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Staicu CE, Jipa F, Axente E, Radu M, Radu BM, Sima F. Lab-on-a-Chip Platforms as Tools for Drug Screening in Neuropathologies Associated with Blood-Brain Barrier Alterations. Biomolecules 2021; 11:916. [PMID: 34205550 PMCID: PMC8235582 DOI: 10.3390/biom11060916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2021] [Revised: 06/15/2021] [Accepted: 06/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Lab-on-a-chip (LOC) and organ-on-a-chip (OOC) devices are highly versatile platforms that enable miniaturization and advanced controlled laboratory functions (i.e., microfluidics, advanced optical or electrical recordings, high-throughput screening). The manufacturing advancements of LOCs/OOCs for biomedical applications and their current limitations are briefly discussed. Multiple studies have exploited the advantages of mimicking organs or tissues on a chip. Among these, we focused our attention on the brain-on-a-chip, blood-brain barrier (BBB)-on-a-chip, and neurovascular unit (NVU)-on-a-chip applications. Mainly, we review the latest developments of brain-on-a-chip, BBB-on-a-chip, and NVU-on-a-chip devices and their use as testing platforms for high-throughput pharmacological screening. In particular, we analyze the most important contributions of these studies in the field of neurodegenerative diseases and their relevance in translational personalized medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Elena Staicu
- Department of Anatomy, Animal Physiology and Biophysics, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, 050095 Bucharest, Romania;
- Center for Advanced Laser Technologies, National Institute for Laser, Plasma and Radiation Physics, 077125 Măgurele, Romania; (F.J.); (E.A.); (F.S.)
| | - Florin Jipa
- Center for Advanced Laser Technologies, National Institute for Laser, Plasma and Radiation Physics, 077125 Măgurele, Romania; (F.J.); (E.A.); (F.S.)
| | - Emanuel Axente
- Center for Advanced Laser Technologies, National Institute for Laser, Plasma and Radiation Physics, 077125 Măgurele, Romania; (F.J.); (E.A.); (F.S.)
| | - Mihai Radu
- Department of Life and Environmental Physics, ‘Horia Hulubei’ National Institute for Physics and Nuclear Engineering, 077125 Măgurele, Romania;
| | - Beatrice Mihaela Radu
- Department of Anatomy, Animal Physiology and Biophysics, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, 050095 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Felix Sima
- Center for Advanced Laser Technologies, National Institute for Laser, Plasma and Radiation Physics, 077125 Măgurele, Romania; (F.J.); (E.A.); (F.S.)
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2
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Zhang X, Li Z, Liu Y, Gai Z. Great Expectations: Induced pluripotent stem cell technologies in neurodevelopmental impairments. Int J Med Sci 2021; 18:459-473. [PMID: 33390815 PMCID: PMC7757149 DOI: 10.7150/ijms.51842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2020] [Accepted: 11/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Somatic cells such as skin fibroblasts, umbilical cord blood, peripheral blood, urinary epithelial cells, etc., are transformed into induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) by reprogramming technology, a milestone in the stem-cell research field. IPSCs are similar to embryonic stem cells (ESCs), exhibiting the potential to differentiate into various somatic cells. Still, the former avoid problems of immune rejection and medical ethics in the study of ESCs and clinical trials. Neurodevelopmental disorders are chronic developmental brain dysfunctions that affect cognition, exercise, social adaptability, behavior, etc. Due to various inherited or acquired causes, they seriously affect the physical and psychological health of infants and children. These include generalized stunting / mental disability (GDD/ID), Epilepsy, autism spectrum disease (ASD), and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Most neurodevelopmental disorders are challenging to cure. Establishing a neurodevelopmental disorder system model is essential for researching and treating neurodevelopmental disorders. At this stage, the scarcity of samples is a bigger problem for studying neurological diseases based on the donor, ethics, etc. Some iPSCs are reprogrammed from somatic cells that carry disease-causing mutations. They differentiate into nerve cells by induction, which has the original characteristics of diseases. Disease-specific iPSCs are used to study the mechanism and pathogenesis of neurodevelopmental disorders. The process provided samples and the impetus for developing drugs and developing treatment plans for neurodevelopmental disorders. Here, this article mainly introduced the development of iPSCs, the currently established iPSCs disease models, and artificial organoids related to neurodevelopmental impairments. This technology will promote our understanding of neurodevelopmental impairments and bring great expectations to children with neurological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue Zhang
- Pediatric Research Institute, Qilu Children's Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Ji'nan 250022, China.,Jinan Pediatric Research Institute, Jinan Children's Hospital, Ji'nan 250022, China.,Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Children's Medical Center, The Second Hospital of Shandong University, Ji'nan 250033, China
| | - Zilong Li
- Pediatric Research Institute, Qilu Children's Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Ji'nan 250022, China.,Jinan Pediatric Research Institute, Jinan Children's Hospital, Ji'nan 250022, China
| | - Yi Liu
- Pediatric Research Institute, Qilu Children's Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Ji'nan 250022, China.,Jinan Pediatric Research Institute, Jinan Children's Hospital, Ji'nan 250022, China
| | - Zhongtao Gai
- Pediatric Research Institute, Qilu Children's Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Ji'nan 250022, China.,Jinan Pediatric Research Institute, Jinan Children's Hospital, Ji'nan 250022, China
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3
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Hirose S, Tanaka Y, Shibata M, Kimura Y, Ishikawa M, Higurashi N, Yamamoto T, Ichise E, Chiyonobu T, Ishii A. Application of induced pluripotent stem cells in epilepsy. Mol Cell Neurosci 2020; 108:103535. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mcn.2020.103535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2020] [Revised: 07/10/2020] [Accepted: 07/31/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
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4
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Pernia C, Tobe BTD, O'Donnell R, Snyder EY. The Evolution of Stem Cells, Disease Modeling, and Drug Discovery for Neurological Disorders. Stem Cells Dev 2020; 29:1131-1141. [PMID: 32024446 DOI: 10.1089/scd.2019.0217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Human neurological disorders are among the most challenging areas of translational research. The difficulty of acquiring human neural samples or specific representative animal models has necessitated a multifaceted approach to understanding disease pathology and drug discovery. The dedifferentiation of somatic cells to human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) for the generation of neural derivatives has broadened the capability of biomedical research to study human cell types in neurological disorders. The initial zeal for the potential of hiPSCs for immediate biomedical breakthroughs has evolved to more reasonable expectations. Over the past decade, hiPSC technology has demonstrated the capacity to successfully establish "disease in a dish" models of complex neurological disorders and to identify possible novel therapeutics. However, as hiPSCs are used more broadly, an increased understanding of the limitations of hiPSC studies is becoming more evident. In this study, we review the challenges of studying neurological disorders, the current limitations of stem cell-based disease modeling, and the degrees to which hiPSC studies to date have demonstrated the capacity to fill essential gaps in neurological research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cameron Pernia
- Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, California, USA.,Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Brian T D Tobe
- Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, California, USA.,Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, La Jolla, California, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, Veterans Administration Medical Center, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Ryan O'Donnell
- Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, California, USA.,Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Evan Y Snyder
- Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, California, USA.,Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, La Jolla, California, USA
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5
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Khalili Alashti S, Fallahi J, Mohammadi S, Dehghanian F, Farbood Z, Masoudi M, Poorang S, Jokar A, Fardaei M. Two novel mutations in the MECP2 gene in patients with Rett syndrome. Gene 2020; 732:144337. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2020.144337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2019] [Revised: 12/04/2019] [Accepted: 01/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
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6
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Freel BA, Sheets JN, Francis KR. iPSC modeling of rare pediatric disorders. J Neurosci Methods 2019; 332:108533. [PMID: 31811832 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2019.108533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2019] [Revised: 11/25/2019] [Accepted: 11/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Discerning the underlying pathological mechanisms and the identification of therapeutic strategies to treat individuals affected with rare neurological diseases has proven challenging due to a host of factors. For instance, rare diseases affecting the nervous system are inherently lacking in appropriate patient sample availability compared to more common diseases, while animal models often do not accurately recapitulate specific disease phenotypes. These challenges impede research that may otherwise illuminate aspects of disease initiation and progression, leading to the ultimate identification of potential therapeutics. The establishment of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) as a human cellular model with defined genetics has provided the unique opportunity to study rare diseases within a controlled environment. iPSC models enable researchers to define mutational effects on specific cell types and signaling pathways within increasingly complex systems. Among rare diseases, pediatric diseases affecting neurodevelopment and neurological function highlight the critical need for iPSC-based disease modeling due to the inherent difficulty associated with collecting human neural tissue and the complexity of the mammalian nervous system. Rare neurodevelopmental disorders are therefore ideal candidates for utilization of iPSC-based in vitro studies. In this review, we address both the state of the iPSC field in the context of their utility and limitations for neurodevelopmental studies, as well as speculating about the future applications and unmet uses for iPSCs in rare diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bethany A Freel
- Cellular Therapies and Stem Cell Biology Group, Sanford Research, Sioux Falls, SD, USA
| | - Jordan N Sheets
- Cellular Therapies and Stem Cell Biology Group, Sanford Research, Sioux Falls, SD, USA
| | - Kevin R Francis
- Cellular Therapies and Stem Cell Biology Group, Sanford Research, Sioux Falls, SD, USA; Department of Pediatrics, University of South Dakota Sanford School of Medicine, Sioux Falls, SD, USA.
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7
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Hirofuji S, Hirofuji Y, Kato H, Masuda K, Yamaza H, Sato H, Takayama F, Torio M, Sakai Y, Ohga S, Taguchi T, Nonaka K. Mitochondrial dysfunction in dopaminergic neurons differentiated from exfoliated deciduous tooth-derived pulp stem cells of a child with Rett syndrome. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2018.03.077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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8
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Stem Cell Technology for (Epi)genetic Brain Disorders. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2017; 978:443-475. [PMID: 28523560 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-53889-1_23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Despite the enormous efforts of the scientific community over the years, effective therapeutics for many (epi)genetic brain disorders remain unidentified. The common and persistent failures to translate preclinical findings into clinical success are partially attributed to the limited efficiency of current disease models. Although animal and cellular models have substantially improved our knowledge of the pathological processes involved in these disorders, human brain research has generally been hampered by a lack of satisfactory humanized model systems. This, together with our incomplete knowledge of the multifactorial causes in the majority of these disorders, as well as a thorough understanding of associated (epi)genetic alterations, has been impeding progress in gaining more mechanistic insights from translational studies. Over the last years, however, stem cell technology has been offering an alternative approach to study and treat human brain disorders. Owing to this technology, we are now able to obtain a theoretically inexhaustible source of human neural cells and precursors in vitro that offer a platform for disease modeling and the establishment of therapeutic interventions. In addition to the potential to increase our general understanding of how (epi)genetic alterations contribute to the pathology of brain disorders, stem cells and derivatives allow for high-throughput drugs and toxicity testing, and provide a cell source for transplant therapies in regenerative medicine. In the current chapter, we will demonstrate the validity of human stem cell-based models and address the utility of other stem cell-based applications for several human brain disorders with multifactorial and (epi)genetic bases, including Parkinson's disease (PD), Alzheimer's disease (AD), fragile X syndrome (FXS), Angelman syndrome (AS), Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS), and Rett syndrome (RTT).
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9
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Chandrasekaran A, Avci HX, Leist M, Kobolák J, Dinnyés A. Astrocyte Differentiation of Human Pluripotent Stem Cells: New Tools for Neurological Disorder Research. Front Cell Neurosci 2016; 10:215. [PMID: 27725795 PMCID: PMC5035736 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2016.00215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2016] [Accepted: 08/30/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes have a central role in brain development and function, and so have gained increasing attention over the past two decades. Consequently, our knowledge about their origin, differentiation and function has increased significantly, with new research showing that astrocytes cultured alone or co-cultured with neurons have the potential to improve our understanding of various central nervous system diseases, such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Alzheimer’s disease, or Alexander disease. The generation of astrocytes derived from pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) opens up a new area for studying neurologic diseases in vitro; these models could be exploited to identify and validate potential drugs by detecting adverse effects in the early stages of drug development. However, as it is now known that a range of astrocyte populations exist in the brain, it will be important in vitro to develop standardized protocols for the in vitro generation of astrocyte subsets with defined maturity status and phenotypic properties. This will then open new possibilities for co-cultures with neurons and the generation of neural organoids for research purposes. The aim of this review article is to compare and summarize the currently available protocols and their strategies to generate human astrocytes from PSCs. Furthermore, we discuss the potential role of human-induced PSCs derived astrocytes in disease modeling.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hasan X Avci
- BioTalentum LtdGödöllő, Hungary; Department of Medical Chemistry, University of SzegedSzeged, Hungary
| | - Marcel Leist
- Dorenkamp-Zbinden Chair, Faculty of Mathematics and Sciences, University of Konstanz Konstanz, Germany
| | | | - Andras Dinnyés
- BioTalentum LtdGödöllő, Hungary; Molecular Animal Biotechnology Laboratory, Szent Istvan UniversityGödöllő, Hungary
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10
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Abstract
Cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases are major health threats in many
developed countries. Recently, target tissues derived from human embryonic stem
(hES) cells and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), such as cardiomyocytes
(CMs) or neurons, have been actively mobilized for drug screening. Knowledge of
drug toxicity and efficacy obtained using stem cell-derived tissues could
parallel that obtained from human trials. Furthermore, iPSC disease models could
be advantageous in the development of personalized medicine in various parts of
disease sectors. To obtain the maximum benefit from iPSCs in disease modeling,
researchers are now focusing on aging, maturation, and metabolism to
recapitulate the pathological features seen in patients. Compared to pediatric
disease modeling, adult-onset disease modeling with iPSCs requires proper
maturation for full manifestation of pathological features. Herein, the success
of iPSC technology, focusing on patient-specific drug treatment,
maturation-based disease modeling, and alternative approaches to compensate for
the current limitations of patient iPSC modeling, will be further discussed.
[BMB Reports 2015; 48(5): 256-265]
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Affiliation(s)
- Changsung Kim
- Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Sejong University, Seoul 143-747, Korea
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11
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Gadalla KKE, Ross PD, Hector RD, Bahey NG, Bailey MES, Cobb SR. Gene therapy for Rett syndrome: prospects and challenges. FUTURE NEUROLOGY 2015. [DOI: 10.2217/fnl.15.29] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Rett syndrome (RTT) is a neurological disorder that affects females and is caused by loss-of-function mutations in the X-linked gene MECP2. Deletion of Mecp2 in mice results in a constellation of neurological features that resemble those seen in RTT patients. Experiments in mice have demonstrated that restoration of MeCP2, even at adult stages, reverses several aspects of the RTT-like pathology suggesting that the disorder may be inherently treatable. This has provided an impetus to explore several therapeutic approaches targeting RTT at the level of the gene, including gene therapy, activation of MECP2 on the inactive X chromosome and read-through and repair of RTT-causing mutations. Here, we review these different strategies and the challenges of gene-based approaches in RTT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamal KE Gadalla
- University of Glasgow, Institute of Neuroscience and Psychology, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, Glasgow, UK
- Pharmacology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Egypt
| | - Paul D Ross
- University of Glasgow, Institute of Neuroscience and Psychology, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, Glasgow, UK
| | - Ralph D Hector
- University of Glasgow, Institute of Neuroscience and Psychology, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, Glasgow, UK
| | - Noha G Bahey
- University of Glasgow, Institute of Neuroscience and Psychology, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, Glasgow, UK
- Histology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Egypt
| | - Mark ES Bailey
- School of Life Sciences, College of Medical, Veterinary & Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G12 8QQ, UK
| | - Stuart R Cobb
- University of Glasgow, Institute of Neuroscience and Psychology, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, Glasgow, UK
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12
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Lim CS, Yang JE, Lee YK, Lee K, Lee JA, Kaang BK. Understanding the molecular basis of autism in a dish using hiPSCs-derived neurons from ASD patients. Mol Brain 2015; 8:57. [PMID: 26419846 PMCID: PMC4589208 DOI: 10.1186/s13041-015-0146-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2015] [Accepted: 09/11/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by deficits in social cognition, language development, and repetitive/restricted behaviors. Due to the complexity and heterogeneity of ASD and lack of a proper human cellular model system, the pathophysiological mechanism of ASD during the developmental process is largely unknown. However, recent progress in induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technology as well as in vitro neural differentiation techniques have allowed us to functionally characterize neurons and analyze cortical development during neural differentiation. These technical advances will increase our understanding of the pathogenic mechanisms of heterogeneous ASD and help identify molecular biomarkers for patient stratification as well as personalized medicine. In this review, we summarize our current knowledge of iPSC generation, differentiation of specific neuronal subtypes from iPSCs, and phenotypic characterizations of human ASD patient-derived iPSC models. Finally, we discuss the current limitations of iPSC technology and future directions of ASD pathophysiology studies using iPSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chae-Seok Lim
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Natural Sciences, Seoul National University, Gwanangno 599, Seoul, Gwanak-gu, 151-747, Korea
| | - Jung-Eun Yang
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Natural Sciences, Seoul National University, Gwanangno 599, Seoul, Gwanak-gu, 151-747, Korea
| | - You-Kyung Lee
- Department of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, College of Life Science and NanoTechnology, Hannam University, Jeonmin-dong 461-6, Daejeon, Yuseong-gu, 305-811, Korea
| | - Kyungmin Lee
- Department of Anatomy, Kyungpook National University Graduate School of Medicine, Dongin-dong 2-101, Daegu, Jung-gu, 700-422, Korea
| | - Jin-A Lee
- Department of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, College of Life Science and NanoTechnology, Hannam University, Jeonmin-dong 461-6, Daejeon, Yuseong-gu, 305-811, Korea.
| | - Bong-Kiun Kaang
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Natural Sciences, Seoul National University, Gwanangno 599, Seoul, Gwanak-gu, 151-747, Korea.
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13
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Fernandes TG, Duarte ST, Ghazvini M, Gaspar C, Santos DC, Porteira AR, Rodrigues GMC, Haupt S, Rombo DM, Armstrong J, Sebastião AM, Gribnau J, Garcia-Cazorla À, Brüstle O, Henrique D, Cabral JMS, Diogo MM. Neural commitment of human pluripotent stem cells under defined conditions recapitulates neural development and generates patient-specific neural cells. Biotechnol J 2015; 10:1578-88. [DOI: 10.1002/biot.201400751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2015] [Revised: 04/09/2015] [Accepted: 05/22/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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Bedogni F, Cobolli Gigli C, Pozzi D, Rossi RL, Scaramuzza L, Rossetti G, Pagani M, Kilstrup-Nielsen C, Matteoli M, Landsberger N. Defects During Mecp2 Null Embryonic Cortex Development Precede the Onset of Overt Neurological Symptoms. Cereb Cortex 2015; 26:2517-2529. [PMID: 25979088 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhv078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
MeCP2 is associated with several neurological disorders; of which, Rett syndrome undoubtedly represents the most frequent. Its molecular roles, however, are still unclear, and data from animal models often describe adult, symptomatic stages, while MeCP2 functions during embryonic development remain elusive. We describe the pattern and timing of Mecp2 expression in the embryonic neocortex highlighting its low but consistent expression in virtually all cells and show the unexpected occurrence of transcriptional defects in the Mecp2 null samples at a stage largely preceding the onset of overt symptoms. Through the deregulated expression of ionic channels and glutamatergic receptors, the lack of Mecp2 during early neuronal maturation leads to the reduction in the neuronal responsiveness to stimuli. We suggest that such features concur to morphological alterations that begin affecting Mecp2 null neurons around the perinatal age and become evident later in adulthood. We indicate MeCP2 as a key modulator of the transcriptional mechanisms regulating cerebral cortex development. Neurological phenotypes of MECP2 patients could thus be the cumulative result of different adverse events that are already present at stages when no obvious signs of the pathology are evident and are worsened by later impairments affecting the central nervous system during maturation and maintenance of its functionality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Bedogni
- San Raffaele Rett Research Unit, Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Clementina Cobolli Gigli
- San Raffaele Rett Research Unit, Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy.,Laboratory of Genetic and Epigenetic Control of Gene Expression, Division of Biomedical Research, Department of Theoretical and Applied Sciences, University of Insubria, Busto Arsizio, 21052 Varese, Italy
| | - Davide Pozzi
- Laboratory of Pharmacology and Brain Pathology, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, Rozzano, 20089 Milan, Italy
| | - Riccardo Lorenzo Rossi
- Istituto Nazionale di Genetica Molecolare "Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi", 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Linda Scaramuzza
- San Raffaele Rett Research Unit, Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Grazisa Rossetti
- Istituto Nazionale di Genetica Molecolare "Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi", 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Massimiliano Pagani
- Istituto Nazionale di Genetica Molecolare "Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi", 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Charlotte Kilstrup-Nielsen
- Laboratory of Genetic and Epigenetic Control of Gene Expression, Division of Biomedical Research, Department of Theoretical and Applied Sciences, University of Insubria, Busto Arsizio, 21052 Varese, Italy
| | - Michela Matteoli
- Laboratory of Pharmacology and Brain Pathology, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, Rozzano, 20089 Milan, Italy.,Dip di Biotecnologie Mediche e Medicina Traslazionale, Università di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Nicoletta Landsberger
- San Raffaele Rett Research Unit, Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy.,Laboratory of Genetic and Epigenetic Control of Gene Expression, Division of Biomedical Research, Department of Theoretical and Applied Sciences, University of Insubria, Busto Arsizio, 21052 Varese, Italy
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15
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Miyake K, Kubota T. [Molecular mechanism in Rett syndrome]. Nihon Yakurigaku Zasshi 2015; 145:178-82. [PMID: 25864827 DOI: 10.1254/fpj.145.178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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16
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Reprogramming patient-derived cells to study the epilepsies. Nat Neurosci 2015; 18:360-6. [PMID: 25710838 DOI: 10.1038/nn.3944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2014] [Accepted: 01/08/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The epilepsies and related disorders of brain circuitry present significant challenges associated with the use of human cells to study disease mechanisms and develop new therapies. Some of these obstacles are being overcome through the use of induced pluripotent stem cells to obtain patient-derived neural cells for in vitro studies and as a source of cell-based treatments. The field is evolving rapidly with the addition of genome-editing approaches and expanding protocols for generating different neural cell types and three-dimensional tissues, but the application of these techniques to neurological disorders, and particularly to the epilepsies, is in its infancy. We discuss the progress made and the distinct advantages and limitations of using patient-derived cells to study or treat epilepsy, as well as critical future directions for the field.
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Abstract
Given their capacity to regenerate cells lost through injury or disease, stem cells offer new vistas into possible treatments for degenerative diseases and their underlying causes. As such, stem cell biology is emerging as a driving force behind many studies in regenerative medicine. This review focuses on the current understanding of the applications of stem cells in treating ailments of the human brain, with an emphasis on neurodegenerative diseases. Two types of neural stem cells are discussed: endogenous neural stem cells residing within the adult brain and pluripotent stem cells capable of forming neural cells in culture. Endogenous neural stem cells give rise to neurons throughout life, but they are restricted to specialized regions in the brain. Elucidating the molecular mechanisms regulating these cells is key in determining their therapeutic potential as well as finding mechanisms to activate dormant stem cells outside these specialized microdomains. In parallel, patient-derived stem cells can be used to generate neural cells in culture, providing new tools for disease modeling, drug testing, and cell-based therapies. Turning these technologies into viable treatments will require the integration of basic science with clinical skills in rehabilitation.
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18
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Pamies D, Hartung T, Hogberg HT. Biological and medical applications of a brain-on-a-chip. Exp Biol Med (Maywood) 2014; 239:1096-1107. [PMID: 24912505 DOI: 10.1177/1535370214537738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The desire to develop and evaluate drugs as potential countermeasures for biological and chemical threats requires test systems that can also substitute for the clinical trials normally crucial for drug development. Current animal models have limited predictivity for drug efficacy in humans as the large majority of drugs fails in clinical trials. We have limited understanding of the function of the central nervous system and the complexity of the brain, especially during development and neuronal plasticity. Simple in vitro systems do not represent physiology and function of the brain. Moreover, the difficulty of studying interactions between human genetics and environmental factors leads to lack of knowledge about the events that induce neurological diseases. Microphysiological systems (MPS) promise to generate more complex in vitro human models that better simulate the organ's biology and function. MPS combine different cell types in a specific three-dimensional (3D) configuration to simulate organs with a concrete function. The final aim of these MPS is to combine different "organoids" to generate a human-on-a-chip, an approach that would allow studies of complex physiological organ interactions. The recent discovery of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) gives a range of possibilities allowing cellular studies of individuals with different genetic backgrounds (e.g., human disease models). Application of iPSCs from different donors in MPS gives the opportunity to better understand mechanisms of the disease and can be a novel tool in drug development, toxicology, and medicine. In order to generate a brain-on-a-chip, we have established a 3D model from human iPSCs based on our experience with a 3D rat primary aggregating brain model. After four weeks of differentiation, human 3D aggregates stain positive for different neuronal markers and show higher gene expression of various neuronal differentiation markers compared to 2D cultures. Here we present the applications and challenges of this emerging technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Pamies
- Centers for Alternatives to Animal Testing (CAAT) at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; University of Konstanz, POB 600, Konstanz 78457, Germany
| | - Thomas Hartung
- Centers for Alternatives to Animal Testing (CAAT) at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; University of Konstanz, POB 600, Konstanz 78457, Germany
| | - Helena T Hogberg
- Centers for Alternatives to Animal Testing (CAAT) at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; University of Konstanz, POB 600, Konstanz 78457, Germany
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