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Cell models for Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease: At the interface of biology and drug discovery. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 149:112924. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.112924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Revised: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
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2
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Trombetta-Lima M, Sabogal-Guáqueta AM, Dolga AM. Mitochondrial dysfunction in neurodegenerative diseases: A focus on iPSC-derived neuronal models. Cell Calcium 2021; 94:102362. [PMID: 33540322 DOI: 10.1016/j.ceca.2021.102362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2020] [Revised: 01/19/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Progressive neuronal loss is a hallmark of many neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. These pathologies exhibit clear signs of inflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, calcium deregulation, and accumulation of aggregated or misfolded proteins. Over the last decades, a tremendous research effort has contributed to define some of the pathological mechanisms underlying neurodegenerative processes in these complex brain neurodegenerative disorders. To better understand molecular mechanisms responsible for neurodegenerative processes and find potential interventions and pharmacological treatments, it is important to have robust in vitro and pre-clinical animal models that can recapitulate both the early biological events undermining the maintenance of the nervous system and early pathological events. In this regard, it would be informative to determine how different inherited pathogenic mutations can compromise mitochondrial function, calcium signaling, and neuronal survival. Since post-mortem analyses cannot provide relevant information about the disease progression, it is crucial to develop model systems that enable the investigation of early molecular changes, which may be relevant as targets for novel therapeutic options. Thus, the use of human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) represents an exceptional complementary tool for the investigation of degenerative processes. In this review, we will focus on two neurodegenerative diseases, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. We will provide examples of iPSC-derived neuronal models and how they have been used to study calcium and mitochondrial alterations during neurodegeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Trombetta-Lima
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy (GRIP), University of Groningen, 9713 AV, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Angélica María Sabogal-Guáqueta
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy (GRIP), University of Groningen, 9713 AV, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Amalia M Dolga
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy (GRIP), University of Groningen, 9713 AV, Groningen, the Netherlands.
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3
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Lopatkina ME, Lebedev IN. Transcriptome Analysis as a Tool for Investigation of Pathogenesis of Chromosomal Diseases. RUSS J GENET+ 2020. [DOI: 10.1134/s1022795420050099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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Bordoni M, Karabulut E, Kuzmenko V, Fantini V, Pansarasa O, Cereda C, Gatenholm P. 3D Printed Conductive Nanocellulose Scaffolds for the Differentiation of Human Neuroblastoma Cells. Cells 2020; 9:cells9030682. [PMID: 32168750 PMCID: PMC7140699 DOI: 10.3390/cells9030682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2020] [Revised: 03/06/2020] [Accepted: 03/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
We prepared cellulose nanofibrils-based (CNF), alginate-based and single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNT)-based inks for freeform reversible embedding hydrogel (FRESH) 3D bioprinting of conductive scaffolds. The 3D printability of conductive inks was evaluated in terms of their rheological properties. The differentiation of human neuroblastoma cells (SH-SY5Y cell line) was visualized by the confocal microscopy and the scanning electron microscopy techniques. The expression of TUBB3 and Nestin genes was monitored by the RT-qPCR technique. We have demonstrated that the conductive guidelines promote the cell differentiation, regardless of using differentiation factors. It was also shown that the electrical conductivity of the 3D printed scaffolds could be tuned by calcium–induced crosslinking of alginate, and this plays a significant role on neural cell differentiation. Our work provides a protocol for the generation of a realistic in vitro 3D neural model and allows for a better understanding of the pathological mechanisms of neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Bordoni
- Genomic and post-Genomic Center, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Via Mondino 2, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (M.B.); (O.P.)
| | - Erdem Karabulut
- 3D Bioprinting Center, Chalmers University of Technology, Arvid Wallgrens backe 20, 41346 Göteborg, Sweden; (E.K.); (P.G.)
- Wallenberg Wood Science Center, Arvid Wallgrens backe 20, 41346 Göteborg, Sweden;
| | - Volodymyr Kuzmenko
- Wallenberg Wood Science Center, Arvid Wallgrens backe 20, 41346 Göteborg, Sweden;
- Department of Microtechnology and Nanoscience, Chalmers University of Technology, Kemivägen 9, 41258 Göteborg, Sweden
| | - Valentina Fantini
- Department of Brain and Behavioural Sciences, University of Pavia, Via Forlanini 6, 27100 Pavia, Italy;
- Laboratory of Neurobiology and Neurogenetic, Golgi-Cenci Foundation, Corso S. Martino 10, 20081 Abbiategrasso, Milan, Italy
| | - Orietta Pansarasa
- Genomic and post-Genomic Center, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Via Mondino 2, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (M.B.); (O.P.)
| | - Cristina Cereda
- Genomic and post-Genomic Center, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Via Mondino 2, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (M.B.); (O.P.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +93-0382-380-396
| | - Paul Gatenholm
- 3D Bioprinting Center, Chalmers University of Technology, Arvid Wallgrens backe 20, 41346 Göteborg, Sweden; (E.K.); (P.G.)
- Wallenberg Wood Science Center, Arvid Wallgrens backe 20, 41346 Göteborg, Sweden;
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Traxler L, Edenhofer F, Mertens J. Next-generation disease modeling with direct conversion: a new path to old neurons. FEBS Lett 2019; 593:3316-3337. [PMID: 31715002 PMCID: PMC6907729 DOI: 10.1002/1873-3468.13678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2019] [Revised: 10/20/2019] [Accepted: 11/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Within just over a decade, human reprogramming-based disease modeling has developed from a rather outlandish idea into an essential part of disease research. While iPSCs are a valuable tool for modeling developmental and monogenetic disorders, their rejuvenated identity poses limitations for modeling age-associated diseases. Direct cell-type conversion of fibroblasts into induced neurons (iNs) circumvents rejuvenation and preserves hallmarks of cellular aging. iNs are thus advantageous for modeling diseases that possess strong age-related and epigenetic contributions and can complement iPSC-based strategies for disease modeling. In this review, we provide an overview of the state of the art of direct iN conversion and describe the key epigenetic, transcriptomic, and metabolic changes that occur in converting fibroblasts. Furthermore, we summarize new insights into this fascinating process, particularly focusing on the rapidly changing criteria used to define and characterize in vitro-born human neurons. Finally, we discuss the unique features that distinguish iNs from other reprogramming-based neuronal cell models and how iNs are relevant to disease modeling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Larissa Traxler
- Department of GenomicsStem Cell Biology & Regenerative MedicineInstitute of Molecular Biology & CMBILeopold‐Franzens‐University InnsbruckInnsbruckAustria
- Laboratory of GeneticsThe Salk Institute for Biological StudiesLa JollaCAUSA
| | - Frank Edenhofer
- Department of GenomicsStem Cell Biology & Regenerative MedicineInstitute of Molecular Biology & CMBILeopold‐Franzens‐University InnsbruckInnsbruckAustria
| | - Jerome Mertens
- Department of GenomicsStem Cell Biology & Regenerative MedicineInstitute of Molecular Biology & CMBILeopold‐Franzens‐University InnsbruckInnsbruckAustria
- Laboratory of GeneticsThe Salk Institute for Biological StudiesLa JollaCAUSA
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6
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The Nervous System Relevance of the Calcium Sensing Receptor in Health and Disease. Molecules 2019; 24:molecules24142546. [PMID: 31336912 PMCID: PMC6680999 DOI: 10.3390/molecules24142546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2019] [Revised: 07/05/2019] [Accepted: 07/10/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The calcium sensing receptor (CaSR) was first identified in parathyroid glands, and its primary role in controlling systemic calcium homeostasis by the regulation of parathyroid hormone (PTH) secretion has been extensively described in literature. Additionally, the receptor has also been investigated in cells and tissues not directly involved in calcium homeostasis, e.g., the nervous system (NS), where it plays crucial roles in early neural development for the differentiation of neurons and glial cells, as well as in the adult nervous system for synaptic transmission and plasticity. Advances in the knowledge of the CaSR's function in such physiological processes have encouraged researchers to further broaden the receptor's investigation in the neuro-pathological conditions of the NS. Interestingly, pre-clinical data suggest that receptor inhibition by calcilytics might be effective in counteracting the pathomechanism underlying Alzheimer's disease and ischemia, while a CaSR positive modulation with calcimimetics has been proposed as a potential approach for treating neuroblastoma. Importantly, such promising findings led to the repurposing of CaSR modulators as novel pharmacological alternatives for these disorders. Therefore, the aim of this review article is to critically appraise evidence which, so far, has been yielded from the investigation of the role of the CaSR in physiology of the nervous system and to focus on the most recent emerging concepts which have reported the receptor as a therapeutic target for neurodegeneration and neuroblastic tumors.
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Current Screening Methodologies in Drug Discovery for Selected Human Diseases. Mar Drugs 2018; 16:md16080279. [PMID: 30110923 PMCID: PMC6117650 DOI: 10.3390/md16080279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2018] [Accepted: 08/11/2018] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
The increase of many deadly diseases like infections by multidrug-resistant bacteria implies re-inventing the wheel on drug discovery. A better comprehension of the metabolisms and regulation of diseases, the increase in knowledge based on the study of disease-born microorganisms’ genomes, the development of more representative disease models and improvement of techniques, technologies, and computation applied to biology are advances that will foster drug discovery in upcoming years. In this paper, several aspects of current methodologies for drug discovery of antibacterial and antifungals, anti-tropical diseases, antibiofilm and antiquorum sensing, anticancer and neuroprotectors are considered. For drug discovery, two different complementary approaches can be applied: classical pharmacology, also known as phenotypic drug discovery, which is the historical basis of drug discovery, and reverse pharmacology, also designated target-based drug discovery. Screening methods based on phenotypic drug discovery have been used to discover new natural products mainly from terrestrial origin. Examples of the discovery of marine natural products are provided. A section on future trends provides a comprehensive overview on recent advances that will foster the pharmaceutical industry.
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Chiba-Falek O, Gottschalk WK, Lutz MW. The effects of the TOMM40 poly-T alleles on Alzheimer's disease phenotypes. Alzheimers Dement 2018. [PMID: 29524426 DOI: 10.1016/j.jalz.2018.01.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The TOMM40 poly-T is a polymorphism in intron 6 of the TOMM40 gene, which is adjacent to and in linkage disequilibrium with APOE. Roses et al. identified the association between the length of TOMM40 poly-T with the risk and age of onset of late-onset Alzheimer's disease (LOAD). Following the original discovery, additional studies found associations between the TOMM40 poly-T and LOAD-related phenotypes independent of APOE genotypes, while others did not replicate these associations. Furthermore, the identity of the TOMM40 poly-T risk allele has been controversial between different LOAD-related phenotypes. Here, we propose a framework to address the conflicting findings with respect to the TOMM40 poly-T allele associations with LOAD phenotypes and their functional effects. The framework is used to interpret previous studies as means to gain insights regarding the nature of the risk allele, very long versus short. We suggest that the identity of the TOMM40 poly-T risk allele depends on the phenotype being evaluated, the ages of the study subjects at the time of assessment, and the context of the APOE genotypes. In concluding remarks, we outline future studies that will inform the mechanistic interpretation of the genetic data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ornit Chiba-Falek
- Department of Neurology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA; Center for Genomic and Computational Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA.
| | | | - Michael W Lutz
- Department of Neurology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
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Use of Human Neurons Derived via Cellular Reprogramming Methods to Study Host-Parasite Interactions of Toxoplasma gondii in Neurons. Cells 2017; 6:cells6040032. [PMID: 28946615 PMCID: PMC5755492 DOI: 10.3390/cells6040032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2017] [Revised: 09/12/2017] [Accepted: 09/22/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is an intracellular protozoan parasite, with approximately one-third of the worlds' population chronically infected. In chronically infected individuals, the parasite resides in tissue cysts in neurons in the brain. The chronic infection in immunocompetant individuals has traditionally been considered to be asymptomatic, but increasing evidence indicates that chronic infection is associated with diverse neurological disorders such as schizophrenia, cryptogenic epilepsy, and Parkinson's Disease. The mechanisms by which the parasite exerts affects on behavior and other neuronal functions are not understood. Human neurons derived from cellular reprogramming methods offer the opportunity to develop better human neuronal models to study T. gondii in neurons. Results from two studies using human neurons derived via cellular reprogramming methods indicate these human neuronal models provide better in vitro models to study the effects of T. gondii on neurons and neurological functions. In this review, an overview of the current neural reprogramming methods will be given, followed by a summary of the studies using human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-derived neurons and induced neurons (iNs) to study T. gondii in neurons. The potential of these neural reprogramming methods for further study of the host-parasite interactions of T. gondii in neurons will be discussed.
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Geerts H, Spiros A, Roberts P. Phosphodiesterase 10 inhibitors in clinical development for CNS disorders. Expert Rev Neurother 2016; 17:553-560. [DOI: 10.1080/14737175.2017.1268531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Hugo Geerts
- In Silico Biosciences Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Berwyn, PA, USA
| | - Athan Spiros
- In Silico Biosciences Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Berwyn, PA, USA
| | - Patrick Roberts
- In Silico Biosciences Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Berwyn, PA, USA
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Dai S, Li R, Long Y, Titus S, Zhao J, Huang R, Xia M, Zheng W. One-Step Seeding of Neural Stem Cells with Vitronectin-Supplemented Medium for High-Throughput Screening Assays. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016; 21:1112-1124. [PMID: 27647668 DOI: 10.1177/1087057116670068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Human neuronal cells differentiated from induced pluripotent cells have emerged as a new model system for the study of disease pathophysiology and evaluation of drug efficacy. Differentiated neuronal cells are more similar in genetics and biological content to human brain cells than other animal disease models. However, culture of neuronal cells in assay plates requires a labor-intensive procedure of plate precoating, hampering its applications in high-throughput screening (HTS). We developed a simplified method with one-step seeding of neural stem cells in assay plates by supplementing the medium with a recombinant human vitronectin (VTN), thus avoiding plate precoating. Robust results were obtained from cell viability, calcium response, and neurite outgrowth assays using this new method. Our data demonstrate that this approach greatly simplifies high-throughput assays using neuronal cells differentiated from human stem cells for translational research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheng Dai
- 1 National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.,2 Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Rong Li
- 1 National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Yan Long
- 1 National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.,3 Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Steve Titus
- 1 National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Jinghua Zhao
- 1 National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Ruili Huang
- 1 National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Menghang Xia
- 1 National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Wei Zheng
- 1 National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
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Genome Editing of the CYP1A1 Locus in iPSCs as a Platform to Map AHR Expression throughout Human Development. Stem Cells Int 2016; 2016:2574152. [PMID: 27148368 PMCID: PMC4842384 DOI: 10.1155/2016/2574152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2016] [Accepted: 03/17/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) is a ligand activated transcription factor that increases the expression of detoxifying enzymes upon ligand stimulation. Recent studies now suggest that novel endogenous roles of the AHR exist throughout development. In an effort to create an optimized model system for the study of AHR signaling in several cellular lineages, we have employed a CRISPR/CAS9 genome editing strategy in induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) to incorporate a reporter cassette at the transcription start site of one of its canonical targets, cytochrome P450 1A1 (CYP1A1). This cell line faithfully reports on CYP1A1 expression, with luciferase levels as its functional readout, when treated with an endogenous AHR ligand (FICZ) at escalating doses. iPSC-derived fibroblast-like cells respond to acute exposure to environmental and endogenous AHR ligands, and iPSC-derived hepatocytes increase CYP1A1 in a similar manner to primary hepatocytes. This cell line is an important innovation that can be used to map AHR activity in discrete cellular subsets throughout developmental ontogeny. As further endogenous ligands are proposed, this line can be used to screen for safety and efficacy and can report on the ability of small molecules to regulate critical cellular processes by modulating the activity of the AHR.
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Martin U. Pluripotent stem cells for disease modeling and drug screening: new perspectives for treatment of cystic fibrosis? Mol Cell Pediatr 2015; 2:15. [PMID: 26666881 PMCID: PMC4678132 DOI: 10.1186/s40348-015-0023-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2015] [Accepted: 11/16/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite continuous improvements in treating clinical symptoms and the identification of single compounds that effectively rescue some rare mutations in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR), associated lung and liver pathologies remain largely untreatable and no real breakthrough is visible for the majority of patients suffering from cystic fibrosis (CF). Novel compounds have to be identified and tailored in combination to specific CFTR mutations, to different tissues, or even to the individual patient. Immortalized cell lines overexpressing mutant CFTR are typically used to screen candidate molecules but have proven to be poor predictors of clinical efficacy. The complexity of CFTR maturation and turnover requires the use of cellular models that closely recapitulate the specific properties of the clinically most affected organs. Importantly, current screening efforts based on primary airway cells or intestinal organoids cannot specifically target single rare CFTR mutations or mimic multiple cell types. In the near future, genetically engineered induced pluripotent stem cells will provide an excellent basis for personalized organotypic models of CF disease and biological screens for identification of CFTR potentiators and correctors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ulrich Martin
- Leibniz Research Laboratories for Biotechnology and Artificial Organs (LEBAO), Department of Cardiothoracic, Transplantation and Vascular Surgery, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany. .,REBIRTH Cluster of Excellence, Hannover, Germany. .,Biomedical Research in Endstage and Obstructive Lung Disease Hannover (BREATH), Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.
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Wiethoff S, Arber C, Li A, Wray S, Houlden H, Patani R. Using human induced pluripotent stem cells to model cerebellar disease: hope and hype. J Neurogenet 2015; 29:95-102. [PMID: 25985846 PMCID: PMC4673530 DOI: 10.3109/01677063.2015.1053478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2015] [Accepted: 05/18/2015] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The cerebellum forms a highly ordered and indispensible component of motor function within the adult neuraxis, consisting of several distinct cellular subtypes. Cerebellar disease, through a variety of genetic and acquired causes, results in the loss of function of defined subclasses of neurons, and remains a significant and untreatable health care burden. The scarcity of therapies in this arena can partially be explained by unresolved disease mechanisms due to inaccessibility of human cerebellar neurons in a relevant experimental context where initiating disease mechanisms could be functionally elucidated, or drug screens conducted. In this review we discuss the potential promise of human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) for regenerative neurology, with a particular emphasis on in vitro modelling of cerebellar degeneration. We discuss progress made thus far using hiPSC-based models of neurodegeneration, noting the relatively slower pace of discovery made in modelling cerebellar dysfunction. We conclude by speculating how strategies attempting cerebellar differentiation from hiPSCs can be refined to allow the generation of accurate disease models. This in turn will permit a greater understanding of cerebellar pathophysiology to inform mechanistically rationalised therapies, which are desperately needed in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Wiethoff
- National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, UCL Institute of Neurology, London, UK
- Center for Neurology and Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, Eberhard-Karls-University, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Charles Arber
- Department of Molecular Neuroscience and Queen Square Brain Bank, UCL Institute of Neurology, London, UK
| | - Abi Li
- Department of Molecular Neuroscience and Queen Square Brain Bank, UCL Institute of Neurology, London, UK
| | - Selina Wray
- Department of Molecular Neuroscience and Queen Square Brain Bank, UCL Institute of Neurology, London, UK
| | - Henry Houlden
- National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, UCL Institute of Neurology, London, UK
| | - Rickie Patani
- National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, UCL Institute of Neurology, London, UK
- Department of Molecular Neuroscience and Queen Square Brain Bank, UCL Institute of Neurology, London, UK
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Euan MacDonald Centre for MND, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
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