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Zieliński G, Pająk-Zielińska B, Woźniak A, Ginszt M, Marchili N, Gawda P, Rejdak R. Pharmacologically Induced Accommodation Palsy and the Bioelectrical Activity of the Muscular System: A Preliminary Investigation. Diagnostics (Basel) 2024; 14:961. [PMID: 38732375 PMCID: PMC11082982 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics14090961] [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: 03/14/2024] [Revised: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to pharmacologically induce accommodative paralysis and evaluate its effects on the bioelectrical activity of the muscular system. The study included two participant groups: those with myopia and those with normal vision (emmetropes). Electromyographic assessments were performed using the Noraxon Ultium DTS 8-K MR 3 myo Muscle Master Edition system. The muscles analyzed in this study were the temporalis, masseter, sternocleidomastoid, trapezius, abdominal muscles, biceps brachii, and the external oblique muscles of the abdomen. It is important to acknowledge that, based on the current findings, it cannot be definitively stated that the observed effects have clinical significance, and additional studies are encouraged.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grzegorz Zieliński
- Department of Sports Medicine, Medical University of Lublin, 20-093 Lublin, Poland
| | - Beata Pająk-Zielińska
- Interdisciplinary Scientific Group of Sports Medicine, Department of Sports Medicine, Medical University of Lublin, 20-093 Lublin, Poland
| | - Anna Woźniak
- Department of General and Pediatric Ophthalmology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-093 Lublin, Poland; (A.W.)
| | - Michał Ginszt
- Department of Rehabilitation and Physiotherapy, Medical University of Lublin, 20-093 Lublin, Poland;
| | | | - Piotr Gawda
- Department of Sports Medicine, Medical University of Lublin, 20-093 Lublin, Poland
| | - Robert Rejdak
- Department of General and Pediatric Ophthalmology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-093 Lublin, Poland; (A.W.)
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2
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Lynch E, Peek E, Reilly M, FitzGibbons C, Robertson S, Suzuki M. Current Progress in the Creation, Characterization, and Application of Human Stem Cell-derived in Vitro Neuromuscular Junction Models. Stem Cell Rev Rep 2022; 18:768-780. [PMID: 34212303 PMCID: PMC8720113 DOI: 10.1007/s12015-021-10201-2] [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] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Human pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) such as embryonic stem cells (ESCs) or induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) are of great value for studying developmental processes, disease modeling, and drug testing. One area in which the use of human PSCs has become of great interest in recent years is for in vitro models of the neuromuscular junction (NMJ). The NMJ is a synapse at which a motor neuron releases acetylcholine to bind to skeletal muscle and stimulate contraction. Degeneration of the NMJ and subsequent loss of muscle function is a common feature of many neuromuscular diseases such as myasthenia gravis, spinal muscular atrophy, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. In order to develop new therapies for patients with neuromuscular diseases, it is essential to understand mechanisms taking place at the NMJ. However, we have limited ability to study the NMJ in living human patients, and animal models are limited by physiological relevance. Therefore, an in vitro model of the NMJ consisting of human cells is of great value. The use of stem cells for in vitro NMJ models is still in progress and requires further optimization in order to yield reliable, reproducible results. The objective of this review is (1) to outline the current progress towards fully PSC-derived in vitro co-culture models of the human NMJ and (2) to discuss future directions and challenges that must be overcome in order to create reproducible fully PSC-derived models that can be used for developmental studies, disease modeling, and drug testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eileen Lynch
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Emma Peek
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Megan Reilly
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Claire FitzGibbons
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Samantha Robertson
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Masatoshi Suzuki
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Wisconsin, USA,Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Wisconsin, USA
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3
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Cell transplantation to repair the injured spinal cord. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF NEUROBIOLOGY 2022; 166:79-158. [PMID: 36424097 PMCID: PMC10008620 DOI: 10.1016/bs.irn.2022.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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4
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Mahmoodi N, Ai J, Ebrahimi‐Barough S, Hassannejad Z, Hasanzadeh E, Basiri A, Vaccaro AR, Rahimi‐Movaghar V. Microtubule stabilizer epothilone B as a motor neuron differentiation agent for human endometrial stem cells. Cell Biol Int 2020; 44:1168-1183. [DOI: 10.1002/cbin.11315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2019] [Accepted: 02/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Narges Mahmoodi
- Sina Trauma and Surgery Research Center, Sina HospitalTehran University of Medical Sciences Hasan‐Abad Square, Imam Khomeini Ave. Tehran 11365‐3876 Iran
| | - Jafar Ai
- Department of Tissue Engineering and Applied Cell Sciences, School of Advanced Technologies in MedicineTehran University of Medical Sciences Number 88, Italy Street, Between Ghods Street and Vesal Shirazi Street Tehran 14177‐55469 Iran
| | - Somayeh Ebrahimi‐Barough
- Department of Tissue Engineering and Applied Cell Sciences, School of Advanced Technologies in MedicineTehran University of Medical Sciences Number 88, Italy Street, Between Ghods Street and Vesal Shirazi Street Tehran 14177‐55469 Iran
| | - Zahra Hassannejad
- Pediatric Urology and Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Children's Medical Center, Pediatric Center of ExcellenceTehran University of Medical Sciences No. 62, Dr. Gharibs Street, Keshavarz Boulevard Tehran 1419733151 Iran
| | - Elham Hasanzadeh
- Department of Tissue Engineering, School of Advanced Technologies in MedicineMazandaran University of Medical Sciences Next to Tooba Medical Building, Khazar Boulevard Sari 48471‐91971 Iran
| | - Arefeh Basiri
- Department of Tissue Engineering and Applied Cell Sciences, School of Advanced Technologies in MedicineTehran University of Medical Sciences Number 88, Italy Street, Between Ghods Street and Vesal Shirazi Street Tehran 14177‐55469 Iran
| | - Alexander R. Vaccaro
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Rothman InstituteThomas Jefferson University 1925 Chestnut Street, 5th Floor Philadelphia Pennsylvania 19107 USA
| | - Vafa Rahimi‐Movaghar
- Sina Trauma and Surgery Research Center, Sina HospitalTehran University of Medical Sciences Hasan‐Abad Square, Imam Khomeini Ave. Tehran 11365‐3876 Iran
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5
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Bucchia M, Merwin SJ, Re DB, Kariya S. Limitations and Challenges in Modeling Diseases Involving Spinal Motor Neuron Degeneration in Vitro. Front Cell Neurosci 2018; 12:61. [PMID: 29559895 PMCID: PMC5845677 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2018.00061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2018] [Accepted: 02/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Pathogenic conditions involving degeneration of spinal motor neurons (MNs), such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, sarcopenia, and spinal cord injury, mostly occur in individuals whose spinal MNs are fully mature. There is currently no effective treatment to prevent death or promote axonal regeneration of the spinal MNs affected in these patients. To increase our understanding and find a cure for such conditions, easily controllable and monitorable cell culture models allow for a better dissection of certain molecular and cellular events that cannot be teased apart in whole organism models. To date, various types of spinal MN cultures have been described. Yet these models are all based on the use of immature neurons or neurons uncharacterized for their degree of maturity after being isolated and cultured. Additionally, studying only MNs cannot give a comprehensive and complete view of the neurodegenerative processes usually involving other cell types. To date, there is no confirmed in vitro model faithfully emulating disease or injury of the mature spinal MNs. In this review, we summarize the different limitations of currently available culture models, and discuss the challenges that have to be overcome for developing more reliable and translational platforms for the in vitro study of spinal MN degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Bucchia
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Samantha J Merwin
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Diane B Re
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Shingo Kariya
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, United States
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6
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Tang BL. The use of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) therapy – a perspective on cell biological mechanisms. Rev Neurosci 2017; 28:725-738. [DOI: 10.1515/revneuro-2017-0018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2017] [Accepted: 04/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
AbstractRecent clinical trials of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) transplantation have demonstrated procedural safety and clinical proof of principle with a modest indication of benefit in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). While replacement therapy remained unrealistic, the clinical efficacy of this therapeutic option could be potentially enhanced if we could better decipher the mechanisms underlying some of the beneficial effects of transplanted cells, and work toward augmenting or combining these in a strategic manner. Novel ways whereby MSCs could act in modifying disease progression should also be explored. In this review, I discuss the known, emerging and postulated mechanisms of action underlying effects that transplanted MSCs may exert to promote motor neuron survival and/or to encourage regeneration in ALS. I shall also speculate on how transplanted cells may alter the diseased environment so as to minimize non-neuron cell autonomous damages by immune cells and astrocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bor Luen Tang
- Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University Health System, Singapore
- NUS Graduate School for Integrative Sciences and Engineering, National University of Singapore, Medical Drive, Singapore 117597, Singapore
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Jaiswal MK. Therapeutic opportunities and challenges of induced pluripotent stem cells-derived motor neurons for treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and motor neuron disease. Neural Regen Res 2017; 12:723-736. [PMID: 28616022 PMCID: PMC5461603 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.206635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and motor neuron diseases (MNDs) are progressive neurodegenerative diseases that affect nerve cells in the brain affecting upper and lower motor neurons (UMNs/LMNs), brain stem and spinal cord. The clinical phenotype is characterized by loss of motor neurons (MNs), muscular weakness and atrophy eventually leading to paralysis and death due to respiratory failure within 3-5 years after disease onset. No effective treatment or cure is currently available that halts or reverses ALS and MND except FDA approved drug riluzole that only modestly slows the progression of ALS in some patients. Recent advances in human derived induced pluripotent stem cells have made it possible for the first time to obtain substantial amounts of human cells to recapitulate in vitro "disease in dish" and test some of the underlying pathogenetic mechanisms involved in ALS and MNDs. In this review, I discussed the opportunities and challenges of induced pluropotent stem cells-derived motor neurons for treatment of ALS and MND patients with special emphasis on their implications in finding a cure for ALS and MNDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manoj Kumar Jaiswal
- Molecular Imaging and Neuropathology Division, New York State Psychiatry Institute, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
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Shen J, Jia W, Yu Y, Chen J, Cao X, Du Y, Zhang X, Zhu S, Chen W, Xi J, Wei T, Wang G, Yuan D, Duan T, Jiang C, Kang J. Pwp1 is required for the differentiation potential of mouse embryonic stem cells through regulating Stat3 signaling. Stem Cells 2015; 33:661-73. [PMID: 25335925 DOI: 10.1002/stem.1876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2014] [Revised: 08/19/2014] [Accepted: 09/04/2014] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Leukemia inhibitory factor/Stat3 signaling is critical for maintaining the self-renewal and differentiation potential of mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs). However, the upstream effectors of this pathway have not been clearly defined. Here, we show that periodic tryptophan protein 1 (Pwp1), a WD-40 repeat-containing protein associated with histone H4 modification, is required for the exit of mESCs from the pluripotent state into all lineages. Knockdown (KD) of Pwp1 does not affect mESC proliferation, self-renewal, or apoptosis. However, KD of Pwp1 impairs the differentiation potential of mESCs both in vitro and in vivo. PWP1 chromatin immunoprecipitation-seq results revealed that the PWP1-occupied regions were marked with significant levels of H4K20me3. Moreover, Pwp1 binds to sites in the upstream region of Stat3. KD of Pwp1 decreases the level of H4K20me3 in the upstream region of Stat3 gene and upregulates the expression of Stat3. Furthermore, Pwp1 KD mESCs recover their differentiation potential through suppressing the expression of Stat3 or inhibiting the tyrosine phosphorylation of STAT3. Together, our results suggest that Pwp1 plays important roles in the differentiation potential of mESCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junwei Shen
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Life Science and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
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9
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Tomov ML, Olmsted ZT, Paluh JL. The Human Embryoid Body Cystic Core Exhibits Architectural Complexity Revealed by use of High Throughput Polymer Microarrays. Macromol Biosci 2015; 15:892-900. [PMID: 25810210 DOI: 10.1002/mabi.201500051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2015] [Revised: 03/04/2015] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
In pluripotent stem cell differentiation, embryoid bodies (EBs) provide a three-dimensional [3D] multicellular precursor in lineage specification. The internal structure of EBs is not well characterized yet is predicted to be an important parameter to differentiation. Here, we use custom SU-8 molds to generate transparent lithography-templated arrays of polydimethylsiloxane (LTA-PDMS) for high throughput analysis of human embryonic stem cell (hESC) EB formation and internal architecture. EBs formed in 200 and 500 μm diameter microarray wells by use of single cells, 2D clusters, or 3D early aggregates were compared. We observe that 200 μm EBs are monocystic versus 500 μm multicystic EBs that contain macro, meso and microsized cysts. In adherent differentiation of 500 μm EBs, the multicystic character impairs the 3D to 2D transition creating non-uniform monolayers. Our findings reveal that EB core structure has a size-dependent character that influences its architecture and cell population uniformity during early differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin L Tomov
- SUNY Polytechnic Institute, Colleges of Nanoscale Science and Engineering, Nanobioscience, Nanofab East, 257 Fuller Road, Albany, New York, 12203, USA
| | - Zachary T Olmsted
- SUNY Polytechnic Institute, Colleges of Nanoscale Science and Engineering, Nanobioscience, Nanofab East, 257 Fuller Road, Albany, New York, 12203, USA
| | - Janet L Paluh
- SUNY Polytechnic Institute, Colleges of Nanoscale Science and Engineering, Nanobioscience, Nanofab East, 257 Fuller Road, Albany, New York, 12203, USA. ,
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10
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Motoneurons derived from induced pluripotent stem cells develop mature phenotypes typical of endogenous spinal motoneurons. J Neurosci 2015; 35:1291-306. [PMID: 25609642 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.2126-14.2015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Induced pluripotent cell-derived motoneurons (iPSCMNs) are sought for use in cell replacement therapies and treatment strategies for motoneuron diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). However, much remains unknown about the physiological properties of iPSCMNs and how they compare with endogenous spinal motoneurons or embryonic stem cell-derived motoneurons (ESCMNs). In the present study, we first used a proteomic approach and compared protein expression profiles between iPSCMNs and ESCMNs to show that <4% of the proteins identified were differentially regulated. Like ESCs, we found that mouse iPSCs treated with retinoic acid and a smoothened agonist differentiated into motoneurons expressing the LIM homeodomain protein Lhx3. When transplanted into the neural tube of developing chick embryos, iPSCMNs selectively targeted muscles normally innervated by Lhx3 motoneurons. In vitro studies showed that iPSCMNs form anatomically mature and functional neuromuscular junctions (NMJs) when cocultured with chick myofibers for several weeks. Electrophysiologically, iPSCMNs developed passive membrane and firing characteristic typical of postnatal motoneurons after several weeks in culture. Finally, iPSCMNs grafted into transected mouse tibial nerve projected axons to denervated gastrocnemius muscle fibers, where they formed functional NMJs, restored contractile force. and attenuated denervation atrophy. Together, iPSCMNs possess many of the same cellular and physiological characteristics as ESCMNs and endogenous spinal motoneurons. These results further justify using iPSCMNs as a source of motoneurons for cell replacement therapies and to study motoneuron diseases such as ALS.
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11
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Faravelli I, Frattini E, Ramirez A, Stuppia G, Nizzardo M, Corti S. iPSC-Based Models to Unravel Key Pathogenetic Processes Underlying Motor Neuron Disease Development. J Clin Med 2014; 3:1124-45. [PMID: 26237595 PMCID: PMC4470174 DOI: 10.3390/jcm3041124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2014] [Revised: 09/19/2014] [Accepted: 09/22/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Motor neuron diseases (MNDs) are neuromuscular disorders affecting rather exclusively upper motor neurons (UMNs) and/or lower motor neurons (LMNs). The clinical phenotype is characterized by muscular weakness and atrophy leading to paralysis and almost invariably death due to respiratory failure. Adult MNDs include sporadic and familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (sALS-fALS), while the most common infantile MND is represented by spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). No effective treatment is ccurrently available for MNDs, as for the vast majority of neurodegenerative disorders, and cures are limited to supportive care and symptom relief. The lack of a deep understanding of MND pathogenesis accounts for the difficulties in finding a cure, together with the scarcity of reliable in vitro models. Recent progresses in stem cell field, in particular in the generation of induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (iPSCs) has made possible for the first time obtaining substantial amounts of human cells to recapitulate in vitro some of the key pathogenetic processes underlying MNDs. In the present review, recently published studies involving the use of iPSCs to unravel aspects of ALS and SMA pathogenesis are discussed with an overview of their implications in the process of finding a cure for these still orphan disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Faravelli
- Dino Ferrari Centre, Neuroscience Section, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation (DEPT), University of Milan, Neurology Unit, IRCCS Foundation Ca'Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, via Francesco Sforza 35, 20122 Milan, Italy.
| | - Emanuele Frattini
- Dino Ferrari Centre, Neuroscience Section, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation (DEPT), University of Milan, Neurology Unit, IRCCS Foundation Ca'Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, via Francesco Sforza 35, 20122 Milan, Italy.
| | - Agnese Ramirez
- Dino Ferrari Centre, Neuroscience Section, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation (DEPT), University of Milan, Neurology Unit, IRCCS Foundation Ca'Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, via Francesco Sforza 35, 20122 Milan, Italy.
| | - Giulia Stuppia
- Dino Ferrari Centre, Neuroscience Section, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation (DEPT), University of Milan, Neurology Unit, IRCCS Foundation Ca'Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, via Francesco Sforza 35, 20122 Milan, Italy.
| | - Monica Nizzardo
- Dino Ferrari Centre, Neuroscience Section, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation (DEPT), University of Milan, Neurology Unit, IRCCS Foundation Ca'Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, via Francesco Sforza 35, 20122 Milan, Italy.
| | - Stefania Corti
- Dino Ferrari Centre, Neuroscience Section, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation (DEPT), University of Milan, Neurology Unit, IRCCS Foundation Ca'Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, via Francesco Sforza 35, 20122 Milan, Italy.
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12
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Song SJ, Mao XG, Wang C, Han AG, Yan M, Xue XY. LGR5/GPR49 is implicated in motor neuron specification in nervous system. Neurosci Lett 2014; 584:135-40. [PMID: 25451725 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2014.09.056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2014] [Revised: 09/03/2014] [Accepted: 09/29/2014] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
The biological roles of stem cell marker LGR5, the receptor for the Wnt-agonistic R-spondins, for nervous system are poorly known. Bioinformatics analysis in normal human brain tissues revealed that LGR5 is closely related with neuron development and functions. Interestingly, LGR5 and its ligands R-spondins (RSPO2 and RSPO3) are specifically highly expressed in projection motor neurons in the spinal cord, brain stem and cerebral. Inhibition of Notch activity in neural stem cells (NSCs) increased the percentage of neuronal cells and promoted LGR5 expression, while activation of Notch signal decreased neuronal cells and inhibited the LGR5 expression. Furthermore, knockdown of LGR5 inhibited the expression of neuronal markers MAP2, NeuN, GAP43, SYP and CHRM3, and also reduced the expression of genes that program the identity of motor neurons, including Isl1, Lhx3, PHOX2A, TBX20 and NEUROG2. Our data demonstrated that LGR5 is highly expressed in motor neurons in nervous system and is involved in their development by regulating transcription factors that program motor neuron identity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shao-jun Song
- Department of Neurosurgery, PLA 254 Hospital, Tianjin, China; Department of Neurosurgery, Hinan Branch of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Haitang Harbor, Sanya, Hainan Province 572013, China.
| | - Xing-gang Mao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China.
| | - Chao Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tangdu Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - An-guo Han
- Department of Neurosurgery, PLA 254 Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Ming Yan
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Xiao-yan Xue
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China
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13
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Chipman PH, Zhang Y, Rafuse VF. A stem-cell based bioassay to critically assess the pathology of dysfunctional neuromuscular junctions. PLoS One 2014; 9:e91643. [PMID: 24626225 PMCID: PMC3953473 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0091643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2013] [Accepted: 02/13/2014] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Pluripotent stem cells can be directed to differentiate into motor neurons and assessed for functionality in vitro. An emerging application of this technique is to model genetically inherited diseases in differentiated motor neurons and to screen for new therapeutic targets. The neuromuscular junction (NMJ) is essential to the functionality of motor neurons and its dysfunction is a primary hallmark of motor neuron disease. However, mature NMJs that possess the functional and morphological characteristics of those formed in vivo have so far not been obtained in vitro. Here we describe the generation and analysis of mature NMJs formed between embryonic stem cell-derived motor neurons (ESCMNs) and primary myotubes. We compared the formation and maturation of NMJs generated by wild-type (NCAM+/+) ESCMNs to those generated by neural cell adhesion molecule null (NCAM-/-) ESCMNs in order to definitively test the sensitivity of this assay to identify synaptic pathology. We find that co-cultures using NCAM-/- ESCMNs replicate key in vivo NCAM-/- phenotypes and reveal that NCAM influences neuromuscular synaptogenesis by controlling the mode of synaptic vesicle endocytosis. Further, we could improve synapse formation and function in NCAM-/- co-cultures by chronic treatment with nifedipine, which blocks an immature synaptic vesicle recycling pathway. Together, our results demonstrate that this ESCMN/myofiber co-culture system is a highly sensitive bioassay for examining molecules postulated to regulate synaptic function and for screening therapeutics that will improve the function of compromised NMJs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter H. Chipman
- Department of Medical Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Ying Zhang
- Department of Medical Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
- Brain Repair Centre, Life Science Research Centre, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Victor F. Rafuse
- Department of Medical Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
- Brain Repair Centre, Life Science Research Centre, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
- * E-mail:
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14
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Romano G, Morales F, Marino IR, Giordano A. A Commentary on iPS Cells: Potential Applications in Autologous Transplantation, Study of Illnesses and Drug Screening. J Cell Physiol 2013; 229:148-52. [DOI: 10.1002/jcp.24437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2013] [Accepted: 07/16/2013] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Gaetano Romano
- Department of Biology; College of Science and Technology, Temple University; Philadelphia Pennsylvania
- Sbarro Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine, Center for Biotechnology; College of Science and Technology, Temple University; Philadelphia Pennsylvania
| | - Fátima Morales
- Sbarro Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine, Center for Biotechnology; College of Science and Technology, Temple University; Philadelphia Pennsylvania
| | - Ignazio R. Marino
- Sbarro Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine, Center for Biotechnology; College of Science and Technology, Temple University; Philadelphia Pennsylvania
- Department of Surgery, Division of Transplantation and Hepatobiliary Surgery; Jefferson Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital; Philadelphia Pennsylvania
| | - Antonio Giordano
- Sbarro Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine, Center for Biotechnology; College of Science and Technology, Temple University; Philadelphia Pennsylvania
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience; University of Siena; Siena Italy
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15
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Marklund U, Alekseenko Z, Andersson E, Falci S, Westgren M, Perlmann T, Graham A, Sundström E, Ericson J. Detailed expression analysis of regulatory genes in the early developing human neural tube. Stem Cells Dev 2013; 23:5-15. [PMID: 24007338 DOI: 10.1089/scd.2013.0309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Studies in model organisms constitute the basis of our understanding of the principal molecular mechanisms of cell fate determination in the developing central nervous system. Considering the emergent applications in stem cell-based regenerative medicine, it is important to demonstrate conservation of subtype specific gene expression programs in human as compared to model vertebrates. We have examined the expression patterns of key regulatory genes in neural progenitor cells and their neuronal and glial descendants in the developing human spinal cord, hindbrain, and midbrain, and compared these with developing mouse and chicken embryos. As anticipated, gene expression patterns are highly conserved between these vertebrate species, but there are also features that appear unique to human development. In particular, we find that neither tyrosine hydroxylase nor Nurr1 are specific markers for mesencephalic dopamine neurons, as these genes also are expressed in other neuronal subtypes in the human ventral midbrain and in human embryonic stem cell cultures directed to differentiate towards a ventral mesencephalic identity. Moreover, somatic motor neurons in the ventral spinal cord appear to be produced by two molecularly distinct ventral progenitor populations in the human, raising the possibility that the acquisition of unique ventral progenitor identities may have contributed to the emergence of neural subtypes in higher vertebrates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ulrika Marklund
- 1 Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Karolinska Institutet , Stockholm, Sweden
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16
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Studying the cerebellar DNA damage response in the tissue culture dish. Mech Ageing Dev 2013; 134:496-505. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mad.2013.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2013] [Revised: 03/29/2013] [Accepted: 04/01/2013] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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17
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Benchoua A, Peschanski M. Pluripotent stem cells as a model to study non-coding RNAs function in human neurogenesis. Front Cell Neurosci 2013; 7:140. [PMID: 23986659 PMCID: PMC3753451 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2013.00140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2013] [Accepted: 08/12/2013] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
As fine regulators of gene expression, non-coding RNAs, and more particularly micro-RNAs (miRNAs), have emerged as key players in the development of the nervous system. In vivo experiments manipulating miRNAs expression as neurogenesis proceeds are very challenging in the mammalian embryo and totally impossible in the human. Human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs), from embryonic origin (hESCs) or induced from adult somatic cells (iPSCs), represent an opportunity to study the role of miRNAs in the earliest steps of human neurogenesis in both physiological and pathological contexts. Robust protocols are now available to convert pluripotent stem cells into several sub-types of fully functional neurons, recapitulating key developmental milestones along differentiation. This provides a convenient cellular system for dissecting the role of miRNAs in phenotypic transitions critical to brain development and plasticity that may be impaired in neurological diseases with onset during development. The aim of this review is to illustrate how hPSCs can be used to recapitulate early steps of human neurogenesis and summarize recent reports of their contribution to the study of the role of miRNA in regulating development of the nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Benchoua
- Centre d'Etude des Cellules Souches, Institut des cellules Souches pour le Traitement et l'Étude des Maladies monogéniques, Association Française contre les Myopathies Evry, France
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18
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Chuang JH, Tung LC, Yin Y, Lin Y. Differentiation of glutamatergic neurons from mouse embryonic stem cells requires raptor S6K signaling. Stem Cell Res 2013; 11:1117-28. [PMID: 23988668 DOI: 10.1016/j.scr.2013.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2012] [Revised: 08/02/2013] [Accepted: 08/03/2013] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Although the mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) functions as an important signaling complex in many cellular processes, the role of mTORC1 in neurons derived from embryonic stem cells (ESCs) has been less explored. Here, using a modified protocol to differentiate mouse ESCs (mESCs) into almost uniform glutamatergic neurons, we explored the importance of raptor/mTORC1 in the differentiation of mESCs. Raptor gene-trap mESCs, and raptor-knockdown mESCs formed smaller-sized embryonic bodies than the wild type and failed to undergo neuronal differentiation. Treatment with 1μM rapamycin starting at the point when neuronal precursors began to differentiate from mESCs caused the gradual loss of neurites, shrinkage of soma, and a decreased ratio of neurite length to cell number over 48 to 72h of treatment. This change was accompanied by activation of caspase-3 and S6 kinase (S6K), but not 4E-binding protein 1 (4EBP1). Knockdown of raptor during neuronal differentiation from mESCs also resulted in gradual loss of neurites and shrinkage of cell bodies. Loss of neurite density resulting from rapamycin treatment could be reversed by overexpression of S6K T389E. Taken together, these data demonstrate that raptor/mTORC1/S6K plays a critical role in the differentiation and survival of neurons derived from mESCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jen-Hua Chuang
- Department of Life Science, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei 116,Taiwan
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