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Juráková V, Széky B, Zapletalová M, Fehér A, Zana M, Pandey S, Kučera R, Šerý O, Hudeček J, Dinnyés A, Lochman J. Assessment and Evaluation of Contemporary Approaches for Astrocyte Differentiation from hiPSCs: A Modeling Paradigm for Alzheimer's Disease. Biol Proced Online 2024; 26:30. [PMID: 39342077 PMCID: PMC11437813 DOI: 10.1186/s12575-024-00257-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2024] [Accepted: 09/09/2024] [Indexed: 10/01/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Astrocytes have recently gained attention as key players in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease. Numerous differentiation protocols have been developed to study human astrocytes in vitro. However, the properties of the resulting glia are inconsistent, making it difficult to select an appropriate method for a given research question. Therefore, we compared three approaches for the generation of iPSC-derived astrocytes. We performed a detailed analysis using a widely used long serum-free (LSFP) and short serum-free (SSFP) protocol, as well as a TUSP protocol using serum for a limited time of differentiation. RESULTS We used RNA sequencing and immunochemistry to characterize the cultures. Astrocytes generated by the LSFP and SSFP methods differed significantly in their characteristics from those generated by the TUSP method using serum. The TUSP astrocytes had a less neuronal pattern, showed a higher degree of extracellular matrix formation, and were more mature. The short-term presence of FBS in the medium facilitated the induction of astroglia characteristics but did not result in reactive astrocytes. Data from cell-type deconvolution analysis applied to bulk transcriptomes from the cultures assessed their similarity to primary and fetal human astrocytes. CONCLUSIONS Overall, our analyses highlight the need to consider the advantages and disadvantages of a given differentiation protocol for solving specific research tasks or drug discovery studies with iPSC-derived astrocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronika Juráková
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | | | - Martina Zapletalová
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | | | | | - Shashank Pandey
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Radek Kučera
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Omar Šerý
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
- Laboratory of Neurobiology and Pathological Physiology, Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics, The Czech Academy of Science, Veveří 97, 60200, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jiří Hudeček
- Psychiatric Clinic, University Hospital and Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, Pilsen, Czech Republic
| | - András Dinnyés
- BioTalentum Ltd, Godollo, Hungary
- Department of Physiology and Animal Health, Institute of Physiology and Animal Nutrition, Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Godollo, Hungary
| | - Jan Lochman
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic.
- Laboratory of Neurobiology and Pathological Physiology, Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics, The Czech Academy of Science, Veveří 97, 60200, Brno, Czech Republic.
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2
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Diener C, Thüre K, Engel A, Hart M, Keller A, Meese E, Fischer U. Paving the way to a neural fate - RNA signatures in naive and trans-differentiating mesenchymal stem cells. Eur J Cell Biol 2024; 103:151458. [PMID: 39341198 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejcb.2024.151458] [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: 04/23/2024] [Revised: 09/18/2024] [Accepted: 09/21/2024] [Indexed: 09/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs) derived from the embryonic mesoderm persist as a viable source of multipotent cells in adults and have a crucial role in tissue repair. One of the most promising aspects of MSCs is their ability to trans-differentiate into cell types outside of the mesodermal lineage, such as neurons. This characteristic positions MSCs as potential therapeutic tools for neurological disorders. However, the definition of a clear MSC signature is an ongoing topic of debate. Likewise, there is still a significant knowledge gap about functional alterations of MSCs during their transition to a neural fate. In this study, our focus is on the dynamic expression of RNA in MSCs as they undergo trans-differentiation compared to undifferentiated MSCs. To track and correlate changes in cellular signaling, we conducted high-throughput RNA expression profiling during the early time-course of human MSC neurogenic trans-differentiation. The expression of synapse maturation markers, including NLGN2 and NPTX1, increased during the first 24 h. The expression of neuron differentiation markers, such as GAP43 strongly increased during 48 h of trans-differentiation. Neural stem cell marker NES and neuron differentiation marker, including TUBB3 and ENO1, were highly expressed in mesenchymal stem cells and remained so during trans-differentiation. Pathways analyses revealed early changes in MSCs signaling that can be linked to the acquisition of neuronal features. Furthermore, we identified microRNAs (miRNAs) as potential drivers of the cellular trans-differentiation process. We also determined potential risk factors related to the neural trans-differentiation process. These factors include the persistence of stemness features and the expression of factors involved in neurofunctional abnormalities and tumorigenic processes. In conclusion, our findings contribute valuable insights into the intricate landscape of MSCs during neural trans-differentiation. These insights can pave the way for the development of safer treatments of neurological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Diener
- Saarland University (USAAR), Institute of Human Genetics, Homburg 66421, Germany
| | - Konstantin Thüre
- Saarland University (USAAR), Institute of Human Genetics, Homburg 66421, Germany
| | - Annika Engel
- Saarland University (USAAR), Chair for Clinical Bioinformatics, Saarbrücken 66123, Germany; Helmholtz Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS), Helmholtz Center for Infection Research (HZI), Saarland University Campus, Saarbrücken 66123, Germany
| | - Martin Hart
- Saarland University (USAAR), Institute of Human Genetics, Homburg 66421, Germany
| | - Andreas Keller
- Saarland University (USAAR), Chair for Clinical Bioinformatics, Saarbrücken 66123, Germany; Helmholtz Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS), Helmholtz Center for Infection Research (HZI), Saarland University Campus, Saarbrücken 66123, Germany
| | - Eckart Meese
- Saarland University (USAAR), Institute of Human Genetics, Homburg 66421, Germany
| | - Ulrike Fischer
- Saarland University (USAAR), Institute of Human Genetics, Homburg 66421, Germany.
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3
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Yi R, Chen S, Guan M, Liao C, Zhu Y, Ip JPK, Ye T, Chen Y. A single-cell transcriptomic dataset of pluripotent stem cell-derived astrocytes via NFIB/SOX9 overexpression. Sci Data 2024; 11:987. [PMID: 39256463 PMCID: PMC11387634 DOI: 10.1038/s41597-024-03823-x] [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] [Received: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/27/2024] [Indexed: 09/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes, the predominant glial cells in the central nervous system, play essential roles in maintaining brain function. Reprogramming induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) to become astrocytes through overexpression of the transcription factors, NFIB and SOX9, is a rapid and efficient approach for studying human neurological diseases and identifying therapeutic targets. However, the precise differentiation path and molecular signatures of induced astrocytes remain incompletely understood. Accordingly, we performed single-cell RNA sequencing analysis on 64,736 cells to establish a comprehensive atlas of NFIB/SOX9-directed astrocyte differentiation from human iPSCs. Our dataset provides detailed information about the path of astrocyte differentiation, highlighting the stepwise molecular changes that occur throughout the differentiation process. This dataset serves as a valuable reference for dissecting uncharacterized transcriptomic features of NFIB/SOX9-induced astrocytes and investigating lineage progression during astrocyte differentiation. Moreover, these findings pave the way for future studies on neurological diseases using the NFIB/SOX9-induced astrocyte model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ran Yi
- Chinese Academy of Sciences Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Manipulation, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Translational Research for Brain Diseases, the Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science-Shenzhen Fundamental Research Institutions, Shenzhen, China
- SIAT-HKUST Joint Laboratory for Brain Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
| | - Shuai Chen
- Chinese Academy of Sciences Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Manipulation, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Translational Research for Brain Diseases, the Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science-Shenzhen Fundamental Research Institutions, Shenzhen, China
- SIAT-HKUST Joint Laboratory for Brain Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Mingfeng Guan
- Chinese Academy of Sciences Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Manipulation, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Translational Research for Brain Diseases, the Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science-Shenzhen Fundamental Research Institutions, Shenzhen, China
- SIAT-HKUST Joint Laboratory for Brain Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Science, Disease and Drug Development, HKUST Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science-Shenzhen Fundamental Research Institutions, Shenzhen, China
| | - Chunyan Liao
- Chinese Academy of Sciences Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Manipulation, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Translational Research for Brain Diseases, the Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science-Shenzhen Fundamental Research Institutions, Shenzhen, China
- SIAT-HKUST Joint Laboratory for Brain Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Science, Disease and Drug Development, HKUST Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science-Shenzhen Fundamental Research Institutions, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yao Zhu
- School of Biomedical Sciences, the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Jacque Pak Kan Ip
- School of Biomedical Sciences, the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Gerald Choa Neuroscience Institute, the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- CUHK Shenzhen Research Institute, the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, China
| | - Tao Ye
- Chinese Academy of Sciences Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Manipulation, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Translational Research for Brain Diseases, the Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science-Shenzhen Fundamental Research Institutions, Shenzhen, China.
- SIAT-HKUST Joint Laboratory for Brain Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Science, Disease and Drug Development, HKUST Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science-Shenzhen Fundamental Research Institutions, Shenzhen, China.
| | - Yu Chen
- Chinese Academy of Sciences Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Manipulation, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Translational Research for Brain Diseases, the Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science-Shenzhen Fundamental Research Institutions, Shenzhen, China.
- SIAT-HKUST Joint Laboratory for Brain Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Science, Disease and Drug Development, HKUST Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science-Shenzhen Fundamental Research Institutions, Shenzhen, China.
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4
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Lee DH, Lee EC, Lee JY, Lee MR, Shim JW, Oh JS. Neuronal Cell Differentiation of iPSCs for the Clinical Treatment of Neurological Diseases. Biomedicines 2024; 12:1350. [PMID: 38927557 PMCID: PMC11201423 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12061350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2024] [Revised: 06/05/2024] [Accepted: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Current chemical treatments for cerebrovascular disease and neurological disorders have limited efficacy in tissue repair and functional restoration. Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) present a promising avenue in regenerative medicine for addressing neurological conditions. iPSCs, which are capable of reprogramming adult cells to regain pluripotency, offer the potential for patient-specific, personalized therapies. The modulation of molecular mechanisms through specific growth factor inhibition and signaling pathways can direct iPSCs' differentiation into neural stem cells (NSCs). These include employing bone morphogenetic protein-4 (BMP-4), transforming growth factor-beta (TGFβ), and Sma-and Mad-related protein (SMAD) signaling. iPSC-derived NSCs can subsequently differentiate into various neuron types, each performing distinct functions. Cell transplantation underscores the potential of iPSC-derived NSCs to treat neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's disease and points to future research directions for optimizing differentiation protocols and enhancing clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong-Hun Lee
- Industry-Academic Cooperation Foundation, The Catholic University of Korea, 222, Banpo-daro, Seocho-gu, Seoul 06591, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun Chae Lee
- Department of Medical Life Sciences, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji young Lee
- Department of Neurosurgery, Uijeongbu St. Mary’s Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Republic of Korea
| | - Man Ryul Lee
- Soonchunhyang Institute of Medi-Bio Science (SIMS), Soonchunhyang University, Cheonan-si 31151, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae-won Shim
- Soonchunhyang Institute of Medi-Bio Science (SIMS), Soonchunhyang University, Cheonan-si 31151, Republic of Korea
- Department of Integrated Biomedical Science, Soonchunhyang University, Cheonan-si 31151, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae Sang Oh
- Department of Neurosurgery, Uijeongbu St. Mary’s Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Republic of Korea
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Bu X, Yang L, Han X, Liu S, Lu X, Wan J, Zhang X, Tang P, Zhang W, Zhong L. DHM/SERS reveals cellular morphology and molecular changes during iPSCs-derived activation of astrocytes. BIOMEDICAL OPTICS EXPRESS 2024; 15:4010-4023. [PMID: 38867782 PMCID: PMC11166415 DOI: 10.1364/boe.524356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2024] [Revised: 05/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024]
Abstract
The activation of astrocytes derived from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) is of great significance in neuroscience research, and it is crucial to obtain both cellular morphology and biomolecular information non-destructively in situ, which is still complicated by the traditional optical microscopy and biochemical methods such as immunofluorescence and western blot. In this study, we combined digital holographic microscopy (DHM) and surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) to investigate the activation characteristics of iPSCs-derived astrocytes. It was found that the projected area of activated astrocytes decreased by 67%, while the cell dry mass increased by 23%, and the cells changed from a flat polygonal shape to an elongated star-shaped morphology. SERS analysis further revealed an increase in the intensities of protein spectral peaks (phenylalanine 1001 cm-1, proline 1043 cm-1, etc.) and lipid-related peaks (phosphatidylserine 524 cm-1, triglycerides 1264 cm-1, etc.) decreased in intensity. Principal component analysis-linear discriminant analysis (PCA-LDA) modeling based on spectral data distinguished resting and reactive astrocytes with a high accuracy of 96.5%. The increase in dry mass correlated with the increase in protein content, while the decrease in projected area indicated the adjustment of lipid composition and cell membrane remodeling. Importantly, the results not only reveal the cellular morphology and molecular changes during iPSCs-derived astrocytes activation but also reflect their mapping relationship, thereby providing new insights into diagnosing and treating neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoya Bu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Nanophotonic Functional Materials and Devices, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Liwei Yang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Nanophotonic Functional Materials and Devices, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Xianxin Han
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Nanophotonic Functional Materials and Devices, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Shengde Liu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Nanophotonic Functional Materials and Devices, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Xiaoxu Lu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Nanophotonic Functional Materials and Devices, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Jianhui Wan
- Key Laboratory of Photonics Technology for Integrated Sensing and Communication of Ministry of Education, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Xiao Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Photonics Technology for Integrated Sensing and Communication of Ministry of Education, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Ping Tang
- Key Laboratory of Photonics Technology for Integrated Sensing and Communication of Ministry of Education, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Weina Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Photonics Technology for Integrated Sensing and Communication of Ministry of Education, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Liyun Zhong
- Key Laboratory of Photonics Technology for Integrated Sensing and Communication of Ministry of Education, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
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6
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Danačíková Š, Straka B, Daněk J, Kořínek V, Otáhal J. In vitro human cell culture models in a bench-to-bedside approach to epilepsy. Epilepsia Open 2024; 9:865-890. [PMID: 38637998 PMCID: PMC11145627 DOI: 10.1002/epi4.12941] [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] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Revised: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/31/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Epilepsy is the most common chronic neurological disease, affecting nearly 1%-2% of the world's population. Current pharmacological treatment and regimen adjustments are aimed at controlling seizures; however, they are ineffective in one-third of the patients. Although neuronal hyperexcitability was previously thought to be mainly due to ion channel alterations, current research has revealed other contributing molecular pathways, including processes involved in cellular signaling, energy metabolism, protein synthesis, axon guidance, inflammation, and others. Some forms of drug-resistant epilepsy are caused by genetic defects that constitute potential targets for precision therapy. Although such approaches are increasingly important, they are still in the early stages of development. This review aims to provide a summary of practical aspects of the employment of in vitro human cell culture models in epilepsy diagnosis, treatment, and research. First, we briefly summarize the genetic testing that may result in the detection of candidate pathogenic variants in genes involved in epilepsy pathogenesis. Consequently, we review existing in vitro cell models, including induced pluripotent stem cells and differentiated neuronal cells, providing their specific properties, validity, and employment in research pipelines. We cover two methodological approaches. The first approach involves the utilization of somatic cells directly obtained from individual patients, while the second approach entails the utilization of characterized cell lines. The models are evaluated in terms of their research and clinical benefits, relevance to the in vivo conditions, legal and ethical aspects, time and cost demands, and available published data. Despite the methodological, temporal, and financial demands of the reviewed models they possess high potential to be used as robust systems in routine testing of pathogenicity of detected variants in the near future and provide a solid experimental background for personalized therapy of genetic epilepsies. PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARY: Epilepsy affects millions worldwide, but current treatments fail for many patients. Beyond traditional ion channel alterations, various genetic factors contribute to the disorder's complexity. This review explores how in vitro human cell models, either from patients or from cell lines, can aid in understanding epilepsy's genetic roots and developing personalized therapies. While these models require further investigation, they offer hope for improved diagnosis and treatment of genetic forms of epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Šárka Danačíková
- Laboratory of Developmental EpileptologyInstitute of Physiology of the Czech Academy of SciencesPragueCzech Republic
- Department of Pathophysiology, Second Faculty of MedicineCharles UniversityPragueCzech Republic
- Laboratory of Cell and Developmental BiologyInstitute of Molecular Genetics of the Czech Academy of SciencesPragueCzech Republic
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of ScienceCharles UniversityPragueCzech Republic
| | - Barbora Straka
- Neurogenetics Laboratory of the Department of Paediatric Neurology, Second Faculty of MedicineCharles University and Motol University Hospital, Full Member of the ERN EpiCAREPragueCzech Republic
| | - Jan Daněk
- Laboratory of Developmental EpileptologyInstitute of Physiology of the Czech Academy of SciencesPragueCzech Republic
| | - Vladimír Kořínek
- Laboratory of Cell and Developmental BiologyInstitute of Molecular Genetics of the Czech Academy of SciencesPragueCzech Republic
| | - Jakub Otáhal
- Laboratory of Developmental EpileptologyInstitute of Physiology of the Czech Academy of SciencesPragueCzech Republic
- Department of Pathophysiology, Second Faculty of MedicineCharles UniversityPragueCzech Republic
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Wu X, Chen Y, Kreutz A, Silver B, Tokar EJ. Pluripotent stem cells for target organ developmental toxicity testing. Toxicol Sci 2024; 199:163-171. [PMID: 38547390 PMCID: PMC11131012 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfae037] [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] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Prenatal developmental toxicity research focuses on understanding the potential adverse effects of environmental agents, drugs, and chemicals on the development of embryos and fetuses. Traditional methods involve animal testing, but ethical concerns and the need for human-relevant models have prompted the exploration of alternatives. Pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) are versatile cells with the unique ability to differentiate into any cell type, serving as a foundational tool for studying human development. Two-dimensional (2D) PSC models are often chosen for their ease of use and reproducibility for high-throughput screening. However, they lack the complexity of an in vivo environment. Alternatively, three-dimensional (3D) PSC models, such as organoids, offer tissue architecture and intercellular communication more reminiscent of in vivo conditions. However, they are complicated to produce and analyze, usually requiring advanced and expensive techniques. This review discusses recent advances in the use of human PSCs differentiated into brain and heart lineages and emerging tools and methods that can be combined with PSCs to help address important scientific questions in the area of developmental toxicology. These advancements and new approach methods align with the push for more relevant and predictive developmental toxicity assessment, combining innovative techniques with organoid models to advance regulatory decision-making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xian Wu
- Mechanistic Toxicology Branch, Division of Translational Toxicology, NIEHS, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709, USA
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina 27834, USA
| | - Yichang Chen
- Mechanistic Toxicology Branch, Division of Translational Toxicology, NIEHS, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709, USA
| | - Anna Kreutz
- Mechanistic Toxicology Branch, Division of Translational Toxicology, NIEHS, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709, USA
- Inotiv, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27560, USA
| | - Brian Silver
- Mechanistic Toxicology Branch, Division of Translational Toxicology, NIEHS, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709, USA
| | - Erik J Tokar
- Mechanistic Toxicology Branch, Division of Translational Toxicology, NIEHS, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709, USA
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Salcedo C, Pozo Garcia V, García-Adán B, Ameen AO, Gegelashvili G, Waagepetersen HS, Freude KK, Aldana BI. Increased glucose metabolism and impaired glutamate transport in human astrocytes are potential early triggers of abnormal extracellular glutamate accumulation in hiPSC-derived models of Alzheimer's disease. J Neurochem 2024; 168:822-840. [PMID: 38063257 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.16014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Revised: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 05/19/2024]
Abstract
Glutamate recycling between neurons and astrocytes is essential to maintain neurotransmitter homeostasis. Disturbances in glutamate homeostasis, resulting in excitotoxicity and neuronal death, have been described as a potential mechanism in Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathophysiology. However, glutamate neurotransmitter metabolism in different human brain cells, particularly astrocytes, has been poorly investigated at the early stages of AD. We sought to investigate glucose and glutamate metabolism in AD by employing human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-derived astrocytes and neurons carrying mutations in the amyloid precursor protein (APP) or presenilin-1 (PSEN-1) gene as found in familial types of AD (fAD). Methods such as live-cell bioenergetics and metabolic mapping using [13C]-enriched substrates were used to examine metabolism in the early stages of AD. Our results revealed greater glycolysis and glucose oxidative metabolism in astrocytes and neurons with APP or PSEN-1 mutations, accompanied by an elevated glutamate synthesis compared to control WT cells. Astrocytes with APP or PSEN-1 mutations exhibited reduced expression of the excitatory amino acid transporter 2 (EAAT2), and glutamine uptake increased in mutated neurons, with enhanced glutamate release specifically in neurons with a PSEN-1 mutation. These results demonstrate a hypermetabolic phenotype in astrocytes with fAD mutations possibly linked to toxic glutamate accumulation. Our findings further identify metabolic imbalances that may occur in the early phases of AD pathophysiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Salcedo
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Victoria Pozo Garcia
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Bernat García-Adán
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Aishat O Ameen
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Georgi Gegelashvili
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Institute of Chemical Biology, Ilia State University, Tbilisi, Georgia
| | - Helle S Waagepetersen
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Kristine K Freude
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | - Blanca I Aldana
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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9
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Tan J, Tan YY, Ngian ZK, Chong SY, Rao VK, Wang JW, Zeng X, Ong CT. ApoE maintains neuronal integrity via microRNA and H3K27me3-mediated repression. iScience 2024; 27:109231. [PMID: 38439966 PMCID: PMC10909902 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.109231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2023] [Revised: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 03/06/2024] Open
Abstract
ApoE regulates neurogenesis, although how it influences genetic programs remains elusive. Cortical neurons induced from isogenic control and ApoE-/- human neural stem cells (NSCs) recapitulated key transcriptomic signatures of in vivo counterparts identified from single-cell human midbrain. Surprisingly, ApoE expression in NSC and neural progenitor cells (NPCs) is not required for differentiation. Instead, ApoE prevents the over-proliferation of non-neuronal cells during extended neuronal culture when it is not expressed. Elevated miR-199a-5p level in ApoE-/- cells lowers the EZH1 protein and the repressive H3K27me3 mark, a phenotype rescued by miR-199a-5p steric inhibitor. Reduced H3K27me3 at genes linked to extracellular matrix organization and angiogenesis in ApoE-/- NPC correlates with their aberrant expression and phenotypes in neurons. Interestingly, the ApoE coding sequence, which contains many predicted miR-199a-5p binding sites, can repress miR-199a-5p without translating into protein. This suggests that ApoE maintains neurons integrity through the target-directed miRNA degradation of miR-199a-5p, imparting the H3K27me3-mediated repression of non-neuronal genes during differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiazi Tan
- Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117604, Singapore
| | - Yow-Yong Tan
- Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117604, Singapore
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117543, Singapore
| | - Zhen-Kai Ngian
- Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117604, Singapore
| | - Suet-Yen Chong
- Department of Surgery, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 119228, Singapore
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117599, Singapore
| | - Vinay Kumar Rao
- Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117604, Singapore
- Department of Medical Genetics, JSS Medical College, JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research, Mysore 570015, India
| | - Jiong-Wei Wang
- Department of Surgery, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 119228, Singapore
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117599, Singapore
- Nanomedicine Translational Research Programme, Centre for NanoMedicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117609, Singapore
- Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117593, Singapore
| | - Xianmin Zeng
- Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117593, Singapore
- RxCell Inc, Novato, CA 94945, USA
| | - Chin-Tong Ong
- Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117604, Singapore
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117543, Singapore
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10
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Dittlau KS, Chandrasekaran A, Freude K, Van Den Bosch L. Generation of Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell (hiPSC)-Derived Astrocytes for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Other Neurodegenerative Disease Studies. Bio Protoc 2024; 14:e4936. [PMID: 38405076 PMCID: PMC10883889 DOI: 10.21769/bioprotoc.4936] [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: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes are increasingly recognized for their important role in neurodegenerative diseases like amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). In ALS, astrocytes shift from their primary function of providing neuronal homeostatic support towards a reactive and toxic role, which overall contributes to neuronal toxicity and cell death. Currently, our knowledge on these processes is incomplete, and time-efficient and reproducible model systems in a human context are therefore required to understand and therapeutically modulate the toxic astrocytic response for future treatment options. Here, we present an efficient and straightforward protocol to generate human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-derived astrocytes implementing a differentiation scheme based on small molecules. Through an initial 25 days, hiPSCs are differentiated into astrocytes, which are matured for 4+ weeks. The hiPSC-derived astrocytes can be cryopreserved at every passage during differentiation and maturation. This provides convenient pauses in the protocol as well as cell banking opportunities, thereby limiting the need to continuously start from hiPSCs. The protocol has already proven valuable in ALS research but can be adapted to any desired research field where astrocytes are of interest. Key features • This protocol requires preexisting experience in hiPSC culturing for a successful outcome. • The protocol relies on a small molecule differentiation scheme and an easy-to-follow methodology, which can be paused at several time points. • The protocol generates >50 × 106 astrocytes per differentiation, which can be cryopreserved at every passage, ensuring a large-scale experimental output.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarina Stoklund Dittlau
- Department of Neurosciences, Experimental Neurology, and Leuven Brain Institute, KU Leuven – University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, VIB Center for Brain & Disease Research, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Abinaya Chandrasekaran
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | - Kristine Freude
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | - Ludo Van Den Bosch
- Department of Neurosciences, Experimental Neurology, and Leuven Brain Institute, KU Leuven – University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, VIB Center for Brain & Disease Research, Leuven, Belgium
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11
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Rodriguez-Jimenez FJ, Ureña-Peralta J, Jendelova P, Erceg S. Alzheimer's disease and synapse Loss: What can we learn from induced pluripotent stem Cells? J Adv Res 2023; 54:105-118. [PMID: 36646419 DOI: 10.1016/j.jare.2023.01.006] [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: 09/16/2022] [Revised: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/08/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Synaptic dysfunction is a major contributor to Alzheimeŕs disease (AD) pathogenesis in addition to the formation of neuritic β-amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles of hyperphosphorylated Tau protein. However, how these features contribute to synaptic dysfunction and axonal loss remains unclear. While years of considerable effort have been devoted to gaining an improved understanding of this devastating disease, the unavailability of patient-derived tissues, considerable genetic heterogeneity, and lack of animal models that faithfully recapitulate human AD have hampered the development of effective treatment options. Ongoing progress in human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC) technology has permitted the derivation of patient- and disease-specific stem cells with unlimited self-renewal capacity. These cells can differentiate into AD-affected cell types, which support studies of disease mechanisms, drug discovery, and the development of cell replacement therapies in traditional and advanced cell culture models. AIM OF REVIEW To summarize current hiPSC-based AD models, highlighting the associated achievements and challenges with a primary focus on neuron and synapse loss. KEY SCIENTIFIC CONCEPTS OF REVIEW We aim to identify how hiPSC models can contribute to understanding AD-associated synaptic dysfunction and axonal loss. hiPSC-derived neural cells, astrocytes, and microglia, as well as more sophisticated cellular organoids, may represent reliable models to investigate AD and identify early markers of AD-associated neural degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco Javier Rodriguez-Jimenez
- Stem Cell Therapies in Neurodegenerative Diseases Lab., Centro de Investigación Principe Felipe (CIPF), c/ Eduardo Primo Yúfera 3, 46012 Valencia, Spain.
| | - Juan Ureña-Peralta
- Stem Cell Therapies in Neurodegenerative Diseases Lab., Centro de Investigación Principe Felipe (CIPF), c/ Eduardo Primo Yúfera 3, 46012 Valencia, Spain.
| | - Pavla Jendelova
- Institute of Experimental Medicine, Department of Neuroregeneration, Czech Academy of Science, Prague, Czech Republic.
| | - Slaven Erceg
- Stem Cell Therapies in Neurodegenerative Diseases Lab., Centro de Investigación Principe Felipe (CIPF), c/ Eduardo Primo Yúfera 3, 46012 Valencia, Spain; Institute of Experimental Medicine, Department of Neuroregeneration, Czech Academy of Science, Prague, Czech Republic; National Stem Cell Bank-Valencia Node, Centro de Investigacion Principe Felipe, c/ Eduardo Primo Yúfera 3, 46012 Valencia, Spain.
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12
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Stöberl N, Maguire E, Salis E, Shaw B, Hall-Roberts H. Human iPSC-derived glia models for the study of neuroinflammation. J Neuroinflammation 2023; 20:231. [PMID: 37817184 PMCID: PMC10566197 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-023-02919-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuroinflammation is a complex biological process that plays a significant role in various brain disorders. Microglia and astrocytes are the key cell types involved in inflammatory responses in the central nervous system. Neuroinflammation results in increased levels of secreted inflammatory factors, such as cytokines, chemokines, and reactive oxygen species. To model neuroinflammation in vitro, various human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-based models have been utilized, including monocultures, transfer of conditioned media between cell types, co-culturing multiple cell types, neural organoids, and xenotransplantation of cells into the mouse brain. To induce neuroinflammatory responses in vitro, several stimuli have been established that can induce responses in either microglia, astrocytes, or both. Here, we describe and critically evaluate the different types of iPSC models that can be used to study neuroinflammation and highlight how neuroinflammation has been induced and measured in these cultures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina Stöberl
- UK Dementia Research Institute (UK DRI), School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, CF10 3AT UK
| | - Emily Maguire
- UK Dementia Research Institute (UK DRI), School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, CF10 3AT UK
| | - Elisa Salis
- UK Dementia Research Institute (UK DRI), School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, CF10 3AT UK
| | - Bethany Shaw
- UK Dementia Research Institute (UK DRI), School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, CF10 3AT UK
| | - Hazel Hall-Roberts
- UK Dementia Research Institute (UK DRI), School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, CF10 3AT UK
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13
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Chen H, Zheng K, Qiu M, Yang J. Preparation of astrocytes by directed differentiation of pluripotent stem cells and somatic cell transdifferentiation. Dev Neurobiol 2023; 83:282-292. [PMID: 37789524 DOI: 10.1002/dneu.22929] [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] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Revised: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023]
Abstract
Astrocytes (ACs) are the most widely distributed cells in the mammalian central nervous system, which are essential for the function and homeostasis of nervous system. Increasing evidence indicates that ACs also participate in the development of many neurological diseases and repair after nerve injury. ACs cultured in vitro provide a cellular model for studying astrocytic development, function, and the pathogenesis of associated diseases. The preparation of primary ACs (pACs) faces many limitations, so it is important to obtain high-quality ACs by the differentiation of pluripotent stem cell (PSC) or somatic cell transdifferentiation. Initially, researchers mainly tried to induce embryonic stem cells to differentiate into ACs via embryoid body (EB) and then turned to employ induced PSCs as seed cells to explore more simple and efficient directed differentiation strategies, and serum-free culture was delved to improve the quality of induced ACs. While exploring the induction of ACs by the overexpression of AC-specific transcription factors, researchers also began to investigate small molecule-mediated somatic cell transdifferentiation. Here, we provide an updated review on the research progresses in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hangjie Chen
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Organ Development and Regeneration, College of Life and Environment Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Kang Zheng
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Organ Development and Regeneration, College of Life and Environment Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Mengsheng Qiu
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Organ Development and Regeneration, College of Life and Environment Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Junlin Yang
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Organ Development and Regeneration, College of Life and Environment Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
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14
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Flannagan K, Stopperan JA, Hauger BM, Troutwine BR, Lysaker CR, Strope TA, Csikos Drummond V, Gilmore CA, Swerdlow NA, Draper JM, Gouvion CM, Vivian JL, Haeri M, Swerdlow RH, Wilkins HM. Cell type and sex specific mitochondrial phenotypes in iPSC derived models of Alzheimer's disease. Front Mol Neurosci 2023; 16:1201015. [PMID: 37614699 PMCID: PMC10442646 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2023.1201015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Mitochondrial dysfunction is observed in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Altered mitochondrial respiration, cytochrome oxidase (COX) Vmax, and mitophagy are observed in human subjects and animal models of AD. Models derived from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) may not recapitulate these phenotypes after reprogramming from differentiated adult cells. Methods We examined mitochondrial function across iPSC derived models including cerebral organoids, forebrain neurons, and astrocytes. iPSCs were reprogrammed from fibroblasts either from the University of Kansas Alzheimer's Disease Research Center (KU ADRC) cohort or purchased from WiCell. A total of four non-demented and four sporadic AD iPSC lines were examined. Models were subjected to mitochondrial respiration analysis using Seahorse XF technology, spectrophotometric cytochrome oxidase (COX) Vmax assays, fluorescent assays to determine mitochondrial mass, mitochondrial membrane potential, calcium, mitochondrial dynamics, and mitophagy levels. AD pathological hallmarks were also measured. Results iPSC derived neurons and cerebral organoids showed reduced COX Vmax in AD subjects with more profound defects in the female cohort. These results were not observed in astrocytes. iPSC derived neurons and astrocytes from AD subjects had reduced mitochondrial respiration parameters with increased glycolytic flux. iPSC derived neurons and astrocytes from AD subjects showed sex dependent effects on mitochondrial membrane potential, mitochondrial superoxide production, and mitochondrial calcium. iPSC derived neurons from AD subjects had reduced mitochondrial localization in lysosomes with sex dependent effects on mitochondrial mass, while iPSC derived astrocytes from female AD subjects had increased mitochondrial localization to lysosomes. Both iPSC derived neurons and astrocytes from AD subjects showed altered mitochondrial dynamics. iPSC derived neurons had increased secreted Aβ, and sex dependent effects on total APP protein expression. iPSC derived astrocytes showed sex dependent changes in GFAP expression in AD derived cells. Conclusion Overall, iPSC derived models from AD subjects show mitochondrial phenotypes and AD pathological hallmarks in a cell type and sex dependent manner. These results highlight the importance of sex as a biological variable in cell culture studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaitlin Flannagan
- University of Kansas Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, United States
| | - Julia A. Stopperan
- University of Kansas Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, United States
| | - Brittany M. Hauger
- University of Kansas Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, United States
| | - Benjamin R. Troutwine
- University of Kansas Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, United States
| | - Colton R. Lysaker
- University of Kansas Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, United States
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, United States
| | - Taylor A. Strope
- University of Kansas Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, United States
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, United States
| | - Vivien Csikos Drummond
- University of Kansas Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, United States
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, United States
| | - Caleb A. Gilmore
- University of Kansas Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, United States
| | - Natalie A. Swerdlow
- University of Kansas Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, United States
| | - Julia M. Draper
- Transgenic and Gene Targeting Facility, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, United States
| | - Cynthia M. Gouvion
- University of Kansas Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, United States
| | - Jay L. Vivian
- Transgenic and Gene Targeting Facility, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, United States
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Kansas Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine, Kansas City, KS, United States
- Institute for Reproduction and Perinatal Research, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, United States
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, United States
| | - Mohammad Haeri
- University of Kansas Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, United States
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, United States
| | - Russell H. Swerdlow
- University of Kansas Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, United States
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, United States
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, United States
- Department of Neurology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, United States
| | - Heather M. Wilkins
- University of Kansas Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, United States
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, United States
- Department of Neurology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, United States
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15
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Rojas F, Aguilar R, Almeida S, Fritz E, Corvalán D, Ampuero E, Abarzúa S, Garcés P, Amaro A, Diaz I, Arredondo C, Cortes N, Sanchez M, Mercado C, Varela-Nallar L, Gao FB, Montecino M, van Zundert B. Mature iPSC-derived astrocytes of an ALS/FTD patient carrying the TDP43 A90V mutation display a mild reactive state and release polyP toxic to motoneurons. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1226604. [PMID: 37645251 PMCID: PMC10461635 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1226604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes play a critical role in the maintenance of a healthy central nervous system and astrocyte dysfunction has been implicated in various neurodegenerative disorders, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD). There is compelling evidence that mouse and human ALS and ALS/FTD astrocytes can reduce the number of healthy wild-type motoneurons (MNs) in co-cultures or after treatment with astrocyte conditioned media (ACM), independently of their genotype. A growing number of studies have shown that soluble toxic factor(s) in the ACM cause non-cell autonomous MN death, including our recent identification of inorganic polyphosphate (polyP) that is excessively released from mouse primary astrocytes (SOD1, TARDBP, and C9ORF72) and human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC)-derived astrocytes (TARDBP) to kill MNs. However, others have reported that astrocytes carrying mutant TDP43 do not produce detectable MN toxicity. This controversy is likely to arise from the findings that human iPSC-derived astrocytes exhibit a rather immature and/or reactive phenotype in a number of studies. Here, we have succeeded in generating a highly homogenous population of functional quiescent mature astrocytes from control subject iPSCs. Using identical conditions, we also generated mature astrocytes from an ALS/FTD patient carrying the TDP43A90V mutation. These mutant TDP43 patient-derived astrocytes exhibit key pathological hallmarks, including enhanced cytoplasmic TDP-43 and polyP levels. Additionally, mutant TDP43 astrocytes displayed a mild reactive signature and an aberrant function as they were unable to promote synaptogenesis of hippocampal neurons. The polyP-dependent neurotoxic nature of the TDP43A90V mutation was further confirmed as neutralization of polyP in ACM derived from mutant TDP43 astrocytes prevented MN death. Our results establish that human astrocytes carrying the TDP43A90V mutation exhibit a cell-autonomous pathological signature, hence providing an experimental model to decipher the molecular mechanisms underlying the generation of the neurotoxic phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabiola Rojas
- Faculty of Medicine and Faculty of Life Sciences, Institute of Biomedical Sciences (ICB), Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago, Chile
| | - Rodrigo Aguilar
- Faculty of Medicine and Faculty of Life Sciences, Institute of Biomedical Sciences (ICB), Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago, Chile
| | - Sandra Almeida
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School (UMMS), Worcester, MA, United States
| | - Elsa Fritz
- Faculty of Medicine and Faculty of Life Sciences, Institute of Biomedical Sciences (ICB), Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago, Chile
| | - Daniela Corvalán
- Faculty of Medicine and Faculty of Life Sciences, Institute of Biomedical Sciences (ICB), Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago, Chile
| | - Estibaliz Ampuero
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Chemistry and Biology, Universidad de Santiago, Santiago, Chile
| | - Sebastián Abarzúa
- Faculty of Medicine and Faculty of Life Sciences, Institute of Biomedical Sciences (ICB), Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago, Chile
| | - Polett Garcés
- Faculty of Medicine and Faculty of Life Sciences, Institute of Biomedical Sciences (ICB), Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago, Chile
| | - Armando Amaro
- Faculty of Medicine and Faculty of Life Sciences, Institute of Biomedical Sciences (ICB), Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago, Chile
| | - Iván Diaz
- Faculty of Medicine and Faculty of Life Sciences, Institute of Biomedical Sciences (ICB), Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago, Chile
| | - Cristian Arredondo
- Faculty of Medicine and Faculty of Life Sciences, Institute of Biomedical Sciences (ICB), Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago, Chile
| | - Nicole Cortes
- Faculty of Medicine and Faculty of Life Sciences, Institute of Biomedical Sciences (ICB), Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago, Chile
| | - Mario Sanchez
- Faculty of Medicine and Faculty of Life Sciences, Institute of Biomedical Sciences (ICB), Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago, Chile
| | - Constanza Mercado
- Faculty of Medicine and Faculty of Life Sciences, Institute of Biomedical Sciences (ICB), Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago, Chile
| | - Lorena Varela-Nallar
- Faculty of Medicine and Faculty of Life Sciences, Institute of Biomedical Sciences (ICB), Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago, Chile
| | - Fen-Biao Gao
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School (UMMS), Worcester, MA, United States
| | - Martin Montecino
- Faculty of Medicine and Faculty of Life Sciences, Institute of Biomedical Sciences (ICB), Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago, Chile
- Millennium Institute Center for Genome Regulation CRG, Santiago, Chile
| | - Brigitte van Zundert
- Faculty of Medicine and Faculty of Life Sciences, Institute of Biomedical Sciences (ICB), Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago, Chile
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School (UMMS), Worcester, MA, United States
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16
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Dedoni S, Scherma M, Camoglio C, Siddi C, Dazzi L, Puliga R, Frau J, Cocco E, Fadda P. An overall view of the most common experimental models for multiple sclerosis. Neurobiol Dis 2023:106230. [PMID: 37453561 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2023.106230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2023] [Revised: 07/01/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a complex chronic disease with an unknown etiology. It is considered an inflammatory demyelinating and neurodegenerative disorder of the central nervous system (CNS) characterized, in most cases, by an unpredictable onset of relapse and remission phases. The disease generally starts in subjects under 40; it has a higher incidence in women and is described as a multifactorial disorder due to the interaction between genetic and environmental risk factors. Unfortunately, there is currently no definitive cure for MS. Still, therapies can modify the disease's natural history, reducing the relapse rate and slowing the progression of the disease or managing symptoms. The limited access to human CNS tissue slows down. It limits the progression of research on MS. This limit has been partially overcome over the years by developing various experimental models to study this disease. Animal models of autoimmune demyelination, such as experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) and viral and toxin or transgenic MS models, represent the most significant part of MS research approaches. These models have now been complemented by ex vivo studies, using organotypic brain slice cultures and in vitro, through induced Pluripotent Stem cells (iPSCs). We will discuss which clinical features of the disorders might be reproduced and investigated in vivo, ex vivo, and in vitro in models commonly used in MS research to understand the processes behind the neuropathological events occurring in the CNS of MS patients. The primary purpose of this review is to give the reader a global view of the main paradigms used in MS research, spacing from the classical animal models to transgenic mice and 2D and 3D cultures.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Dedoni
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Division of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, Italy.
| | - M Scherma
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Division of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, Italy.
| | - C Camoglio
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Division of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, Italy.
| | - C Siddi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Division of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, Italy
| | - L Dazzi
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Section of Neuroscience and Anthropology, University of Cagliari, Monserrato (Cagliari), Italy.
| | - R Puliga
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Section of Neuroscience and Anthropology, University of Cagliari, Monserrato (Cagliari), Italy.
| | - J Frau
- Regional Multiple Sclerosis Center, ASSL Cagliari, ATS Sardegna, Italy
| | - E Cocco
- Regional Multiple Sclerosis Center, ASSL Cagliari, ATS Sardegna, Italy; Department Medical Science and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Italy.
| | - P Fadda
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Division of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, Italy; Neuroscience Institute, Section of Cagliari, National Research Council of Italy (CNR), Cagliari, Italy.
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17
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Watson LA, Meharena HS. From neurodevelopment to neurodegeneration: utilizing human stem cell models to gain insight into Down syndrome. Front Genet 2023; 14:1198129. [PMID: 37323671 PMCID: PMC10267712 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2023.1198129] [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: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Down syndrome (DS), caused by triplication of chromosome 21, is the most frequent aneuploidy observed in the human population and represents the most common genetic form of intellectual disability and early-onset Alzheimer's disease (AD). Individuals with DS exhibit a wide spectrum of clinical presentation, with a number of organs implicated including the neurological, immune, musculoskeletal, cardiac, and gastrointestinal systems. Decades of DS research have illuminated our understanding of the disorder, however many of the features that limit quality of life and independence of individuals with DS, including intellectual disability and early-onset dementia, remain poorly understood. This lack of knowledge of the cellular and molecular mechanisms leading to neurological features of DS has caused significant roadblocks in developing effective therapeutic strategies to improve quality of life for individuals with DS. Recent technological advances in human stem cell culture methods, genome editing approaches, and single-cell transcriptomics have provided paradigm-shifting insights into complex neurological diseases such as DS. Here, we review novel neurological disease modeling approaches, how they have been used to study DS, and what questions might be addressed in the future using these innovative tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- L. Ashley Watson
- Developmental and Cognitive Genomics Research Laboratory, Division of Biological Sciences, Section of Neurobiology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Hiruy S. Meharena
- Developmental and Cognitive Genomics Research Laboratory, Division of Biological Sciences, Section of Neurobiology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
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18
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Gramatiuk SM, Ivanova YV, Hudyma AA, Sargsyan K, Kryvoruchko IA, Puliaieva IS. Differentiation of neurosphere after transplantation into the damaged spinal cord. J Med Life 2023; 16:689-698. [PMID: 37520471 PMCID: PMC10375341 DOI: 10.25122/jml-2022-0346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to compare the differentiation and survival of human neural stem/progenitor cells of various origins in vitro and after transplantation into the injured spinal cord of laboratory animals. Rats with simulated spinal cord injury were transplanted with neurosphere cells obtained by directed differentiation of HUES6 cell lines. Fluorescence microscopy was used to visualize the obtained results. HUES6#1 and iPSC#1 neurospheres showed a wide range of markers associated with glial differentiation. The expression of the proliferation marker Ki67 did not exceed 25%, both in the lines of early and late neurospheres. Although neurospheres did not fully differentiate into astrocytes in vitro, they massively approached the GFAP+ astrocyte phenotype when exposed to the transplanted environment. PSC-derived neurospheres transplanted into the site of SM injury without additional growth factors showed only moderate survival, a significant degree of differentiation into astrocytes, and moderate differentiation into neurons. The difference in the survival and differentiation of HUES6#1 and iPSC#1 neurospheres, both in vitro and in vivo, can be explained by the difference in the regulatory behavior of signaling molecules corresponding to the source of origin of PSCs. Derivatives of human PSCs of various origins obtained according to the described differentiation protocol did not mature into astrocytic populations, nor did the glycogenic transition of PSC-derived NSCs occur in vitro. The study demonstrated the impact of the injured spinal cord microenvironment on the differentiation of transplanted HUES6#1 and iPSC#1 into astrocytes. The results showed that HUES6-derived neurospheres generated 90% of GFAP+ astrocytes and 5-10% of early neurons, while iPSC-derived neurospheres generated an average of 74% GFAP+ astrocytes and 5% of early neurons in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Svetlana Mykolaiivna Gramatiuk
- Department of Biotechnology, Institute of Bio-Stem Cell Rehabilitation of the Ukrainian Association of Biobanks, Kharkiv, Ukraine
- Department of Biotechnology, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA
- International Biobanking and Education, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Yulia Viktorovna Ivanova
- Department of Biotechnology, Institute of Bio-Stem Cell Rehabilitation of the Ukrainian Association of Biobanks, Kharkiv, Ukraine
- Department of Surgery No.1, Kharkiv National Medical University, Kharkiv, Ukraine
| | - Arsen Arsenievich Hudyma
- Emergency Medical Care, Ternopil National Medical University named after I. Ya. Gorbachevsky, Ternopil, Ukraine
| | - Karine Sargsyan
- International Biobanking and Education, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
- Department of Medical Genetics, Yerevan State Medical University, Yerevan, Armenia
| | | | - Inna Sergeevna Puliaieva
- Department of Biotechnology, Institute of Bio-Stem Cell Rehabilitation of the Ukrainian Association of Biobanks, Kharkiv, Ukraine
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19
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Kostes WW, Brafman DA. The Multifaceted Role of WNT Signaling in Alzheimer's Disease Onset and Age-Related Progression. Cells 2023; 12:1204. [PMID: 37190113 PMCID: PMC10136584 DOI: 10.3390/cells12081204] [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] [Received: 03/05/2023] [Revised: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The evolutionary conserved WNT signaling pathway orchestrates numerous complex biological processes during development and is critical to the maintenance of tissue integrity and homeostasis in the adult. As it relates to the central nervous system, WNT signaling plays several roles as it relates to neurogenesis, synaptic formation, memory, and learning. Thus, dysfunction of this pathway is associated with multiple diseases and disorders, including several neurodegenerative disorders. Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by several pathologies, synaptic dysfunction, and cognitive decline. In this review, we will discuss the various epidemiological, clinical, and animal studies that demonstrate a precise link between aberrant WNT signaling and AD-associated pathologies. In turn, we will discuss the manner in which WNT signaling influences multiple molecular, biochemical, and cellular pathways upstream of these end-point pathologies. Finally, we will discuss how merging tools and technologies can be used to generate next generation cellular models to dissect the relationship between WNT signaling and AD.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - David A. Brafman
- School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287, USA
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20
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Battistella I, Cutarelli A, Zasso J, Clerici M, Sala C, Marcatili M, Conti L. Cortical Astrocyte Progenitors and Astrocytes from Human Pluripotent Stem Cells. J Pers Med 2023; 13:jpm13030538. [PMID: 36983719 PMCID: PMC10051695 DOI: 10.3390/jpm13030538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Revised: 03/12/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes coordinate several homeostatic processes of the central nervous system and play essential roles for normal brain development and response to disease conditions. Protocols for the conversion of human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) into mature astrocytes have opened to the generation of in vitro systems to explore astrocytes’ functions in living human cell contexts and patient-specific settings. In this study, we present an optimized monolayer procedure to commit hiPSC-derived cortical progenitors into enriched populations of cortical astrocyte progenitor cells (CX APCs) that can be further amplified and efficiently differentiated into mature astrocytes. Our optimized system provides a valid tool to explore the role of these cells in neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric diseases, opening it up to applications in drug development and biomarkers discovery/validation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ingrid Battistella
- Laboratory of Stem Cell Biology, Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology-CIBIO, University of Trento, 38123 Trento, Italy
| | - Alessandro Cutarelli
- Laboratory of Stem Cell Biology, Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology-CIBIO, University of Trento, 38123 Trento, Italy
| | - Jacopo Zasso
- Laboratory of Stem Cell Biology, Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology-CIBIO, University of Trento, 38123 Trento, Italy
| | - Massimo Clerici
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano Bicocca, 20900 Monza, Italy
- Department of Mental Health, Fondazione IRCCS San Gerardo dei Tintori, 20900 Monza, Italy
| | - Carlo Sala
- National Research Council Neuroscience Institute, 20100 Milan, Italy
| | - Matteo Marcatili
- Department of Mental Health, Fondazione IRCCS San Gerardo dei Tintori, 20900 Monza, Italy
| | - Luciano Conti
- Laboratory of Stem Cell Biology, Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology-CIBIO, University of Trento, 38123 Trento, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-0461-285216
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21
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Zeng XX, Zeng JB. Systems Medicine as a Strategy to Deal with Alzheimer's Disease. J Alzheimers Dis 2023; 96:1411-1426. [PMID: 37980671 DOI: 10.3233/jad-230739] [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] [Indexed: 11/21/2023]
Abstract
The traits of Alzheimer's disease (AD) include amyloid plaques made of Aβ1-40 and Aβ1-42, and neurofibrillary tangles by the hyperphosphorylation of tau protein. AD is a complex disorder that is heterogenous in genetical, neuropathological, and clinical contexts. Current available therapeutics are unable to cure AD. Systems medicine is a strategy by viewing the body as a whole system, taking into account each individual's unique health profile, provide treatment and associated nursing care clinically for the patient, aiming for precision. Since the onset of AD can lead towards cognitive impairment, it is vital to intervene and diagnose early and prevent further progressive loss of neurons. Moreover, as the individual's brain functions are impaired due to neurodegeneration in AD, it is essential to reconstruct the neurons or brain cells to enable normal brain functions. Although there are different subtypes of AD due to varied pathological lesions, in the majority cases of AD, neurodegeneration and severe brain atrophy develop at the chronic stage. Novel approaches including RNA based gene therapy, stem cell based technology, bioprinting technology, synthetic biology for brain tissue reconstruction are researched in recent decades in the hope to decrease neuroinflammation and restore normal brain function in individuals of AD. Systems medicine include the prevention of disease, diagnosis and treatment by viewing the individual's body as a whole system, along with systems medicine based nursing as a strategy against AD that should be researched further.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Xue Zeng
- Department of Health Management, Centre of General Practice, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Southern Medical University, Lishui Town, Nanhai District, Foshan City, Guangdong Province, P.R. China
| | - Jie Bangzhe Zeng
- Benjoe Institute of Systems Bio-Engineering, High Technology Park, Xinbei District, Changzhou City, Jiangsu Province, P.R. China
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22
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Yang Z, Gong M, Yang C, Chen C, Zhang K. Applications of Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Glia in Brain Disease Research and Treatment. Handb Exp Pharmacol 2023; 281:103-140. [PMID: 37735301 DOI: 10.1007/164_2023_697] [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] [Indexed: 09/23/2023]
Abstract
Glia are integral components of neural networks and are crucial in both physiological functions and pathological processes of the brain. Many brain diseases involve glial abnormalities, including inflammatory changes, mitochondrial damage, calcium signaling disturbance, hemichannel opening, and loss of glutamate transporters. Induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived glia provide opportunities to study the contributions of glia in human brain diseases. These cells have been used for human disease modeling as well as generating new therapies. This chapter introduces glial involvement in brain diseases, then summarizes different methods of generating iPSC-derived glia disease models of these cells. Finally, strategies for treating disease using iPSC-derived glia are discussed. The goal of this chapter is to provide an overview and shed light on the applications of iPSC-derived glia in brain disease research and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiqi Yang
- Brain Research Center and State Key Laboratory of Trauma and Chemical Poisoning, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Mingyue Gong
- Brain Research Center and State Key Laboratory of Trauma and Chemical Poisoning, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Chuanyan Yang
- Brain Research Center and State Key Laboratory of Trauma and Chemical Poisoning, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Chunhai Chen
- Department of Occupational Health, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Kuan Zhang
- Brain Research Center and State Key Laboratory of Trauma and Chemical Poisoning, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China.
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23
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Limone F, Klim JR, Mordes DA. Pluripotent stem cell strategies for rebuilding the human brain. Front Aging Neurosci 2022; 14:1017299. [PMID: 36408113 PMCID: PMC9667068 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2022.1017299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative disorders have been extremely challenging to treat with traditional drug-based approaches and curative therapies are lacking. Given continued progress in stem cell technologies, cell replacement strategies have emerged as concrete and potentially viable therapeutic options. In this review, we cover advances in methods used to differentiate human pluripotent stem cells into several highly specialized types of neurons, including cholinergic, dopaminergic, and motor neurons, and the potential clinical applications of stem cell-derived neurons for common neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, ataxia, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Additionally, we summarize cellular differentiation techniques for generating glial cell populations, including oligodendrocytes and microglia, and their conceivable translational roles in supporting neural function. Clinical trials of specific cell replacement therapies in the nervous system are already underway, and several attractive avenues in regenerative medicine warrant further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Limone
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge, MA, United States
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge, MA, United States
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, United States
- Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | | | - Daniel A. Mordes
- Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Department of Pathology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
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24
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Pinals RL, Tsai LH. Building in vitro models of the brain to understand the role of APOE in Alzheimer's disease. Life Sci Alliance 2022; 5:5/11/e202201542. [PMID: 36167428 PMCID: PMC9515460 DOI: 10.26508/lsa.202201542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Revised: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a devastating, complex, and incurable disease that represents an increasingly problematic global health issue. The etiology of sporadic AD that accounts for a vast majority of cases remains poorly understood, with no effective therapeutic interventions. Genetic studies have identified AD risk genes including the most prominent, APOE, of which the ɛ4 allele increases risk in a dose-dependent manner. A breakthrough discovery enabled the creation of human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) that can be differentiated into various brain cell types, facilitating AD research in genetically human models. Herein, we provide a brief background on AD in the context of APOE susceptibility and feature work employing hiPSC-derived brain cell and tissue models to interrogate the contribution of APOE in driving AD pathology. Such models have delivered crucial insights into cellular mechanisms and cell type-specific roles underlying the perturbed biological functions that trigger pathogenic cascades and propagate neurodegeneration. Collectively, hiPSC-based models are envisioned to be an impactful platform for uncovering fundamental AD understanding, with high translational value toward AD drug discovery and testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca L Pinals
- Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA.,Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Li-Huei Tsai
- Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA .,Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA.,Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA
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25
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Van Breedam E, Ponsaerts P. Promising Strategies for the Development of Advanced In Vitro Models with High Predictive Power in Ischaemic Stroke Research. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23137140. [PMID: 35806146 PMCID: PMC9266337 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23137140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Revised: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Although stroke is one of the world’s leading causes of death and disability, and more than a thousand candidate neuroprotective drugs have been proposed based on extensive in vitro and animal-based research, an effective neuroprotective/restorative therapy for ischaemic stroke patients is still missing. In particular, the high attrition rate of neuroprotective compounds in clinical studies should make us question the ability of in vitro models currently used for ischaemic stroke research to recapitulate human ischaemic responses with sufficient fidelity. The ischaemic stroke field would greatly benefit from the implementation of more complex in vitro models with improved physiological relevance, next to traditional in vitro and in vivo models in preclinical studies, to more accurately predict clinical outcomes. In this review, we discuss current in vitro models used in ischaemic stroke research and describe the main factors determining the predictive value of in vitro models for modelling human ischaemic stroke. In light of this, human-based 3D models consisting of multiple cell types, either with or without the use of microfluidics technology, may better recapitulate human ischaemic responses and possess the potential to bridge the translational gap between animal-based in vitro and in vivo models, and human patients in clinical trials.
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26
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Legault EM, Bouquety J, Drouin-Ouellet J. Disease Modeling of Neurodegenerative Disorders Using Direct Neural Reprogramming. Cell Reprogram 2022; 24:228-251. [PMID: 35749150 DOI: 10.1089/cell.2021.0172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Understanding the pathophysiology of CNS-associated neurological diseases has been hampered by the inaccessibility of patient brain tissue to perform live analyses at the molecular level. To this end, neural cells obtained by differentiation of patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) are considerably helpful, especially in the context of monogenic-based disorders. More recently, the use of direct reprogramming to convert somatic cells to neural cells has emerged as an alternative to iPSCs to generate neurons, astrocytes, and oligodendrocytes. This review focuses on the different studies that used direct neural reprogramming to study disease-associated phenotypes in the context of neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Julie Bouquety
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada
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27
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Arredondo C, Cefaliello C, Dyrda A, Jury N, Martinez P, Díaz I, Amaro A, Tran H, Morales D, Pertusa M, Stoica L, Fritz E, Corvalán D, Abarzúa S, Méndez-Ruette M, Fernández P, Rojas F, Kumar MS, Aguilar R, Almeida S, Weiss A, Bustos FJ, González-Nilo F, Otero C, Tevy MF, Bosco DA, Sáez JC, Kähne T, Gao FB, Berry JD, Nicholson K, Sena-Esteves M, Madrid R, Varela D, Montecino M, Brown RH, van Zundert B. Excessive release of inorganic polyphosphate by ALS/FTD astrocytes causes non-cell-autonomous toxicity to motoneurons. Neuron 2022; 110:1656-1670.e12. [PMID: 35276083 PMCID: PMC9119918 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2022.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2020] [Revised: 10/01/2021] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Non-cell-autonomous mechanisms contribute to neurodegenerative diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD), in which astrocytes release unidentified factors that are toxic to motoneurons (MNs). We report here that mouse and patient iPSC-derived astrocytes with diverse ALS/FTD-linked mutations (SOD1, TARDBP, and C9ORF72) display elevated levels of intracellular inorganic polyphosphate (polyP), a ubiquitous, negatively charged biopolymer. PolyP levels are also increased in astrocyte-conditioned media (ACM) from ALS/FTD astrocytes. ACM-mediated MN death is prevented by degrading or neutralizing polyP in ALS/FTD astrocytes or ACM. Studies further reveal that postmortem familial and sporadic ALS spinal cord sections display enriched polyP staining signals and that ALS cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) exhibits increased polyP concentrations. Our in vitro results establish excessive astrocyte-derived polyP as a critical factor in non-cell-autonomous MN degeneration and a potential therapeutic target for ALS/FTD. The CSF data indicate that polyP might serve as a new biomarker for ALS/FTD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristian Arredondo
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences (ICB), Faculty of Medicine & Faculty of Life Sciences, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago 8370186, Chile; CARE Biomedical Research Center, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 8331150, Chile
| | - Carolina Cefaliello
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01655, USA
| | - Agnieszka Dyrda
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences (ICB), Faculty of Medicine & Faculty of Life Sciences, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago 8370186, Chile; CARE Biomedical Research Center, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 8331150, Chile
| | - Nur Jury
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences (ICB), Faculty of Medicine & Faculty of Life Sciences, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago 8370186, Chile; CARE Biomedical Research Center, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 8331150, Chile
| | - Pablo Martinez
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences (ICB), Faculty of Medicine & Faculty of Life Sciences, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago 8370186, Chile; CARE Biomedical Research Center, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 8331150, Chile
| | - Iván Díaz
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences (ICB), Faculty of Medicine & Faculty of Life Sciences, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago 8370186, Chile; CARE Biomedical Research Center, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 8331150, Chile
| | - Armando Amaro
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences (ICB), Faculty of Medicine & Faculty of Life Sciences, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago 8370186, Chile; CARE Biomedical Research Center, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 8331150, Chile
| | - Helene Tran
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01655, USA
| | - Danna Morales
- Program of Physiology and Biophysics, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Chile, Santiago 8380453, Chile; Millennium Nucleus of Ion Channels-Associated Diseases (MiNICAD), Santiago 9160000, Chile
| | - Maria Pertusa
- Millennium Nucleus of Ion Channels-Associated Diseases (MiNICAD), Santiago 9160000, Chile; Millennium Nucleus for the Study of Pain (MiNuSPain), Santiago 9160000, Chile; Department of Biology, Faculty of Chemistry and Biology, Universidad de Santiago de Chile, Santiago 9160000, Chile
| | - Lorelei Stoica
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01655, USA; Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01655, USA
| | - Elsa Fritz
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences (ICB), Faculty of Medicine & Faculty of Life Sciences, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago 8370186, Chile; CARE Biomedical Research Center, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 8331150, Chile
| | - Daniela Corvalán
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences (ICB), Faculty of Medicine & Faculty of Life Sciences, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago 8370186, Chile; CARE Biomedical Research Center, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 8331150, Chile
| | - Sebastián Abarzúa
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences (ICB), Faculty of Medicine & Faculty of Life Sciences, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago 8370186, Chile; CARE Biomedical Research Center, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 8331150, Chile; FONDAP Center for Genome Regulation, Santiago 8370146, Chile
| | - Maxs Méndez-Ruette
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences (ICB), Faculty of Medicine & Faculty of Life Sciences, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago 8370186, Chile; CARE Biomedical Research Center, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 8331150, Chile
| | - Paola Fernández
- Instituto de Neurociencias, Centro Interdisciplinario de Neurociencias de Valparaíso, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso 2340000, Chile
| | - Fabiola Rojas
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences (ICB), Faculty of Medicine & Faculty of Life Sciences, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago 8370186, Chile; CARE Biomedical Research Center, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 8331150, Chile
| | - Meenakshi Sundaram Kumar
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01655, USA
| | - Rodrigo Aguilar
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences (ICB), Faculty of Medicine & Faculty of Life Sciences, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago 8370186, Chile
| | - Sandra Almeida
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01655, USA
| | - Alexandra Weiss
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01655, USA
| | - Fernando J Bustos
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences (ICB), Faculty of Medicine & Faculty of Life Sciences, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago 8370186, Chile
| | - Fernando González-Nilo
- Instituto de Neurociencias, Centro Interdisciplinario de Neurociencias de Valparaíso, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso 2340000, Chile; Center for Bioinformatics and Integrative Biology (CBIB), Faculty of Life Sciences, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago 8370186, Chile
| | - Carolina Otero
- School of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago 8320000, Chile
| | - Maria Florencia Tevy
- Cell Biology Laboratory, INTA, University of Chile and GEDIS Biotech, Santiago 7810000, Chile
| | - Daryl A Bosco
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01655, USA
| | - Juan C Sáez
- Instituto de Neurociencias, Centro Interdisciplinario de Neurociencias de Valparaíso, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso 2340000, Chile
| | - Thilo Kähne
- Institute of Experimental Internal Medicine, Medical School, Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg, Magdeburg 39120, Germany
| | - Fen-Biao Gao
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01655, USA
| | - James D Berry
- Massachusetts General Hospital Neurological Clinical Research Institute and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Katharine Nicholson
- Massachusetts General Hospital Neurological Clinical Research Institute and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Miguel Sena-Esteves
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01655, USA; Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01655, USA
| | - Rodolfo Madrid
- Millennium Nucleus of Ion Channels-Associated Diseases (MiNICAD), Santiago 9160000, Chile; Millennium Nucleus for the Study of Pain (MiNuSPain), Santiago 9160000, Chile; Department of Biology, Faculty of Chemistry and Biology, Universidad de Santiago de Chile, Santiago 9160000, Chile
| | - Diego Varela
- Program of Physiology and Biophysics, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Chile, Santiago 8380453, Chile; Millennium Nucleus of Ion Channels-Associated Diseases (MiNICAD), Santiago 9160000, Chile
| | - Martin Montecino
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences (ICB), Faculty of Medicine & Faculty of Life Sciences, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago 8370186, Chile; FONDAP Center for Genome Regulation, Santiago 8370146, Chile
| | - Robert H Brown
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01655, USA
| | - Brigitte van Zundert
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences (ICB), Faculty of Medicine & Faculty of Life Sciences, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago 8370186, Chile; CARE Biomedical Research Center, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 8331150, Chile; Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01655, USA.
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28
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Lazic A, Balint V, Stanisavljevic Ninkovic D, Peric M, Stevanovic M. Reactive and Senescent Astroglial Phenotypes as Hallmarks of Brain Pathologies. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23094995. [PMID: 35563385 PMCID: PMC9100382 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23094995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Revised: 04/23/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes, as the most abundant glial cells in the central nervous system, are tightly integrated into neural networks and participate in numerous aspects of brain physiology and pathology. They are the main homeostatic cells in the central nervous system, and the loss of astrocyte physiological functions and/or gain of pro-inflammatory functions, due to their reactivation or cellular senescence, can have profound impacts on the surrounding microenvironment with pathological outcomes. Although the importance of astrocytes is generally recognized, and both senescence and reactive astrogliosis have been extensively reviewed independently, there are only a few comparative overviews of these complex processes. In this review, we summarize the latest data regarding astrocyte reactivation and senescence, and outline similarities and differences between these phenotypes from morphological, functional, and molecular points of view. A special focus has been given to neurodegenerative diseases, where these phenotypic alternations of astrocytes are significantly implicated. We also summarize current perspectives regarding new advances in model systems based on astrocytes as well as data pointing to these glial cells as potential therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrijana Lazic
- Laboratory for Human Molecular Genetics, Institute of Molecular Genetics and Genetic Engineering, University of Belgrade, Vojvode Stepe 444a, 11042 Belgrade, Serbia; (V.B.); (D.S.N.); (M.P.); (M.S.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Vanda Balint
- Laboratory for Human Molecular Genetics, Institute of Molecular Genetics and Genetic Engineering, University of Belgrade, Vojvode Stepe 444a, 11042 Belgrade, Serbia; (V.B.); (D.S.N.); (M.P.); (M.S.)
| | - Danijela Stanisavljevic Ninkovic
- Laboratory for Human Molecular Genetics, Institute of Molecular Genetics and Genetic Engineering, University of Belgrade, Vojvode Stepe 444a, 11042 Belgrade, Serbia; (V.B.); (D.S.N.); (M.P.); (M.S.)
| | - Mina Peric
- Laboratory for Human Molecular Genetics, Institute of Molecular Genetics and Genetic Engineering, University of Belgrade, Vojvode Stepe 444a, 11042 Belgrade, Serbia; (V.B.); (D.S.N.); (M.P.); (M.S.)
| | - Milena Stevanovic
- Laboratory for Human Molecular Genetics, Institute of Molecular Genetics and Genetic Engineering, University of Belgrade, Vojvode Stepe 444a, 11042 Belgrade, Serbia; (V.B.); (D.S.N.); (M.P.); (M.S.)
- Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade, Studentski trg 16, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
- Serbian Academy of Sciences and Arts, Kneza Mihaila 35, 11001 Belgrade, Serbia
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29
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Generation of Human iPSC-Derived Astrocytes with a mature star-shaped phenotype for CNS modeling. Stem Cell Rev Rep 2022; 18:2494-2512. [PMID: 35488987 PMCID: PMC9489586 DOI: 10.1007/s12015-022-10376-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The generation of astrocytes from human induced pluripotent stem cells has been hampered by either prolonged differentiation—spanning over two months—or by shorter protocols that generate immature astrocytes, devoid of salient mature astrocytic traits pivotal for central nervous system (CNS) modeling. We directed stable hiPSC-derived neuroepithelial stem cells to human iPSC-derived Astrocytes (hiAstrocytes) with a high percentage of star-shaped cells by orchestrating an astrocytic-tuned culturing environment in 28 days. We employed RT-qPCR and ICC to validate the astrocytic commitment of the neuroepithelial stem cells. To evaluate the inflammatory phenotype, we challenged the hiAstrocytes with the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-1β (interleukin 1 beta) and quantitatively assessed the secretion profile of astrocyte-associated cytokines and the expression of intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1). Finally, we quantitatively assessed the capacity of hiAstrocytes to synthesize and export the antioxidant glutathione. In under 28 days, the generated cells express canonical and mature astrocytic markers, denoted by the expression of GFAP, AQP4 and ALDH1L1. In addition, the notion of a mature phenotype is reinforced by the expression of both astrocytic glutamate transporters EAAT1 and EAAT2. Thus, hiAstrocytes have a mature phenotype that encompasses traits critical in CNS modeling, including glutathione synthesis and secretion, upregulation of ICAM-1 and a cytokine secretion profile on a par with human fetal astrocytes. This protocol generates a multifaceted astrocytic model suitable for in vitro CNS disease modeling and personalized medicine.
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Yun W, Kim YJ, Lee G. Direct Conversion to Achieve Glial Cell Fates: Oligodendrocytes and Schwann Cells. Int J Stem Cells 2022; 15:14-25. [PMID: 35220289 PMCID: PMC8889328 DOI: 10.15283/ijsc22008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Glia have been known for its pivotal roles in physiological and pathological conditions in the nervous system. To study glial biology, multiple approaches have been applied to utilize glial cells for research, including stem cell-based technologies. Human glial cells differentiated from pluripotent stem cells are now available, allowing us to study the structural and functional roles of glia in the nervous system, although the efficiency is still low. Direct conversion is an advanced strategy governing fate conversion of diverse cell types directly into the desired lineage. This novel strategy stands as a promising approach for preliminary research and regenerative medicine. Direct conversion employs genetic and environmental cues to change cell fate to that with the required functional cell properties while retaining maturity-related molecular features. As an alternative method, it is now possible to obtain a variety of mature cell populations that could not be obtained using conventional differentiation methods. This review summarizes current achievements in obtaining glia, particularly oligodendrocytes and Schwann cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wonjin Yun
- Institute for Cell Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Yong Jun Kim
- Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Korea
- Department of Biomedical Science, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Gabsang Lee
- Institute for Cell Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- The Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Insights into Human-Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Astrocytes in Neurodegenerative Disorders. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12030344. [PMID: 35327542 PMCID: PMC8945600 DOI: 10.3390/biom12030344] [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: 12/11/2021] [Revised: 02/17/2022] [Accepted: 02/18/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Most neurodegenerative disorders have complex and still unresolved pathology characterized by progressive neuronal damage and death. Astrocytes, the most-abundant non-neuronal cell population in the central nervous system, play a vital role in these processes. They are involved in various functions in the brain, such as the regulation of synapse formation, neuroinflammation, and lactate and glutamate levels. The development of human-induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) reformed the research in neurodegenerative disorders allowing for the generation of disease-relevant neuronal and non-neuronal cell types that can help in disease modeling, drug screening, and, possibly, cell transplantation strategies. In the last 14 years, the differentiation of human iPSCs into astrocytes allowed for the opportunity to explore the contribution of astrocytes to neurodegenerative diseases. This review discusses the development protocols and applications of human iPSC-derived astrocytes in the most common neurodegenerative conditions.
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Garland EF, Hartnell IJ, Boche D. Microglia and Astrocyte Function and Communication: What Do We Know in Humans? Front Neurosci 2022; 16:824888. [PMID: 35250459 PMCID: PMC8888691 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.824888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Microglia and astrocytes play essential roles in the central nervous system contributing to many functions including homeostasis, immune response, blood-brain barrier maintenance and synaptic support. Evidence has emerged from experimental models of glial communication that microglia and astrocytes influence and coordinate each other and their effects on the brain environment. However, due to the difference in glial cells between humans and rodents, it is essential to confirm the relevance of these findings in human brains. Here, we aim to review the current knowledge on microglia-astrocyte crosstalk in humans, exploring novel methodological techniques used in health and disease conditions. This will include an in-depth look at cell culture and iPSCs, post-mortem studies, imaging and fluid biomarkers, genetics and transcriptomic data. In this review, we will discuss the advantages and limitations of these methods, highlighting the understanding these methods have brought the field on these cells communicative abilities, and the knowledge gaps that remain.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Delphine Boche
- Clinical Neurosciences, Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
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McCready FP, Gordillo-Sampedro S, Pradeepan K, Martinez-Trujillo J, Ellis J. Multielectrode Arrays for Functional Phenotyping of Neurons from Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell Models of Neurodevelopmental Disorders. BIOLOGY 2022; 11:316. [PMID: 35205182 PMCID: PMC8868577 DOI: 10.3390/biology11020316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Revised: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
In vitro multielectrode array (MEA) systems are increasingly used as higher-throughput platforms for functional phenotyping studies of neurons in induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) disease models. While MEA systems generate large amounts of spatiotemporal activity data from networks of iPSC-derived neurons, the downstream analysis and interpretation of such high-dimensional data often pose a significant challenge to researchers. In this review, we examine how MEA technology is currently deployed in iPSC modeling studies of neurodevelopmental disorders. We first highlight the strengths of in vitro MEA technology by reviewing the history of its development and the original scientific questions MEAs were intended to answer. Methods of generating patient iPSC-derived neurons and astrocytes for MEA co-cultures are summarized. We then discuss challenges associated with MEA data analysis in a disease modeling context, and present novel computational methods used to better interpret network phenotyping data. We end by suggesting best practices for presenting MEA data in research publications, and propose that the creation of a public MEA data repository to enable collaborative data sharing would be of great benefit to the iPSC disease modeling community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fraser P. McCready
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada; (F.P.M.); (S.G.-S.)
- Developmental & Stem Cell Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada
| | - Sara Gordillo-Sampedro
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada; (F.P.M.); (S.G.-S.)
- Developmental & Stem Cell Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada
| | - Kartik Pradeepan
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Department of Psychiatry, Robarts Research and Brain and Mind Institutes, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, ON N6A 5B7, Canada; (K.P.); (J.M.-T.)
| | - Julio Martinez-Trujillo
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Department of Psychiatry, Robarts Research and Brain and Mind Institutes, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, ON N6A 5B7, Canada; (K.P.); (J.M.-T.)
| | - James Ellis
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada; (F.P.M.); (S.G.-S.)
- Developmental & Stem Cell Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada
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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: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [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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Modeling and Targeting Neuroglial Interactions with Human Pluripotent Stem Cell Models. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23031684. [PMID: 35163606 PMCID: PMC8836094 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23031684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2022] [Revised: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 01/30/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Generation of relevant and robust models for neurological disorders is of main importance for both target identification and drug discovery. The non-cell autonomous effects of glial cells on neurons have been described in a broad range of neurodegenerative and neurodevelopmental disorders, pointing to neuroglial interactions as novel alternative targets for therapeutics development. Interestingly, the recent breakthrough discovery of human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) has opened a new road for studying neurological and neurodevelopmental disorders “in a dish”. Here, we provide an overview of the generation and modeling of both neuronal and glial cells from human iPSCs and a brief synthesis of recent work investigating neuroglial interactions using hiPSCs in a pathophysiological context.
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Soubannier V, Chaineau M, Gursu L, Haghi G, Franco Flores AK, Rouleau G, Durcan TM, Stifani S. Rapid Generation of Ventral Spinal Cord-like Astrocytes from Human iPSCs for Modeling Non-Cell Autonomous Mechanisms of Lower Motor Neuron Disease. Cells 2022; 11:cells11030399. [PMID: 35159209 PMCID: PMC8834281 DOI: 10.3390/cells11030399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Revised: 01/16/2022] [Accepted: 01/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes play important roles in the function and survival of neuronal cells. Dysfunctions of astrocytes are associated with numerous disorders and diseases of the nervous system, including motor neuron diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Human-induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-based approaches are becoming increasingly important for the study of the mechanisms underlying the involvement of astrocytes in non-cell autonomous processes of motor neuron degeneration in ALS. These studies must account for the molecular and functional diversity among astrocytes in different regions of the brain and spinal cord. It is essential that the most pathologically relevant astrocyte preparations are used when investigating non-cell autonomous mechanisms of either upper or lower motor neuron degeneration in ALS. Here, we describe the efficient and streamlined generation of human iPSC-derived astrocytes with molecular and biological properties similar to physiological astrocytes in the ventral spinal cord. These induced astrocytes exhibit spontaneous and ATP-induced calcium transients, and lack signs of overt activation. Human iPSC-derived astrocytes with ventral spinal cord features offer advantages over more generic astrocyte preparations for the study of both ventral spinal cord astrocyte biology and the involvement of astrocytes in mechanisms of lower motor neuron degeneration in ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincent Soubannier
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Montreal Neurological Institute-Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 2B4, Canada; (V.S.); (G.R.); (T.M.D.)
- Early Drug Discovery Unit, Montreal Neurological Institute-Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 2B4, Canada; (M.C.); (L.G.); (G.H.); (A.K.F.F.)
| | - Mathilde Chaineau
- Early Drug Discovery Unit, Montreal Neurological Institute-Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 2B4, Canada; (M.C.); (L.G.); (G.H.); (A.K.F.F.)
| | - Lale Gursu
- Early Drug Discovery Unit, Montreal Neurological Institute-Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 2B4, Canada; (M.C.); (L.G.); (G.H.); (A.K.F.F.)
| | - Ghazal Haghi
- Early Drug Discovery Unit, Montreal Neurological Institute-Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 2B4, Canada; (M.C.); (L.G.); (G.H.); (A.K.F.F.)
| | - Anna Kristyna Franco Flores
- Early Drug Discovery Unit, Montreal Neurological Institute-Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 2B4, Canada; (M.C.); (L.G.); (G.H.); (A.K.F.F.)
| | - Guy Rouleau
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Montreal Neurological Institute-Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 2B4, Canada; (V.S.); (G.R.); (T.M.D.)
| | - Thomas M. Durcan
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Montreal Neurological Institute-Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 2B4, Canada; (V.S.); (G.R.); (T.M.D.)
- Early Drug Discovery Unit, Montreal Neurological Institute-Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 2B4, Canada; (M.C.); (L.G.); (G.H.); (A.K.F.F.)
| | - Stefano Stifani
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Montreal Neurological Institute-Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 2B4, Canada; (V.S.); (G.R.); (T.M.D.)
- Correspondence:
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Giacomelli E, Vahsen BF, Calder EL, Xu Y, Scaber J, Gray E, Dafinca R, Talbot K, Studer L. Human stem cell models of neurodegeneration: From basic science of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis to clinical translation. Cell Stem Cell 2022; 29:11-35. [PMID: 34995492 PMCID: PMC8785905 DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2021.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases are characterized by progressive cell loss leading to disruption of the structure and function of the central nervous system. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) was among the first of these disorders modeled in patient-specific iPSCs, and recent findings have translated into some of the earliest iPSC-inspired clinical trials. Focusing on ALS as an example, we evaluate the status of modeling neurodegenerative diseases using iPSCs, including methods for deriving and using disease-relevant neuronal and glial lineages. We further highlight the remaining challenges in exploiting the full potential of iPSC technology for understanding and potentially treating neurodegenerative diseases such as ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Giacomelli
- The Center for Stem Cell Biology, Developmental Biology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute for Cancer Research, New York, NY, USA
| | - Björn F Vahsen
- Oxford Motor Neuron Disease Centre, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Elizabeth L Calder
- The Center for Stem Cell Biology, Developmental Biology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute for Cancer Research, New York, NY, USA
| | - Yinyan Xu
- Oxford Motor Neuron Disease Centre, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK; Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (CAMS), CAMS Oxford Institute (COI), Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7FZ, UK
| | - Jakub Scaber
- Oxford Motor Neuron Disease Centre, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Elizabeth Gray
- Oxford Motor Neuron Disease Centre, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Ruxandra Dafinca
- Oxford Motor Neuron Disease Centre, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Kevin Talbot
- Oxford Motor Neuron Disease Centre, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK.
| | - Lorenz Studer
- The Center for Stem Cell Biology, Developmental Biology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute for Cancer Research, New York, NY, USA.
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Goodwin-Trotman M, Patel K, Granata A. An hiPSC-Derived In Vitro Model of the Blood-Brain Barrier. Methods Mol Biol 2022; 2492:103-116. [PMID: 35733040 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2289-6_5] [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] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSC) offer a tractable system to model the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Here we detail the assembly of a triple co-culture hiPSC-BBB model, using hiPSC-derived brain microvascular endothelial cells (BMEC), astrocytes, and mural cells (MC). Transendothelial electrical resistance (TEER) and sodium fluorescein (NaFl) permeability can be used to test the barrier properties. The model has applications in studying BBB-related pathology and for drug screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary Goodwin-Trotman
- Stroke Research Group, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
| | - Krushangi Patel
- Stroke Research Group, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Alessandra Granata
- Stroke Research Group, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
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Lanciotti A, Brignone MS, Macioce P, Visentin S, Ambrosini E. Human iPSC-Derived Astrocytes: A Powerful Tool to Study Primary Astrocyte Dysfunction in the Pathogenesis of Rare Leukodystrophies. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 23:ijms23010274. [PMID: 35008700 PMCID: PMC8745131 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23010274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2021] [Revised: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes are very versatile cells, endowed with multitasking capacities to ensure brain homeostasis maintenance from brain development to adult life. It has become increasingly evident that astrocytes play a central role in many central nervous system pathologies, not only as regulators of defensive responses against brain insults but also as primary culprits of the disease onset and progression. This is particularly evident in some rare leukodystrophies (LDs) where white matter/myelin deterioration is due to primary astrocyte dysfunctions. Understanding the molecular defects causing these LDs may help clarify astrocyte contribution to myelin formation/maintenance and favor the identification of possible therapeutic targets for LDs and other CNS demyelinating diseases. To date, the pathogenic mechanisms of these LDs are poorly known due to the rarity of the pathological tissue and the failure of the animal models to fully recapitulate the human diseases. Thus, the development of human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSC) from patient fibroblasts and their differentiation into astrocytes is a promising approach to overcome these issues. In this review, we discuss the primary role of astrocytes in LD pathogenesis, the experimental models currently available and the advantages, future evolutions, perspectives, and limitations of hiPSC to study pathologies implying astrocyte dysfunctions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Lanciotti
- Department of Neuroscience, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00169 Rome, Italy; (A.L.); (M.S.B.); (P.M.)
| | - Maria Stefania Brignone
- Department of Neuroscience, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00169 Rome, Italy; (A.L.); (M.S.B.); (P.M.)
| | - Pompeo Macioce
- Department of Neuroscience, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00169 Rome, Italy; (A.L.); (M.S.B.); (P.M.)
| | - Sergio Visentin
- National Center for Research and Preclinical and Clinical Evaluation of Drugs, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00169 Rome, Italy;
| | - Elena Ambrosini
- Department of Neuroscience, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00169 Rome, Italy; (A.L.); (M.S.B.); (P.M.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-064-990-2037
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Human-Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Based Models for Studying Sex-Specific Differences in Neurodegenerative Diseases. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2021; 1387:57-88. [PMID: 34921676 DOI: 10.1007/5584_2021_683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
The prevalence of neurodegenerative diseases is steadily increasing worldwide, and epidemiological studies strongly suggest that many of the diseases are sex-biased. It has long been suggested that biological sex differences are crucial for neurodegenerative diseases; however, how biological sex affects disease initiation, progression, and severity is not well-understood. Sex is a critical biological variable that should be taken into account in basic research, and this review aims to highlight the utility of human-induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC)-derived models for studying sex-specific differences in neurodegenerative diseases, with advantages and limitations. In vitro systems utilizing species-specific, renewable, and physiologically relevant cell sources can provide powerful platforms for mechanistic studies, toxicity testings, and drug discovery. Matched healthy, patient-derived, and gene-corrected human iPSCs, from both sexes, can be utilized to generate neuronal and glial cell types affected by specific neurodegenerative diseases to study sex-specific differences in two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) human culture systems. Such relatively simple and well-controlled systems can significantly contribute to the elucidation of molecular mechanisms underlying sex-specific differences, which can yield effective, and potentially sex-based strategies, against neurodegenerative diseases.
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Potjewyd G, Kellett K, Hooper N. 3D hydrogel models of the neurovascular unit to investigate blood-brain barrier dysfunction. Neuronal Signal 2021; 5:NS20210027. [PMID: 34804595 PMCID: PMC8579151 DOI: 10.1042/ns20210027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2021] [Revised: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 10/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The neurovascular unit (NVU), consisting of neurons, glial cells, vascular cells (endothelial cells, pericytes and vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs)) together with the surrounding extracellular matrix (ECM), is an important interface between the peripheral blood and the brain parenchyma. Disruption of the NVU impacts on blood-brain barrier (BBB) regulation and underlies the development and pathology of multiple neurological disorders, including stroke and Alzheimer's disease (AD). The ability to differentiate induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) into the different cell types of the NVU and incorporate them into physical models provides a reverse engineering approach to generate human NVU models to study BBB function. To recapitulate the in vivo situation such NVU models must also incorporate the ECM to provide a 3D environment with appropriate mechanical and biochemical cues for the cells of the NVU. In this review, we provide an overview of the cells of the NVU and the surrounding ECM, before discussing the characteristics (stiffness, functionality and porosity) required of hydrogels to mimic the ECM when incorporated into in vitro NVU models. We summarise the approaches available to measure BBB functionality and present the techniques in use to develop robust and translatable models of the NVU, including transwell models, hydrogel models, 3D-bioprinting, microfluidic models and organoids. The incorporation of iPSCs either without or with disease-specific genetic mutations into these NVU models provides a platform in which to study normal and disease mechanisms, test BBB permeability to drugs, screen for new therapeutic targets and drugs or to design cell-based therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geoffrey Potjewyd
- Division of Neuroscience and Experimental Psychology, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PT, U.K
| | - Katherine A.B. Kellett
- Division of Neuroscience and Experimental Psychology, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PT, U.K
| | - Nigel M. Hooper
- Division of Neuroscience and Experimental Psychology, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PT, U.K
- Geoffrey Jefferson Brain Research Centre, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Northern Care Alliance and University of Manchester, Manchester, U.K
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Chandrasekaran A, Dittlau KS, Corsi GI, Haukedal H, Doncheva NT, Ramakrishna S, Ambardar S, Salcedo C, Schmidt SI, Zhang Y, Cirera S, Pihl M, Schmid B, Nielsen TT, Nielsen JE, Kolko M, Kobolák J, Dinnyés A, Hyttel P, Palakodeti D, Gorodkin J, Muddashetty RS, Meyer M, Aldana BI, Freude KK. Astrocytic reactivity triggered by defective autophagy and metabolic failure causes neurotoxicity in frontotemporal dementia type 3. Stem Cell Reports 2021; 16:2736-2751. [PMID: 34678206 PMCID: PMC8581052 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2021.09.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Revised: 09/20/2021] [Accepted: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Frontotemporal dementia type 3 (FTD3), caused by a point mutation in the charged multivesicular body protein 2B (CHMP2B), affects mitochondrial ultrastructure and the endolysosomal pathway in neurons. To dissect the astrocyte-specific impact of mutant CHMP2B expression, we generated astrocytes from human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) and confirmed our findings in CHMP2B mutant mice. Our data provide mechanistic insights into how defective autophagy causes perturbed mitochondrial dynamics with impaired glycolysis, increased reactive oxygen species, and elongated mitochondrial morphology, indicating increased mitochondrial fusion in FTD3 astrocytes. This shift in astrocyte homeostasis triggers a reactive astrocyte phenotype and increased release of toxic cytokines, which accumulate in nuclear factor kappa b (NF-κB) pathway activation with increased production of CHF, LCN2, and C3 causing neurodegeneration. FTD3 iPSC-derived astrocytes display impaired autophagy Impaired autophagy affects mitochondria turnover, glucose hypometabolism and TCA cycle FTD3 astrocytes contribute to reactive gliosis by increased C3, LCN2, IL6, and IL8 Reactive astrocyte phenotypes are present in both in vitro and in vivo models
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Affiliation(s)
- Abinaya Chandrasekaran
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg 1870, Denmark
| | - Katarina Stoklund Dittlau
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg 1870, Denmark
| | - Giulia I Corsi
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg 1870, Denmark; Center for Non-coding RNA in Technology and Health, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg 1871, Denmark
| | - Henriette Haukedal
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg 1870, Denmark
| | - Nadezhda T Doncheva
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg 1870, Denmark; Center for Non-coding RNA in Technology and Health, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg 1871, Denmark; Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Protein Research, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen 2200, Denmark
| | - Sarayu Ramakrishna
- Institute for Stem Cell Science and Regenerative Medicine, Bangalore 560065, India; The University of Trans-Disciplinary Health Sciences and Technology, Bangalore 560064, India
| | - Sheetal Ambardar
- Institute for Stem Cell Science and Regenerative Medicine, Bangalore 560065, India; National Center for Biological Sciences, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Bangalore 560065, India
| | - Claudia Salcedo
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen 2100, Denmark
| | - Sissel I Schmidt
- Department of Neurobiology Research, Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, 5000 Odense, Denmark
| | - Yu Zhang
- Department of Experimental Medical Science, Wallenberg Center for Molecular Medicine and Lund Stem Cell Center, Lund University, Lund 22184, Sweden
| | - Susanna Cirera
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg 1870, Denmark
| | - Maria Pihl
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg 1870, Denmark
| | | | - Troels Tolstrup Nielsen
- Danish Dementia Research Centre, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen 2100, Denmark
| | - Jørgen E Nielsen
- Danish Dementia Research Centre, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen 2100, Denmark
| | - Miriam Kolko
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen 2100, Denmark; Department of Ophthalmology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen 2100, Denmark
| | | | | | - Poul Hyttel
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg 1870, Denmark
| | - Dasaradhi Palakodeti
- Institute for Stem Cell Science and Regenerative Medicine, Bangalore 560065, India
| | - Jan Gorodkin
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg 1870, Denmark; Center for Non-coding RNA in Technology and Health, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg 1871, Denmark
| | - Ravi S Muddashetty
- Institute for Stem Cell Science and Regenerative Medicine, Bangalore 560065, India
| | - Morten Meyer
- Department of Neurobiology Research, Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, 5000 Odense, Denmark; Department of Neurology, Odense University Hospital, 5000 Odense, Denmark
| | - Blanca I Aldana
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen 2100, Denmark
| | - Kristine K Freude
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg 1870, Denmark.
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43
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Blanchard JW, Victor MB, Tsai LH. Dissecting the complexities of Alzheimer disease with in vitro models of the human brain. Nat Rev Neurol 2021; 18:25-39. [PMID: 34750588 DOI: 10.1038/s41582-021-00578-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer disease (AD) is the most prevalent type of dementia. It is marked by severe memory loss and cognitive decline, and currently has limited effective treatment options. Although individuals with AD have common neuropathological hallmarks, emerging data suggest that the disease has a complex polygenic aetiology, and more than 25 genetic loci have been linked to an elevated risk of AD and dementia. Nevertheless, our ability to decipher the cellular and molecular mechanisms that underlie genetic susceptibility to AD, and its progression and severity, remains limited. Here, we discuss ongoing efforts to leverage genomic data from patients using cellular reprogramming technologies to recapitulate complex brain systems and build in vitro discovery platforms. Much attention has already been given to methodologies to derive major brain cell types from pluripotent stem cells. We therefore focus on technologies that combine multiple cell types to recreate anatomical and physiological properties of human brain tissue in vitro. We discuss the advances in the field for modelling four domains that have come into view as key contributors to the pathogenesis of AD: the blood-brain barrier, myelination, neuroinflammation and neuronal circuits. We also highlight opportunities for the field to further interrogate the complex genetic and environmental factors of AD using in vitro models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joel W Blanchard
- Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA.,Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA.,Department of Neuroscience, Black Family Stem Cell Institute, Ronald M. Loeb Center for Alzheimer's Disease, Icahn School of Medicine at Mt. Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Matheus B Victor
- Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA.,Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Li-Huei Tsai
- Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA. .,Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA. .,Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA.
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44
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Yan L, Moriarty RA, Stroka KM. Recent progress and new challenges in modeling of human pluripotent stem cell-derived blood-brain barrier. Theranostics 2021; 11:10148-10170. [PMID: 34815809 PMCID: PMC8581424 DOI: 10.7150/thno.63195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2021] [Accepted: 10/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is a semipermeable unit that serves to vascularize the central nervous system (CNS) while tightly regulating the movement of molecules, ions, and cells between the blood and the brain. The BBB precisely controls brain homeostasis and protects the neural tissue from toxins and pathogens. The BBB is coordinated by a tight monolayer of brain microvascular endothelial cells, which is subsequently supported by mural cells, astrocytes, and surrounding neuronal cells that regulate the barrier function with a series of specialized properties. Dysfunction of barrier properties is an important pathological feature in the progression of various neurological diseases. In vitro BBB models recapitulating the physiological and diseased states are important tools to understand the pathological mechanism and to serve as a platform to screen potential drugs. Recent advances in this field have stemmed from the use of pluripotent stem cells (PSCs). Various cell types of the BBB such as brain microvascular endothelial cells (BMECs), pericytes, and astrocytes have been derived from PSCs and synergistically incorporated to model the complex BBB structure in vitro. In this review, we summarize the most recent protocols and techniques for the differentiation of major cell types of the BBB. We also discuss the progress of BBB modeling by using PSC-derived cells and perspectives on how to reproduce more natural BBBs in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Yan
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA
| | - Rebecca A. Moriarty
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA
| | - Kimberly M. Stroka
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA
- Biophysics Program, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA
- Center for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
- Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
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45
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Chang CY, Ting HC, Liu CA, Su HL, Chiou TW, Harn HJ, Lin SZ, Ho TJ. Differentiation of Human Pluripotent Stem Cells Into Specific Neural Lineages. Cell Transplant 2021; 30:9636897211017829. [PMID: 34665040 PMCID: PMC8529300 DOI: 10.1177/09636897211017829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) are sources of several somatic cell
types for human developmental studies, in vitro disease modeling, and
cell transplantation therapy. Improving strategies of derivation of
high-purity specific neural and glial lineages from hPSCs is critical
for application to the study and therapy of the nervous system. Here,
we will focus on the principles behind establishment of neuron and
glia differentiation methods according to developmental studies. We
will also highlight the limitations and challenges associated with the
differentiation of several “difficult” neural lineages and delay in
neuronal maturation and functional integration. To overcome these
challenges, we will introduce strategies and novel technologies aimed
at improving the differentiation of various neural lineages to expand
the application potential of hPSCs to the study of the nervous
system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chia-Yu Chang
- Bioinnovation Center, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, Hualien, Taiwan.,Department of Medical Research, Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital, Hualien, Taiwan.,Neuroscience Center, Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital, Hualien, Taiwan
| | - Hsiao-Chien Ting
- Bioinnovation Center, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, Hualien, Taiwan
| | - Ching-Ann Liu
- Bioinnovation Center, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, Hualien, Taiwan.,Department of Medical Research, Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital, Hualien, Taiwan.,Neuroscience Center, Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital, Hualien, Taiwan
| | - Hong-Lin Su
- Department of Life Sciences, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Tzyy-Wen Chiou
- Department of Life Science, National Dong Hwa University, Hualien, Taiwan
| | - Horng-Jyh Harn
- Bioinnovation Center, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, Hualien, Taiwan.,Department of Pathology, Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital and Tzu Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan
| | - Shinn-Zong Lin
- Bioinnovation Center, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, Hualien, Taiwan.,Department of Neurosurgery, Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital, Hualien, Taiwan
| | - Tsung-Jung Ho
- Department of Chinese Medicine, Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital, Hualien, Taiwan.,Integration Center of Traditional Chinese and Modern Medicine, Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital, Hualien, Taiwan.,School of Post-Baccalaureate Chinese Medicine, Tzu Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan
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46
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Stifani S. Taking Cellular Heterogeneity Into Consideration When Modeling Astrocyte Involvement in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Using Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells. Front Cell Neurosci 2021; 15:707861. [PMID: 34602979 PMCID: PMC8485040 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2021.707861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes are a large group of glial cells that perform a variety of physiological functions in the nervous system. They provide trophic, as well as structural, support to neuronal cells. Astrocytes are also involved in neuroinflammatory processes contributing to neuronal dysfunction and death. Growing evidence suggests important roles for astrocytes in non-cell autonomous mechanisms of motor neuron degeneration in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Understanding these mechanisms necessitates the combined use of animal and human cell-based experimental model systems, at least in part because human astrocytes display a number of unique features that cannot be recapitulated in animal models. Human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-based approaches provide the opportunity to generate disease-relevant human astrocytes to investigate the roles of these cells in ALS. These approaches are facing the growing recognition that there are heterogenous populations of astrocytes in the nervous system which are not functionally equivalent. This review will discuss the importance of taking astrocyte heterogeneity into consideration when designing hiPSC-based strategies aimed at generating the most informative preparations to study the contribution of astrocytes to ALS pathophysiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Stifani
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Montreal Neurological Institute-Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
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47
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Salcedo C, Andersen JV, Vinten KT, Pinborg LH, Waagepetersen HS, Freude KK, Aldana BI. Functional Metabolic Mapping Reveals Highly Active Branched-Chain Amino Acid Metabolism in Human Astrocytes, Which Is Impaired in iPSC-Derived Astrocytes in Alzheimer's Disease. Front Aging Neurosci 2021; 13:736580. [PMID: 34603012 PMCID: PMC8484639 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2021.736580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2021] [Accepted: 08/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) leucine, isoleucine, and valine are important nitrogen donors for synthesis of glutamate, the main excitatory neurotransmitter in the brain. The glutamate carbon skeleton originates from the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle intermediate α-ketoglutarate, while the amino group is derived from nitrogen donors such as the BCAAs. Disturbances in neurotransmitter homeostasis, mainly of glutamate, are strongly implicated in the pathophysiology of Alzheimer's disease (AD). The divergent BCAA metabolism in different cell types of the human brain is poorly understood, and so is the involvement of astrocytic and neuronal BCAA metabolism in AD. The goal of this study is to provide the first functional characterization of BCAA metabolism in human brain tissue and to investigate BCAA metabolism in AD pathophysiology using astrocytes and neurons derived from human-induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs). Mapping of BCAA metabolism was performed using mass spectrometry and enriched [15N] and [13C] isotopes of leucine, isoleucine, and valine in acutely isolated slices of surgically resected cerebral cortical tissue from human brain and in hiPSC-derived brain cells carrying mutations in either amyloid precursor protein (APP) or presenilin-1 (PSEN-1). We revealed that both human astrocytes of acutely isolated cerebral cortical slices and hiPSC-derived astrocytes were capable of oxidatively metabolizing the carbon skeleton of BCAAs, particularly to support glutamine synthesis. Interestingly, hiPSC-derived astrocytes with APP and PSEN-1 mutations exhibited decreased amino acid synthesis of glutamate, glutamine, and aspartate derived from leucine metabolism. These results clearly demonstrate that there is an active BCAA metabolism in human astrocytes, and that leucine metabolism is selectively impaired in astrocytes derived from the hiPSC models of AD. This impairment in astrocytic BCAA metabolism may contribute to neurotransmitter and energetic imbalances in the AD brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Salcedo
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jens V Andersen
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Kasper Tore Vinten
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Lars H Pinborg
- Epilepsy Clinic and Neurobiology Research Unit, Copenhagen University Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Helle S Waagepetersen
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Kristine K Freude
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | - Blanca I Aldana
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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48
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Soft surfaces promote astrocytic differentiation of mouse embryonic neural stem cells via dephosphorylation of MRLC in the absence of serum. Sci Rep 2021; 11:19574. [PMID: 34599241 PMCID: PMC8486742 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-99059-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2021] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes, which can be obtained from neural stem cells (NSCs) by adding serum and/or recombinant proteins in culture media or by passaging NSCs repeatedly, are expected to be applicable in regenerative medicine for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. However, astrocytes obtained using existing methods are costly and have poor quality. The stiffness of culture surfaces has been reported to affect astrocytic differentiation of adult NSCs. However, the influence of surface stiffness on astrocytic differentiation of embryonic NSCs has not yet been reported. In this study, we showed that astrocytic differentiation of embryonic NSCs was increased on soft surfaces (1 kPa and 12 kPa) compared with the NSCs on stiff surfaces (2.8 GPa) in serum-free condition. Furthermore, di-phosphorylated myosin regulatory light chain (PP-MRLC) was decreased in embryonic NSCs cultured on the soft surfaces than the cells on the stiff surfaces. Additionally, astrocytic differentiation of embryonic NSCs was induced by a Ras homolog associated kinase (ROCK) inhibitor, which decreased PP-MRLC in NSCs. These results suggest that decreasing the PP-MRLC of embryonic NSCs on soft surfaces or treating NSCs with a ROCK inhibitor is a good method to prepare astrocytes for application in regenerative medicine.
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49
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Zhang X, Alnafisah RS, Hamoud ARA, Shukla R, Wen Z, McCullumsmith RE, O'Donovan SM. Role of Astrocytes in Major Neuropsychiatric Disorders. Neurochem Res 2021; 46:2715-2730. [PMID: 33411227 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-020-03212-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2020] [Revised: 12/17/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Astrocytes are the primary homeostatic cells of the central nervous system, essential for normal neuronal development and function, metabolism and response to injury and inflammation. Here, we review postmortem studies examining changes in astrocytes in subjects diagnosed with the neuropsychiatric disorders schizophrenia (SCZ), major depressive disorder (MDD), and bipolar disorder (BPD). We discuss the astrocyte-related changes described in the brain in these disorders and the potential effects of psychotropic medication on these findings. Finally, we describe emerging tools that can be used to study the role of astrocytes in neuropsychiatric illness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaolu Zhang
- Department of Neurosciences, University of Toledo College of Medicine, Block Health Science Building, 3000 Arlington Avenue, Toledo, OH, 43614, USA
| | - Rawan S Alnafisah
- Department of Neurosciences, University of Toledo College of Medicine, Block Health Science Building, 3000 Arlington Avenue, Toledo, OH, 43614, USA
| | - Abdul-Rizaq A Hamoud
- Department of Neurosciences, University of Toledo College of Medicine, Block Health Science Building, 3000 Arlington Avenue, Toledo, OH, 43614, USA
| | - Rammohan Shukla
- Department of Neurosciences, University of Toledo College of Medicine, Block Health Science Building, 3000 Arlington Avenue, Toledo, OH, 43614, USA
| | - Zhexing Wen
- Departments of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Cell Biology, and Neurology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Robert E McCullumsmith
- Department of Neurosciences, University of Toledo College of Medicine, Block Health Science Building, 3000 Arlington Avenue, Toledo, OH, 43614, USA.,Neurosciences Institute, ProMedica, Toledo, OH, USA
| | - Sinead M O'Donovan
- Department of Neurosciences, University of Toledo College of Medicine, Block Health Science Building, 3000 Arlington Avenue, Toledo, OH, 43614, USA.
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50
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Human iPSC-Derived Glia as a Tool for Neuropsychiatric Research and Drug Development. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms221910254. [PMID: 34638595 PMCID: PMC8508580 DOI: 10.3390/ijms221910254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2021] [Revised: 09/20/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuropsychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia or autism spectrum disorder represent a leading and growing burden on worldwide mental health. Fundamental lack in understanding the underlying pathobiology compromises efficient drug development despite the immense medical need. So far, antipsychotic drugs reduce symptom severity and enhance quality of life, but there is no cure available. On the molecular level, schizophrenia and autism spectrum disorders correlate with compromised neuronal phenotypes. There is increasing evidence that aberrant neuroinflammatory responses of glial cells account for synaptic pathologies through deregulated communication and reciprocal modulation. Consequently, microglia and astrocytes emerge as central targets for anti-inflammatory treatment to preserve organization and homeostasis of the central nervous system. Studying the impact of neuroinflammation in the context of neuropsychiatric disorders is, however, limited by the lack of relevant human cellular test systems that are able to represent the dynamic cellular processes and molecular changes observed in human tissue. Today, patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells offer the opportunity to study neuroinflammatory mechanisms in vitro that comprise the genetic background of affected patients. In this review, we summarize the major findings of iPSC-based microglia and astrocyte research in the context of neuropsychiatric diseases and highlight the benefit of 2D and 3D co-culture models for the generation of efficient in vitro models for target screening and drug development.
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