lise Barbé
- Center for Systems and Therapeutics, Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, CA, United States
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
- Department of Physiology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Steve Finkbeiner
- Center for Systems and Therapeutics, Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, CA, United States
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
- Department of Physiology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
- *Correspondence: Steve Finkbeiner,
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18
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Gomes C, Sequeira C, Likhite S, Dennys CN, Kolb SJ, Shaw PJ, Vaz AR, Kaspar BK, Meyer K, Brites D. Neurotoxic Astrocytes Directly Converted from Sporadic and Familial ALS Patient Fibroblasts Reveal Signature Diversities and miR-146a Theragnostic Potential in Specific Subtypes. Cells 2022; 11:cells11071186. [PMID: 35406750 PMCID: PMC8997588 DOI: 10.3390/cells11071186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2022] [Revised: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
A lack of stratification methods in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is likely implicated in therapeutic failures. Regional diversities and pathophysiological abnormalities in astrocytes from mice with SOD1 mutations (mSOD1-ALS) can now be explored in human patients using somatic cell reprogramming. Here, fibroblasts from four sporadic (sALS) and three mSOD1-ALS patients were transdifferentiated into induced astrocytes (iAstrocytes). ALS iAstrocytes were neurotoxic toward HB9-GFP mouse motor neurons (MNs) and exhibited subtype stratification through GFAP, CX43, Ki-67, miR-155 and miR-146a expression levels. Up- (two cases) and down-regulated (three cases) miR-146a values in iAstrocytes were recapitulated in their secretome, either free or as cargo in small extracellular vesicles (sEVs). We previously showed that the neuroprotective phenotype of depleted miR-146 mSOD1 cortical astrocytes was reverted by its mimic. Thus, we tested such modulation in the most miR-146a-depleted patient-iAstrocytes (one sALS and one mSOD1-ALS). The miR-146a mimic in ALS iAstrocytes counteracted their reactive/inflammatory profile and restored miR-146a levels in sEVs. A reduction in lysosomal activity and enhanced synaptic/axonal transport-related genes in NSC-34 MNs occurred after co-culture with miR-146a-modulated iAstrocytes. In summary, the regulation of miR-146a in depleted ALS astrocytes may be key in reestablishing their normal function and in restoring MN lysosomal/synaptic dynamic plasticity in disease sub-groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cátia Gomes
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-003 Lisbon, Portugal; (C.G.); (C.S.); (A.R.V.)
- The Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH 43205, USA; (S.L.); (C.N.D.); (B.K.K.); (K.M.)
| | - Catarina Sequeira
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-003 Lisbon, Portugal; (C.G.); (C.S.); (A.R.V.)
| | - Shibi Likhite
- The Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH 43205, USA; (S.L.); (C.N.D.); (B.K.K.); (K.M.)
| | - Cassandra N. Dennys
- The Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH 43205, USA; (S.L.); (C.N.D.); (B.K.K.); (K.M.)
| | - Stephen J. Kolb
- Department of Neurology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH 43214, USA;
| | - Pamela J. Shaw
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2HQ, UK;
| | - Ana R. Vaz
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-003 Lisbon, Portugal; (C.G.); (C.S.); (A.R.V.)
- Pharmaceutical Sciences and Medicines, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-003 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Brian K. Kaspar
- The Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH 43205, USA; (S.L.); (C.N.D.); (B.K.K.); (K.M.)
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Kathrin Meyer
- The Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH 43205, USA; (S.L.); (C.N.D.); (B.K.K.); (K.M.)
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Dora Brites
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-003 Lisbon, Portugal; (C.G.); (C.S.); (A.R.V.)
- Pharmaceutical Sciences and Medicines, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-003 Lisbon, Portugal
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +351-217946450
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19
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Barak M, Fedorova V, Pospisilova V, Raska J, Vochyanova S, Sedmik J, Hribkova H, Klimova H, Vanova T, Bohaciakova D. Human iPSC-Derived Neural Models for Studying Alzheimer's Disease: from Neural Stem Cells to Cerebral Organoids. Stem Cell Rev Rep 2022; 18:792-820. [PMID: 35107767 PMCID: PMC8930932 DOI: 10.1007/s12015-021-10254-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
During the past two decades, induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) have been widely used to study mechanisms of human neural development, disease modeling, and drug discovery in vitro. Especially in the field of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), where this treatment is lacking, tremendous effort has been put into the investigation of molecular mechanisms behind this disease using induced pluripotent stem cell-based models. Numerous of these studies have found either novel regulatory mechanisms that could be exploited to develop relevant drugs for AD treatment or have already tested small molecules on in vitro cultures, directly demonstrating their effect on amelioration of AD-associated pathology. This review thus summarizes currently used differentiation strategies of induced pluripotent stem cells towards neuronal and glial cell types and cerebral organoids and their utilization in modeling AD and potential drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Barak
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Veronika Fedorova
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Veronika Pospisilova
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Raska
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Simona Vochyanova
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jiri Sedmik
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
- International Clinical Research Center, St. Anne's Faculty Hospital Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Hana Hribkova
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Hana Klimova
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Tereza Vanova
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
- International Clinical Research Center, St. Anne's Faculty Hospital Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Dasa Bohaciakova
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University Brno, Brno, Czech Republic.
- International Clinical Research Center, St. Anne's Faculty Hospital Brno, Brno, Czech Republic.
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20
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Chao CC, Shen PW, Tzeng TY, Kung HJ, Tsai TF, Wong YH. Human iPSC-Derived Neurons as A Platform for Deciphering the Mechanisms behind Brain Aging. Biomedicines 2021; 9:1635. [PMID: 34829864 PMCID: PMC8615703 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9111635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2021] [Revised: 11/04/2021] [Accepted: 11/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
With an increased life expectancy among humans, aging has recently emerged as a major focus in biomedical research. The lack of in vitro aging models-especially for neurological disorders, where access to human brain tissues is limited-has hampered the progress in studies on human brain aging and various age-associated neurodegenerative diseases at the cellular and molecular level. In this review, we provide an overview of age-related changes in the transcriptome, in signaling pathways, and in relation to epigenetic factors that occur in senescent neurons. Moreover, we explore the current cell models used to study neuronal aging in vitro, including immortalized cell lines, primary neuronal culture, neurons directly converted from fibroblasts (Fib-iNs), and iPSC-derived neurons (iPSC-iNs); we also discuss the advantages and limitations of these models. In addition, the key phenotypes associated with cellular senescence that have been observed by these models are compared. Finally, we focus on the potential of combining human iPSC-iNs with genome editing technology in order to further our understanding of brain aging and neurodegenerative diseases, and discuss the future directions and challenges in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuan-Chuan Chao
- Aging and Health Research Center, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 112, Taiwan; (C.-C.C.); (T.-F.T.)
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 112, Taiwan
| | - Po-Wen Shen
- Program in Molecular Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University and Academia Sinica, Taipei 112, Taiwan;
- Ph.D. Program for Cancer Biology and Drug Discovery, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan
| | - Tsai-Yu Tzeng
- Cancer Progression Research Center, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 112, Taiwan;
| | - Hsing-Jien Kung
- Institute of Molecular and Genomic Medicine, National Health Research Institutes, Zhunan, Miaoli 350, Taiwan;
- Research Center of Cancer Translational Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California at Davis, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
| | - Ting-Fen Tsai
- Aging and Health Research Center, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 112, Taiwan; (C.-C.C.); (T.-F.T.)
- Institute of Molecular and Genomic Medicine, National Health Research Institutes, Zhunan, Miaoli 350, Taiwan;
- Department of Life Sciences and Institute of Genome Sciences, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 112, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Hui Wong
- Department of Life Sciences and Institute of Genome Sciences, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 112, Taiwan
- Brain Research Center, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 112, Taiwan
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21
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Mertens J, Herdy JR, Traxler L, Schafer ST, Schlachetzki JCM, Böhnke L, Reid DA, Lee H, Zangwill D, Fernandes DP, Agarwal RK, Lucciola R, Zhou-Yang L, Karbacher L, Edenhofer F, Stern S, Horvath S, Paquola ACM, Glass CK, Yuan SH, Ku M, Szücs A, Goldstein LSB, Galasko D, Gage FH. Age-dependent instability of mature neuronal fate in induced neurons from Alzheimer's patients. Cell Stem Cell 2021; 28:1533-1548.e6. [PMID: 33910058 PMCID: PMC8423435 DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2021.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2020] [Revised: 02/17/2021] [Accepted: 04/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Sporadic Alzheimer's disease (AD) exclusively affects elderly people. Using direct conversion of AD patient fibroblasts into induced neurons (iNs), we generated an age-equivalent neuronal model. AD patient-derived iNs exhibit strong neuronal transcriptome signatures characterized by downregulation of mature neuronal properties and upregulation of immature and progenitor-like signaling pathways. Mapping iNs to longitudinal neuronal differentiation trajectory data demonstrated that AD iNs reflect a hypo-mature neuronal identity characterized by markers of stress, cell cycle, and de-differentiation. Epigenetic landscape profiling revealed an underlying aberrant neuronal state that shares similarities with malignant transformation and age-dependent epigenetic erosion. To probe for the involvement of aging, we generated rejuvenated iPSC-derived neurons that showed no significant disease-related transcriptome signatures, a feature that is consistent with epigenetic clock and brain ontogenesis mapping, which indicate that fibroblast-derived iNs more closely reflect old adult brain stages. Our findings identify AD-related neuronal changes as age-dependent cellular programs that impair neuronal identity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jerome Mertens
- Laboratory of Genetics, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, USA; Neural Aging Laboratory, Institute of Molecular Biology, CMBI, Leopold-Franzens-University Innsbruck, Tyrol, Austria.
| | - Joseph R Herdy
- Laboratory of Genetics, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, USA; Neural Aging Laboratory, Institute of Molecular Biology, CMBI, Leopold-Franzens-University Innsbruck, Tyrol, Austria; Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Larissa Traxler
- Laboratory of Genetics, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, USA; Neural Aging Laboratory, Institute of Molecular Biology, CMBI, Leopold-Franzens-University Innsbruck, Tyrol, Austria
| | - Simon T Schafer
- Laboratory of Genetics, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Johannes C M Schlachetzki
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Lena Böhnke
- Laboratory of Genetics, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, USA; Neural Aging Laboratory, Institute of Molecular Biology, CMBI, Leopold-Franzens-University Innsbruck, Tyrol, Austria
| | - Dylan A Reid
- Laboratory of Genetics, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Hyungjun Lee
- Laboratory of Genetics, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Dina Zangwill
- Laboratory of Genetics, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Diana P Fernandes
- Laboratory of Genetics, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Ravi K Agarwal
- Laboratory of Genetics, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Raffaella Lucciola
- Laboratory of Genetics, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Lucia Zhou-Yang
- Neural Aging Laboratory, Institute of Molecular Biology, CMBI, Leopold-Franzens-University Innsbruck, Tyrol, Austria
| | - Lukas Karbacher
- Neural Aging Laboratory, Institute of Molecular Biology, CMBI, Leopold-Franzens-University Innsbruck, Tyrol, Austria
| | - Frank Edenhofer
- Department of Genomics, Stem Cells & Regenerative Medicine, Institute of Molecular Biology, CMBI, Institute of Molecular Biology and CMBI, Leopold-Franzens-University Innsbruck, Tyrol, Austria
| | - Shani Stern
- Laboratory of Genetics, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, USA; Sagol Department of Neurobiology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Steve Horvath
- Department of Human Genetics, Department of Biostatistics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Apua C M Paquola
- Laboratory of Genetics, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, USA; Lieber Institute for Brain Development, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Christopher K Glass
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Shauna H Yuan
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA; University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, Department of Neurology, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Manching Ku
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Attila Szücs
- Neuronal Cell Biology Research Group, Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Lawrence S B Goldstein
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA; Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA; Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Douglas Galasko
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Fred H Gage
- Laboratory of Genetics, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, USA.
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22
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Opportunities and Challenges in Stem Cell Aging. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2021; 1341:143-175. [PMID: 33748933 DOI: 10.1007/5584_2021_624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Studying aging, as a physiological process that can cause various pathological phenotypes, has attracted lots of attention due to its increasing burden and prevalence. Therefore, understanding its mechanism to find novel therapeutic alternatives for age-related disorders such as neurodegenerative and cardiovascular diseases is essential. Stem cell senescence plays an important role in aging. In the context of the underlying pathways, mitochondrial dysfunction, epigenetic and genetic alterations, and other mechanisms have been studied and as a consequence, several rejuvenation strategies targeting these mechanisms like pharmaceutical interventions, genetic modification, and cellular reprogramming have been proposed. On the other hand, since stem cells have great potential for disease modeling, they have been useful for representing aging and its associated disorders. Accordingly, the main mechanisms of senescence in stem cells and promising ways of rejuvenation, along with some examples of stem cell models for aging are introduced and discussed. This review aims to prepare a comprehensive summary of the findings by focusing on the most recent ones to shine a light on this area of research.
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23
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Unterholzner J, Millischer V, Wotawa C, Sawa A, Lanzenberger R. Making Sense of Patient-Derived iPSCs, Transdifferentiated Neurons, Olfactory Neuronal Cells, and Cerebral Organoids as Models for Psychiatric Disorders. Int J Neuropsychopharmacol 2021; 24:759-775. [PMID: 34216465 PMCID: PMC8538891 DOI: 10.1093/ijnp/pyab037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2020] [Revised: 05/30/2021] [Accepted: 07/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The improvement of experimental models for disorders requires a constant approximation towards the dysregulated tissue. In psychiatry, where an impairment of neuronal structure and function is assumed to play a major role in disease mechanisms and symptom development, this approximation is an ongoing process implicating various fields. These include genetic, animal, and post-mortem studies. To test hypotheses generated through these studies, in vitro models using non-neuronal cells such as fibroblasts and lymphocytes have been developed. For brain network disorders, cells with neuronal signatures would, however, represent a more adequate tissue. Considering the limited accessibility of brain tissue, research has thus turned towards neurons generated from induced pluripotent stem cells as well as directly induced neurons, cerebral organoids, and olfactory neuroepithelium. Regarding the increasing importance and amount of research using these neuronal cells, this review aims to provide an overview of all these models to make sense of the current literature. The development of each model system and its use as a model for the various psychiatric disorder categories will be laid out. Also, advantages and limitations of each model will be discussed, including a reflection on implications and future perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jakob Unterholzner
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Austria
| | - Vincent Millischer
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Austria,Neurogenetics Unit, Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden,Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Christoph Wotawa
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Austria
| | - Akira Sawa
- Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA,Departments of Psychiatry, Neuroscience, Biomedical Engineering and Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Rupert Lanzenberger
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Austria,Correspondence: Prof. Rupert Lanzenberger, MD, PD, NEUROIMAGING LABS (NIL) - PET, MRI, EEG, TMS & Chemical Lab, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18–20, 1090 Vienna, Austria ()
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24
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Staats KA. Editorial: Stem Cells in Neurodegeneration: Disease Modeling and Therapeutics. Front Neurosci 2021; 15:683122. [PMID: 34168537 PMCID: PMC8217811 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2021.683122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- K A Staats
- Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States.,Staats Life Sciences Consulting, LLC, Los Angeles, CA, United States
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25
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Abstract
Direct cell fate conversion of human somatic cells into induced neurons (iNs) is often regarded as a highly concerted one-step process. In this issue of Cell Stem Cell, Cates et al. (2021) dissect the iN conversion trajectory into two largely independent steps and identify key players at each stage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph R Herdy
- Neural Aging Laboratory, Institute of Molecular Biology, CMBI, Leopold-Franzens-University Innsbruck, Austria; Laboratory of Genetics, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Lukas Karbacher
- Neural Aging Laboratory, Institute of Molecular Biology, CMBI, Leopold-Franzens-University Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Jerome Mertens
- Neural Aging Laboratory, Institute of Molecular Biology, CMBI, Leopold-Franzens-University Innsbruck, Austria; Laboratory of Genetics, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, USA.
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26
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Kim KM, Thaqi M, Peterson DA, Marr RA. Induced Neurons for Disease Modeling and Repair: A Focus on Non-fibroblastic Cell Sources in Direct Reprogramming. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2021; 9:658498. [PMID: 33777923 PMCID: PMC7995206 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2021.658498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2021] [Accepted: 02/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Direct cellular reprogramming exhibits distinct advantages over reprogramming from an induced pluripotent stem cell intermediate. These include a reduced risk of tumorigenesis and the likely preservation of epigenetic data. In vitro direct reprogramming approaches primarily aim to model the pathophysiological development of neurological disease and identify therapeutic targets, while in vivo direct reprogramming aims to develop treatments for various neurological disorders, including cerebral injury and cancer. In both approaches, there is progress toward developing increased control of subtype-specific production of induced neurons. A majority of research primarily utilizes fibroblasts as the donor cells. However, there are a variety of other somatic cell types that have demonstrated the potential for reprogramming into induced neurons. This review highlights studies that utilize non-fibroblastic cell sources for reprogramming, such as astrocytes, olfactory ensheathing cells, peripheral blood cells, Müller glia, and more. We will examine benefits and obstructions for translation into therapeutics or disease modeling, as well as efficiency of the conversion. A summary of donor cells, induced neuron types, and methods of induction is also provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn M Kim
- Center for Neurodegenerative Disease and Therapeutics, Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Mentor Thaqi
- Center for Neurodegenerative Disease and Therapeutics, Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL, United States.,Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Daniel A Peterson
- Center for Neurodegenerative Disease and Therapeutics, Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Robert A Marr
- Center for Neurodegenerative Disease and Therapeutics, Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL, United States
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27
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Mollinari C, Merlo D. Direct Reprogramming of Somatic Cells to Neurons: Pros and Cons of Chemical Approach. Neurochem Res 2021; 46:1330-1336. [PMID: 33666839 PMCID: PMC8084785 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-021-03282-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2020] [Revised: 01/31/2021] [Accepted: 02/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Translating successful preclinical research in neurodegenerative diseases into clinical practice has been difficult. The preclinical disease models used for testing new drugs not always appear predictive of the effects of the agents in the human disease state. Human induced pluripotent stem cells, obtained by reprogramming of adult somatic cells, represent a powerful system to study the molecular mechanisms of the disease onset and pathogenesis. However, these cells require a long time to differentiate into functional neural cells and the resetting of epigenetic information during reprogramming, might miss the information imparted by age. On the contrary, the direct conversion of somatic cells to neuronal cells is much faster and more efficient, it is safer for cell therapy and allows to preserve the signatures of donors’ age. Direct reprogramming can be induced by lineage-specific transcription factors or chemical cocktails and represents a powerful tool for modeling neurological diseases and for regenerative medicine. In this Commentary we present and discuss strength and weakness of several strategies for the direct cellular reprogramming from somatic cells to generate human brain cells which maintain age‐related features. In particular, we describe and discuss chemical strategy for cellular reprogramming as it represents a valuable tool for many applications such as aged brain modeling, drug screening and personalized medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristiana Mollinari
- Institute of Translational Pharmacology, National Research Council, Via Fosso del Cavaliere 100, 00133, Rome, Italy. .,Department of Neuroscience, Istituto Superiore di Sanita', Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161, Rome, Italy.
| | - Daniela Merlo
- Department of Neuroscience, Istituto Superiore di Sanita', Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161, Rome, Italy
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28
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Samoylova EM, Baklaushev VP. Cell Reprogramming Preserving Epigenetic Age: Advantages and Limitations. BIOCHEMISTRY (MOSCOW) 2021; 85:1035-1047. [PMID: 33050850 DOI: 10.1134/s0006297920090047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Our understanding of cell aging advanced significantly since the discovery of this phenomenon by Hayflick and Moorhead in 1961. In addition to the well-known shortening of telomeric regions of chromosomes, cell aging is closely associated with changes of the DNA methylation profile. Establishing, maintaining, or reversing epigenetic age of a cell is central to the technology of cell reprogramming. Two distinct approaches - iPSC- and transdifferentiation-based cell reprogramming - affect differently epigenetic age of the cells. The iPSC-based reprogramming protocols are generally believed to result in the reversion of DNA methylation profiles towards less differentiated states, while the original methylation profiles are preserved in the direct trans-differentiation protocols. Clearly, in order to develop adequate model of CNS pathologies, one has to have thorough understanding of the biological roles of DNA methylation in the development, maintenance of functional activity, tissue and cell diversity, restructuring of neural networks during learning, as well as in aging-associated neuronal decline. Direct cell reprogramming is an excellent alternative and a valuable supplement to the iPSC-based technologies both as a source of mature cells for modeling of neurodegenerative diseases, and as a novel powerful strategy for in vivo cell replacement therapy. Further advancement of the regenerative and personalized medicine will strongly depend on optimization of the production of patient-specific autologous cells involving alternative approaches of direct and indirect cell reprogramming that take into account epigenetic age of the starting cell material.
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Affiliation(s)
- E M Samoylova
- Federal Research Clinical Center, FMBA of Russia, Moscow, 115682, Russia.
| | - V P Baklaushev
- Federal Research Clinical Center, FMBA of Russia, Moscow, 115682, Russia
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29
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D’Souza GX, Rose SE, Knupp A, Nicholson DA, Keene CD, Young JE. The application of in vitro-derived human neurons in neurodegenerative disease modeling. J Neurosci Res 2021; 99:124-140. [PMID: 32170790 PMCID: PMC7487003 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.24615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2019] [Revised: 02/19/2020] [Accepted: 02/27/2020] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
The development of safe and effective treatments for age-associated neurodegenerative disorders is an on-going challenge faced by the scientific field. Key to the development of such therapies is the appropriate selection of modeling systems in which to investigate disease mechanisms and to test candidate interventions. There are unique challenges in the development of representative laboratory models of neurodegenerative diseases, including the complexity of the human brain, the cumulative and variable contributions of genetic and environmental factors over the course of a lifetime, inability to culture human primary neurons, and critical central nervous system differences between small animal models and humans. While traditional rodent models have advanced our understanding of neurodegenerative disease mechanisms, key divergences such as the species-specific genetic background can limit the application of animal models in many cases. Here we review in vitro human neuronal systems that employ stem cell and reprogramming technology and their application to a range of neurodegenerative diseases. Specifically, we compare human-induced pluripotent stem cell-derived neurons to directly converted, or transdifferentiated, induced neurons, as both model systems can take advantage of patient-derived human tissue to produce neurons in culture. We present recent technical developments using these two modeling systems, as well as current limitations to these systems, with the aim of advancing investigation of neuropathogenic mechanisms using these models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gary X. D’Souza
- Department of Neurological Sciences, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Shannon E. Rose
- Department of Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Allison Knupp
- Department of Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Daniel A. Nicholson
- Department of Neurological Sciences, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - C. Dirk Keene
- Department of Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Jessica E. Young
- Department of Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine (ISCRM), University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
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30
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Dotson GA, Ryan CW, Chen C, Muir L, Rajapakse I. Cellular reprogramming: Mathematics meets medicine. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS. SYSTEMS BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE 2020; 13:e1515. [PMID: 33289324 PMCID: PMC8867497 DOI: 10.1002/wsbm.1515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2020] [Revised: 11/05/2020] [Accepted: 11/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Generating needed cell types using cellular reprogramming is a promising strategy for restoring tissue function in injury or disease. A common method for reprogramming is addition of one or more transcription factors that confer a new function or identity. Advancements in transcription factor selection and delivery have culminated in successful grafting of autologous reprogrammed cells, an early demonstration of their clinical utility. Though cellular reprogramming has been successful in a number of settings, identification of appropriate transcription factors for a particular transformation has been challenging. Computational methods enable more sophisticated prediction of relevant transcription factors for reprogramming by leveraging gene expression data of initial and target cell types, and are built on mathematical frameworks ranging from information theory to control theory. This review highlights the utility and impact of these mathematical frameworks in the field of cellular reprogramming. This article is categorized under: Reproductive System Diseases > Reproductive System Diseases>Genetics/Genomics/Epigenetics Reproductive System Diseases > Reproductive System Diseases>Stem Cells and Development Reproductive System Diseases > Reproductive System Diseases>Computational Models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabrielle A. Dotson
- Department of Computational Medicine and Bioinformatics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, 48109, USA
| | - Charles W. Ryan
- Department of Computational Medicine and Bioinformatics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, 48109, USA
- Program in Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, 48109, USA
- Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, 48109, USA
| | - Can Chen
- Department of Mathematics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, 48109, USA
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, 48109, USA
| | - Lindsey Muir
- Department of Computational Medicine and Bioinformatics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, 48109, USA
| | - Indika Rajapakse
- Department of Computational Medicine and Bioinformatics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, 48109, USA
- Department of Mathematics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, 48109, USA
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31
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Zhang Y, Xie X, Hu J, Afreen KS, Zhang CL, Zhuge Q, Yang J. Prospects of Directly Reprogrammed Adult Human Neurons for Neurodegenerative Disease Modeling and Drug Discovery: iN vs. iPSCs Models. Front Neurosci 2020; 14:546484. [PMID: 33328842 PMCID: PMC7710799 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2020.546484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2020] [Accepted: 10/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
A reliable disease model is critical to the study of specific disease mechanisms as well as for the discovery and development of new drugs. Despite providing crucial insights into the mechanisms of neurodegenerative diseases, translation of this information to develop therapeutics in clinical trials have been unsuccessful. Reprogramming technology to convert adult somatic cells to induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (iPSCs) or directly reprogramming adult somatic cells to induced Neurons (iN), has allowed for the creation of better models to understand the molecular mechanisms and design of new drugs. In recent times, iPSC technology has been commonly used for modeling neurodegenerative diseases and drug discovery. However, several technological challenges have limited the application of iN. As evidence suggests, iN for the modeling of neurodegenerative disorders is advantageous compared to those derived from iPSCs. In this review, we will compare iPSCs and iN models for neurodegenerative diseases and their potential applications in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Zhang
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Aging and Neurological Disorder Research, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.,Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Xinyang Xie
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Aging and Neurological Disorder Research, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.,Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.,International Department of The Affiliated High School of South China Normal University (HFI), Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiangnan Hu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, United States
| | - Kazi Sabrina Afreen
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Chun-Li Zhang
- Department of Molecular Biology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States
| | - Qichuan Zhuge
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Aging and Neurological Disorder Research, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.,Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Jianjing Yang
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Aging and Neurological Disorder Research, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.,Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
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32
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The Future of Direct Cardiac Reprogramming: Any GMT Cocktail Variety? Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21217950. [PMID: 33114756 PMCID: PMC7663133 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21217950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Revised: 10/21/2020] [Accepted: 10/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Direct cardiac reprogramming has emerged as a novel therapeutic approach to treat and regenerate injured hearts through the direct conversion of fibroblasts into cardiac cells. Most studies have focused on the reprogramming of fibroblasts into induced cardiomyocytes (iCMs). The first study in which this technology was described, showed that at least a combination of three transcription factors, GATA4, MEF2C and TBX5 (GMT cocktail), was required for the reprogramming into iCMs in vitro using mouse cells. However, this was later demonstrated to be insufficient for the reprogramming of human cells and additional factors were required. Thereafter, most studies have focused on implementing reprogramming efficiency and obtaining fully reprogrammed and functional iCMs, by the incorporation of other transcription factors, microRNAs or small molecules to the original GMT cocktail. In this respect, great advances have been made in recent years. However, there is still no consensus on which of these GMT-based varieties is best, and robust and highly reproducible protocols are still urgently required, especially in the case of human cells. On the other hand, apart from CMs, other cells such as endothelial and smooth muscle cells to form new blood vessels will be fundamental for the correct reconstruction of damaged cardiac tissue. With this aim, several studies have centered on the direct reprogramming of fibroblasts into induced cardiac progenitor cells (iCPCs) able to give rise to all myocardial cell lineages. Especially interesting are reports in which multipotent and highly expandable mouse iCPCs have been obtained, suggesting that clinically relevant amounts of these cells could be created. However, as of yet, this has not been achieved with human iCPCs, and exactly what stage of maturity is appropriate for a cell therapy product remains an open question. Nonetheless, the major concern in regenerative medicine is the poor retention, survival, and engraftment of transplanted cells in the cardiac tissue. To circumvent this issue, several cell pre-conditioning approaches are currently being explored. As an alternative to cell injection, in vivo reprogramming may face fewer barriers for its translation to the clinic. This approach has achieved better results in terms of efficiency and iCMs maturity in mouse models, indicating that the heart environment can favor this process. In this context, in recent years some studies have focused on the development of safer delivery systems such as Sendai virus, Adenovirus, chemical cocktails or nanoparticles. This article provides an in-depth review of the in vitro and in vivo cardiac reprograming technology used in mouse and human cells to obtain iCMs and iCPCs, and discusses what challenges still lie ahead and what hurdles are to be overcome before results from this field can be transferred to the clinical settings.
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33
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Galet B, Cheval H, Ravassard P. Patient-Derived Midbrain Organoids to Explore the Molecular Basis of Parkinson's Disease. Front Neurol 2020; 11:1005. [PMID: 33013664 PMCID: PMC7500100 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2020.01005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2020] [Accepted: 07/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Induced pluripotent stem cell-derived organoids offer an unprecedented access to complex human tissues that recapitulate features of architecture, composition and function of in vivo organs. In the context of Parkinson's Disease (PD), human midbrain organoids (hMO) are of significant interest, as they generate dopaminergic neurons expressing markers of Substantia Nigra identity, which are the most vulnerable to degeneration. Combined with genome editing approaches, hMO may thus constitute a valuable tool to dissect the genetic makeup of PD by revealing the effects of risk variants on pathological mechanisms in a representative cellular environment. Furthermore, the flexibility of organoid co-culture approaches may also enable the study of neuroinflammatory and neurovascular processes, as well as interactions with other brain regions that are also affected over the course of the disease. We here review existing protocols to generate hMO, how they have been used so far to model PD, address challenges inherent to organoid cultures, and discuss applicable strategies to dissect the molecular pathophysiology of the disease. Taken together, the research suggests that this technology represents a promising alternative to 2D in vitro models, which could significantly improve our understanding of PD and help accelerate therapeutic developments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Galet
- Molecular Pathophysiology of Parkinson's Disease Group, Paris Brain Institute (ICM), INSERM U, CNRS UMR 7225, Sorbonne University, Paris, France
| | - Hélène Cheval
- Molecular Pathophysiology of Parkinson's Disease Group, Paris Brain Institute (ICM), INSERM U, CNRS UMR 7225, Sorbonne University, Paris, France
| | - Philippe Ravassard
- Molecular Pathophysiology of Parkinson's Disease Group, Paris Brain Institute (ICM), INSERM U, CNRS UMR 7225, Sorbonne University, Paris, France
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34
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Mateos-Aparicio P, Bello SA, Rodríguez-Moreno A. Challenges in Physiological Phenotyping of hiPSC-Derived Neurons: From 2D Cultures to 3D Brain Organoids. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:797. [PMID: 32984317 PMCID: PMC7479826 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.00797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2020] [Accepted: 07/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurons derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSC-derived neurons) offer novel opportunities for the development of preclinical models of human neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs). Recent advances in the past few years have increased substantially the potential of these techniques and have uncovered new challenges that the field is facing. Here, we outline and discuss challenges related to the functional characterization of hiPSC-derived neurons and propose ways to overcome current difficulties. In particular, the enormous variability among studies in the electrical properties of hiPSC-derived neurons and broad differences in cell maturation are factors that impair reproducibility. Furthermore, we discuss how the use of 3D brain organoids are of help in resolving some difficulties posed by 2D cultures. Finally, we elaborate on recent and future advances that may help to overcome the discussed challenges and speed-up progress in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Antonio Rodríguez-Moreno
- Laboratory of Cellular Neuroscience and Plasticity, Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Cell Biology, Universidad Pablo de Olavide, Seville, Spain
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35
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Robin C, Jaffredo T, Zaehres H. Stem cell reprogramming: blood, neurons, and beyond. FEBS Lett 2019; 593:3241-3243. [PMID: 31814136 DOI: 10.1002/1873-3468.13660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Catherine Robin
- Hubrecht Institute-KNAW, University Medical Center Utrecht, The Netherlands.,Regenerative Medicine Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Thierry Jaffredo
- Laboratoire de Biologie du Développement, CNRS UMR7622, Paris Cedex 05, France.,UMR7622, Laboratoire de Biologie du Développement, Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, Paris Cedex 05, France
| | - Holm Zaehres
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Biomedicine, Münster, Germany.,Institute of Anatomy, Ruhr University Bochum, Medical Faculty, Germany
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Erharter A, Rizzi S, Mertens J, Edenhofer F. Take the shortcut - direct conversion of somatic cells into induced neural stem cells and their biomedical applications. FEBS Lett 2019; 593:3353-3369. [PMID: 31663609 PMCID: PMC6916337 DOI: 10.1002/1873-3468.13656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2019] [Revised: 10/12/2019] [Accepted: 10/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Second-generation reprogramming of somatic cells directly into the cell type of interest avoids induction of pluripotency and subsequent cumbersome differentiation procedures. Several recent studies have reported direct conversion of human somatic cells into stably proliferating induced neural stem cells (iNSCs). Importantly, iNSCs are easier, faster, and more cost-efficient to generate than induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), and also have a higher level of clinical safety. Stably, self-renewing iNSCs can be derived from different cellular sources, such as skin fibroblasts and peripheral blood mononuclear cells, and readily differentiate into neuronal and glial lineages that are indistinguishable from their iPSC-derived counterparts or from NSCs isolated from primary tissues. This review focuses on the derivation and characterization of iNSCs and their biomedical applications. We first outline different approaches to generate iNSCs and then discuss the underlying molecular mechanisms. Finally, we summarize the preclinical validation of iNSCs to highlight that these cells are promising targets for disease modeling, autologous cell therapy, and precision medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anita Erharter
- Department of Molecular Biology & CMBI, Genomics, Stem Cell Biology & Regenerative Medicine, Leopold-Franzens-University Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Sandra Rizzi
- Department of Molecular Biology & CMBI, Genomics, Stem Cell Biology & Regenerative Medicine, Leopold-Franzens-University Innsbruck, Austria.,Institute of Pharmacology, Medical University Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Jerome Mertens
- Department of Molecular Biology & CMBI, Genomics, Stem Cell Biology & Regenerative Medicine, Leopold-Franzens-University Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Frank Edenhofer
- Department of Molecular Biology & CMBI, Genomics, Stem Cell Biology & Regenerative Medicine, Leopold-Franzens-University Innsbruck, Austria
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