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Babu HWS, Kumar SM, Kaur H, Iyer M, Vellingiri B. Midbrain organoids for Parkinson's disease (PD) - A powerful tool to understand the disease pathogenesis. Life Sci 2024; 345:122610. [PMID: 38580194 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2024.122610] [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: 01/10/2024] [Revised: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024]
Abstract
Brain Organiods (BOs) are a promising technique for researching disease progression in the human brain. These organoids, which are produced from human induced pluripotent stem cells (HiPSCs), can construct themselves into structured frameworks. In the context of Parkinson's disease (PD), recent advancements have been made in the development of Midbrain organoids (MBOs) models that consider key pathophysiological mechanisms such as alpha-synuclein (α-Syn), Lewy bodies, dopamine loss, and microglia activation. However, there are limitations to the current use of BOs in disease modelling and drug discovery, such as the lack of vascularization, long-term differentiation, and absence of glial cells. To address these limitations, researchers have proposed the use of spinning bioreactors to improve oxygen and nutrient perfusion. Modelling PD utilising modern experimental in vitro models is a valuable tool for studying disease mechanisms and elucidating previously unknown features of PD. In this paper, we exclusively review the unique methods available for cultivating MBOs using a pumping system that mimics the circulatory system. This mechanism may aid in delivering the required amount of oxygen and nutrients to all areas of the organoids, preventing cell death, and allowing for long-term culture and using co-culturing techniques for developing glial cell in BOs. Furthermore, we emphasise some of the significant discoveries about the BOs and the potential challenges of using BOs will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harysh Winster Suresh Babu
- Human Cytogenetics and Stem Cell Laboratory, Department of Zoology, School of Basic Sciences, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda 151401, Punjab, India
| | - Sindduja Muthu Kumar
- Human Cytogenetics and Stem Cell Laboratory, Department of Zoology, School of Basic Sciences, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda 151401, Punjab, India
| | - Harsimrat Kaur
- Human Cytogenetics and Stem Cell Laboratory, Department of Zoology, School of Basic Sciences, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda 151401, Punjab, India
| | - Mahalaxmi Iyer
- Centre for Neuroscience, Department of Biotechnology, Karpagam Academy of Higher Education, Coimbatore-641021, Tamil Nadu, India; Department of Microbiology, School of Basic Sciences, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda 151401, Punjab, India
| | - Balachandar Vellingiri
- Human Cytogenetics and Stem Cell Laboratory, Department of Zoology, School of Basic Sciences, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda 151401, Punjab, India.
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2
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Cohen J, Mathew A, Dourvetakis KD, Sanchez-Guerrero E, Pangeni RP, Gurusamy N, Aenlle KK, Ravindran G, Twahir A, Isler D, Sosa-Garcia SR, Llizo A, Bested AC, Theoharides TC, Klimas NG, Kempuraj D. Recent Research Trends in Neuroinflammatory and Neurodegenerative Disorders. Cells 2024; 13:511. [PMID: 38534355 DOI: 10.3390/cells13060511] [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: 12/25/2023] [Revised: 03/03/2024] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Neuroinflammatory and neurodegenerative disorders including Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), traumatic brain injury (TBI) and Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) are chronic major health disorders. The exact mechanism of the neuroimmune dysfunctions of these disease pathogeneses is currently not clearly understood. These disorders show dysregulated neuroimmune and inflammatory responses, including activation of neurons, glial cells, and neurovascular unit damage associated with excessive release of proinflammatory cytokines, chemokines, neurotoxic mediators, and infiltration of peripheral immune cells into the brain, as well as entry of inflammatory mediators through damaged neurovascular endothelial cells, blood-brain barrier and tight junction proteins. Activation of glial cells and immune cells leads to the release of many inflammatory and neurotoxic molecules that cause neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration. Gulf War Illness (GWI) and myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) are chronic disorders that are also associated with neuroimmune dysfunctions. Currently, there are no effective disease-modifying therapeutic options available for these diseases. Human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived neurons, astrocytes, microglia, endothelial cells and pericytes are currently used for many disease models for drug discovery. This review highlights certain recent trends in neuroinflammatory responses and iPSC-derived brain cell applications in neuroinflammatory disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Cohen
- Institute for Neuro-Immune Medicine, Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33328, USA
| | - Annette Mathew
- Institute for Neuro-Immune Medicine, Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33328, USA
| | - Kirk D Dourvetakis
- Institute for Neuro-Immune Medicine, Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33328, USA
| | - Estella Sanchez-Guerrero
- Institute for Neuro-Immune Medicine, Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33328, USA
| | - Rajendra P Pangeni
- Institute for Neuro-Immune Medicine, Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33328, USA
| | - Narasimman Gurusamy
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Barry and Judy Silverman College of Pharmacy, Nova Southeastern University, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33328, USA
| | - Kristina K Aenlle
- Institute for Neuro-Immune Medicine, Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33328, USA
- Miami VA Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center (GRECC), Miami Veterans Affairs Healthcare System, Miami, FL 33125, USA
| | - Geeta Ravindran
- Cell Therapy Institute, Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Allopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33328, USA
| | - Assma Twahir
- Institute for Neuro-Immune Medicine, Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33328, USA
| | - Dylan Isler
- Institute for Neuro-Immune Medicine, Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33328, USA
| | - Sara Rukmini Sosa-Garcia
- Institute for Neuro-Immune Medicine, Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33328, USA
| | - Axel Llizo
- Institute for Neuro-Immune Medicine, Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33328, USA
| | - Alison C Bested
- Institute for Neuro-Immune Medicine, Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33328, USA
| | - Theoharis C Theoharides
- Institute for Neuro-Immune Medicine, Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33328, USA
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunopharmacology and Drug Discovery, Department of Immunology, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02111, USA
| | - Nancy G Klimas
- Institute for Neuro-Immune Medicine, Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33328, USA
- Miami VA Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center (GRECC), Miami Veterans Affairs Healthcare System, Miami, FL 33125, USA
| | - Duraisamy Kempuraj
- Institute for Neuro-Immune Medicine, Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33328, USA
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Rezaei B, Giacomoni J, Nilsson F, Sozzi E, Fiorenzano A, Parmar M, Keller SS, Kajtez J. Modular 3D printed platform for fluidically connected human brain organoid culture. Biofabrication 2023; 16:015014. [PMID: 37956452 DOI: 10.1088/1758-5090/ad0c2c] [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: 06/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
Brain organoid technology has transformed both basic and applied biomedical research and paved the way for novel insights into developmental processes and disease states of the human brain. While the use of brain organoids has been rapidly growing in the past decade, the accompanying bioengineering and biofabrication solutions have remained scarce. As a result, most brain organoid protocols still rely on commercially available tools and culturing platforms that had previously been established for different purposes, thus entailing suboptimal culturing conditions and excessive use of plasticware. To address these issues, we developed a 3D printing pipeline for the fabrication of tailor-made culturing platforms for fluidically connected but spatially separated brain organoid array culture. This all-in-one platform allows all culturing steps-from cellular aggregation, spheroid growth, hydrogel embedding, and organoid maturation-to be performed in a single well plate without the need for organoid manipulation or transfer. Importantly, the approach relies on accessible materials and widely available 3D printing equipment. Furthermore, the developed design principles are modular and highly customizable. As such, we believe that the presented technology can be easily adapted by other research groups and fuel further development of culturing tools and platforms for brain organoids and other 3D cellular systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Babak Rezaei
- National Centre for Nano Fabrication and Characterization (DTU Nanolab), Technical University of Denmark, Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Jessica Giacomoni
- Department of Experimental Medical Science, Developmental and Regenerative Neurobiology, Wallenberg Neuroscience Center, Lund Stem Cell Center, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Fredrik Nilsson
- Department of Experimental Medical Science, Developmental and Regenerative Neurobiology, Wallenberg Neuroscience Center, Lund Stem Cell Center, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Edoardo Sozzi
- Department of Experimental Medical Science, Developmental and Regenerative Neurobiology, Wallenberg Neuroscience Center, Lund Stem Cell Center, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Alessandro Fiorenzano
- Department of Experimental Medical Science, Developmental and Regenerative Neurobiology, Wallenberg Neuroscience Center, Lund Stem Cell Center, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Stem Cell Fate Laboratory, Institute of Genetics and Biophysics"A.BuzzatiTraverso", CNR, Naples, Italy
| | - Malin Parmar
- Department of Experimental Medical Science, Developmental and Regenerative Neurobiology, Wallenberg Neuroscience Center, Lund Stem Cell Center, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Stephan S Keller
- National Centre for Nano Fabrication and Characterization (DTU Nanolab), Technical University of Denmark, Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Janko Kajtez
- Department of Experimental Medical Science, Developmental and Regenerative Neurobiology, Wallenberg Neuroscience Center, Lund Stem Cell Center, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
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Werner JM, Gillis J. Preservation of co-expression defines the primary tissue fidelity of human neural organoids. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.03.31.535112. [PMID: 37034757 PMCID: PMC10081321 DOI: 10.1101/2023.03.31.535112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Human neural organoid models offer an exciting opportunity for studying often inaccessible human-specific brain development; however, it remains unclear how precisely organoids recapitulate fetal/primary tissue biology. Here, we characterize field-wide replicability and biological fidelity through a meta-analysis of single-cell RNA-sequencing data for first and second trimester human primary brain (2.95 million cells, 51 datasets) and neural organoids (1.63 million cells, 130 datasets). We quantify the degree to which primary tissue cell-type marker expression and co-expression are recapitulated in organoids across 12 different protocol types. By quantifying gene-level preservation of primary tissue co-expression, we show neural organoids lie on a spectrum ranging from virtually no signal to co-expression near indistinguishable from primary tissue data, demonstrating high fidelity is within the scope of current methods. Additionally, we show neural organoids preserve the cell-type specific co-expression of developing rather than adult cells, confirming organoids are an appropriate model for primary tissue development. Overall, quantifying the preservation of primary tissue co-expression is a powerful tool for uncovering unifying axes of variation across heterogeneous neural organoid experiments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan M Werner
- The Stanley Institute for Cognitive Genomics, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724, USA
| | - Jesse Gillis
- The Stanley Institute for Cognitive Genomics, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724, USA
- Physiology Department and Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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5
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Kreutz A, Hu G, Tokar E. Pluripotent Stem Cell-derived Dopaminergic Neurons for Studying Developmental Neurotoxicity. Stem Cell Rev Rep 2023; 19:2120-2130. [PMID: 37273171 PMCID: PMC10579108 DOI: 10.1007/s12015-023-10555-9] [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: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
With the vast number of chemicals in commerce, higher throughput strategies are needed to inform risk assessment. The field of toxicology is therefore moving away from traditional in vivo guideline studies towards in vitro new approach methodologies. There has been a great push for such a shift in the field of developmental neurotoxicity, where there is a particular lack of data. A battery of in vitro new approach methodologies has thus been developed to help fill this gap. Included in this battery are assays for numerous processes critical to neurodevelopment, such as proliferation, migration, and synaptogenesis. The current battery of developmental neurotoxicity new approach methodologies still lacks recapitulation of several critical neurodevelopmental processes, including development of neuronal subtypes. With their pluripotency, alongside other advantages, pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) are uniquely suited to address questions of developmental neurotoxicity, as they can recapitulate the different stages of human in vivo neurodevelopment. Among the various neuronal subtypes, development of dopaminergic neurons (DA) is perhaps the best understood and several approaches exist to differentiate PSCs into DA. Herein we review these approaches and propose utilizing PSCs for screening of the impact of environmental chemicals on development of DA. Related techniques and gaps in knowledge are also addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Kreutz
- Mechanistic Toxicology Branch, Division of Translational Toxicology, NIEHS, Research Triangle Park, Durham, NC, 27709, USA.
- Epigenetics and Stem Cell Biology Laboratory, Division of Intramural Research, NIEHS, Research Triangle Park, Durham, NC, 27709, USA.
| | - Guang Hu
- Epigenetics and Stem Cell Biology Laboratory, Division of Intramural Research, NIEHS, Research Triangle Park, Durham, NC, 27709, USA
| | - Erik Tokar
- Mechanistic Toxicology Branch, Division of Translational Toxicology, NIEHS, Research Triangle Park, Durham, NC, 27709, USA
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6
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Pavăl D. The dopamine hypothesis of autism spectrum disorder: A comprehensive analysis of the evidence. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF NEUROBIOLOGY 2023; 173:1-42. [PMID: 37993174 DOI: 10.1016/bs.irn.2023.08.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2023]
Abstract
Despite intensive research into the etiopathogenesis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), limited progress has been achieved so far. Among the plethora of models seeking to clarify how ASD arises, a coherent dopaminergic model was lacking until recently. In 2017, we provided a theoretical framework that we designated "the dopamine hypothesis of ASD". In the meantime, numerous studies yielded empirical evidence for this model. 4 years later, we provided a second version encompassing a refined and reconceptualized framework that accounted for these novel findings. In this chapter, we will review the evidence backing the previous versions of our model and add the most recent developments to the picture. Along these lines, we intend to lay out a comprehensive analysis of the supporting evidence for the dopamine hypothesis of ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denis Pavăl
- The Romanian Association for Autoimmune Encephalitis, Cluj-Napoca, Romania; Department of Psychiatry, "Iuliu Hațieganu" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania.
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7
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Toh HSY, Choo XY, Sun AX. Midbrain organoids-development and applications in Parkinson's disease. OXFORD OPEN NEUROSCIENCE 2023; 2:kvad009. [PMID: 38596240 PMCID: PMC10913847 DOI: 10.1093/oons/kvad009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Revised: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
Human brain development is spatially and temporally complex. Insufficient access to human brain tissue and inadequacy of animal models has limited the study of brain development and neurodegenerative diseases. Recent advancements of brain organoid technology have created novel opportunities to model human-specific neurodevelopment and brain diseases. In this review, we discuss the use of brain organoids to model the midbrain and Parkinson's disease. We critically evaluate the extent of recapitulation of PD pathology by organoids and discuss areas of future development that may lead to the model to become a next-generation, personalized therapeutic strategy for PD and beyond.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hilary S Y Toh
- Neuroscience & Behavioural Disorders Programme, Duke-NUS Medical School, 8 College Road, Singapore
| | - Xin Yi Choo
- Neuroscience & Behavioural Disorders Programme, Duke-NUS Medical School, 8 College Road, Singapore
| | - Alfred Xuyang Sun
- Neuroscience & Behavioural Disorders Programme, Duke-NUS Medical School, 8 College Road, Singapore
- National Neuroscience Institute, 11 Jln Tan Tock Seng, Singapore
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8
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Yan YW, Qian ES, Woodard LE, Bejoy J. Neural lineage differentiation of human pluripotent stem cells: Advances in disease modeling. World J Stem Cells 2023; 15:530-547. [PMID: 37424945 PMCID: PMC10324500 DOI: 10.4252/wjsc.v15.i6.530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Brain diseases affect 1 in 6 people worldwide. These diseases range from acute neurological conditions such as stroke to chronic neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease. Recent advancements in tissue-engineered brain disease models have overcome many of the different shortcomings associated with the various animal models, tissue culture models, and epidemiologic patient data that are commonly used to study brain disease. One innovative method by which to model human neurological disease is via the directed differentiation of human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) to neural lineages including neurons, astrocytes, and oligodendrocytes. Three-dimensional models such as brain organoids have also been derived from hPSCs, offering more physiological relevance due to their incorporation of various cell types. As such, brain organoids can better model the pathophysiology of neural diseases observed in patients. In this review, we will emphasize recent developments in hPSC-based tissue culture models of neurological disorders and how they are being used to create neural disease models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan-Wei Yan
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, United States
| | - Eddie S Qian
- Nephrology and Hypertension, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, United States
| | - Lauren E Woodard
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, United States
- Department of Veterans Affairs, Tennessee Valley Healthcare System, Nashville, TN 37232, United States
- Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, United States
| | - Julie Bejoy
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, United States
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Sugeno N, Hasegawa T. Unraveling the Complex Interplay between Alpha-Synuclein and Epigenetic Modification. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24076645. [PMID: 37047616 PMCID: PMC10094812 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24076645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2023] [Revised: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Alpha-synuclein (αS) is a small, presynaptic neuronal protein encoded by the SNCA gene. Point mutations and gene multiplication of SNCA cause rare familial forms of Parkinson’s disease (PD). Misfolded αS is cytotoxic and is a component of Lewy bodies, which are a pathological hallmark of PD. Because SNCA multiplication is sufficient to cause full-blown PD, gene dosage likely has a strong impact on pathogenesis. In sporadic PD, increased SNCA expression resulting from a minor genetic background and various environmental factors may contribute to pathogenesis in a complementary manner. With respect to genetic background, several risk loci neighboring the SNCA gene have been identified, and epigenetic alterations, such as CpG methylation and regulatory histone marks, are considered important factors. These alterations synergistically upregulate αS expression and some post-translational modifications of αS facilitate its translocation to the nucleus. Nuclear αS interacts with DNA, histones, and their modifiers to alter epigenetic status; thereby, influencing the stability of neuronal function. Epigenetic changes do not affect the gene itself but can provide an appropriate transcriptional response for neuronal survival through DNA methylation or histone modifications. As a new approach, publicly available RNA sequencing datasets from human midbrain-like organoids may be used to compare transcriptional responses through epigenetic alterations. This informatic approach combined with the vast amount of transcriptomics data will lead to the discovery of novel pathways for the development of disease-modifying therapies for PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naoto Sugeno
- Division of Neurology, Department of Neuroscience & Sensory Organs, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai 980-8574, Japan
| | - Takafumi Hasegawa
- Division of Neurology, Department of Neuroscience & Sensory Organs, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai 980-8574, Japan
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Yeap YJ, Teddy TJW, Lee MJ, Goh M, Lim KL. From 2D to 3D: Development of Monolayer Dopaminergic Neuronal and Midbrain Organoid Cultures for Parkinson's Disease Modeling and Regenerative Therapy. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24032523. [PMID: 36768843 PMCID: PMC9917335 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24032523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Revised: 01/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Parkinson's Disease (PD) is a prevalent neurodegenerative disorder that is characterized pathologically by the loss of A9-specific dopaminergic (DA) neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc) of the midbrain. Despite intensive research, the etiology of PD is currently unresolved, and the disease remains incurable. This, in part, is due to the lack of an experimental disease model that could faithfully recapitulate the features of human PD. However, the recent advent of induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technology has allowed PD models to be created from patient-derived cells. Indeed, DA neurons from PD patients are now routinely established in many laboratories as monolayers as well as 3D organoid cultures that serve as useful toolboxes for understanding the mechanism underlying PD and also for drug discovery. At the same time, the iPSC technology also provides unprecedented opportunity for autologous cell-based therapy for the PD patient to be performed using the patient's own cells as starting materials. In this review, we provide an update on the molecular processes underpinning the development and differentiation of human pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) into midbrain DA neurons in both 2D and 3D cultures, as well as the latest advancements in using these cells for drug discovery and regenerative medicine. For the novice entering the field, the cornucopia of differentiation protocols reported for the generation of midbrain DA neurons may seem daunting. Here, we have distilled the essence of the different approaches and summarized the main factors driving DA neuronal differentiation, with the view to provide a useful guide to newcomers who are interested in developing iPSC-based models of PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yee Jie Yeap
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 308232, Singapore
| | - Tng J. W. Teddy
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 308232, Singapore
- Interdisciplinary Graduate Programme (IGP-Neuroscience), Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 639798, Singapore
| | - Mok Jung Lee
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 308232, Singapore
| | - Micaela Goh
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 308232, Singapore
| | - Kah Leong Lim
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 308232, Singapore
- National Neuroscience Institute, Singapore 308433, Singapore
- Department of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK
- Department of Anatomy, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030001, China
- Correspondence:
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Sozzi E, Kajtez J, Bruzelius A, Wesseler MF, Nilsson F, Birtele M, Larsen NB, Ottosson DR, Storm P, Parmar M, Fiorenzano A. Silk scaffolding drives self-assembly of functional and mature human brain organoids. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:1023279. [PMID: 36313550 PMCID: PMC9614032 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.1023279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) are intrinsically able to self-organize into cerebral organoids that mimic features of developing human brain tissue. These three-dimensional structures provide a unique opportunity to generate cytoarchitecture and cell-cell interactions reminiscent of human brain complexity in a dish. However, current in vitro brain organoid methodologies often result in intra-organoid variability, limiting their use in recapitulating later developmental stages as well as in disease modeling and drug discovery. In addition, cell stress and hypoxia resulting from long-term culture lead to incomplete maturation and cell death within the inner core. Here, we used a recombinant silk microfiber network as a scaffold to drive hPSCs to self-arrange into engineered cerebral organoids. Silk scaffolding promoted neuroectoderm formation and reduced heterogeneity of cellular organization within individual organoids. Bulk and single cell transcriptomics confirmed that silk cerebral organoids display more homogeneous and functionally mature neuronal properties than organoids grown in the absence of silk scaffold. Furthermore, oxygen sensing analysis showed that silk scaffolds create more favorable growth and differentiation conditions by facilitating the delivery of oxygen and nutrients. The silk scaffolding strategy appears to reduce intra-organoid variability and enhances self-organization into functionally mature human brain organoids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edoardo Sozzi
- Department of Experimental Medical Science, Developmental and Regenerative Neurobiology, Wallenberg Neuroscience Center, Lund Stem Cell Center, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Janko Kajtez
- Department of Experimental Medical Science, Developmental and Regenerative Neurobiology, Wallenberg Neuroscience Center, Lund Stem Cell Center, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Andreas Bruzelius
- Department of Experimental Medical Science, Regenerative Neurophysiology, Wallenberg Neuroscience Center, Lund Stem Cell Center, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Milan Finn Wesseler
- Department of Health Technology (DTU Health Tech), Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Fredrik Nilsson
- Department of Experimental Medical Science, Developmental and Regenerative Neurobiology, Wallenberg Neuroscience Center, Lund Stem Cell Center, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Marcella Birtele
- Department of Experimental Medical Science, Developmental and Regenerative Neurobiology, Wallenberg Neuroscience Center, Lund Stem Cell Center, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Niels B. Larsen
- Department of Health Technology (DTU Health Tech), Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Daniella Rylander Ottosson
- Department of Experimental Medical Science, Regenerative Neurophysiology, Wallenberg Neuroscience Center, Lund Stem Cell Center, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Petter Storm
- Department of Experimental Medical Science, Developmental and Regenerative Neurobiology, Wallenberg Neuroscience Center, Lund Stem Cell Center, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Malin Parmar
- Department of Experimental Medical Science, Developmental and Regenerative Neurobiology, Wallenberg Neuroscience Center, Lund Stem Cell Center, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Alessandro Fiorenzano
- Department of Experimental Medical Science, Developmental and Regenerative Neurobiology, Wallenberg Neuroscience Center, Lund Stem Cell Center, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- *Correspondence: Alessandro Fiorenzano,
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