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Liu M, Liu S, Qin L, Lv D, Wang G, Liu Q, Huang B, Zhang D. Global changes of miRNA expression indicates an increased reprogramming efficiency of induced mammary epithelial cells by repression of miR-222-3p in fibroblasts. PeerJ 2024; 12:e17657. [PMID: 39011384 PMCID: PMC11249016 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.17657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 06/08/2024] [Indexed: 07/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Our previous studies have successfully reported the reprogramming of fibroblasts into induced mammary epithelial cells (iMECs). However, the regulatory relationships and functional roles of MicroRNAs (miRNAs) in the progression of fibroblasts achieving the cell fate of iMECs are insufficiently understood. Methods First, we performed pre-and post-induction miRNAs sequencing analysis by using high-throughput sequencing. Following that, Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment studies were used to determine the primary roles of the significantly distinct miRNAs and targeted genes. Finally, the effect of miR-222-3p on iMECs fate reprogramming in vitro by transfecting. Results As a result goat ear fibroblasts (GEFs) reprogramming into iMECs activates a regulatory program, involving 79 differentially expressed miRNAs. Besides, the programming process involved changes in multiple signaling pathways such as adherens junction, TGF-β signaling pathway, GnRH secretion and the prolactin signaling pathway, etc. Furthermore, it was discovered that the expression of miR-222-3p downregulation by miR-222-3p inhibitor significantly increase the reprogramming efficiency and promoted lipid accumulation of iMECs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingxing Liu
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Eye Health, Guangxi Academy of Medical Sciences, The People’s Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning, Guangxi, China
- Guangxi University, School of Animal Science and Technology, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Siyi Liu
- Guangxi University, School of Animal Science and Technology, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Liangshan Qin
- Guangxi University, School of Animal Science and Technology, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Danwei Lv
- Guangxi University, School of Animal Science and Technology, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Guodong Wang
- Guangxi University, School of Animal Science and Technology, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Quanhui Liu
- Guangxi University, School of Animal Science and Technology, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Ben Huang
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Eye Health, Guangxi Academy of Medical Sciences, The People’s Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning, Guangxi, China
- Guangxi University, School of Animal Science and Technology, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Dandan Zhang
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Eye Health, Guangxi Academy of Medical Sciences, The People’s Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning, Guangxi, China
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2
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Cao M, Liu Y, Sun Y, Han R, Jiang H. Current advances in human-induced pluripotent stem cell-based models and therapeutic approaches for congenital heart disease. Mol Cell Biochem 2024:10.1007/s11010-024-04997-z. [PMID: 38635080 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-024-04997-z] [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: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
Congenital heart disease (CHD) represents a significant risk factor with profound implications for neonatal survival rates and the overall well-being of adult patients. The emergence of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and their derived cells, combined with CRISPR technology, high-throughput experimental techniques, and organoid technology, which are better suited to contemporary research demands, offer new possibilities for treating CHD. Prior investigations have indicated that the paracrine effect of exosomes may hold potential solutions for therapeutic intervention. This review provides a summary of the advancements in iPSC-based models and clinical trials associated with CHD while elucidating potential therapeutic mechanisms and delineating clinical constraints pertinent to iPSC-based therapy, thereby offering valuable insights for further deliberation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meiling Cao
- Department of Neonatology, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001, Liaoning, China
| | - Yanshan Liu
- Department of Pediatrics, The First Hospital of China Medical University, No.155 Nanjing North Street, Heping District, Shenyang, 110001, Liaoning, China
| | - Ying Sun
- Department of Pediatrics, The First Hospital of China Medical University, No.155 Nanjing North Street, Heping District, Shenyang, 110001, Liaoning, China
| | - Ruiyi Han
- Department of Pediatrics, The First Hospital of China Medical University, No.155 Nanjing North Street, Heping District, Shenyang, 110001, Liaoning, China
| | - Hongkun Jiang
- Department of Pediatrics, The First Hospital of China Medical University, No.155 Nanjing North Street, Heping District, Shenyang, 110001, Liaoning, China.
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Sorraksa N, Kaokaen P, Kunhorm P, Heebkaew N, Promjantuek W, Noisa P. Rapid induction of dopaminergic neuron-like cells from human fibroblasts by autophagy activation with only 2-small molecules. 3 Biotech 2024; 14:115. [PMID: 38524239 PMCID: PMC10954591 DOI: 10.1007/s13205-024-03957-0] [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: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024] Open
Abstract
The dopaminergic neurons are responsible for the release of dopamine. Several diseases that affect motor function, including Parkinson's disease (PD), are rooted in inadequate dopamine (DA) neurotransmission. The study's goal was to create a quick way to make dopaminergic neuron-like cells from human fibroblasts (hNF) using only two small molecules: hedgehog pathway inhibitor 1 (HPI-1) and neurodazine (NZ). Two small compounds have been shown to induce the transdifferentiation of hNF cells into dopaminergic neuron-like cells. After 10 days of treatment, hNF cells had a big drop in fibroblastic markers (Col1A1, KRT18, and Elastin) and a rise in neuron marker genes (TUJ1, PAX6, and SOX1). Different proteins and factors related to dopaminergic neurons (TH, TUJ1, and dopamine) were significantly increased in cells that behave like dopaminergic neurons after treatment. A study of the autophagy signaling pathway showed that apoptotic genes were downregulated while autophagy genes (LC3, ATG5, and ATG12) were significantly upregulated. Our results showed that treating hNF cells with both HPI-1 and NZ together can quickly change them into mature neurons that have dopaminergic activity. However, the current understanding of the underlying mechanisms involved in nerve guidance remains unstable and complex. Ongoing research in this field must continue to advance for a more in-depth understanding. This is crucial for the safe and highly effective clinical application of the knowledge gained to promote neural regeneration in different neurological diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natchadaporn Sorraksa
- Laboratory of Cell-Based Assays and Innovations, School of Biotechnology, Institute of Agricultural Technology, Suranaree University of Technology, 111 University Avenue, Nakhon Ratchasima, 30000 Thailand
| | - Palakorn Kaokaen
- Laboratory of Cell-Based Assays and Innovations, School of Biotechnology, Institute of Agricultural Technology, Suranaree University of Technology, 111 University Avenue, Nakhon Ratchasima, 30000 Thailand
| | - Phongsakorn Kunhorm
- Laboratory of Cell-Based Assays and Innovations, School of Biotechnology, Institute of Agricultural Technology, Suranaree University of Technology, 111 University Avenue, Nakhon Ratchasima, 30000 Thailand
| | - Nudjanad Heebkaew
- Laboratory of Cell-Based Assays and Innovations, School of Biotechnology, Institute of Agricultural Technology, Suranaree University of Technology, 111 University Avenue, Nakhon Ratchasima, 30000 Thailand
| | - Wilasinee Promjantuek
- Laboratory of Cell-Based Assays and Innovations, School of Biotechnology, Institute of Agricultural Technology, Suranaree University of Technology, 111 University Avenue, Nakhon Ratchasima, 30000 Thailand
| | - Parinya Noisa
- Laboratory of Cell-Based Assays and Innovations, School of Biotechnology, Institute of Agricultural Technology, Suranaree University of Technology, 111 University Avenue, Nakhon Ratchasima, 30000 Thailand
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Hamano M, Nakamura T, Ito R, Shimada Y, Iwata M, Takeshita JI, Eguchi R, Yamanishi Y. DIRECTEUR: transcriptome-based prediction of small molecules that replace transcription factors for direct cell conversion. Bioinformatics 2024; 40:btae048. [PMID: 38273708 PMCID: PMC10868337 DOI: 10.1093/bioinformatics/btae048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Revised: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
MOTIVATION Direct reprogramming (DR) is a process that directly converts somatic cells to target cells. Although DR via small molecules is safer than using transcription factors (TFs) in terms of avoidance of tumorigenic risk, the determination of DR-inducing small molecules is challenging. RESULTS Here we present a novel in silico method, DIRECTEUR, to predict small molecules that replace TFs for DR. We extracted DR-characteristic genes using transcriptome profiles of cells in which DR was induced by TFs, and performed a variant of simulated annealing to explore small molecule combinations with similar gene expression patterns with DR-inducing TFs. We applied DIRECTEUR to predicting combinations of small molecules that convert fibroblasts into neurons or cardiomyocytes, and were able to reproduce experimentally verified and functionally related molecules inducing the corresponding conversions. The proposed method is expected to be useful for practical applications in regenerative medicine. AVAILABILITY AND IMPLEMENTATION The code and data are available at the following link: https://github.com/HamanoLaboratory/DIRECTEUR.git.
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Affiliation(s)
- Momoko Hamano
- Department of Bioscience and Bioinformatics, Faculty of Computer Science and Systems Engineering, Kyushu Institute of Technology, Iizuka, Fukuoka 820-8502, Japan
| | - Toru Nakamura
- Department of Bioscience and Bioinformatics, Faculty of Computer Science and Systems Engineering, Kyushu Institute of Technology, Iizuka, Fukuoka 820-8502, Japan
| | - Ryoku Ito
- Department of Bioscience and Bioinformatics, Faculty of Computer Science and Systems Engineering, Kyushu Institute of Technology, Iizuka, Fukuoka 820-8502, Japan
| | - Yuki Shimada
- Department of Bioscience and Bioinformatics, Faculty of Computer Science and Systems Engineering, Kyushu Institute of Technology, Iizuka, Fukuoka 820-8502, Japan
| | - Michio Iwata
- Department of Bioscience and Bioinformatics, Faculty of Computer Science and Systems Engineering, Kyushu Institute of Technology, Iizuka, Fukuoka 820-8502, Japan
| | - Jun-ichi Takeshita
- Research Institute of Science for Safety and Sustainability, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8569, Japan
| | - Ryohei Eguchi
- Department of Bioscience and Bioinformatics, Faculty of Computer Science and Systems Engineering, Kyushu Institute of Technology, Iizuka, Fukuoka 820-8502, Japan
| | - Yoshihiro Yamanishi
- Department of Bioscience and Bioinformatics, Faculty of Computer Science and Systems Engineering, Kyushu Institute of Technology, Iizuka, Fukuoka 820-8502, Japan
- Department of Complex Systems Science, Graduate School of Informatics, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Aichi 464-8601, Japan
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Marzoog BA. Transcription Factors in Brain Regeneration: A Potential Novel Therapeutic Target. Curr Drug Targets 2024; 25:46-61. [PMID: 38444255 DOI: 10.2174/0113894501279977231210170231] [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: 08/30/2023] [Revised: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/07/2024]
Abstract
Transcription factors play a crucial role in providing identity to each cell population. To maintain cell identity, it is essential to balance the expression of activator and inhibitor transcription factors. Cell plasticity and reprogramming offer great potential for future therapeutic applications, as they can regenerate damaged tissue. Specific niche factors can modify gene expression and differentiate or transdifferentiate the target cell to the required fate. Ongoing research is being carried out on the possibilities of transcription factors in regenerating neurons, with neural stem cells (NSCs) being considered the preferred cells for generating new neurons due to their epigenomic and transcriptome memory. NEUROD1/ASCL1, BRN2, MYTL1, and other transcription factors can induce direct reprogramming of somatic cells, such as fibroblasts, into neurons. However, the molecular biology of transcription factors in reprogramming and differentiation still needs to be fully understood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Basheer Abdullah Marzoog
- World-Class Research Center, Digital Biodesign and Personalized Healthcare», I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), 119991 Moscow, Russia
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Li X, Fan R, Xiang J, Yuan Y, Mao X, Zhou N. P-hydroxy benzaldehyde facilitates reprogramming of reactive astrocytes into neurons via endogenous transcriptional regulation. Int J Neurosci 2023; 133:1096-1108. [PMID: 35321633 DOI: 10.1080/00207454.2022.2049775] [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: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cerebral ischemia leads to linguistic and motor dysfunction, as the death of neurons in ischemic core is permanent and non-renewable. An innovative avenue is to induce and/or facilitate reprogramming of adjacent astrocytes into neurons to replace the lost neurons and re-establish brain homeostasis. PURPOSE This study aimed to investigate whether the p-hydroxy benzaldehyde (p-HBA), a phenolic compound isolated from Gastrodia elata Blume, could facilitate the reprogramming of oxygen-glucose deprivation/reperfusion (OGD/R)-damaged astrocytes into neurons. STUDY DESIGN/METHODS The primary parenchymal astrocytes of rat were exposure to OGD and reperfusion with define culture medium. Cells were then incubated with different concentration of p-HBA (1, 10, 100, 400 μM) and collected at desired time point for reprogramming process analysis. RESULTS OGD/R could elicit endogenous neurogenic program in primary parenchymal astrocytes of rat under define culture condition, and these so-called reactive astrocytes could be reprogrammed into neurons. However, the neonatal neurons produced by this endogenous procedure could not develop into mature neurons, and the conversion rate was only 1.9%. Treatment of these reactive astrocytes with p-HBA could successfully promote the conversion rate to 6.1%, and the neonatal neurons could develop into mature neurons within 14 days. Further analysis showed that p-HBA down-regulated the Notch signal component genes Dll1, Hes1 and SOX2, while the transcription factor NeuroD1 was up-regulated. CONCLUSION The results of this study demonstrated that p-HBA facilitated the astrocyte-to-neuron conversion. This chemical reprogramming was mediated by inhibition of Notch1 signaling pathway and transcriptional activation of NeuroD1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Li
- College of Chinese Materia Medica and Yunnan Key Laboratory of Southern Medicinal Utilization, Yunnan University of Chinese Medicine
| | - Ruoxi Fan
- College of Chinese Materia Medica and Yunnan Key Laboratory of Southern Medicinal Utilization, Yunnan University of Chinese Medicine
| | - Jianming Xiang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Medical School, University of Michigan, MI, USA
| | - Yajin Yuan
- College of Chinese Materia Medica and Yunnan Key Laboratory of Southern Medicinal Utilization, Yunnan University of Chinese Medicine
| | - Xiaojian Mao
- College of Chinese Materia Medica and Yunnan Key Laboratory of Southern Medicinal Utilization, Yunnan University of Chinese Medicine
| | - Ningna Zhou
- College of Chinese Materia Medica and Yunnan Key Laboratory of Southern Medicinal Utilization, Yunnan University of Chinese Medicine
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7
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Xu L, Wang G, Shi R, Zeng B, Zhang Y, Liu Z, Dong N, Wang S, Li C. A cocktail of small molecules maintains the stemness and differentiation potential of conjunctival epithelial cells. Ocul Surf 2023; 30:107-118. [PMID: 37634570 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtos.2023.08.005] [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: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The conjunctival epithelial cells cultured with bovine serum or feeder cells were not suitable for clinical application. Therefore, we developed a novel serum-free and feeder cell-free culture system containing only a cocktail of three chemicals (3C) to expand the conjunctival epithelial cells. METHODS The cell proliferative ability was evaluated by counting, crystal violet staining and Ki67 immunostaining. Co-staining of K7 and MUC5AC was performed to identify goblet cells. PAS staining was used to assess the ability of cells to synthesis and secrete glycoproteins. In vivo, eye drops containing 3C was administered to verify the role of 3C in the mouse conjunctival injury model. PAS, HE and immunofluorescence staining were performed to show conjunctival epithelial repair. RESULTS Compared with other small molecule groups and the serum group, the cells in 3C group showed superior morphology and proliferative ability. Meanwhile, 3C maintained the well-proliferative capacity of cells even after fifth passage. The 3C group also exhibited more K7 and MUC5AC double positive cells, and the PAS staining positive areas were present in both the cytoplasm and extracellular matrix. The cell sheets treated with 3C in air-lifted culture were obviously stratified. In vivo, more goblet cells in the conjunctival epithelium were observed in the 3C group. CONCLUSION Overall, our culture system can expand the conjunctival epithelial cells and retain their potential to differentiate into mature goblet cells, which provided a promising source of seed cells for conjunctival reconstruction. Furthermore, this system provides new insights for the clinical treatment of ocular surface diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lina Xu
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, 130041, China
| | - Guoliang Wang
- Huaxia Eye Hospital of Quanzhou, Quanzhou, Fujian, 362000, China; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, China
| | - Ruize Shi
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, 130041, China
| | - Baihui Zeng
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, 130041, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, 130041, China
| | - Zhen Liu
- Eye Institute & Affiliated Xiamen Eye Center, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, China
| | - Nuo Dong
- Huaxia Eye Hospital of Quanzhou, Quanzhou, Fujian, 362000, China; Eye Institute & Affiliated Xiamen Eye Center, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, China; Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, China.
| | - Shurong Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, 130041, China.
| | - Cheng Li
- Huaxia Eye Hospital of Quanzhou, Quanzhou, Fujian, 362000, China; Eye Institute & Affiliated Xiamen Eye Center, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, China; Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, China; Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, China.
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Qabrati X, Kim I, Ghosh A, Bundschuh N, Noé F, Palmer AS, Bar-Nur O. Transgene-free direct conversion of murine fibroblasts into functional muscle stem cells. NPJ Regen Med 2023; 8:43. [PMID: 37553383 PMCID: PMC10409758 DOI: 10.1038/s41536-023-00317-z] [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: 07/21/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Transcription factor-based cellular reprogramming provides an attractive approach to produce desired cell types for regenerative medicine purposes. Such cellular conversions are widely dependent on viral vectors to efficiently deliver and express defined factors in target cells. However, use of viral vectors is associated with unfavorable genomic integrations that can trigger deleterious molecular consequences, rendering this method a potential impediment to clinical applications. Here, we report on a highly efficient transgene-free approach to directly convert mouse fibroblasts into induced myogenic progenitor cells (iMPCs) by overexpression of synthetic MyoD-mRNA in concert with an enhanced small molecule cocktail. First, we performed a candidate compound screen and identified two molecules that enhance fibroblast reprogramming into iMPCs by suppression of the JNK and JAK/STAT pathways. Simultaneously, we developed an optimal transfection protocol to transiently overexpress synthetic MyoD-mRNA in fibroblasts. Combining these two techniques enabled robust and rapid reprogramming of fibroblasts into Pax7 positive iMPCs in as little as 10 days. Nascent transgene-free iMPCs proliferated extensively in vitro, expressed a suite of myogenic stem cell markers, and could differentiate into highly multinucleated and contractile myotubes. Furthermore, using global and single-cell transcriptome assays, we delineated gene expression changes associated with JNK and JAK/STAT pathway inhibition during reprogramming, and identified in iMPCs a Pax7+ stem cell subpopulation resembling satellite cells. Last, transgene-free iMPCs robustly engrafted skeletal muscles of a Duchenne muscular dystrophy mouse model, restoring dystrophin expression in hundreds of myofibers. In summary, this study reports on an improved and clinically safer approach to convert fibroblasts into myogenic stem cells that can efficiently contribute to muscle regeneration in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xhem Qabrati
- Laboratory of Regenerative and Movement Biology, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zurich, Schwerzenbach, Switzerland
| | - Inseon Kim
- Laboratory of Regenerative and Movement Biology, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zurich, Schwerzenbach, Switzerland
| | - Adhideb Ghosh
- Laboratory of Regenerative and Movement Biology, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zurich, Schwerzenbach, Switzerland
- Functional Genomics Center Zurich, ETH Zurich and University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Nicola Bundschuh
- Laboratory of Regenerative and Movement Biology, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zurich, Schwerzenbach, Switzerland
| | - Falko Noé
- Laboratory of Regenerative and Movement Biology, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zurich, Schwerzenbach, Switzerland
- Functional Genomics Center Zurich, ETH Zurich and University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Andrew S Palmer
- Laboratory of Regenerative and Movement Biology, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zurich, Schwerzenbach, Switzerland
- Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Footscray, VIC, Australia
| | - Ori Bar-Nur
- Laboratory of Regenerative and Movement Biology, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zurich, Schwerzenbach, Switzerland.
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Qin L, Zhang D, Liu S, Liu Q, Liu M, Huang B. Dissecting the molecular trajectory of fibroblast reprogramming to chemically induced mammary epithelial cells. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1194070. [PMID: 37601103 PMCID: PMC10433763 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1194070] [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: 03/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: The plasticity of cell identity allows cellular reprogramming that manipulates the lineage of cells to generate the target cell types, bringing new avenues for disease modeling and autologous tailored cell therapy. Previously, we had already successfully established a technical platform for inducing fibroblast reprogramming to chemically induced mammary epithelial cells (CiMECs) by small-molecule compounds. However, exactly how the molecular mechanism driving the lineage conversion remains unknown. Methods: We employ the RNA-sequencing technology to investigate the transcriptome event during the reprogramming process and reveal the molecular mechanisms for the fate acquisition of mammary lineage. Results: The multi-step reprogramming process first overcomes multiple barriers, including the inhibition of mesenchymal characteristics, pro-inflammatory and cell death signals, and then enters an intermediate plastic state. Subsequently, the hormone and mammary development genes were rapidly activated, leading to the acquisition of the mammary program together with upregulation of the milk protein synthesis signal. Moreover, the gene network analyses reveal the potential relationship between the TGF-β signaling pathway to mammary lineage activation, and the changes in the expression of these genes may play important roles in coordinating the reprogramming process. Conclusion: Together, these findings provide critical insights into the molecular route and mechanism triggered by small-molecule compounds that induce fibroblast reprogramming into the fate of mammary epithelial cells, and they also laid a foundation for the subsequent research on the development and differentiation of mammary epithelial cells and lactation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liangshan Qin
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
- Guangxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Nanning, China
| | - Dandan Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
- Guangxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Nanning, China
| | - Siyi Liu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
- Guangxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Nanning, China
| | - Quanhui Liu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
- Guangxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Nanning, China
| | - Mingxing Liu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
- Guangxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Nanning, China
| | - Ben Huang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
- Guangxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Nanning, China
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Talifu Z, Liu JY, Pan YZ, Ke H, Zhang CJ, Xu X, Gao F, Yu Y, Du LJ, Li JJ. In vivo astrocyte-to-neuron reprogramming for central nervous system regeneration: a narrative review. Neural Regen Res 2023; 18:750-755. [PMID: 36204831 PMCID: PMC9700087 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.353482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
The inability of damaged neurons to regenerate within the mature central nervous system (CNS) is a significant neuroscientific challenge. Astrocytes are an essential component of the CNS and participate in many physiological processes including blood-brain barrier formation, axon growth regulation, neuronal support, and higher cognitive functions such as memory. Recent reprogramming studies have confirmed that astrocytes in the mature CNS can be transformed into functional neurons. Building on in vitro work, many studies have demonstrated that astrocytes can be transformed into neurons in different disease models to replace damaged or lost cells. However, many findings in this field are controversial, as the source of new neurons has been questioned. This review summarizes progress in reprogramming astrocytes into neurons in vivo in animal models of spinal cord injury, brain injury, Huntington's disease, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, and other neurodegenerative conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zuliyaer Talifu
- School of Rehabilitation, Capital Medical University; Department of Spinal and Neural Functional Reconstruction, China Rehabilitation Research Center; Chinese Institute of Rehabilitation Science; Center of Neural Injury and Repair, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders; Beijing Key Laboratory of Neural Injury and Rehabilitation, Beijing; School of Rehabilitation Sciences and Engineering, University of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Qingdao, Shandong Province, China
| | - Jia-Yi Liu
- School of Rehabilitation, Capital Medical University; Department of Spinal and Neural Functional Reconstruction, China Rehabilitation Research Center; Chinese Institute of Rehabilitation Science; Center of Neural Injury and Repair, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders; Beijing Key Laboratory of Neural Injury and Rehabilitation, Beijing, China
| | - Yun-Zhu Pan
- School of Rehabilitation, Capital Medical University; Department of Spinal and Neural Functional Reconstruction, China Rehabilitation Research Center; Chinese Institute of Rehabilitation Science; Center of Neural Injury and Repair, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders; Beijing Key Laboratory of Neural Injury and Rehabilitation, Beijing; School of Rehabilitation Sciences and Engineering, University of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Qingdao, Shandong Province, China
| | - Han Ke
- School of Rehabilitation, Capital Medical University; Department of Spinal and Neural Functional Reconstruction, China Rehabilitation Research Center; Chinese Institute of Rehabilitation Science; Center of Neural Injury and Repair, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders; Beijing Key Laboratory of Neural Injury and Rehabilitation, Beijing, China
| | - Chun-Jia Zhang
- School of Rehabilitation, Capital Medical University; Department of Spinal and Neural Functional Reconstruction, China Rehabilitation Research Center; Chinese Institute of Rehabilitation Science; Center of Neural Injury and Repair, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders; Beijing Key Laboratory of Neural Injury and Rehabilitation, Beijing, China
| | - Xin Xu
- School of Rehabilitation, Capital Medical University; Department of Spinal and Neural Functional Reconstruction, China Rehabilitation Research Center; Chinese Institute of Rehabilitation Science; Center of Neural Injury and Repair, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders; Beijing Key Laboratory of Neural Injury and Rehabilitation, Beijing, China
| | - Feng Gao
- School of Rehabilitation, Capital Medical University; Department of Spinal and Neural Functional Reconstruction, China Rehabilitation Research Center; Chinese Institute of Rehabilitation Science; Center of Neural Injury and Repair, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders; Beijing Key Laboratory of Neural Injury and Rehabilitation, Beijing, China
| | - Yan Yu
- School of Rehabilitation, Capital Medical University; Chinese Institute of Rehabilitation Science; Center of Neural Injury and Repair, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders; Beijing Key Laboratory of Neural Injury and Rehabilitation, Beijing, China
| | - Liang-Jie Du
- School of Rehabilitation, Capital Medical University; Department of Spinal and Neural Functional Reconstruction, China Rehabilitation Research Center; Chinese Institute of Rehabilitation Science; Center of Neural Injury and Repair, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders; Beijing Key Laboratory of Neural Injury and Rehabilitation, Beijing, China
| | - Jian-Jun Li
- School of Rehabilitation, Capital Medical University; Department of Spinal and Neural Functional Reconstruction, China Rehabilitation Research Center; Chinese Institute of Rehabilitation Science; Center of Neural Injury and Repair, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders; Beijing Key Laboratory of Neural Injury and Rehabilitation, Beijing; School of Rehabilitation Sciences and Engineering, University of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Qingdao, Shandong Province, China
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Sun L, Zhang D, Qin L, Liu Q, Wang G, Shi D, Huang B. Rapid direct conversion of bovine non-adipogenic fibroblasts into adipocyte-like cells by a small-molecule cocktail. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1020965. [PMID: 36819108 PMCID: PMC9932023 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1020965] [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: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: The molecular regulation mechanism of fat deposition in bovine and its improvement on beef quality are important research directions in the livestock industry. The research of molecular mechanisms that govern the regulation and differentiation of adipocytes may conduct to understand the mechanism of obesity, lipid disorders, and fat deposition. In the recent decade, small-molecule compounds have been widely used in reprogramming and transdifferentiation fields, which can promote the induction efficiency, replace exogenous genes, or even induce cell fate conversion alone. Furthermore, small-molecule compound induction is expected to be a novel approach to generate new cell types from somatic cells in vitro and in vivo. Methods: In this study, we established rapid chemically induced platform for transdifferentiation of bovine ear fibroblasts into adipocyte-like cells using a small-molecule cocktail (Repsox, VPA, TTNPB). The chemically induced adipocytes (CiADCs) were characterized by lipid staining, qRT-PCR and WB. Bovine natural adipocytes were used as positive control, and the expression of adipocyte-related marker genes in CiADCs were analyzed. Moreover, RNA-Seq explore the mechanism of RVB in the regulation of Bovine adipocyte transdifferentiation. Results: In this study, the chemically induced adipocytes (CiADCs) could be identified as early as day 6. The CiADCs appeared to be circular and rich of lipid droplets. The adipocyte-specific genes of LPL, PPARγ, IGF1, GPD1, C/EBPδ, ADIPOQ, PCK2, FAS, C/EBPβ, PPARGC1A, C/EBPα, and CFD were detected to be significantly upregulated in both CiADCs and natural adipocytes. Western blot analysis also confirmed the increase C/EBPα and PPARγ protein level in induced adipocytes (CiADCs-6d) treated with RVB. In addition, we also found that the signaling pathways (PPAR signaling pathway, PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, p53 signaling pathway, MAPK signaling pathway, and ECM-receptor interaction) regulated by the DEGs played a vital role in adipogenesis. Discussion: In the present study, a combination of small-molecule compounds RVB was used to transdifferentiate bovine ear fibroblasts into the chemically-induced adipocyte cells (CiADCs) that have a large number of lipid droplets. Importantly, the small-molecule cocktail significantly shortened the reprogramming turnaround time. The morphology of CiADCs is close to the "ring type" of natural differentiated adipocytes on sixth day. And, the CiADCs showed similar adipocyte-specific gene expression patterns to natural adipocytes. Furthermore, RVB increased protein expression of PPARγ and C/EBPα in the chemically-induced adipocytes (CiADCs-6d). Our findings reveal that the signaling pathways of C/EBPα and PPARγ play pivotal roles in this transdifferentiation process. In addition, we also found that the signaling pathways (PPAR signaling pathway, PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, p53 signaling pathway, MAPK signaling pathway, and ECM-receptor interaction) regulated by the DEGs played a vital role in adipogenesis. In general, this study provides valuable evidence to deepen our understanding of the molecular mechanism of small molecule cocktails in regulating adipogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Longfei Sun
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, School of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Dandan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, School of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi, China,Guangxi Academy of Medical Science, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Liangshan Qin
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, School of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Quanhui Liu
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, School of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Guodong Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, School of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Deshun Shi
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, School of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi, China,*Correspondence: Deshun Shi, ; Ben Huang,
| | - Ben Huang
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, School of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi, China,Guangxi Academy of Medical Science, Nanning, Guangxi, China,*Correspondence: Deshun Shi, ; Ben Huang,
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12
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Li Q, Ma Z, Qin S, Zhao WJ. Virtual Screening-Based Drug Development for the Treatment of Nervous System Diseases. Curr Neuropharmacol 2023; 21:2447-2464. [PMID: 36043797 PMCID: PMC10616913 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x20666220830105350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2022] [Revised: 08/04/2022] [Accepted: 08/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The incidence rate of nervous system diseases has increased in recent years. Nerve injury or neurodegenerative diseases usually cause neuronal loss and neuronal circuit damage, which seriously affect motor nerve and autonomic nervous function. Therefore, safe and effective treatment is needed. As traditional drug research becomes slower and more expensive, it is vital to enlist the help of cutting- edge technology. Virtual screening (VS) is an attractive option for the identification and development of promising new compounds with high efficiency and low cost. With the assistance of computer- aided drug design (CADD), VS is becoming more and more popular in new drug development and research. In recent years, it has become a reality to transform non-neuronal cells into functional neurons through small molecular compounds, which provides a broader application prospect than transcription factor-mediated neuronal reprogramming. This review mainly summarizes related theory and technology of VS and the drug research and development using VS technology in nervous system diseases in recent years, and focuses more on the potential application of VS technology in neuronal reprogramming, thus facilitating new drug design for both prevention and treatment of nervous system diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Li
- Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, Jiangsu, P.R. China
| | - Zhaobin Ma
- College of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650504, Yunnan, P.R. China
| | - Shuhua Qin
- College of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650504, Yunnan, P.R. China
| | - Wei-Jiang Zhao
- Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, Jiangsu, P.R. China
- Department of Cell Biology, Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, Jiangsu, P.R. China
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13
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Prodan N, Ershad F, Reyes-Alcaraz A, Li L, Mistretta B, Gonzalez L, Rao Z, Yu C, Gunaratne PH, Li N, Schwartz RJ, McConnell BK. Direct reprogramming of cardiomyocytes into cardiac Purkinje-like cells. iScience 2022; 25:105402. [PMID: 36388958 PMCID: PMC9646947 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.105402] [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: 06/06/2022] [Revised: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Currently, there are no treatments that ameliorate cardiac cell death, the underlying basis of cardiovascular disease. An unexplored cell type in cardiac regeneration is cardiac Purkinje cells; specialized cells from the cardiac conduction system (CCS) responsible for propagating electrical signals. Purkinje cells have tremendous potential as a regenerative treatment because they may intrinsically integrate with the CCS of a recipient myocardium, resulting in more efficient electrical conduction in diseased hearts. This study is the first to demonstrate an effective protocol for the direct reprogramming of human cardiomyocytes into cardiac Purkinje-like cells using small molecules. The cells generated were genetically and functionally similar to native cardiac Purkinje cells, where expression of key cardiac Purkinje genes such as CNTN2, ETV1, PCP4, IRX3, SCN5a, HCN2 and the conduction of electrical signals with increased velocity was observed. This study may help to advance the quest to finding an optimized cell therapy for heart regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Prodan
- Department of Pharmacological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Houston, 4349 Martin Luther King Blvd, Health-2 (H2) Building, Room 5024, Houston, TX 77204-5037, USA
| | - Faheem Ershad
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Cullen College of Engineering, University of Houston, Houston, TX 77204, USA
| | - Arfaxad Reyes-Alcaraz
- Department of Pharmacological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Houston, 4349 Martin Luther King Blvd, Health-2 (H2) Building, Room 5024, Houston, TX 77204-5037, USA
| | - Luge Li
- Department of Medicine (Section of Cardiovascular Research), Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Brandon Mistretta
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Houston, Houston, TX 77204, USA
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry, UH-Sequencing & Gene Editing Core, University of Houston, Houston, TX 77204, USA
| | - Lei Gonzalez
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Cullen College of Engineering, University of Houston, Houston, TX 77204, USA
| | - Zhoulyu Rao
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Cullen College of Engineering, University of Houston, Houston, TX 77204, USA
| | - Cunjiang Yu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Cullen College of Engineering, University of Houston, Houston, TX 77204, USA
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Cullen College of Engineering, University of Houston, Houston, TX 77204, USA
| | - Preethi H. Gunaratne
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Houston, Houston, TX 77204, USA
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry, UH-Sequencing & Gene Editing Core, University of Houston, Houston, TX 77204, USA
| | - Na Li
- Department of Medicine (Section of Cardiovascular Research), Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Robert J. Schwartz
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Houston, Houston, TX 77204, USA
| | - Bradley K. McConnell
- Department of Pharmacological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Houston, 4349 Martin Luther King Blvd, Health-2 (H2) Building, Room 5024, Houston, TX 77204-5037, USA
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Houston, Houston, TX 77204, USA
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Dash BC, Korutla L, Vallabhajosyula P, Hsia HC. Unlocking the Potential of Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells for Wound Healing: The Next Frontier of Regenerative Medicine. Adv Wound Care (New Rochelle) 2022; 11:622-638. [PMID: 34155919 DOI: 10.1089/wound.2021.0049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Significance: Nonhealing wounds are a significant burden for the health care system all over the world. Existing treatment options are not enough to promote healing, highlighting the urgent need for improved therapies. In addition, the current advancements in tissue-engineered skin constructs and stem cell-based therapies are facing significant hurdles due to the absence of a renewable source of functional cells. Recent Advances: Induced pluripotent stem cell technology (iPSC) is emerging as a novel tool to develop the next generation of personalized medicine for the treatment of chronic wounds. The iPSC provides unlimited access to various skin cells to generate complex personalized three-dimensional skin constructs for disease modeling and autologous grafts. Furthermore, the iPSC-based therapies can target distinct wound healing phases and have shown accelerating wound closure by enhancing angiogenesis, cell migration, tissue regeneration, and modulating inflammation. Critical Issues: Since the last decade, iPSC has been revolutionizing the field of wound healing and skin tissue engineering. Despite the current progress, safety and heterogeneity among iPSC lines are still major hurdles in addition to the lack of large animal studies. These challenges need to be addressed before translating an iPSC-based therapy to the clinic. Future Directions: Future considerations should be given to performing large animal studies to check the safety and efficiency of iPSC-based therapy in a wound healing setup. Furthermore, strategies should be developed to overcome variation between hiPSC lines, develop an efficient manufacturing process for iPSC-derived products, and generate complex skin constructs with vasculature and skin appendages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Biraja C Dash
- Department of Surgery (Plastic), Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Laxminarayana Korutla
- Department of Surgery (Cardiac), Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Prashanth Vallabhajosyula
- Department of Surgery (Cardiac), Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Henry C Hsia
- Department of Surgery (Plastic), Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
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15
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Cui X, Wang X, Wen J, Li X, Li N, Hao X, Zhao B, Wu X, Miao J. Identification of a new way to induce differentiation of dermal fibroblasts into vascular endothelial cells. STEM CELL RESEARCH & THERAPY 2022; 13:501. [PMID: 36210433 PMCID: PMC9549676 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-022-03185-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2021] [Accepted: 09/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Background Human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs) have the potential to differentiate into vascular endothelial cells (VECs), but their differentiation rate is low and the mechanism involved is not clear. The small molecule pathway controls the phenotype of fibroblasts by activating cellular signaling pathways, which is a more convenient method in the differentiation strategy of HDFs into VECs. Methods In this study, HDFs were treated with the different doses of CPP ((E)-4-(4-(4-(7-(diethylamino)-2-oxo-2H-chromene-3-carbonyl) piperazin-1-yl) styryl)-1-methylpyridin-1-ium iodide), and the mRNA and protein levels of HDFs were detected by qPCR, Western blot, flow cytometry and immunofluorescent staining. The matrigel assays, acetylated-LDL uptake and angiogenesis assays of chick embryo chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) and hindlimb ischemia model of nude mice were performed to evaluate the functions of VECs derived from HDFs. Results Here, we report that the small chemical molecule, CPP, can effectively induce HDFs to differentiate into VECs. First, we observed the morphological changes of HDFS treated with CPP. Flow cytometry, Western blot and qRT-PCR analyses showed that CPP effectively decreased the level of the HDFs-marker Vimentin and increased levels of the VEC-markers CD31, CD133, TEK, ERG, vWF, KDR and CDH5. Detection of the percentage of CD31-positive cells by immunofluorescent staining confirmed that CPP can effectively induce HDFs to differentiate into VECs. The results of Matrigel assays, DiI-ac-LDL uptake, angiogenesis assays on CAM and hindlimb ischemia model of nude mice showed that CPP-induced HDFs have the functions of VECs in vitro and in vivo. Western blot and qRT-PCR analysis showed that CPP induces HDFs to differentiate into VECs by promoting the expression of pro-angiogenic factors (VEGF, FGF-2 and PDGF-BB). Conclusions Our data suggest that the small chemical molecule CPP efficiently induces the differentiation of HDFs into VECs. Simultaneously, this new inducer provides a potential to develop new approaches to restore vascular function for the treatment of ischemic vascular diseases. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13287-022-03185-4.
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16
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Nakamura T, Iwata M, Hamano M, Eguchi R, Takeshita JI, Yamanishi Y. Small compound-based direct cell conversion with combinatorial optimization of pathway regulations. Bioinformatics 2022; 38:ii99-ii105. [PMID: 36124791 DOI: 10.1093/bioinformatics/btac475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
MOTIVATION Direct cell conversion, direct reprogramming (DR), is an innovative technology that directly converts source cells to target cells without bypassing induced pluripotent stem cells. The use of small compounds (e.g. drugs) for DR can help avoid carcinogenic risk induced by gene transfection; however, experimentally identifying small compounds remains challenging because of combinatorial explosion. RESULTS In this article, we present a new computational method, COMPRENDRE (combinatorial optimization of pathway regulations for direct reprograming), to elucidate the mechanism of small compound-based DR and predict new combinations of small compounds for DR. We estimated the potential target proteins of DR-inducing small compounds and identified a set of target pathways involving DR. We identified multiple DR-related pathways that have not previously been reported to induce neurons or cardiomyocytes from fibroblasts. To overcome the problem of combinatorial explosion, we developed a variant of a simulated annealing algorithm to identify the best set of compounds that can regulate DR-related pathways. Consequently, the proposed method enabled to predict new DR-inducing candidate combinations with fewer compounds and to successfully reproduce experimentally verified compounds inducing the direct conversion from fibroblasts to neurons or cardiomyocytes. The proposed method is expected to be useful for practical applications in regenerative medicine. AVAILABILITY AND IMPLEMENTATION The code supporting the current study is available at the http://labo.bio.kyutech.ac.jp/~yamani/comprendre. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toru Nakamura
- Department of Bioscience and Bioinformatics, Faculty of Computer Science and Systems Engineering, Kyushu Institute of Technology, Iizuka, Fukuoka 820-8502, Japan
| | - Michio Iwata
- Department of Bioscience and Bioinformatics, Faculty of Computer Science and Systems Engineering, Kyushu Institute of Technology, Iizuka, Fukuoka 820-8502, Japan
| | - Momoko Hamano
- Department of Bioscience and Bioinformatics, Faculty of Computer Science and Systems Engineering, Kyushu Institute of Technology, Iizuka, Fukuoka 820-8502, Japan
| | - Ryohei Eguchi
- Department of Bioscience and Bioinformatics, Faculty of Computer Science and Systems Engineering, Kyushu Institute of Technology, Iizuka, Fukuoka 820-8502, Japan
| | - Jun-Ichi Takeshita
- Research Institute of Science for Safety and Sustainability, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8569, Japan
| | - Yoshihiro Yamanishi
- Department of Bioscience and Bioinformatics, Faculty of Computer Science and Systems Engineering, Kyushu Institute of Technology, Iizuka, Fukuoka 820-8502, Japan
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17
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Habibey R, Rojo Arias JE, Striebel J, Busskamp V. Microfluidics for Neuronal Cell and Circuit Engineering. Chem Rev 2022; 122:14842-14880. [PMID: 36070858 PMCID: PMC9523714 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.2c00212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The widespread adoption of microfluidic devices among the neuroscience and neurobiology communities has enabled addressing a broad range of questions at the molecular, cellular, circuit, and system levels. Here, we review biomedical engineering approaches that harness the power of microfluidics for bottom-up generation of neuronal cell types and for the assembly and analysis of neural circuits. Microfluidics-based approaches are instrumental to generate the knowledge necessary for the derivation of diverse neuronal cell types from human pluripotent stem cells, as they enable the isolation and subsequent examination of individual neurons of interest. Moreover, microfluidic devices allow to engineer neural circuits with specific orientations and directionality by providing control over neuronal cell polarity and permitting the isolation of axons in individual microchannels. Similarly, the use of microfluidic chips enables the construction not only of 2D but also of 3D brain, retinal, and peripheral nervous system model circuits. Such brain-on-a-chip and organoid-on-a-chip technologies are promising platforms for studying these organs as they closely recapitulate some aspects of in vivo biological processes. Microfluidic 3D neuronal models, together with 2D in vitro systems, are widely used in many applications ranging from drug development and toxicology studies to neurological disease modeling and personalized medicine. Altogether, microfluidics provide researchers with powerful systems that complement and partially replace animal models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rouhollah Habibey
- Department of Ophthalmology, Universitäts-Augenklinik Bonn, University of Bonn, Ernst-Abbe-Straße 2, D-53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Jesús Eduardo Rojo Arias
- Wellcome─MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0AW, United Kingdom
| | - Johannes Striebel
- Department of Ophthalmology, Universitäts-Augenklinik Bonn, University of Bonn, Ernst-Abbe-Straße 2, D-53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Volker Busskamp
- Department of Ophthalmology, Universitäts-Augenklinik Bonn, University of Bonn, Ernst-Abbe-Straße 2, D-53127 Bonn, Germany
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18
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Wang J, Chen S, Pan C, Li G, Tang Z. Application of Small Molecules in the Central Nervous System Direct Neuronal Reprogramming. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 10:799152. [PMID: 35875485 PMCID: PMC9301571 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.799152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The lack of regenerative capacity of neurons leads to poor prognoses for some neurological disorders. The use of small molecules to directly reprogram somatic cells into neurons provides a new therapeutic strategy for neurological diseases. In this review, the mechanisms of action of different small molecules, the approaches to screening small molecule cocktails, and the methods employed to detect their reprogramming efficiency are discussed, and the studies, focusing on neuronal reprogramming using small molecules in neurological disease models, are collected. Future research efforts are needed to investigate the in vivo mechanisms of small molecule-mediated neuronal reprogramming under pathophysiological states, optimize screening cocktails and dosing regimens, and identify safe and effective delivery routes to promote neural regeneration in different neurological diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Gaigai Li
- *Correspondence: Gaigai Li, ; Zhouping Tang,
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19
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Kuang J, Huang T, Pei D. The Art of Reprogramming for Regenerative Medicine. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:927555. [PMID: 35846373 PMCID: PMC9280648 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.927555] [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: 04/24/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Traditional pharmaceuticals in the forms of small chemical compounds or macromolecules such as proteins or RNAs have provided lifesaving solutions to many acute and chronic conditions to date. However, there are still many unmet medical needs, especially those of degenerative nature. The advent of cell-based therapy holds the promise to meet these challenges. In this review, we highlight a relatively new paradigm for generating or regenerating functional cells for replacement therapy against conditions such as type I diabetes, myocardial infarction, neurodegenerative diseases and liver fibrosis. We focus on the latest progresses in cellular reprogramming for generating diverse functional cell types. We will also discuss the mechanisms involved and conclude with likely general principles underlying reprogramming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junqi Kuang
- Institute of Biology, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, Hangzhou, China
- Laboratory of Cell Fate Control, School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Tao Huang
- Institute of Biology, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, Hangzhou, China
- Laboratory of Cell Fate Control, School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou, China
- College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Duanqing Pei
- Institute of Biology, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, Hangzhou, China
- Laboratory of Cell Fate Control, School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Duanqing Pei,
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20
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Zhou M, Cao Y, Sui M, Shu X, Wan F, Zhang B. Dead Cas(t) light on new life: CRISPRa-mediated reprogramming of somatic cells into neurons. Cell Mol Life Sci 2022; 79:315. [PMID: 35610381 PMCID: PMC11073076 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-022-04324-z] [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: 01/10/2022] [Revised: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Overexpression of exogenous lineage-specific transcription factors could directly induce terminally differentiated somatic cells into target cell types. However, the low conversion efficiency and the concern about introducing exogenous genes limit the clinical application. With the rapid progress in genome editing, the application of CRISPR/dCas9 has been expanding rapidly, including converting somatic cells into other types of cells in vivo and in vitro. Using the CRISPR/dCas9 system, direct neuronal reprogramming could be achieved by activating endogenous genes. Here, we will discuss the latest progress, new insights, and future challenges of the application of the dCas9 system in direct neuronal reprogramming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meiling Zhou
- Wuhan Institute of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, Jianghan University, Wuhan, 430056, China
| | - Yu Cao
- Wuhan Institute of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, Jianghan University, Wuhan, 430056, China
| | - Ming Sui
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Xiji Shu
- Wuhan Institute of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, Jianghan University, Wuhan, 430056, China
| | - Feng Wan
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China.
| | - Bin Zhang
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China.
- The Institute for Brain Research, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China.
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Drug Target Research and Pharmacodynamic Evaluation, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China.
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21
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Ji SF, Zhou LX, Sun ZF, Xiang JB, Cui SY, Li Y, Chen HT, Liu YQ, Gao HH, Fu XB, Sun XY. Small molecules facilitate single factor-mediated sweat gland cell reprogramming. Mil Med Res 2022; 9:13. [PMID: 35351192 PMCID: PMC8962256 DOI: 10.1186/s40779-022-00372-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 02/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Large skin defects severely disrupt the overall skin structure and can irreversibly damage sweat glands (SG), thus impairing the skin's physiological function. This study aims to develop a stepwise reprogramming strategy to convert fibroblasts into SG lineages, which may provide a promising method to obtain desirable cell types for the functional repair and regeneration of damaged skin. METHODS The expression of the SG markers cytokeratin 5 (CK5), cytokeratin 10 (CK10), cytokeratin 18 (CK18), carcino-embryonic antigen (CEA), aquaporin 5 (AQP5) and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) was assessed with quantitative PCR (qPCR), immunofluorescence and flow cytometry. Calcium activity analysis was conducted to test the function of induced SG-like cells (iSGCs). Mouse xenograft models were also used to evaluate the in vivo regeneration of iSGCs. BALB/c nude mice were randomly divided into a normal group, SGM treatment group and iSGC transplantation group. Immunocytochemical analyses and starch-iodine sweat tests were used to confirm the in vivo regeneration of iSGCs. RESULTS EDA overexpression drove HDF conversion into iSGCs in SG culture medium (SGM). qPCR indicated significantly increased mRNA levels of the SG markers CK5, CK18 and CEA in iSGCs, and flow cytometry data demonstrated (4.18 ± 0.04)% of iSGCs were CK5 positive and (4.36 ± 0.25)% of iSGCs were CK18 positive. The addition of chemical cocktails greatly accelerated the SG fate program. qPCR results revealed significantly increased mRNA expression of CK5, CK18 and CEA in iSGCs, as well as activation of the duct marker CK10 and luminal functional marker AQP5. Flow cytometry indicated, after the treatment of chemical cocktails, (23.05 ± 2.49)% of iSGCs expressed CK5+ and (55.79 ± 3.18)% of iSGCs expressed CK18+, respectively. Calcium activity analysis indicated that the reactivity of iSGCs to acetylcholine was close to that of primary SG cells [(60.79 ± 7.71)% vs. (70.59 ± 0.34)%, ns]. In vivo transplantation experiments showed approximately (5.2 ± 1.1)% of the mice were sweat test positive, and the histological analysis results indicated that regenerated SG structures were present in iSGCs-treated mice. CONCLUSION We developed a SG reprogramming strategy to generate functional iSGCs from HDFs by using the single factor EDA in combination with SGM and small molecules. The generation of iSGCs has important implications for future in situ skin regeneration with SG restoration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuai-Fei Ji
- Research Center for Tissue Repair and Regeneration Affiliated To Medical Innovation Research Department and 4th Medical Center, PLA General Hospital and PLA Medical College; PLA Key Laboratory of Tissue Repair and Regenerative Medicine and Beijing Key Research Laboratory of Skin Injury, Repair and Regeneration, 28 Fu Xing Road, Beijing, 100853, China.,Research Unit of Trauma Care, Tissue Repair and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, 2019RU051, Beijing, 100048, China
| | - Lai-Xian Zhou
- Research Center for Tissue Repair and Regeneration Affiliated To Medical Innovation Research Department and 4th Medical Center, PLA General Hospital and PLA Medical College; PLA Key Laboratory of Tissue Repair and Regenerative Medicine and Beijing Key Research Laboratory of Skin Injury, Repair and Regeneration, 28 Fu Xing Road, Beijing, 100853, China.,Research Unit of Trauma Care, Tissue Repair and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, 2019RU051, Beijing, 100048, China
| | - Zhi-Feng Sun
- Department of Respiratory, The Second Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100036, China
| | - Jiang-Bing Xiang
- Research Center for Tissue Repair and Regeneration Affiliated To Medical Innovation Research Department and 4th Medical Center, PLA General Hospital and PLA Medical College; PLA Key Laboratory of Tissue Repair and Regenerative Medicine and Beijing Key Research Laboratory of Skin Injury, Repair and Regeneration, 28 Fu Xing Road, Beijing, 100853, China.,Research Unit of Trauma Care, Tissue Repair and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, 2019RU051, Beijing, 100048, China.,Bioengineering College of Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400044, China
| | - Shao-Yuan Cui
- Department of Nephrology, The First Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Kidney Diseases, Beijing, 100048, China
| | - Yan Li
- Research Center for Tissue Repair and Regeneration Affiliated To Medical Innovation Research Department and 4th Medical Center, PLA General Hospital and PLA Medical College; PLA Key Laboratory of Tissue Repair and Regenerative Medicine and Beijing Key Research Laboratory of Skin Injury, Repair and Regeneration, 28 Fu Xing Road, Beijing, 100853, China.,Research Unit of Trauma Care, Tissue Repair and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, 2019RU051, Beijing, 100048, China
| | - Hua-Ting Chen
- Research Center for Tissue Repair and Regeneration Affiliated To Medical Innovation Research Department and 4th Medical Center, PLA General Hospital and PLA Medical College; PLA Key Laboratory of Tissue Repair and Regenerative Medicine and Beijing Key Research Laboratory of Skin Injury, Repair and Regeneration, 28 Fu Xing Road, Beijing, 100853, China.,Research Unit of Trauma Care, Tissue Repair and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, 2019RU051, Beijing, 100048, China
| | - Yi-Qiong Liu
- Research Center for Tissue Repair and Regeneration Affiliated To Medical Innovation Research Department and 4th Medical Center, PLA General Hospital and PLA Medical College; PLA Key Laboratory of Tissue Repair and Regenerative Medicine and Beijing Key Research Laboratory of Skin Injury, Repair and Regeneration, 28 Fu Xing Road, Beijing, 100853, China.,Research Unit of Trauma Care, Tissue Repair and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, 2019RU051, Beijing, 100048, China
| | - Huan-Huan Gao
- Research Center for Tissue Repair and Regeneration Affiliated To Medical Innovation Research Department and 4th Medical Center, PLA General Hospital and PLA Medical College; PLA Key Laboratory of Tissue Repair and Regenerative Medicine and Beijing Key Research Laboratory of Skin Injury, Repair and Regeneration, 28 Fu Xing Road, Beijing, 100853, China.,Research Unit of Trauma Care, Tissue Repair and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, 2019RU051, Beijing, 100048, China
| | - Xiao-Bing Fu
- Research Center for Tissue Repair and Regeneration Affiliated To Medical Innovation Research Department and 4th Medical Center, PLA General Hospital and PLA Medical College; PLA Key Laboratory of Tissue Repair and Regenerative Medicine and Beijing Key Research Laboratory of Skin Injury, Repair and Regeneration, 28 Fu Xing Road, Beijing, 100853, China. .,Research Unit of Trauma Care, Tissue Repair and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, 2019RU051, Beijing, 100048, China.
| | - Xiao-Yan Sun
- Research Center for Tissue Repair and Regeneration Affiliated To Medical Innovation Research Department and 4th Medical Center, PLA General Hospital and PLA Medical College; PLA Key Laboratory of Tissue Repair and Regenerative Medicine and Beijing Key Research Laboratory of Skin Injury, Repair and Regeneration, 28 Fu Xing Road, Beijing, 100853, China. .,Research Unit of Trauma Care, Tissue Repair and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, 2019RU051, Beijing, 100048, China.
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22
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Lin X, Rong C, Wu S. Two Sets of Compound Complex Driving for High Efficiency of Nonintegration Reprogramming of Human Fibroblasts. Cell Reprogram 2022; 24:71-79. [PMID: 35255219 DOI: 10.1089/cell.2021.0143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Currently, plentiful chemical-assisted methods have been applied for mouse induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). It has been reported that small-molecule compounds can only reprogram mouse embryonic fibroblasts into mouse chemically induced pluripotent stem cells (mouse CiPSCs). However, human CiPSCs have not been reported. Therefore, it is still necessary to search for safer chemically assisted human pluripotent stem cells, which might realize the potential of human iPSCs. Here, we developed two sets of chemical cocktails to greatly improve the induction efficiency of human nonintegrated iPSCs, including the 4 compound mixture (4M) and the 5 compound mixture (4MI). These two sets of complex driving strategies might greatly improve the reprogramming efficiency to generate integration-free iPSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangyi Lin
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China.,China-World Bright-Future Education Development Organization, Beijing, China
| | - Cuiping Rong
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shouhai Wu
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China.,State Key Laboratory of Dampness Syndrome of Chinese Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China.,Department of Nephrology, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
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23
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PT109, a novel multi-kinase inhibitor suppresses glioblastoma multiforme through cell reprogramming: Involvement of PTBP1/PKM1/2 pathway. Eur J Pharmacol 2022; 920:174837. [PMID: 35218719 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2022.174837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Revised: 01/29/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most prevalent type and lethal form of primary malignant brain tumor, accounting for about 40-50% of intracranial tumors and without effective treatments now. Cell reprogramming is one of the emerging treatment approaches for GBM, which can reprogram glioblastomas into non-tumor cells to achieve therapeutic effects. However, anti-GBM drugs through reprogramming can only provide limited symptom relief, and cannot completely cure GBM. Here we showed that PT109, a novel multi-kinase inhibitor, suppressed GBM's proliferation, colony formation, migration and reprogramed GBM into oligodendrocytes. Analysis of quantitative proteomics data after PT109 administration of human GBM cells showed significant influence of energy metabolism, cell cycle, and immune system processes of GBM-associated protein. Metabolomics analysis showed that PT109 improved the aerobic respiration process in glioma cells. Meanwhile, we found that PT109 could significantly increase the ratio of Pyruvate kinase M1/2 (PKM1/2) by reducing the level of polypyrimidine tract-binding protein 1 (PTBP1). Altogether, this work developed a novel anti-GBM small molecule PT109, which reprogramed GBM into oligodendrocytes and changed the metabolic pattern of GBM through the PTBP1/PKM1/2 pathway, providing a new strategy for the development of anti-glioma drugs.
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24
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Chan YH, Ho KN, Lee YC, Chou MJ, Lew WZ, Huang HM, Lai PC, Feng SW. Melatonin enhances osteogenic differentiation of dental pulp mesenchymal stem cells by regulating MAPK pathways and promotes the efficiency of bone regeneration in calvarial bone defects. Stem Cell Res Ther 2022; 13:73. [PMID: 35183254 PMCID: PMC8858457 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-022-02744-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)-based tissue engineering plays a major role in regenerative medicine. However, the efficiency of MSC transplantation and survival of engrafted stem cells remain challenging. Melatonin can regulate MSC biology. However, its function in the osteogenic differentiation of dental pulp-derived MSCs (DPSCs) remains unclear. We investigated the effects and mechanisms of melatonin on the osteogenic differentiation and bone regeneration capacities of DPSCs. Methods The biological effects and signaling mechanisms of melatonin with different concentrations on DPSCs were evaluated using a proliferation assay, the quantitative alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, Alizarin red staining, a real-time polymerase chain reaction, and a western blot in vitro cell culture model. The in vivo bone regeneration capacities were assessed among empty control, MBCP, MBCP + DPSCs, and MBCP + DPSCs + melatonin preconditioning in four-created calvarial bone defects by using micro-computed tomographic, histological, histomorphometric, and immunohistochemical analyses after 4 and 8 weeks of healing. Results In vitro experiments revealed that melatonin (1, 10, and 100 μM) significantly and concentration-dependently promoted proliferation, surface marker expression (CD 146), ALP activity and extracellular calcium deposition, and osteogenic gene expression of DPSCs (p < 0.05). Melatonin activated the protein expression of ALP, OCN, and RUNX-2 and inhibited COX-2/NF-κB expression. Furthermore, the phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) p38/ERK signaling was significantly increased in DPSCs treated with 100 μM melatonin, and their inhibitors significantly decreased osteogenic differentiation. In vivo experiments demonstrated that bone defects implanted with MBCP bone-grafting materials and melatonin-preconditioned DPSCs exhibited significantly greater bone volume fraction, trabecular bone structural modeling, new bone formation, and osteogenesis-related protein expression than the other three groups at 4 and 8 weeks postoperatively (p < 0.05). Conclusions These results suggest that melatonin promotes the proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of DPSCs by regulating COX-2/NF-κB and p38/ERK MAPK signaling pathways. Preconditioning DPSCs with melatonin before transplantation can efficiently enhance MSCs function and regenerative capacities.
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25
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Histone modifications in neurodifferentiation of embryonic stem cells. Heliyon 2022; 8:e08664. [PMID: 35028451 PMCID: PMC8741459 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2021.e08664] [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: 09/30/2021] [Revised: 11/25/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Post-translational modifications of histone proteins regulate a long cascade of downstream cellular activities, including transcription and replication. Cellular lineage differentiation involves large-scale intracellular signaling and extracellular context. In particular, histone modifications play instructive and programmatic roles in central nervous system development. Deciphering functions of histone could offer feasible molecular strategies for neural diseases caused by histone modifications. Here, we review recent advances of in vitro and in vivo studies on histone modifications in neural differentiation.
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26
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Small molecules for cell reprogramming: a systems biology analysis. Aging (Albany NY) 2021; 13:25739-25762. [PMID: 34919532 PMCID: PMC8751603 DOI: 10.18632/aging.203791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2021] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
If somatic stem cells would be able to maintain their regenerative capacity over time, this might, to a great extent, resolve rejuvenation issues. Unfortunately, the pool of somatic stem cells is limited, and they undergo cell aging with a consequent loss of functionality. During the last decade, low molecular weight compounds that are able to induce or enhance cell reprogramming have been reported. They were named “Small Molecules” (SMs) and might present definite advantages compared to the exogenous introduction of stemness-related transcription factors (e.g. Yamanaka’s factors). Here, we undertook a systemic analysis of SMs and their potential gene targets. Data mining and curation lead to the identification of 92 SMs. The SM targets fall into three major functional categories: epigenetics, cell signaling, and metabolic “switchers”. All these categories appear to be required in each SM cocktail to induce cell reprogramming. Remarkably, many enriched pathways of SM targets are related to aging, longevity, and age-related diseases, thus connecting them with cell reprogramming. The network analysis indicates that SM targets are highly interconnected and form protein-protein networks of a scale-free topology. The extremely high contribution of hubs to network connectivity suggests that (i) cell reprogramming may require SM targets to act cooperatively, and (ii) their network organization might ensure robustness by resistance to random failures. All in all, further investigation of SMs and their relationship with longevity regulators will be helpful for developing optimal SM cocktails for cell reprogramming with a perspective for rejuvenation and life span extension.
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27
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Feng Y, Bai S, Li G, Nie H, Chen S, Pan C, Zhang P, Tang Y, Liu N, Tang Z. Reprogramming rat astrocytes into neurons using small molecules for cell replacement following intracerebral hemorrhage. BRAIN SCIENCE ADVANCES 2021. [DOI: 10.26599/bsa.2021.9050009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes are promising source cells to replace neurons lost to disease owing to a shared lineage and capacities for dedifferentiation and proliferation under pathological conditions. Reprogramming of astrocytes to neurons has been achieved by transcription factor modulation, but reprogramming in vitro or in vivo using small‐molecule drugs may have several advantages for clinical application. For instance, small molecules can be extensively characterized for efficacy, toxicity, and tumorigenicity in vitro; induce rapid initiation and subsequent reversal of transdifferentiation upon withdrawal, and obviate the need for exogenous gene transfection. Here we report a new astrocyte–neuron reprogramming strategy using a combination of small molecules (0.5 mM valproic acid, 1 μM RepSox, 3 μM CHIR99021, 2 μM I‐BET151, 10 μM ISX‐9, and 10 μM forskolin). Treatment with this drug combination gradually reduced expression levels of astroglial marker proteins (glial fibrillary acidic protein and S100), transiently enhanced expression of the neuronal progenitor marker doublecortin, and subsequently elevated expression of the mature neuronal marker NeuN in primary astrocyte cultures. These changes were accompanied by transition to a neuron‐like morphological phenotype and expression of multiple neuronal transcription factors. Further, this drug combination induced astrocyte‐to‐neuron transdifferentiation in a culture model of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) and upregulated many transdifferentiation‐associated signaling molecules in ICH model rats. In culture, the drug combination also reduced ICH model‐associated oxidative stress, apoptosis, and pro‐inflammatory cytokine production. Neurons derived from small‐molecule reprogramming of astrocytes in adult Sprague–Dawley rats demonstrated long‐term survival and maintenance of neuronal phenotype. This small‐molecule‐induced astrocyte‐to‐neuron transdifferentiation method may be a promising strategy for neuronal replacement therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Na Liu
- These authors contributed equally to this work
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28
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Wang N, Ji X, Wu Y, Zhou S, Peng H, Wang J, Yu S, Zhang J. The Different Molecular Code in Generation of Dopaminergic Neurons from Astrocytes and Mesenchymal Stem Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222212141. [PMID: 34830023 PMCID: PMC8622032 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222212141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Revised: 11/01/2021] [Accepted: 11/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Transplantation of exogenous dopaminergic (DA) neurons is an alternative strategy to replenish DA neurons that have lost along the course of Parkinson’s disease (PD). From the perspective of ethical acceptation, the source limitations, and the intrinsic features of PD pathology, astrocytes (AS) and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are the two promising candidates of DA induction. In the present study, we induced AS or MSCs primary culture by the combination of the classical transcription-factor cocktails Mash1, Lmx1a, and Nurr1 (MLN), the chemical cocktails (S/C/D), and the morphogens SHH, FGF8, and FGF2 (S/F8/F2); the efficiency of induction into DA neurons was further analyzed by using immunostaining against the DA neuronal markers. AS could be efficiently converted into the DA neurons in vitro by the transcriptional regulation of MLN, and the combination with S/C/D or S/F8/F2 further increased the conversion efficiency. In contrast, MSCs from umbilical cord (UC-MSCs) or adipose tissue (AD-MSCs) showed moderate TH immunoreactivity after the induction with S/F8/F2 instead of with MLN or S/C/D. Our data demonstrated that AS and MSCs held lineage-specific molecular codes on the induction into DA neurons and highlighted the unique superiority of AS in the potential of cell replacement therapy for PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nana Wang
- School of Biomedical Engineering (Suzhou), Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China; (N.W.); (X.J.); (S.Z.); (H.P.)
- Suzhou Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Suzhou 215163, China; (Y.W.); (J.W.)
| | - Xingrui Ji
- School of Biomedical Engineering (Suzhou), Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China; (N.W.); (X.J.); (S.Z.); (H.P.)
- Suzhou Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Suzhou 215163, China; (Y.W.); (J.W.)
| | - Yue Wu
- Suzhou Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Suzhou 215163, China; (Y.W.); (J.W.)
- Zhengzhou Zhongke Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Technology, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Shaocong Zhou
- School of Biomedical Engineering (Suzhou), Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China; (N.W.); (X.J.); (S.Z.); (H.P.)
- Suzhou Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Suzhou 215163, China; (Y.W.); (J.W.)
| | - Huiyu Peng
- School of Biomedical Engineering (Suzhou), Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China; (N.W.); (X.J.); (S.Z.); (H.P.)
- Suzhou Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Suzhou 215163, China; (Y.W.); (J.W.)
| | - Jingwen Wang
- Suzhou Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Suzhou 215163, China; (Y.W.); (J.W.)
- Zhengzhou Zhongke Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Technology, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Shuang Yu
- School of Biomedical Engineering (Suzhou), Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China; (N.W.); (X.J.); (S.Z.); (H.P.)
- Suzhou Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Suzhou 215163, China; (Y.W.); (J.W.)
- Correspondence: (S.Y.); (J.Z.); Tel.: +86-13951103916 (S.Y.); +86-13913161723 (J.Z.)
| | - Jingzhong Zhang
- School of Biomedical Engineering (Suzhou), Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China; (N.W.); (X.J.); (S.Z.); (H.P.)
- Suzhou Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Suzhou 215163, China; (Y.W.); (J.W.)
- Zhengzhou Zhongke Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Technology, Zhengzhou 450001, China
- Correspondence: (S.Y.); (J.Z.); Tel.: +86-13951103916 (S.Y.); +86-13913161723 (J.Z.)
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29
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Samoilova EM, Belopasov VV, Baklaushev VP. Transcription Factors of Direct Neuronal Reprogramming in Ontogenesis and Ex Vivo. Mol Biol 2021. [DOI: 10.1134/s0026893321040087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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30
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Hywood JD, Sadeghipour S, Clayton ZE, Yuan J, Stubbs C, Wong JWT, Cooke JP, Patel S. Induced endothelial cells from peripheral arterial disease patients and neonatal fibroblasts have comparable angiogenic properties. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0255075. [PMID: 34375370 PMCID: PMC8354451 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0255075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2020] [Accepted: 07/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Induced endothelial cells (iECs) generated from neonatal fibroblasts via transdifferentiation have been shown to have pro-angiogenic properties and are a potential therapy for peripheral arterial disease (PAD). It is unknown if iECs can be generated from fibroblasts collected from PAD patients and whether these cells are pro-angiogenic. In this study fibroblasts were collected from four PAD patients undergoing carotid endarterectomies. These cells, and neonatal fibroblasts, were transdifferentiated into iECs using modified mRNA. Endothelial phenotype and pro-angiogenic cytokine secretion were investigated. NOD-SCID mice underwent surgery to induce hindlimb ischaemia in a murine model of PAD. Mice received intramuscular injections with either control vehicle, or 1 × 106 neonatal-derived or 1 × 106 patient-derived iECs. Recovery in perfusion to the affected limb was measured using laser Doppler scanning. Perfusion recovery was enhanced in mice treated with neonatal-derived iECs and in two of the three patient-derived iEC lines investigated in vivo. Patient-derived iECs can be successfully generated from PAD patients and for specific patients display comparable pro-angiogenic properties to neonatal-derived iECs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jack D. Hywood
- Heart Research Institute, Newtown, NSW, Australia
- Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
| | | | - Zoe E. Clayton
- Heart Research Institute, Newtown, NSW, Australia
- Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
| | - Jun Yuan
- Heart Research Institute, Newtown, NSW, Australia
| | - Colleen Stubbs
- RNACore, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Jack W. T. Wong
- School of Life Sciences, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - John P. Cooke
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Sanjay Patel
- Heart Research Institute, Newtown, NSW, Australia
- Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
- Department of Cardiology, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
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31
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Basu A, Tiwari VK. Epigenetic reprogramming of cell identity: lessons from development for regenerative medicine. Clin Epigenetics 2021; 13:144. [PMID: 34301318 PMCID: PMC8305869 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-021-01131-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic mechanisms are known to define cell-type identity and function. Hence, reprogramming of one cell type into another essentially requires a rewiring of the underlying epigenome. Cellular reprogramming can convert somatic cells to induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) that can be directed to differentiate to specific cell types. Trans-differentiation or direct reprogramming, on the other hand, involves the direct conversion of one cell type into another. In this review, we highlight how gene regulatory mechanisms identified to be critical for developmental processes were successfully used for cellular reprogramming of various cell types. We also discuss how the therapeutic use of the reprogrammed cells is beginning to revolutionize the field of regenerative medicine particularly in the repair and regeneration of damaged tissue and organs arising from pathological conditions or accidents. Lastly, we highlight some key challenges hindering the application of cellular reprogramming for therapeutic purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amitava Basu
- Institute of Molecular Biology (IMB), 55128, Mainz, Germany.
| | - Vijay K Tiwari
- Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Science, Queens University Belfast, Belfast, BT9 7BL, UK.
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33
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Zhao A, Pan Y, Cai S. Patient-Specific Cells for Modeling and Decoding Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: Advances and Challenges. Stem Cell Rev Rep 2021; 16:482-502. [PMID: 31916190 DOI: 10.1007/s12015-019-09946-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Motor neuron loss or degeneration is the typical characteristic of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), which often leads to weakness, paralysis, or even death. The underlying mechanisms of motor neuron degeneration and ALS progression remain elusive, and there is no effective treatment for ALS. The advances of stem cells and reprogramming techniques has made it possible to generate patient-specific motor neurons as cell models for studying disease mechanisms and drug discovery. This review comprehensively discusses recent approaches to generate motor neurons from stem cells and somatic cells and highlights the application of induced motor neurons to modeling ALS diseases, dissecting the pathogenesis, and screening new drugs. New perspectives are also discussed on generating patient-specific motor neuron subtypes that are affected by ALS or creating 3D spinal cord organoid models for better recapitulating and understanding ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andong Zhao
- Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, China
| | - Yu Pan
- Department of Trauma and Orthopedics, The 2nd Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, The Affiliated Baoan Hospital of Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, 518101, China.
| | - Sa Cai
- Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, China.
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Abstract
Due to the ability to differentiate into variety of cell types, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) hold promise as source in cell-based therapy for treating injured tissue and degenerative diseases. The potential use of MSCs to replace or repair damaged tissues may depend on the efficient differentiation protocols to derive specialized cells without any negative side effects. Identification of appropriate cues that support the lineage-specific differentiation of stem cells is critical for tissue healing and cellular therapy. Recently, a number of stimuli have been utilized to direct the differentiation of stem cells. Biochemical stimuli such as small molecule, growth factor and miRNA have been traditionally used to regulate the fate of stem cells. In recent years, many studies have reported that biophysical stimuli including cyclic mechanical strain, fluid shear stress, microgravity, electrical stimulation, matrix stiffness and topography can also be sensed by stem cells through mechanical receptors, thus affecting the stem cell behaviors including their differentiation potential. In this paper, we review all the most recent literature on the application of biochemical and biophysical cues on regulating MSC differentiation. An extensive literature search was done using electronic database (Medline/Pubmed). Although there are still some challenges that need to be taken into consideration before translating these methods into clinics, biochemical and biophysical stimulation appears to be an attractive method to manipulate the lineage commitment of MSCs.
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35
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Hadi J, Brightwell G. Safety of Alternative Proteins: Technological, Environmental and Regulatory Aspects of Cultured Meat, Plant-Based Meat, Insect Protein and Single-Cell Protein. Foods 2021; 10:1226. [PMID: 34071292 PMCID: PMC8230205 DOI: 10.3390/foods10061226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2021] [Revised: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Food security and environmental issues have become global crises that need transformative solutions. As livestock production is becoming less sustainable, alternative sources of proteins are urgently required. These include cultured meat, plant-based meat, insect protein and single-cell protein. Here, we describe the food safety aspects of these novel protein sources, in terms of their technological backgrounds, environmental impacts and the necessary regulatory framework for future mass-scale production. Briefly, cultured meat grown in fetal bovine serum-based media can be exposed to viruses or infectious prion, in addition to other safety risks associated with the use of genetic engineering. Plant-based meat may contain allergens, anti-nutrients and thermally induced carcinogens. Microbiological risks and allergens are the primary concerns associated with insect protein. Single-cell protein sources are divided into microalgae, fungi and bacteria, all of which have specific food safety risks that include toxins, allergens and high ribonucleic acid (RNA) contents. The environmental impacts of these alternative proteins can mainly be attributed to the production of growth substrates or during cultivation. Legislations related to novel food or genetic modification are the relevant regulatory framework to ensure the safety of alternative proteins. Lastly, additional studies on the food safety aspects of alternative proteins are urgently needed for providing relevant food governing authorities with sufficient data to oversee that the technological progress in this area is balanced with robust safety standards.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua Hadi
- AgResearch Ltd., Hopkirk Research Institute, Cnr University Ave and Library Road, Massey University, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand;
| | - Gale Brightwell
- AgResearch Ltd., Hopkirk Research Institute, Cnr University Ave and Library Road, Massey University, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand;
- New Zealand Food Safety Science and Research Centre, Massey University Manawatu (Turitea), Tennent Drive, Palmerston North 4474, New Zealand
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Kalinin AA, Hou X, Ade AS, Fon GV, Meixner W, Higgins GA, Sexton JZ, Wan X, Dinov ID, O'Meara MJ, Athey BD. Valproic acid-induced changes of 4D nuclear morphology in astrocyte cells. Mol Biol Cell 2021; 32:1624-1633. [PMID: 33909457 PMCID: PMC8684733 DOI: 10.1091/mbc.e20-08-0502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Histone deacetylase inhibitors, such as valproic acid (VPA), have important clinical therapeutic and cellular reprogramming applications. They induce chromatin reorganization that is associated with altered cellular morphology. However, there is a lack of comprehensive characterization of VPA-induced changes of nuclear size and shape. Here, we quantify 3D nuclear morphology of primary human astrocyte cells treated with VPA over time (hence, 4D). We compared volumetric and surface-based representations and identified seven features that jointly discriminate between normal and treated cells with 85% accuracy on day 7. From day 3, treated nuclei were more elongated and flattened and then continued to morphologically diverge from controls over time, becoming larger and more irregular. On day 7, most of the size and shape descriptors demonstrated significant differences between treated and untreated cells, including a 24% increase in volume and 6% reduction in extent (shape regularity) for treated nuclei. Overall, we show that 4D morphometry can capture how chromatin reorganization modulates the size and shape of the nucleus over time. These nuclear structural alterations may serve as a biomarker for histone (de-)acetylation events and provide insights into mechanisms of astrocytes-to-neurons reprogramming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandr A Kalinin
- Shenzhen Research Institute of Big Data, Chinese University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen, Shenzhen 518172, Guangdong, China.,Department of Computational Medicine and Bioinformatics.,Statistics Online Computational Resource (SOCR), Health Behavior and Biological Sciences
| | - Xinhai Hou
- Shenzhen Research Institute of Big Data, Chinese University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen, Shenzhen 518172, Guangdong, China.,School of Science and Engineering, Chinese University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen, Shenzhen 518172, Guangdong, China.,Department of Computational Medicine and Bioinformatics
| | - Alex S Ade
- Department of Computational Medicine and Bioinformatics
| | | | | | | | - Jonathan Z Sexton
- Department of Internal Medicine, Gastroenterology, Michigan Medicine.,Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy.,Center for Drug Repurposing
| | - Xiang Wan
- Shenzhen Research Institute of Big Data, Chinese University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen, Shenzhen 518172, Guangdong, China
| | - Ivo D Dinov
- Department of Computational Medicine and Bioinformatics.,Statistics Online Computational Resource (SOCR), Health Behavior and Biological Sciences.,Michigan Institute for Data Science (MIDAS), and
| | | | - Brian D Athey
- Department of Computational Medicine and Bioinformatics.,Michigan Institute for Data Science (MIDAS), and.,Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109
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37
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Zentelytė A, Žukauskaitė D, Jacerytė I, Borutinskaitė VV, Navakauskienė R. Small Molecule Treatments Improve Differentiation Potential of Human Amniotic Fluid Stem Cells. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2021; 9:623886. [PMID: 33692988 PMCID: PMC7937811 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2021.623886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2020] [Accepted: 02/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Human amniotic fluid stem cells (AFSC) are an exciting and very promising source of stem cells for therapeutic applications. In this study we investigated the effects of short-term treatments of small molecules to improve stem cell properties and differentiation capability. For this purpose, we used epigenetically active compounds, such as histone deacetylase inhibitors Trichostatin A (TSA) and sodium butyrate (NaBut), as well as multifunctional molecules of natural origin, such as retinoic acid (RA) and vitamin C (vitC). We observed that combinations of these compounds triggered upregulation of genes involved in pluripotency (KLF4, OCT4, NOTCH1, SOX2, NANOG, LIN28a, CMYC), but expression changes of these proteins were mild with only significant downregulation of Notch1. Also, some alterations in cell surface marker expression was established by flow cytometry with the most explicit changes in the expression of CD105 and CD117. Analysis of cellular energetics performed using Seahorse analyzer and assessment of gene expression related to cell metabolism and respiration (NRF1, HIF1α, PPARGC1A, ERRα, PKM, PDK1, LDHA, NFKB1, NFKB2, RELA, RELB, REL) revealed that small molecule treatments stimulate AFSCs toward a more energetically active phenotype. To induce cells to differentiate toward neurogenic lineage several different protocols including commercial supplements N2 and B27 together with RA were used and compared to the same differentiation protocols with the addition of a pre-induction step consisting of a combination of small molecules (vitC, TSA and RA). During differentiation the expression of several neural marker genes was analyzed (Nestin, MAP2, TUBB3, ALDH1L1, GFAP, CACNA1D, KCNJ12, KCNJ2, KCNH2) and the beneficial effect of small molecule treatment on differentiation potential was observed with upregulated gene expression. Differentiation was also confirmed by staining TUBB3, NCAM1, and Vimentin and assessed by secretion of BDNF. The results of this study provide valuable insights for the potential use of short-term small molecule treatments to improve stem cell characteristics and boost differentiation potential of AFSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aistė Zentelytė
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Life Sciences Center, Institute of Biochemistry, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Deimantė Žukauskaitė
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Life Sciences Center, Institute of Biochemistry, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Ieva Jacerytė
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Life Sciences Center, Institute of Biochemistry, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Veronika V Borutinskaitė
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Life Sciences Center, Institute of Biochemistry, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Rūta Navakauskienė
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Life Sciences Center, Institute of Biochemistry, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania
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38
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Balakrishnan A, Belfiore L, Chu TH, Fleming T, Midha R, Biernaskie J, Schuurmans C. Insights Into the Role and Potential of Schwann Cells for Peripheral Nerve Repair From Studies of Development and Injury. Front Mol Neurosci 2021; 13:608442. [PMID: 33568974 PMCID: PMC7868393 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2020.608442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2020] [Accepted: 12/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Peripheral nerve injuries arising from trauma or disease can lead to sensory and motor deficits and neuropathic pain. Despite the purported ability of the peripheral nerve to self-repair, lifelong disability is common. New molecular and cellular insights have begun to reveal why the peripheral nerve has limited repair capacity. The peripheral nerve is primarily comprised of axons and Schwann cells, the supporting glial cells that produce myelin to facilitate the rapid conduction of electrical impulses. Schwann cells are required for successful nerve regeneration; they partially “de-differentiate” in response to injury, re-initiating the expression of developmental genes that support nerve repair. However, Schwann cell dysfunction, which occurs in chronic nerve injury, disease, and aging, limits their capacity to support endogenous repair, worsening patient outcomes. Cell replacement-based therapeutic approaches using exogenous Schwann cells could be curative, but not all Schwann cells have a “repair” phenotype, defined as the ability to promote axonal growth, maintain a proliferative phenotype, and remyelinate axons. Two cell replacement strategies are being championed for peripheral nerve repair: prospective isolation of “repair” Schwann cells for autologous cell transplants, which is hampered by supply challenges, and directed differentiation of pluripotent stem cells or lineage conversion of accessible somatic cells to induced Schwann cells, with the potential of “unlimited” supply. All approaches require a solid understanding of the molecular mechanisms guiding Schwann cell development and the repair phenotype, which we review herein. Together these studies provide essential context for current efforts to design glial cell-based therapies for peripheral nerve regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anjali Balakrishnan
- Biological Sciences Platform, Sunnybrook Research Institute (SRI), Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Lauren Belfiore
- Biological Sciences Platform, Sunnybrook Research Institute (SRI), Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Tak-Ho Chu
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Taylor Fleming
- Biological Sciences Platform, Sunnybrook Research Institute (SRI), Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Rajiv Midha
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Jeff Biernaskie
- Department of Comparative Biology and Experimental Medicine, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Carol Schuurmans
- Biological Sciences Platform, Sunnybrook Research Institute (SRI), Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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39
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Jiao Y, Liu YW, Chen WG, Liu J. Neuroregeneration and functional recovery after stroke: advancing neural stem cell therapy toward clinical application. Neural Regen Res 2021; 16:80-92. [PMID: 32788451 PMCID: PMC7818886 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.286955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Stroke is a main cause of death and disability worldwide. The ability of the brain to self-repair in the acute and chronic phases after stroke is minimal; however, promising stem cell-based interventions are emerging that may give substantial and possibly complete recovery of brain function after stroke. Many animal models and clinical trials have demonstrated that neural stem cells (NSCs) in the central nervous system can orchestrate neurological repair through nerve regeneration, neuron polarization, axon pruning, neurite outgrowth, repair of myelin, and remodeling of the microenvironment and brain networks. Compared with other types of stem cells, NSCs have unique advantages in cell replacement, paracrine action, inflammatory regulation and neuroprotection. Our review summarizes NSC origins, characteristics, therapeutic mechanisms and repair processes, then highlights current research findings and clinical evidence for NSC therapy. These results may be helpful to inform the direction of future stroke research and to guide clinical decision-making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Jiao
- Stem Cell Clinical Research Center, National Joint Engineering Laboratory, Regenerative Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University; Dalian Innovation Institute of Stem Cells and Precision Medicine, Dalian, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Yu-Wan Liu
- Stem Cell Clinical Research Center, National Joint Engineering Laboratory, Regenerative Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Wei-Gong Chen
- Stem Cell Clinical Research Center, National Joint Engineering Laboratory, Regenerative Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University; Dalian Innovation Institute of Stem Cells and Precision Medicine, Dalian, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Jing Liu
- Stem Cell Clinical Research Center, National Joint Engineering Laboratory, Regenerative Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University; Dalian Innovation Institute of Stem Cells and Precision Medicine, Dalian, Liaoning Province, China
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40
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Singh A, Verma V, Kumar M, Kumar A, Sarma DK, Singh B, Jha R. Stem cells-derived in vitro meat: from petri dish to dinner plate. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr 2020; 62:2641-2654. [PMID: 33291952 DOI: 10.1080/10408398.2020.1856036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Sustainable food supply to the world is possibly the greatest challenge that human civilization has ever faced. Among animal sourced foods, meat plays a starring role in human food chain. Traditional meat production necessitates high proportion of agricultural land, energy and clean water for rearing meat-producing animals; also massive emission of greenhouse gases from the unutilized nutrients of the digestive process into the environment is a major challenge to the world. Also, conventional meat production is associated with evolution and spread of superbugs and zoonotic infections. In vitro meat has the potential to provide a healthy alternative nutritious meal and to avoid the issues associated with animal slaughtering and environmental effects. Stem cell technology may provide a fascinating approach to produce meat in an animal-free environment. Theoretically, in vitro meat can supplement the meat produced by culling the animals and satisfy the global demand. This article highlights the necessity and potential of stem cell-derived in vitro meat as an alternative source of animal protein vis-a-vis the constraints of conventional approaches of meat production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anshuman Singh
- Stem Cell Research Centre, Department of Hematology, Sanjay Gandhi Post-Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, India
| | - Vinod Verma
- Stem Cell Research Centre, Department of Hematology, Sanjay Gandhi Post-Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, India
| | - Manoj Kumar
- ICMR-National Institute for Research in Environmental Health, Bhopal, India
| | - Ashok Kumar
- Department of Zoology, MLK Post Graduate College, Balrampur, India
| | | | - Birbal Singh
- ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Regional Station, Palampur, India
| | - Rajneesh Jha
- Curi Bio, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
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41
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Induced Pluripotency: A Powerful Tool for In Vitro Modeling. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21238910. [PMID: 33255453 PMCID: PMC7727808 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21238910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2020] [Revised: 11/13/2020] [Accepted: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
One of the greatest breakthroughs of regenerative medicine in this century was the discovery of induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technology in 2006 by Shinya Yamanaka. iPSCs originate from terminally differentiated somatic cells that have newly acquired the developmental capacity of self-renewal and differentiation into any cells of three germ layers. Before iPSCs can be used routinely in clinical practice, their efficacy and safety need to be rigorously tested; however, iPSCs have already become effective and fully-fledged tools for application under in vitro conditions. They are currently routinely used for disease modeling, preparation of difficult-to-access cell lines, monitoring of cellular mechanisms in micro- or macroscopic scales, drug testing and screening, genetic engineering, and many other applications. This review is a brief summary of the reprogramming process and subsequent differentiation and culture of reprogrammed cells into neural precursor cells (NPCs) in two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) conditions. NPCs can be used as biomedical models for neurodegenerative diseases (NDs), which are currently considered to be one of the major health problems in the human population.
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42
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Zhang Y, Xie X, Hu J, Afreen KS, Zhang CL, Zhuge Q, Yang J. Prospects of Directly Reprogrammed Adult Human Neurons for Neurodegenerative Disease Modeling and Drug Discovery: iN vs. iPSCs Models. Front Neurosci 2020; 14:546484. [PMID: 33328842 PMCID: PMC7710799 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2020.546484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2020] [Accepted: 10/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
A reliable disease model is critical to the study of specific disease mechanisms as well as for the discovery and development of new drugs. Despite providing crucial insights into the mechanisms of neurodegenerative diseases, translation of this information to develop therapeutics in clinical trials have been unsuccessful. Reprogramming technology to convert adult somatic cells to induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (iPSCs) or directly reprogramming adult somatic cells to induced Neurons (iN), has allowed for the creation of better models to understand the molecular mechanisms and design of new drugs. In recent times, iPSC technology has been commonly used for modeling neurodegenerative diseases and drug discovery. However, several technological challenges have limited the application of iN. As evidence suggests, iN for the modeling of neurodegenerative disorders is advantageous compared to those derived from iPSCs. In this review, we will compare iPSCs and iN models for neurodegenerative diseases and their potential applications in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Zhang
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Aging and Neurological Disorder Research, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.,Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Xinyang Xie
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Aging and Neurological Disorder Research, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.,Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.,International Department of The Affiliated High School of South China Normal University (HFI), Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiangnan Hu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, United States
| | - Kazi Sabrina Afreen
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Chun-Li Zhang
- Department of Molecular Biology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States
| | - Qichuan Zhuge
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Aging and Neurological Disorder Research, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.,Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Jianjing Yang
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Aging and Neurological Disorder Research, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.,Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
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43
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Yang Y, Fan Y, Zhang H, Zhang Q, Zhao Y, Xiao Z, Liu W, Chen B, Gao L, Sun Z, Xue X, Shu M, Dai J. Small molecules combined with collagen hydrogel direct neurogenesis and migration of neural stem cells after spinal cord injury. Biomaterials 2020; 269:120479. [PMID: 33223332 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2020.120479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2020] [Revised: 09/28/2020] [Accepted: 10/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Complete spinal cord injury (SCI) leads to cell death, interruption of axonal connections and permanent functional impairments. In the development of SCI treatments, cell transplantation combined with biomaterial-growth factor-based therapies have been widely studied. Another avenue worth exploring is the generation of neurons from endogenous neural stem cells (NSCs) or reactive astrocytes activated by SCI. Here, we screened a combination of four small molecules, LDN193189, SB431542, CHIR99021 and P7C3-A20, that can increase neuronal differentiation of mouse and rat spinal cord NSCs. Moreover, the small molecules loaded in an injectable collagen hydrogel induced neurogenesis and inhibited astrogliogenesis of endogenous NSCs in the injury site, which usually differentiate into astrocytes under pathological conditions. Meanwhile, induced neurons migrated into the non-neural lesion core, and genetic fate mapping showed that neurons mainly originated from NSCs in the parenchyma, but not from the central canal of the spinal cord. The neuronal regeneration in the lesion sites resulted in some recovery of locomotion. Our findings indicate that the combined treatment of small molecules and collagen hydrogel is a potential therapeutic strategy for SCI by inducing in situ endogenous NSCs to form neurons and restore damaged functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaming Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Yongheng Fan
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Haipeng Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Qi Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Yannan Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Zhifeng Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Wenbin Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Bing Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Lin Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Zheng Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Xiaoyu Xue
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Muya Shu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Jianwu Dai
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China.
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Qin H, Zhao AD, Sun ML, Ma K, Fu XB. Direct conversion of human fibroblasts into dopaminergic neuron-like cells using small molecules and protein factors. Mil Med Res 2020; 7:52. [PMID: 33129359 PMCID: PMC7603706 DOI: 10.1186/s40779-020-00284-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2020] [Accepted: 10/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Generation of neurons is essential in cell replacement therapy for neurodegenerative disorders like Parkinson's disease. Several studies have reported the generation of dopaminergic (DA) neurons from mouse and human fibroblasts by ectopic expression of transcription factors, in which genetic manipulation is associated with potential risks. METHODS The small molecules and protein factors were selected based on their function to directly induce human fetal lung IMR-90 fibroblasts into DA neuron-like cells. Microscopical, immunocytochemical, and RT-qPCR analyses were used to characterize the morphology, phenotype, and gene expression features of the induced cells. The whole-cell patch-clamp recordings were exploited to measure the electrophysiological properties. RESULTS Human IMR-90 fibroblasts were rapidly converted into DA neuron-like cells after the chemical induction using small molecules and protein factors, with a yield of approximately 95% positive TUJ1-positive cells. The induced DA neuron-like cells were immunopositive for pan-neuronal markers MAP2, NEUN, and Synapsin 1 and DA markers TH, DDC, DAT, and NURR1. The chemical induction process did not involve a neural progenitor/stem cell intermediate stage. The induced neurons could fire single action potentials, which reflected partially the electrophysiological properties of neurons. CONCLUSION We developed a chemical cocktail of small molecules and protein factors to convert human fibroblasts into DA neuron-like cells without passing through a neural progenitor/stem cell intermediate stage. The induced DA neuron-like cells from human fibroblasts might provide a cellular source for cell-based therapy of Parkinson's disease in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hua Qin
- Research Center for Tissue Repair and Regeneration affiliated to the Medical Innovation Research Division and 4th Medical Center, PLA General Hospital and PLA Medical College, 28 Fu Xing Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100853, China
| | - An-Dong Zhao
- Research Center for Tissue Repair and Regeneration affiliated to the Medical Innovation Research Division and 4th Medical Center, PLA General Hospital and PLA Medical College, 28 Fu Xing Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100853, China.,Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300070, China.,PLA Key Laboratory of Tissue Repair and Regenerative Medicine and Beijing Key Research Laboratory of Skin Injury, Repair and Regeneration, Beijing, 100048, China
| | - Meng-Li Sun
- Research Center for Tissue Repair and Regeneration affiliated to the Medical Innovation Research Division and 4th Medical Center, PLA General Hospital and PLA Medical College, 28 Fu Xing Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100853, China.,PLA Key Laboratory of Tissue Repair and Regenerative Medicine and Beijing Key Research Laboratory of Skin Injury, Repair and Regeneration, Beijing, 100048, China
| | - Kui Ma
- Research Center for Tissue Repair and Regeneration affiliated to the Medical Innovation Research Division and 4th Medical Center, PLA General Hospital and PLA Medical College, 28 Fu Xing Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100853, China.,PLA Key Laboratory of Tissue Repair and Regenerative Medicine and Beijing Key Research Laboratory of Skin Injury, Repair and Regeneration, Beijing, 100048, China
| | - Xiao-Bing Fu
- Research Center for Tissue Repair and Regeneration affiliated to the Medical Innovation Research Division and 4th Medical Center, PLA General Hospital and PLA Medical College, 28 Fu Xing Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100853, China. .,PLA Key Laboratory of Tissue Repair and Regenerative Medicine and Beijing Key Research Laboratory of Skin Injury, Repair and Regeneration, Beijing, 100048, China. .,Research Unit of Trauma Care, Tissue Repair and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, 2019RU051, Beijing, 100048, China.
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Yuan J, Hou Q, Zhong L, Dai X, Lu Q, Li M, Fu X. Sustained release of inhibitor from bionic scaffolds for wound healing and functional regeneration. Biomater Sci 2020; 8:5647-5655. [PMID: 33049013 DOI: 10.1039/d0bm00929f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Small molecules play remarkable roles in promoting tissue regeneration, but are limited by their burst release. Small molecules such as deferoxamine (DFO) have been released slowly from silk hydrogels and stimulated angiogenesis and wound healing, but failed to achieve functional recovery of skin. Various bioactive molecules are required to create a suitable niche for better skin regeneration by controlling their release behaviors. Herein, a small molecule SB216763, a GSK-3 inhibitor, was loaded on silk fibroin nanofibers (SNF), and then mixed with chitosan (CS) to prepare the small molecule-loaded composite bionic scaffolds (CSNF-SB). Given the interaction of SNF and SB216763, the sustained release of SB216763 for more than 21 days was achieved for SNF and CSNF-SB composite scaffolds. Compared to drug-free CSNF scaffolds, CSNF-SB showed better cell adhesion and proliferation capacity, suggesting bioactivity. The upregulated expression of β-catenin in fibroblasts in vitro revealed that the released small molecules maintained their function in composite scaffolds. Quicker and better wound healing was realized with the drug-loaded scaffolds, which was significantly superior to that treated with drug-free scaffolds. Unlike the DFO-loaded silk hydrogel system, hair follicle neogenesis was also found in the drug-loaded-scaffold treatment wounds, demonstrating functional recovery. Therefore, silk nanofibers as versatile carriers for different small bioactive molecules could be used to fabricate scaffolds with optimized niches and then achieve functional recovery of tissues. The small molecule-loaded bionic scaffolds have a promising future in skin tissue regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jifang Yuan
- Research Center for Tissue Repair and Regeneration affiliated to the Medical Innovation Research Department and 4th Medical Center, PLA General Hospital and PLA Medical College, China.
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Dilger N, Neehus AL, Grieger K, Hoffmann A, Menssen M, Ngezahayo A. Gap Junction Dependent Cell Communication Is Modulated During Transdifferentiation of Mesenchymal Stem/Stromal Cells Towards Neuron-Like Cells. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:869. [PMID: 32984345 PMCID: PMC7487424 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.00869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2020] [Accepted: 08/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
In vitro transdifferentiation of patient-derived mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) into neurons is of special interest for treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. Although there are encouraging studies, little is known about physiological modulations during this transdifferentiation process. Here, we focus on the analysis of gap junction dependent cell-cell communication and the expression pattern of gap junction-building connexins during small molecule-induced neuronal transdifferentiation of human bone marrow-derived MSCs. During this process, the MSC markers CD73, CD90, CD105, and CD166 were downregulated while the neuronal marker Tuj1 was upregulated. Moreover, the differentiation protocol used in the present study changed the cellular morphology and physiology. The MSCs evolved from a fibroblastoid morphology towards a neuronal shape with round cell bodies and neurite-like processes. Moreover, depolarization evoked action potentials in the transdifferentiated cells. MSCs expressed mRNAs encoding Cx43 and Cx45 as well as trace levels of Cx26, Cx37- and Cx40 and allowed transfer of microinjected Lucifer yellow. The differentiation protocol increased levels of Cx26 (mRNA and protein) and decreased Cx43 (mRNA and protein) while reducing the dye transfer. Cx36 mRNA was nearly undetectable in all cells regardless of treatment. Treatment of the cells with the gap junction coupling inhibitor carbenoxolone (CBX) only modestly altered connexin mRNA levels and had little effect on neuronal differentiation. Our study indicates that the small molecule-based differentiation protocol generates immature neuron-like cells from MSCs. This might be potentially interesting for elucidating physiological modifications and mechanisms in MSCs during the initial steps of differentiation towards a neuronal lineage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadine Dilger
- Department of Cell Physiology and Biophysics, Institute of Cell Biology and Biophysics, Leibniz University Hannover, Hanover, Germany
| | - Anna-Lena Neehus
- Department of Cell Physiology and Biophysics, Institute of Cell Biology and Biophysics, Leibniz University Hannover, Hanover, Germany.,Institute of Experimental Hematology, REBIRTH Research Center for Translational and Regenerative Medicine, Hannover Medical School (MHH), Hanover, Germany
| | - Klaudia Grieger
- Department of Cell Physiology and Biophysics, Institute of Cell Biology and Biophysics, Leibniz University Hannover, Hanover, Germany
| | - Andrea Hoffmann
- Graded Implants and Regenerative Strategies, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Hannover Medical School, Hanover, Germany.,Lower Saxony Centre for Biomedical Engineering, Implant Research and Development (NIFE), Hanover, Germany
| | - Max Menssen
- Department of Biostatistics, Institute of Cell Biology and Biophysics, Leibniz University Hannover, Hanover, Germany
| | - Anaclet Ngezahayo
- Department of Cell Physiology and Biophysics, Institute of Cell Biology and Biophysics, Leibniz University Hannover, Hanover, Germany.,Center for Systems Neuroscience, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hanover, Germany
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47
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Kobayashi H, Nishimura H, Kudo N, Osada H, Yoshida M. A novel GSK3 inhibitor that promotes self-renewal in mouse embryonic stem cells. Biosci Biotechnol Biochem 2020; 84:2113-2120. [PMID: 32640867 DOI: 10.1080/09168451.2020.1789445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Small molecules that regulate cell stemness have the potential to make a major contribution to regenerative medicine. In the course of screening for small molecules that affect stemness in mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs), we discovered that NPD13432, an aurone derivative, promoted self-renewal of mESCs. Normally, mESCs start to differentiate upon withdrawal of 2i/LIF. However, cells treated with the compound continued to express endogenous Nanog, a pluripotency marker protein essential for sustaining the undifferentiated state, even in the absence of 2i/LIF. Biochemical characterization revealed that NPD13432 inhibited GSK3α and GSK3β with IC50 values of 92 nM and 310 nM, respectively, suggesting that the compound promotes self-renewal in mESCs by inhibiting GSK3. The chemical structure of the compound is unique among known molecules with this activity, providing an opportunity to develop new inhibitors of GSK3, as well as chemical tools for investigating cell stemness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroki Kobayashi
- Drug Discovery Seed Compounds Exploratory Unit, RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science (CSRS) , Saitama, Japan
| | - Haruna Nishimura
- Drug Discovery Seed Compounds Exploratory Unit, RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science (CSRS) , Saitama, Japan
| | - Norio Kudo
- Chemical Genomics Research Group, RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science (CSRS) , Saitama, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Osada
- Chemical Biology Research Group, RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science (CSRS) , Saitama, Japan
| | - Minoru Yoshida
- Drug Discovery Seed Compounds Exploratory Unit, RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science (CSRS) , Saitama, Japan.,Chemical Genomics Research Group, RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science (CSRS) , Saitama, Japan.,Department of Biotechnology, The University of Tokyo , Tokyo, Japan.,Collaborative Research Institute for Innovative Microbiology, The University of Tokyo , Tokyo, Japan
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48
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Revkova VA, Grebenik EA, Kalsin VA, Demina TS, Bardakova KN, Shavkuta BS, Melnikov PA, Samoilova EM, Konoplyannikov MA, Efremov YM, Zhang C, Akopova TA, Troitsky AV, Timashev PS, Baklaushev VP. Chitosan- g-oligo(L,L-lactide) Copolymer Hydrogel Potential for Neural Stem Cell Differentiation. Tissue Eng Part A 2020; 26:953-963. [PMID: 32159465 DOI: 10.1089/ten.tea.2019.0265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
We evaluated the applicability of chitosan-g-oligo(L,L-lactide) copolymer (CLC) hydrogel for central nervous system tissue engineering. The biomechanical properties of the CLC hydrogel were characterized and its biocompatibility was assessed with neural progenitor cells obtained from two different sources: H9-derived neural stem cells (H9D-NSCs) and directly reprogrammed neural precursor cells (drNPCs). Our study found that the optically transparent CLC hydrogel possessed biomechanical characteristics suitable for culturing human neural stem/precursor cells and was noncytotoxic. When seeded on films prepared from CLC copolymer hydrogel, both H9D-NSC and drNPC adhered well, expanded and exhibited signs of spontaneous differentiation. While H9D-NSC mainly preserved multipotency as shown by a high proportion of Nestin+ and Sox2+ cells and a comparatively lower expression of the neuronal markers βIII-tubulin and MAP2, drNPCs, obtained by direct reprogramming, differentiated more extensively along the neuronal lineage. Our study indicates that the CLC hydrogel may be considered as a substrate for tissue-engineered constructs, applicable for therapy of neurodegenerative diseases. Impact statement We synthetized a chitosan-g-oligo(L,L-lactide) hydrogel that sustained multipotency of embryonic-derived neural stem cells (NSCs) and supported differentiation of directly reprogrammed NSC predominantly along the neuronal lineage. The hydrogel exhibited no cytotoxicity in vitro, both in extraction and contact cytotoxicity tests. When seeded on the hydrogel, both types of NSCs adhered well, expanded, and exhibited signs of spontaneous differentiation. The biomechanical properties of the hydrogel were similar to that of human spinal cord with incised pia mater. These data pave the way for further investigations of the hydrogel toward its applicability in central nervous system tissue engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronica A Revkova
- Federal Research and Clinical Center of Specialized Medical Care and Medical Technologies FMBA of Russia, Moscow, Russia
| | - Ekaterina A Grebenik
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Vladimir A Kalsin
- Federal Research and Clinical Center of Specialized Medical Care and Medical Technologies FMBA of Russia, Moscow, Russia
| | - Tatiana S Demina
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia.,Enikolopov Institute of Synthetic Polymer Materials, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Kseniia N Bardakova
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia.,Institute of Photonic Technologies, Research Center "Crystallography and Photonics," Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Boris S Shavkuta
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia.,Institute of Photonic Technologies, Research Center "Crystallography and Photonics," Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Pavel A Melnikov
- Federal Research and Clinical Center of Specialized Medical Care and Medical Technologies FMBA of Russia, Moscow, Russia.,Serbsky National Medical Research Center for Psychiatry and Narcology, Moscow, Russia
| | - Ekaterina M Samoilova
- Federal Research and Clinical Center of Specialized Medical Care and Medical Technologies FMBA of Russia, Moscow, Russia
| | - Mikhail A Konoplyannikov
- Federal Research and Clinical Center of Specialized Medical Care and Medical Technologies FMBA of Russia, Moscow, Russia.,Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Yuri M Efremov
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Chao Zhang
- Department of Bone and Soft Tissue Tumors, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Tatiana A Akopova
- Enikolopov Institute of Synthetic Polymer Materials, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Alexandr V Troitsky
- Federal Research and Clinical Center of Specialized Medical Care and Medical Technologies FMBA of Russia, Moscow, Russia
| | - Peter S Timashev
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia.,Institute of Photonic Technologies, Research Center "Crystallography and Photonics," Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia.,N.N. Semenov Institute of Chemical Physics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Vladimir P Baklaushev
- Federal Research and Clinical Center of Specialized Medical Care and Medical Technologies FMBA of Russia, Moscow, Russia
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49
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Zhao A, Yang Y, Pan X, Pan Y, Cai S. Generation of keratinocyte stem-like cells from human fibroblasts via a direct reprogramming approach. Biotechnol Prog 2020; 36:e2961. [PMID: 31930712 DOI: 10.1002/btpr.2961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2019] [Revised: 12/29/2019] [Accepted: 01/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Skin repair and reconstruction are important after severe wound and trauma. Keratinocyte stem cells (KSCs) in the basal layer of the epidermis can regrow the stratified epidermis but are almost depleted after skin injury. Thus, generating enough KSCs is indispensable for skin regeneration. Pluripotent stem cells such as ESC and iPSC can differentiate into KSCs, but their applications are challenged by ethical issues and risks of tumor formation. Lineage reprogramming from one cell type into another one makes it feasible to generate the desired cell type. Here, we develop a method to convert human fibroblasts into induced keratinocyte stem-like cells (iKSC) by coupling transient expression of reprogramming factors with a chemically defined culture medium, without the formation of iPSC. iKSC resemble normal KSC in the morphological and phenotypic features and can differentiate in vitro and regenerate stratified epidermis after transplantation in vivo. Therefore, iKSC may provide abundant cellular sources for skin repair and regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andong Zhao
- Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yi Yang
- Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xiaohua Pan
- Department of Trauma and Orthopedics, The Affiliated Baoan Hospital of Southern Medical University, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yu Pan
- Department of Trauma and Orthopedics, The Affiliated Baoan Hospital of Southern Medical University, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Sa Cai
- Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
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50
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Belleghem SMV, Mahadik B, Snodderly KL, Fisher JP. Overview of Tissue Engineering Concepts and Applications. Biomater Sci 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-816137-1.00081-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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