1
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Kinnart I, Manders L, Heyninck T, Imberechts D, Praschberger R, Schoovaerts N, Verfaillie C, Verstreken P, Vandenberghe W. Elevated α-synuclein levels inhibit mitophagic flux. NPJ Parkinsons Dis 2024; 10:80. [PMID: 38594264 PMCID: PMC11004019 DOI: 10.1038/s41531-024-00696-0] [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: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024] Open
Abstract
The pathogenic effect of SNCA gene multiplications indicates that elevation of wild-type α-synuclein levels is sufficient to cause Parkinson's disease (PD). Mitochondria have been proposed to be a major target of α-synuclein-induced damage. PINK1/parkin/DJ-1-mediated mitophagy is a defense strategy that allows cells to selectively eliminate severely damaged mitochondria. Here, we quantified mitophagic flux and non-mitochondrial autophagic flux in three models of increased α-synuclein expression: 1/Drosophila melanogaster that transgenically express human wild-type and mutant α-synuclein in flight muscle; 2/human skin fibroblasts transfected with α-synuclein or β-synuclein; and 3/human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived neurons carrying an extra copy of wild-type SNCA under control of a doxycycline-inducible promoter, allowing titratable α-synuclein upregulation. In each model, elevated α-synuclein levels potently suppressed mitophagic flux, while non-mitochondrial autophagy was preserved. In human neurons, a twofold increase in wild-type α-synuclein was already sufficient to induce this effect. PINK1 and parkin activation and mitochondrial translocation of DJ-1 after mitochondrial depolarization were not affected by α-synuclein upregulation. Overexpression of the actin-severing protein cofilin or treatment with CK666, an inhibitor of the actin-related protein 2/3 (Arp2/3) complex, rescued mitophagy in neurons with increased α-synuclein, suggesting that excessive actin network stabilization mediated the mitophagy defect. In conclusion, elevated α-synuclein levels inhibit mitophagic flux. Disruption of actin dynamics may play a key role in this effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inge Kinnart
- Department of Neurosciences, Laboratory for Parkinson Research, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Liselot Manders
- Department of Neurosciences, Laboratory for Parkinson Research, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Thibaut Heyninck
- Department of Neurosciences, Laboratory for Parkinson Research, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Dorien Imberechts
- Department of Neurosciences, Laboratory for Parkinson Research, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Roman Praschberger
- Department of Neurosciences, Laboratory for Neuronal Communication, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- VIB-KU Leuven Center for Brain & Disease Research, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Nils Schoovaerts
- Department of Neurosciences, Laboratory for Neuronal Communication, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- VIB-KU Leuven Center for Brain & Disease Research, Leuven, Belgium
| | | | - Patrik Verstreken
- Department of Neurosciences, Laboratory for Neuronal Communication, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- VIB-KU Leuven Center for Brain & Disease Research, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Wim Vandenberghe
- Department of Neurosciences, Laboratory for Parkinson Research, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
- Department of Neurology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
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Balint V, Peric M, Dacic S, Stanisavljevic Ninkovic D, Marjanovic J, Popovic J, Stevanovic M, Lazic A. The Role of SOX2 and SOX9 Transcription Factors in the Reactivation-Related Functional Properties of NT2/D1-Derived Astrocytes. Biomedicines 2024; 12:796. [PMID: 38672150 PMCID: PMC11048103 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12040796] [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: 12/27/2023] [Revised: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes are the main homeostatic cells in the central nervous system, with the unique ability to transform from quiescent into a reactive state in response to pathological conditions by reacquiring some precursor properties. This process is known as reactive astrogliosis, a compensatory response that mediates tissue damage and recovery. Although it is well known that SOX transcription factors drive the expression of phenotype-specific genetic programs during neurodevelopment, their roles in mature astrocytes have not been studied extensively. We focused on the transcription factors SOX2 and SOX9, shown to be re-expressed in reactive astrocytes, in order to study the reactivation-related functional properties of astrocytes mediated by those proteins. We performed an initial screening of SOX2 and SOX9 expression after sensorimotor cortex ablation injury in rats and conducted gain-of-function studies in vitro using astrocytes derived from the human NT2/D1 cell line. Our results revealed the direct involvement of SOX2 in the reacquisition of proliferation in mature NT2/D1-derived astrocytes, while SOX9 overexpression increased migratory potential and glutamate uptake in these cells. Our results imply that modulation of SOX gene expression may change the functional properties of astrocytes, which holds promise for the discovery of potential therapeutic targets in the development of novel strategies for tissue regeneration and recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanda Balint
- Laboratory for Human Molecular Genetics, Institute of Molecular Genetics and Genetic Engineering, University of Belgrade, Vojvode Stepe 444a, 11042 Belgrade, Serbia; (V.B.); (M.P.); (D.S.N.); (J.M.); (J.P.); (M.S.)
| | - Mina Peric
- Laboratory for Human Molecular Genetics, Institute of Molecular Genetics and Genetic Engineering, University of Belgrade, Vojvode Stepe 444a, 11042 Belgrade, Serbia; (V.B.); (M.P.); (D.S.N.); (J.M.); (J.P.); (M.S.)
| | - Sanja Dacic
- Institute of Physiology and Biochemistry “Ivan Djaja”, Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade, Studentski trg 16, 11158 Belgrade, Serbia;
| | - Danijela Stanisavljevic Ninkovic
- Laboratory for Human Molecular Genetics, Institute of Molecular Genetics and Genetic Engineering, University of Belgrade, Vojvode Stepe 444a, 11042 Belgrade, Serbia; (V.B.); (M.P.); (D.S.N.); (J.M.); (J.P.); (M.S.)
| | - Jelena Marjanovic
- Laboratory for Human Molecular Genetics, Institute of Molecular Genetics and Genetic Engineering, University of Belgrade, Vojvode Stepe 444a, 11042 Belgrade, Serbia; (V.B.); (M.P.); (D.S.N.); (J.M.); (J.P.); (M.S.)
| | - Jelena Popovic
- Laboratory for Human Molecular Genetics, Institute of Molecular Genetics and Genetic Engineering, University of Belgrade, Vojvode Stepe 444a, 11042 Belgrade, Serbia; (V.B.); (M.P.); (D.S.N.); (J.M.); (J.P.); (M.S.)
| | - Milena Stevanovic
- Laboratory for Human Molecular Genetics, Institute of Molecular Genetics and Genetic Engineering, University of Belgrade, Vojvode Stepe 444a, 11042 Belgrade, Serbia; (V.B.); (M.P.); (D.S.N.); (J.M.); (J.P.); (M.S.)
- Institute of Physiology and Biochemistry “Ivan Djaja”, Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade, Studentski trg 16, 11158 Belgrade, Serbia;
- Serbian Academy of Sciences and Arts, Kneza Mihaila 35, 11001 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Andrijana Lazic
- Laboratory for Human Molecular Genetics, Institute of Molecular Genetics and Genetic Engineering, University of Belgrade, Vojvode Stepe 444a, 11042 Belgrade, Serbia; (V.B.); (M.P.); (D.S.N.); (J.M.); (J.P.); (M.S.)
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3
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Gonzalez H, Narasipura SD, Shull T, Shetty A, Teppen TL, Naqib A, Al-Harthi L. An Efficient and Cost-Effective Approach to Generate Functional Human Inducible Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Astrocytes. Cells 2023; 12:2357. [PMID: 37830571 PMCID: PMC10571578 DOI: 10.3390/cells12192357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Revised: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Human inducible pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-derived astrocytes (iAs) are critical to study astrocytes in health and disease. They provide several advantages over human fetal astrocytes in research, which include consistency, availability, disease modeling, customization, and ethical considerations. The generation of iAs is hampered by the requirement of Matrigel matrix coating for survival and proliferation. We provide a protocol demonstrating that human iAs cultured in the absence of Matrigel are viable and proliferative. Further, through a side-by-side comparison of cultures with and without Matrigel, we show significant similarities in astrocyte-specific profiling, including morphology (shape and structure), phenotype (cell-specific markers), genotype (transcriptional expression), metabolic (respiration), and functional aspects (glutamate uptake and cytokine response). In addition, we report that, unlike other CNS cell types, such as neuronal progenitor cells and neurons, iAs can withstand the absence of Matrigel coating. Our study demonstrates that Matrigel is dispensable for the culture of human iPSC-derived astrocytes, facilitating an easy, streamlined, and cost-effective method of generating these cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hemil Gonzalez
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
- Department of Microbial Pathogens and Immunity, Rush Medical College, Chicago, IL 60612, USA; (S.D.N.); (T.S.)
| | - Srinivas D. Narasipura
- Department of Microbial Pathogens and Immunity, Rush Medical College, Chicago, IL 60612, USA; (S.D.N.); (T.S.)
| | - Tanner Shull
- Department of Microbial Pathogens and Immunity, Rush Medical College, Chicago, IL 60612, USA; (S.D.N.); (T.S.)
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Illinois, Chicago, IL 60608, USA
| | - Amogh Shetty
- Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy, Aurora, IL 60506, USA
| | - Tara L. Teppen
- Molecular Neurobiology Division, Rush Alzheimer’s Disease Center, Rush University, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Ankur Naqib
- Genome Core Facility, Rush University, Chicago, IL 60612, USA;
| | - Lena Al-Harthi
- Department of Microbial Pathogens and Immunity, Rush Medical College, Chicago, IL 60612, USA; (S.D.N.); (T.S.)
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Voss AJ, Lanjewar SN, Sampson MM, King A, Hill EJ, Sing A, Sojka C, Bhatia TN, Spangle JM, Sloan SA. Identification of ligand-receptor pairs that drive human astrocyte development. Nat Neurosci 2023; 26:1339-1351. [PMID: 37460808 PMCID: PMC11046429 DOI: 10.1038/s41593-023-01375-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023]
Abstract
Extrinsic signaling between diverse cell types is crucial for nervous system development. Ligand binding is a key driver of developmental processes. Nevertheless, it remains a significant challenge to disentangle which and how extrinsic signals act cooperatively to affect changes in recipient cells. In the developing human brain, cortical progenitors transition from neurogenesis to gliogenesis in a stereotyped sequence that is in part influenced by extrinsic ligands. Here we used published transcriptomic data to identify and functionally test five ligand-receptor pairs that synergistically drive human astrogenesis. We validate the synergistic contributions of TGFβ2, NLGN1, TSLP, DKK1 and BMP4 ligands on astrocyte development in both hCOs and primary fetal tissue. We confirm that the cooperative capabilities of these five ligands are greater than their individual capacities. Additionally, we discovered that their combinatorial effects converge in part on the mTORC1 signaling pathway, resulting in transcriptomic and morphological features of astrocyte development. Our data-driven framework can leverage single-cell and bulk genomic data to generate and test functional hypotheses surrounding cell-cell communication regulating neurodevelopmental processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna J Voss
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Samantha N Lanjewar
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Maureen M Sampson
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Alexia King
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Emily J Hill
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Anson Sing
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Caitlin Sojka
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Tarun N Bhatia
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Jennifer M Spangle
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Steven A Sloan
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA.
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5
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Liu JA, Tam KW, Chen YL, Feng X, Chan CWL, Lo ALH, Wu KLK, Hui MN, Wu MH, Chan KKK, Cheung MPL, Cheung CW, Shum DKY, Chan YS, Cheung M. Transplanting Human Neural Stem Cells with ≈50% Reduction of SOX9 Gene Dosage Promotes Tissue Repair and Functional Recovery from Severe Spinal Cord Injury. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2023:e2205804. [PMID: 37296073 PMCID: PMC10369238 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202205804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2022] [Revised: 04/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Neural stem cells (NSCs) derived from human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) are considered a major cell source for reconstructing damaged neural circuitry and enabling axonal regeneration. However, the microenvironment at the site of spinal cord injury (SCI) and inadequate intrinsic factors limit the therapeutic potential of transplanted NSCs. Here, it is shown that half dose of SOX9 in hPSCs-derived NSCs (hNSCs) results in robust neuronal differentiation bias toward motor neuron lineage. The enhanced neurogenic potency is partly attributed to the reduction of glycolysis. These neurogenic and metabolic properties retain after transplantation of hNSCs with reduced SOX9 expression in a contusive SCI rat model without the need for growth factor-enriched matrices. Importantly, the grafts exhibit excellent integration properties, predominantly differentiate into motor neurons, reduce glial scar matrix accumulation to facilitate long-distance axon growth and neuronal connectivity with the host as well as dramatically improve locomotor and somatosensory function in recipient animals. These results demonstrate that hNSCs with half SOX9 gene dosage can overcome extrinsic and intrinsic barriers, representing a powerful therapeutic potential for transplantation treatments for SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Aijia Liu
- Department of Anaesthesiology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Department of Neuroscience, Tat Chee Avenue, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Kin Wai Tam
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Yong Long Chen
- Department of Anaesthesiology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Xianglan Feng
- Department of Anaesthesiology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Christy Wing Lam Chan
- Department of Neuroscience, Tat Chee Avenue, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Amos Lok Hang Lo
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Kenneth Lap-Kei Wu
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Man-Ning Hui
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Ming-Hoi Wu
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Ken Kwok-Keung Chan
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - May Pui Lai Cheung
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Chi Wai Cheung
- Department of Anaesthesiology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Daisy Kwok-Yan Shum
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Ying-Shing Chan
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Martin Cheung
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
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6
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Watson LA, Meharena HS. From neurodevelopment to neurodegeneration: utilizing human stem cell models to gain insight into Down syndrome. Front Genet 2023; 14:1198129. [PMID: 37323671 PMCID: PMC10267712 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2023.1198129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Down syndrome (DS), caused by triplication of chromosome 21, is the most frequent aneuploidy observed in the human population and represents the most common genetic form of intellectual disability and early-onset Alzheimer's disease (AD). Individuals with DS exhibit a wide spectrum of clinical presentation, with a number of organs implicated including the neurological, immune, musculoskeletal, cardiac, and gastrointestinal systems. Decades of DS research have illuminated our understanding of the disorder, however many of the features that limit quality of life and independence of individuals with DS, including intellectual disability and early-onset dementia, remain poorly understood. This lack of knowledge of the cellular and molecular mechanisms leading to neurological features of DS has caused significant roadblocks in developing effective therapeutic strategies to improve quality of life for individuals with DS. Recent technological advances in human stem cell culture methods, genome editing approaches, and single-cell transcriptomics have provided paradigm-shifting insights into complex neurological diseases such as DS. Here, we review novel neurological disease modeling approaches, how they have been used to study DS, and what questions might be addressed in the future using these innovative tools.
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Alamoudi AA. SOX9 Expression Is Increased in Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) and Is Associated With Disease Progression and APOE4 Genotype: A Computational Approach. Cureus 2023; 15:e36129. [PMID: 37065298 PMCID: PMC10100190 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.36129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by depositions of amyloid-β protein leading to neuronal loss. Despite our understanding of the disease several gaps remain, including the role of astrocytes and astrocytic genes in the disease development and progression. Recently, some reports have suggested that SOX9 transcription factor (TF), an important mediator of astrocyte differentiation and maturation, might be linked to AD. Using human AD publicly available dataset, we aimed to analyze SOX9 expression and its relation to disease. METHODOLOGY The AD gene expression data set was obtained from National Center for Bioinformatics-Gene Expression Omnibus (NCBI-GEO). The GSE48350 consisted of mRNA microarray data from 55 normal controls (173 samples) and 26 AD cases (81 samples) obtained, from four brain regions. The SOX9 expression profile and correlations were analyzed using the R2 Genomics Analysis and Visualization platform. RESULTS The SOX9 was significantly upregulated (p<0.001) in AD tissue compared to control cases. The increased expression appeared to be more in the entorhinal cortex (EC) and hippocampus (HC) regions. The SOX9 expression positively correlated with BRAAK stages (p<0.05). Interestingly in AD patients the SOX9 expression was significantly less in APOE3/3 genotypes compared with genotypes containing APOE4 allele. The SOX9 expression negatively correlated with oxidative phosphorylation genes which could suggest a metabolic role for the TF. CONCLUSION From these data we hypothesize that SOX9 acts as a metabolic regulator responding to lipid metabolism disruption associated with APOE4 genotypes. In turn, SOX9 expression could be associated with astrocyte maturation and survival in the disease contributing thus to disease burden and disease progression.
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Zhang G, Xu X, Zhu L, Li S, Chen R, Lv N, Li Z, Wang J, Li Q, Zhou W, Yang P, Liu J. A Novel Molecular Classification Method for Glioblastoma Based on Tumor Cell Differentiation Trajectories. Stem Cells Int 2023; 2023:2826815. [PMID: 37964983 PMCID: PMC10643041 DOI: 10.1155/2023/2826815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Revised: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2023] Open
Abstract
The latest 2021 WHO classification redefines glioblastoma (GBM) as the hierarchical reporting standard by eliminating glioblastoma, IDH-mutant and only retaining the tumor entity of "glioblastoma, IDH-wild type." Knowing that subclassification of tumors based on molecular features is supposed to facilitate the therapeutic choice and increase the response rate in cancer patients, it is necessary to carry out molecular classification of the newly defined GBM. Although differentiation trajectory inference based on single-cell sequencing (scRNA-seq) data holds great promise for identifying cell heterogeneity, it has not been used in the study of GBM molecular classification. Single-cell transcriptome sequencing data from 10 GBM samples were used to identify molecular classification based on differentiation trajectories. The expressions of identified features were validated by public bulk RNA-sequencing data. Clinical feasibility of the classification system was examined in tissue samples by immunohistochemical (IHC) staining and immunofluorescence, and their clinical significance was investigated in public cohorts and clinical samples with complete clinical follow-up information. By analyzing scRNA-seq data of 10 GBM samples, four differentiation trajectories from the glioblastoma stem cell-like (GSCL) cluster were identified, based on which malignant cells were classified into five characteristic subclusters. Each cluster exhibited different potential drug sensitivities, pathways, functions, and transcriptional modules. The classification model was further examined in TCGA and CGGA datasets. According to the different abundance of five characteristic cell clusters, the patients were classified into five groups which we named Ac-G, Class-G, Neo-G, Opc-G, and Undiff-G groups. It was found that the Undiff-G group exhibited the worst overall survival (OS) in both TCGA and CGGA cohorts. In addition, the classification model was verified by IHC staining in 137 GBM samples to further clarify the difference in OS between the five groups. Furthermore, the novel biomarkers of glioblastoma stem cells (GSCs) were also described. In summary, we identified five classifications of GBM and found that they exhibited distinct drug sensitivities and different prognoses, suggesting that the new grouping system may be able to provide important prognostic information and have certain guiding significance for the treatment of GBM, and identified the GSCL cluster in GBM tissues and described its characteristic program, which may help develop new potential therapeutic targets for GSCs in GBM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guanghao Zhang
- Neurovascular Center, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Xiaolong Xu
- Neurovascular Center, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Luojiang Zhu
- Neurosurgery Department, 922th Hospital of Joint Logistics Support Force, PLA, China
| | - Sisi Li
- Neurovascular Center, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Rundong Chen
- Neurovascular Center, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Nan Lv
- Neurovascular Center, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Zifu Li
- Neurovascular Center, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Jing Wang
- Neurovascular Center, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Qiang Li
- Neurovascular Center, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Wang Zhou
- Neurovascular Center, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Pengfei Yang
- Neurovascular Center, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Jianmin Liu
- Neurovascular Center, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
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9
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Huang K, Gong H, Guan J, Zhang L, Hu C, Zhao W, Huang L, Zhang W, Kim P, Zhou X. AgeAnno: a knowledgebase of single-cell annotation of aging in human. Nucleic Acids Res 2023; 51:D805-D815. [PMID: 36200838 PMCID: PMC9825500 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkac847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2022] [Revised: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Aging is a complex process that accompanied by molecular and cellular alterations. The identification of tissue-/cell type-specific biomarkers of aging and elucidation of the detailed biological mechanisms of aging-related genes at the single-cell level can help to understand the heterogeneous aging process and design targeted anti-aging therapeutics. Here, we built AgeAnno (https://relab.xidian.edu.cn/AgeAnno/#/), a knowledgebase of single cell annotation of aging in human, aiming to provide comprehensive characterizations for aging-related genes across diverse tissue-cell types in human by using single-cell RNA and ATAC sequencing data (scRNA and scATAC). The current version of AgeAnno houses 1 678 610 cells from 28 healthy tissue samples with ages ranging from 0 to 110 years. We collected 5580 aging-related genes from previous resources and performed dynamic functional annotations of the cellular context. For the scRNA data, we performed analyses include differential gene expression, gene variation coefficient, cell communication network, transcription factor (TF) regulatory network, and immune cell proportionc. AgeAnno also provides differential chromatin accessibility analysis, motif/TF enrichment and footprint analysis, and co-accessibility peak analysis for scATAC data. AgeAnno will be a unique resource to systematically characterize aging-related genes across diverse tissue-cell types in human, and it could facilitate antiaging and aging-related disease research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kexin Huang
- West China Biomedical Big Data Centre, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, P.R. China
- Med-X Center for Informatics, Sichuan University,Chengdu,Sichuan 610041, P.R. China
| | - Hoaran Gong
- West China Biomedical Big Data Centre, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, P.R. China
- Med-X Center for Informatics, Sichuan University,Chengdu,Sichuan 610041, P.R. China
| | - Jingjing Guan
- School of Life Science and Technology, Xidian University, Xi’an, Shaanxi 710071, P.R. China
| | - Lingxiao Zhang
- School of Life Science and Technology, Xidian University, Xi’an, Shaanxi 710071, P.R. China
| | - Changbao Hu
- School of Life Science and Technology, Xidian University, Xi’an, Shaanxi 710071, P.R. China
| | - Weiling Zhao
- Center for Computational Systems Medicine, School of Biomedical Informatics, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Liyu Huang
- School of Life Science and Technology, Xidian University, Xi’an, Shaanxi 710071, P.R. China
| | - Wei Zhang
- West China Biomedical Big Data Centre, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, P.R. China
- Med-X Center for Informatics, Sichuan University,Chengdu,Sichuan 610041, P.R. China
| | - Pora Kim
- Center for Computational Systems Medicine, School of Biomedical Informatics, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Xiaobo Zhou
- Center for Computational Systems Medicine, School of Biomedical Informatics, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- School of Dentistry, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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10
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Gorina YV, Salmina AB, Erofeev AI, Gerasimov EI, Bolshakova AV, Balaban PM, Bezprozvanny IB, Vlasova OL. Astrocyte Activation Markers. BIOCHEMISTRY. BIOKHIMIIA 2022; 87:851-870. [PMID: 36180985 DOI: 10.1134/s0006297922090012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Revised: 06/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Astrocytes are the most common type of glial cells that provide homeostasis and protection of the central nervous system. Important specific characteristic of astrocytes is manifestation of morphological heterogeneity, which is directly dependent on localization in a particular area of the brain. Astrocytes can integrate into neural networks and keep neurons active in various areas of the brain. Moreover, astrocytes express a variety of receptors, channels, and membrane transporters, which underlie their peculiar metabolic activity, and, hence, determine plasticity of the central nervous system during development and aging. Such complex structural and functional organization of astrocytes requires the use of modern methods for their identification and analysis. Considering the important fact that determining the most appropriate marker for polymorphic and multiple subgroups of astrocytes is of decisive importance for studying their multifunctionality, this review presents markers, modern imaging techniques, and identification of astrocytes, which comprise a valuable resource for studying structural and functional properties of astrocytes, as well as facilitate better understanding of the extent to which astrocytes contribute to neuronal activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yana V Gorina
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurodegeneration, Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University, St. Petersburg, 194091, Russia.
- Research Institute of Molecular Medicine and Pathobiochemistry, Voino-Yasenetsky Krasnoyarsk State Medical University, Krasnoyarsk, 660022, Russia
| | - Alla B Salmina
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurodegeneration, Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University, St. Petersburg, 194091, Russia
- Research Institute of Molecular Medicine and Pathobiochemistry, Voino-Yasenetsky Krasnoyarsk State Medical University, Krasnoyarsk, 660022, Russia
- Laboratory of Neurobiology and Tissue Engineering, Brain Institute, Research Center of Neurology, Moscow, 105064, Russia
| | - Alexander I Erofeev
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurodegeneration, Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University, St. Petersburg, 194091, Russia
| | - Evgeniy I Gerasimov
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurodegeneration, Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University, St. Petersburg, 194091, Russia
| | - Anastasia V Bolshakova
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurodegeneration, Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University, St. Petersburg, 194091, Russia
| | - Pavel M Balaban
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurodegeneration, Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University, St. Petersburg, 194091, Russia
- Laboratory of Cellular Neurobiology of Learning, Institute of Higher Nervous Activity, Moscow, 117485, Russia
| | - Ilya B Bezprozvanny
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurodegeneration, Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University, St. Petersburg, 194091, Russia
- Department of Physiology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Olga L Vlasova
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurodegeneration, Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University, St. Petersburg, 194091, Russia
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11
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Quist E, Trovato F, Avaliani N, Zetterdahl OG, Gonzalez-Ramos A, Hansen MG, Kokaia M, Canals I, Ahlenius H. Transcription factor-based direct conversion of human fibroblasts to functional astrocytes. Stem Cell Reports 2022; 17:1620-1635. [PMID: 35750047 PMCID: PMC9287681 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2022.05.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2021] [Revised: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes are emerging key players in neurological disorders. However, their role in disease etiology is poorly understood owing to inaccessibility of primary human astrocytes. Pluripotent stem cell-derived cells fail to mimic age and due to their clonal origin do not mimic genetic heterogeneity of patients. In contrast, direct conversion constitutes an attractive approach to generate human astrocytes that capture age and genetic diversity. We describe efficient direct conversion of human fibroblasts to functional induced astrocytes (iAs). Expression of the minimal combination Sox9 and Nfib generates iAs with molecular, phenotypic, and functional properties resembling primary human astrocytes. iAs could be obtained by conversion of fibroblasts covering the entire human lifespan. Importantly, iAs supported function of induced neurons obtained through direct conversion from the same fibroblast population. Fibroblast-derived iAs will become a useful tool to elucidate the biology of astrocytes and complement current in vitro models for studies of late-onset neurological disorders. Effective direct conversion of human fibroblasts to induced astrocytes (iAs) iAs resemble human primary astrocytes at molecular, phenotypic, and functional levels iAs can be generated from fibroblasts covering the entire human lifespan iAs support function of induced neurons obtained from the same starting population
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Affiliation(s)
- Ella Quist
- Lund University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Neurology, Stem Cells, Aging and Neurodegeneration, Lund, Sweden; Lund Stem Cell Center, Lund, Sweden.
| | - Francesco Trovato
- Lund University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Neurology, Stem Cells, Aging and Neurodegeneration, Lund, Sweden; Lund Stem Cell Center, Lund, Sweden; Lund University, Skane University Hospital, Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Neurosurgery, Lund, Sweden
| | | | - Oskar G Zetterdahl
- Lund University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Neurology, Stem Cells, Aging and Neurodegeneration, Lund, Sweden; Lund Stem Cell Center, Lund, Sweden; Lund University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Neurology, Glial and Neuronal Biology, Lund, Sweden
| | - Ana Gonzalez-Ramos
- Lund University, Skane University Hospital, Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Epilepsy Center, Lund, Sweden
| | | | - Merab Kokaia
- Lund University, Skane University Hospital, Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Epilepsy Center, Lund, Sweden
| | - Isaac Canals
- Lund University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Neurology, Glial and Neuronal Biology, Lund, Sweden
| | - Henrik Ahlenius
- Lund University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Neurology, Stem Cells, Aging and Neurodegeneration, Lund, Sweden; Lund Stem Cell Center, Lund, Sweden.
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12
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Generation of Human iPSC-Derived Astrocytes with a mature star-shaped phenotype for CNS modeling. Stem Cell Rev Rep 2022; 18:2494-2512. [PMID: 35488987 PMCID: PMC9489586 DOI: 10.1007/s12015-022-10376-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The generation of astrocytes from human induced pluripotent stem cells has been hampered by either prolonged differentiation—spanning over two months—or by shorter protocols that generate immature astrocytes, devoid of salient mature astrocytic traits pivotal for central nervous system (CNS) modeling. We directed stable hiPSC-derived neuroepithelial stem cells to human iPSC-derived Astrocytes (hiAstrocytes) with a high percentage of star-shaped cells by orchestrating an astrocytic-tuned culturing environment in 28 days. We employed RT-qPCR and ICC to validate the astrocytic commitment of the neuroepithelial stem cells. To evaluate the inflammatory phenotype, we challenged the hiAstrocytes with the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-1β (interleukin 1 beta) and quantitatively assessed the secretion profile of astrocyte-associated cytokines and the expression of intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1). Finally, we quantitatively assessed the capacity of hiAstrocytes to synthesize and export the antioxidant glutathione. In under 28 days, the generated cells express canonical and mature astrocytic markers, denoted by the expression of GFAP, AQP4 and ALDH1L1. In addition, the notion of a mature phenotype is reinforced by the expression of both astrocytic glutamate transporters EAAT1 and EAAT2. Thus, hiAstrocytes have a mature phenotype that encompasses traits critical in CNS modeling, including glutathione synthesis and secretion, upregulation of ICAM-1 and a cytokine secretion profile on a par with human fetal astrocytes. This protocol generates a multifaceted astrocytic model suitable for in vitro CNS disease modeling and personalized medicine.
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13
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Aazmi A, Zhou H, Lv W, Yu M, Xu X, Yang H, Zhang YS, Ma L. Vascularizing the brain in vitro. iScience 2022; 25:104110. [PMID: 35378862 PMCID: PMC8976127 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.104110] [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] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
The brain is arguably the most fascinating and complex organ in the human body. Recreating the brain in vitro is an ambition restricted by our limited understanding of its structure and interacting elements. One of these interacting parts, the brain microvasculature, is distinguished by a highly selective barrier known as the blood-brain barrier (BBB), limiting the transport of substances between the blood and the nervous system. Numerous in vitro models have been used to mimic the BBB and constructed by implementing a variety of microfabrication and microfluidic techniques. However, currently available models still cannot accurately imitate the in vivo characteristics of BBB. In this article, we review recent BBB models by analyzing each parameter affecting the accuracy of these models. Furthermore, we propose an investigation of the synergy between BBB models and neuronal tissue biofabrication, which results in more advanced models, including neurovascular unit microfluidic models and vascularized brain organoid-based models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdellah Aazmi
- State Key Laboratory of Fluid Power and Mechatronic Systems, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China.,School of Mechanical Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Hongzhao Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Fluid Power and Mechatronic Systems, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China.,School of Mechanical Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Weikang Lv
- State Key Laboratory of Fluid Power and Mechatronic Systems, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China.,School of Mechanical Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Mengfei Yu
- The Affiliated Stomatologic Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310003, China
| | - Xiaobin Xu
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 201804, China
| | - Huayong Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Fluid Power and Mechatronic Systems, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China.,School of Mechanical Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Yu Shrike Zhang
- Division of Engineering in Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Liang Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Fluid Power and Mechatronic Systems, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China.,School of Mechanical Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
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14
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Zarekiani P, Nogueira Pinto H, Hol EM, Bugiani M, de Vries HE. The neurovascular unit in leukodystrophies: towards solving the puzzle. Fluids Barriers CNS 2022; 19:18. [PMID: 35227276 PMCID: PMC8887016 DOI: 10.1186/s12987-022-00316-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 02/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The neurovascular unit (NVU) is a highly organized multicellular system localized in the brain, formed by neuronal, glial (astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, and microglia) and vascular (endothelial cells and pericytes) cells. The blood-brain barrier, a complex and dynamic endothelial cell barrier in the brain microvasculature that separates the blood from the brain parenchyma, is a component of the NVU. In a variety of neurological disorders, including Alzheimer's disease, multiple sclerosis, and stroke, dysfunctions of the NVU occurs. There is, however, a lack of knowledge regarding the NVU function in leukodystrophies, which are rare monogenic disorders that primarily affect the white matter. Since leukodystrophies are rare diseases, human brain tissue availability is scarce and representative animal models that significantly recapitulate the disease are difficult to develop. The introduction of human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSC) now makes it possible to surpass these limitations while maintaining the ability to work in a biologically relevant human context and safeguarding the genetic background of the patient. This review aims to provide further insights into the NVU functioning in leukodystrophies, with a special focus on iPSC-derived models that can be used to dissect neurovascular pathophysiology in these diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parand Zarekiani
- Department of Pathology, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, de Boelelaan 1117, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Leukodystrophy Center, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1117, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Henrique Nogueira Pinto
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1117, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, University Medical Center Utrecht Brain Center, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Elly M Hol
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, University Medical Center Utrecht Brain Center, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Marianna Bugiani
- Department of Pathology, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, de Boelelaan 1117, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Leukodystrophy Center, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Helga E de Vries
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1117, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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15
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Cvetkovic C, Patel R, Shetty A, Hogan MK, Anderson M, Basu N, Aghlara-Fotovat S, Ramesh S, Sardar D, Veiseh O, Ward ME, Deneen B, Horner PJ, Krencik R. Assessing Gq-GPCR-induced human astrocyte reactivity using bioengineered neural organoids. J Cell Biol 2022; 221:212997. [PMID: 35139144 PMCID: PMC8842185 DOI: 10.1083/jcb.202107135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2021] [Revised: 11/28/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Astrocyte reactivity can directly modulate nervous system function and immune responses during disease and injury. However, the consequence of human astrocyte reactivity in response to specific contexts and within neural networks is obscure. Here, we devised a straightforward bioengineered neural organoid culture approach entailing transcription factor-driven direct differentiation of neurons and astrocytes from human pluripotent stem cells combined with genetically encoded tools for dual cell-selective activation. This strategy revealed that Gq-GPCR activation via chemogenetics in astrocytes promotes a rise in intracellular calcium followed by induction of immediate early genes and thrombospondin 1. However, astrocytes also undergo NF-κB nuclear translocation and secretion of inflammatory proteins, correlating with a decreased evoked firing rate of cocultured optogenetic neurons in suboptimal conditions, without overt neurotoxicity. Altogether, this study clarifies the intrinsic reactivity of human astrocytes in response to targeting GPCRs and delivers a bioengineered approach for organoid-based disease modeling and preclinical drug testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Cvetkovic
- Department of Neurosurgery, Center for Neuroregeneration, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX
| | | | - Arya Shetty
- Department of Neurosurgery, Center for Neuroregeneration, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX
| | - Matthew K Hogan
- Department of Neurosurgery, Center for Neuroregeneration, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX
| | - Morgan Anderson
- Department of Neurosurgery, Center for Neuroregeneration, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX
| | - Nupur Basu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Center for Neuroregeneration, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX
| | - Samira Aghlara-Fotovat
- Department of Neurosurgery, Center for Neuroregeneration, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX.,Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, TX
| | | | | | - Omid Veiseh
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, TX
| | - Michael E Ward
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
| | | | - Philip J Horner
- Department of Neurosurgery, Center for Neuroregeneration, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX
| | - Robert Krencik
- Department of Neurosurgery, Center for Neuroregeneration, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX
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16
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Ziff OJ, Clarke BE, Taha DM, Crerar H, Luscombe NM, Patani R. Meta-analysis of human and mouse ALS astrocytes reveals multi-omic signatures of inflammatory reactive states. Genome Res 2022; 32:71-84. [PMID: 34963663 PMCID: PMC8744676 DOI: 10.1101/gr.275939.121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Astrocytes contribute to motor neuron death in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), but whether they adopt deleterious features consistent with inflammatory reactive states remains incompletely resolved. To identify inflammatory reactive features in ALS human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-derived astrocytes, we examined transcriptomics, proteomics, and glutamate uptake in VCP-mutant astrocytes. We complemented this by examining other ALS mutations and models using a systematic meta-analysis of all publicly-available ALS astrocyte sequencing data, which included hiPSC-derived astrocytes carrying SOD1, C9orf72, and FUS gene mutations as well as mouse ALS astrocyte models with SOD1G93A mutation, Tardbp deletion, and Tmem259 (also known as membralin) deletion. ALS astrocytes were characterized by up-regulation of genes involved in the extracellular matrix, endoplasmic reticulum stress, and the immune response and down-regulation of synaptic integrity, glutamate uptake, and other neuronal support processes. We identify activation of the TGFB, Wnt, and hypoxia signaling pathways in both hiPSC and mouse ALS astrocytes. ALS changes positively correlate with TNF, IL1A, and complement pathway component C1q-treated inflammatory reactive astrocytes, with significant overlap of differentially expressed genes. By contrasting ALS changes with models of protective reactive astrocytes, including middle cerebral artery occlusion and spinal cord injury, we uncover a cluster of genes changing in opposing directions, which may represent down-regulated homeostatic genes and up-regulated deleterious genes in ALS astrocytes. These observations indicate that ALS astrocytes augment inflammatory processes while concomitantly suppressing neuronal supporting mechanisms, thus resembling inflammatory reactive states and offering potential therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oliver J Ziff
- Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London WC1N 3BG, United Kingdom
- The Francis Crick Institute, London NW1 1AT, United Kingdom
- National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, University College London NHS Foundation Trust, London WC1N 3BG, United Kingdom
| | - Benjamin E Clarke
- Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London WC1N 3BG, United Kingdom
- The Francis Crick Institute, London NW1 1AT, United Kingdom
| | - Doaa M Taha
- Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London WC1N 3BG, United Kingdom
- The Francis Crick Institute, London NW1 1AT, United Kingdom
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Alexandria University, Alexandria 21511, Egypt
| | - Hamish Crerar
- Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London WC1N 3BG, United Kingdom
- The Francis Crick Institute, London NW1 1AT, United Kingdom
| | - Nicholas M Luscombe
- Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London WC1N 3BG, United Kingdom
- UCL Genetics Institute, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom
- Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University, Okinawa 904-0495, Japan
| | - Rickie Patani
- Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London WC1N 3BG, United Kingdom
- The Francis Crick Institute, London NW1 1AT, United Kingdom
- National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, University College London NHS Foundation Trust, London WC1N 3BG, United Kingdom
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17
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Lanciotti A, Brignone MS, Macioce P, Visentin S, Ambrosini E. Human iPSC-Derived Astrocytes: A Powerful Tool to Study Primary Astrocyte Dysfunction in the Pathogenesis of Rare Leukodystrophies. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 23:ijms23010274. [PMID: 35008700 PMCID: PMC8745131 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23010274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2021] [Revised: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes are very versatile cells, endowed with multitasking capacities to ensure brain homeostasis maintenance from brain development to adult life. It has become increasingly evident that astrocytes play a central role in many central nervous system pathologies, not only as regulators of defensive responses against brain insults but also as primary culprits of the disease onset and progression. This is particularly evident in some rare leukodystrophies (LDs) where white matter/myelin deterioration is due to primary astrocyte dysfunctions. Understanding the molecular defects causing these LDs may help clarify astrocyte contribution to myelin formation/maintenance and favor the identification of possible therapeutic targets for LDs and other CNS demyelinating diseases. To date, the pathogenic mechanisms of these LDs are poorly known due to the rarity of the pathological tissue and the failure of the animal models to fully recapitulate the human diseases. Thus, the development of human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSC) from patient fibroblasts and their differentiation into astrocytes is a promising approach to overcome these issues. In this review, we discuss the primary role of astrocytes in LD pathogenesis, the experimental models currently available and the advantages, future evolutions, perspectives, and limitations of hiPSC to study pathologies implying astrocyte dysfunctions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Lanciotti
- Department of Neuroscience, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00169 Rome, Italy; (A.L.); (M.S.B.); (P.M.)
| | - Maria Stefania Brignone
- Department of Neuroscience, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00169 Rome, Italy; (A.L.); (M.S.B.); (P.M.)
| | - Pompeo Macioce
- Department of Neuroscience, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00169 Rome, Italy; (A.L.); (M.S.B.); (P.M.)
| | - Sergio Visentin
- National Center for Research and Preclinical and Clinical Evaluation of Drugs, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00169 Rome, Italy;
| | - Elena Ambrosini
- Department of Neuroscience, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00169 Rome, Italy; (A.L.); (M.S.B.); (P.M.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-064-990-2037
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18
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Canals I, Quist E, Ahlenius H. Transcription Factor-Based Strategies to Generate Neural Cell Types from Human Pluripotent Stem Cells. Cell Reprogram 2021; 23:206-220. [PMID: 34388027 DOI: 10.1089/cell.2021.0045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
In the last years, the use of pluripotent stem cells in studies of human biology has grown exponentially. These cells represent an infinite source for differentiation into several human cell types facilitating the investigation on biological processes, functionality of cells, or diseases mechanisms in relevant human models. In the neurobiology field, pluripotent stem cells have been extensively used to generate the main neuronal and glial cells of the brain. Traditionally, protocols following developmental cues have been applied to pluripotent stem cells to drive differentiation toward different cell lineages; however, these protocols give rise to populations with mixed identities. Interestingly, new protocols applying overexpression of lineage-specific transcription factors (TFs) have emerged and facilitated the generation of highly pure populations of specific subtypes of neurons and glial cells in an easy, reproducible, and rapid manner. In this study, we review protocols based on this strategy to generate excitatory, inhibitory, dopaminergic, and motor neurons as well as astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, and microglia. In addition, we will discuss the main applications for cells generated with these protocols, including disease modeling, drug screening, and mechanistic studies. Finally, we will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of TF-based protocols and present our view of the future in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isaac Canals
- Stem Cells, Aging and Neurodegeneration Group, Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.,Division of Neurology, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.,Lund Stem Cell Center, Lund, Sweden
| | - Ella Quist
- Stem Cells, Aging and Neurodegeneration Group, Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.,Division of Neurology, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.,Lund Stem Cell Center, Lund, Sweden
| | - Henrik Ahlenius
- Stem Cells, Aging and Neurodegeneration Group, Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.,Division of Neurology, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.,Lund Stem Cell Center, Lund, Sweden
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