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Patel D, Shetty S, Acha C, Pantoja IEM, Zhao A, George D, Gracias DH. Microinstrumentation for Brain Organoids. Adv Healthc Mater 2024; 13:e2302456. [PMID: 38217546 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202302456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2023] [Revised: 12/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2024]
Abstract
Brain organoids are three-dimensional aggregates of self-organized differentiated stem cells that mimic the structure and function of human brain regions. Organoids bridge the gaps between conventional drug screening models such as planar mammalian cell culture, animal studies, and clinical trials. They can revolutionize the fields of developmental biology, neuroscience, toxicology, and computer engineering. Conventional microinstrumentation for conventional cellular engineering, such as planar microfluidic chips; microelectrode arrays (MEAs); and optical, magnetic, and acoustic techniques, has limitations when applied to three-dimensional (3D) organoids, primarily due to their limits with inherently two-dimensional geometry and interfacing. Hence, there is an urgent need to develop new instrumentation compatible with live cell culture techniques and with scalable 3D formats relevant to organoids. This review discusses conventional planar approaches and emerging 3D microinstrumentation necessary for advanced organoid-machine interfaces. Specifically, this article surveys recently developed microinstrumentation, including 3D printed and curved microfluidics, 3D and fast-scan optical techniques, buckling and self-folding MEAs, 3D interfaces for electrochemical measurements, and 3D spatially controllable magnetic and acoustic technologies relevant to two-way information transfer with brain organoids. This article highlights key challenges that must be addressed for robust organoid culture and reliable 3D spatiotemporal information transfer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Devan Patel
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21218, USA
| | - Saniya Shetty
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21218, USA
| | - Chris Acha
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21218, USA
| | - Itzy E Morales Pantoja
- Center for Alternatives to Animal Testing (CAAT), Department of Environmental Health and Engineering, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Alice Zhao
- Department of Biology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21218, USA
| | - Derosh George
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21218, USA
| | - David H Gracias
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21218, USA
- Department of Chemistry, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21218, USA
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21218, USA
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
- Laboratory for Computational Sensing and Robotics (LCSR), Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21218, USA
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center (SKCCC), Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
- Center for MicroPhysiological Systems (MPS), Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
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2
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Kagermeier T, Hauser S, Sarieva K, Laugwitz L, Groeschel S, Janzarik WG, Yentür Z, Becker K, Schöls L, Krägeloh-Mann I, Mayer S. Human organoid model of pontocerebellar hypoplasia 2a recapitulates brain region-specific size differences. Dis Model Mech 2024; 17:dmm050740. [PMID: 39034883 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.050740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Pontocerebellar hypoplasia type 2a (PCH2a) is an ultra-rare, autosomal recessive pediatric disorder with limited treatment options. Its anatomical hallmark is hypoplasia of the cerebellum and pons accompanied by progressive microcephaly. A homozygous founder variant in TSEN54, which encodes a tRNA splicing endonuclease (TSEN) complex subunit, is causal. The pathological mechanism of PCH2a remains unknown due to the lack of a model system. Therefore, we developed human models of PCH2a using regionalized neural organoids. We generated induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) lines from three males with genetically confirmed PCH2a and subsequently differentiated cerebellar and neocortical organoids. Mirroring clinical neuroimaging findings, PCH2a cerebellar organoids were reduced in size compared to controls starting early in differentiation. Neocortical PCH2a organoids demonstrated milder growth deficits. Although PCH2a cerebellar organoids did not upregulate apoptosis, their stem cell zones showed altered proliferation kinetics, with increased proliferation at day 30 and reduced proliferation at day 50 compared to controls. In summary, we generated a human model of PCH2a, providing the foundation for deciphering brain region-specific disease mechanisms. Our first analyses suggest a neurodevelopmental aspect of PCH2a.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theresa Kagermeier
- Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
- Graduate Training Centre of Neuroscience, University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Stefan Hauser
- Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Kseniia Sarieva
- Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
- Graduate Training Centre of Neuroscience, University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
- International Max Planck Research School, Graduate Training Centre of Neuroscience, University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Lucia Laugwitz
- Department of Neuropediatrics, Developmental Neurology and Social Pediatrics, University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Samuel Groeschel
- Department of Neuropediatrics, Developmental Neurology and Social Pediatrics, University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Wibke G Janzarik
- Department of Neuropediatrics and Muscle Disorders, Center for Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Zeynep Yentür
- Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
- Graduate Training Centre of Neuroscience, University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
- International Max Planck Research School, Graduate Training Centre of Neuroscience, University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
- Heidelberger Akademie der Wissenschaften, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Katharina Becker
- Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Ludger Schöls
- Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Ingeborg Krägeloh-Mann
- Department of Neuropediatrics, Developmental Neurology and Social Pediatrics, University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Simone Mayer
- Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
- Heidelberger Akademie der Wissenschaften, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany
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Momoi MY. Overview: Research on the Genetic Architecture of the Developing Cerebral Cortex in Norms and Diseases. Methods Mol Biol 2024; 2794:1-12. [PMID: 38630215 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3810-1_1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
The human brain is characterized by high cell numbers, diverse cell types with diverse functions, and intricate connectivity with an exceedingly broad surface of the cortex. Human-specific brain development was accomplished by a long timeline for maturation from the prenatal period to the third decade of life. The long timeline makes complicated architecture and circuits of human cerebral cortex possible, and it makes human brain vulnerable to intrinsic and extrinsic insults resulting in the development of variety of neuropsychiatric disorders. Unraveling the molecular and cellular processes underlying human brain development under the elaborate regulation of gene expression in a spatiotemporally specific manner, especially that of the cortex will provide a biological understanding of human cognition and behavior in health and diseases. Global research consortia and the advancing technologies in brain science including functional genomics equipped with emergent neuroinformatics such as single-cell multiomics, novel human models, and high-volume databases with high-throughput computation facilitate the biological understanding of the development of the human brain cortex. Knowing the process of interplay of the genome and the environment in cortex development will lead us to understand the human-specific cognitive function and its individual diversity. Thus, it is worthwhile to overview the recent progress in neurotechnology to foresee further understanding of the human brain and norms and diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariko Y Momoi
- Ryomo Seishi Ryogoen Rehabilitation Hospital for Children with Disabilities, Gunma, Japan
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Park SB, Lim B, Kim KY, Koh B. Long and Short-Term Effect of mTOR Regulation on Cerebral Organoid Growth and Differentiations. Tissue Eng Regen Med 2024; 21:159-169. [PMID: 38153672 PMCID: PMC10764682 DOI: 10.1007/s13770-023-00611-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Revised: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling is critical for the maintenance and differentiation of neurogenesis, and conceivably for many other brain developmental processes. However, in vivo studies of mTOR functions in the brain are often hampered due to the essential role of the associated signaling in brain development. METHODS We monitored the long- and short-term effects of mTOR signaling regulation on cerebral organoids growth, differentiation and function using an mTOR inhibitor (everolimus) and an mTOR activator (MHY1485). RESULTS Short-term treatment with MHY1485 induced faster organoid growth and differentiation, while long-term treatment induced the maturation of cerebral organoids. CONCLUSION These data suggest that the optimal activity of mTOR is crucial in maintaining normal brain development, and its role is not confined to the early neurogenic phase of brain development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sung Bum Park
- Therapeutics and Biotechnology Division, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology, 141 Gajeong-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, 34114, Republic of Korea
| | - Byungho Lim
- Therapeutics and Biotechnology Division, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology, 141 Gajeong-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, 34114, Republic of Korea
| | - Ki Young Kim
- Therapeutics and Biotechnology Division, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology, 141 Gajeong-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, 34114, Republic of Korea.
| | - Byumseok Koh
- Therapeutics and Biotechnology Division, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology, 141 Gajeong-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, 34114, Republic of Korea.
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Sarieva K, Kagermeier T, Khakipoor S, Atay E, Yentür Z, Becker K, Mayer S. Human brain organoid model of maternal immune activation identifies radial glia cells as selectively vulnerable. Mol Psychiatry 2023; 28:5077-5089. [PMID: 36878967 PMCID: PMC9986664 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-023-01997-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2022] [Revised: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023]
Abstract
Maternal immune activation (MIA) during critical windows of gestation is correlated with long-term neurodevelopmental deficits in the offspring, including increased risk for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in humans. Interleukin 6 (IL-6) derived from the gestational parent is one of the major molecular mediators by which MIA alters the developing brain. In this study, we establish a human three-dimensional (3D) in vitro model of MIA by treating induced pluripotent stem cell-derived dorsal forebrain organoids with a constitutively active form of IL-6, Hyper-IL-6. We validate our model by showing that dorsal forebrain organoids express the molecular machinery necessary for responding to Hyper-IL-6 and activate STAT signaling upon Hyper-IL-6 treatment. RNA sequencing analysis reveals the upregulation of major histocompatibility complex class I (MHCI) genes in response to Hyper-IL-6 exposure, which have been implicated with ASD. We find a small increase in the proportion of radial glia cells after Hyper-IL-6 treatment through immunohistochemistry and single-cell RNA-sequencing. We further show that radial glia cells are the cell type with the highest number of differentially expressed genes, and Hyper-IL-6 treatment leads to the downregulation of genes related to protein translation in line with a mouse model of MIA. Additionally, we identify differentially expressed genes not found in mouse models of MIA, which might drive species-specific responses to MIA. Finally, we show abnormal cortical layering as a long-term consequence of Hyper-IL-6 treatment. In summary, we establish a human 3D model of MIA, which can be used to study the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the increased risk for developing disorders such as ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kseniia Sarieva
- Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- International Max Planck Research School, Graduate Training Centre of Neuroscience, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Theresa Kagermeier
- Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- International Max Planck Research School, Graduate Training Centre of Neuroscience, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Shokoufeh Khakipoor
- Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Ezgi Atay
- Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Zeynep Yentür
- Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- International Max Planck Research School, Graduate Training Centre of Neuroscience, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Heidelberger Akademie der Wissenschaften, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Katharina Becker
- Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Simone Mayer
- Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.
- International Max Planck Research School, Graduate Training Centre of Neuroscience, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.
- Heidelberger Akademie der Wissenschaften, Heidelberg, Germany.
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6
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Adlakha YK. Human 3D brain organoids: steering the demolecularization of brain and neurological diseases. Cell Death Discov 2023; 9:221. [PMID: 37400464 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-023-01523-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2023] [Revised: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Understanding of human brain development, dysfunction and neurological diseases has remained limited and challenging due to inability to recapitulate human brain-specific features in animal models. Though the anatomy and physiology of the human brain has been understood in a remarkable way using post-mortem, pathological samples of human and animal models, however, modeling of human brain development and neurological diseases remains a challenge owing to distinct complexity of human brain. In this perspective, three-dimensional (3D) brain organoids have shown a beam of light. Tremendous growth in stem cell technologies has permitted the differentiation of pluripotent stem cells under 3D culture conditions into brain organoids, which recapitulate the unique features of human brain in many ways and also offer the detailed investigation of brain development, dysfunction and neurological diseases. Their translational value has also emerged and will benefit the society once the protocols for the upscaling of brain organoids are in place. Here, we summarize new advancements in methods for generation of more complex brain organoids including vascularized and mixed lineage tissue from PSCs. How synthetic biomaterials and microfluidic technology is boosting brain organoid development, has also been highlighted. We discuss the applications of brain organoids in studying preterm birth associated brain dysfunction; viral infections mediated neuroinflammation, neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative diseases. We also highlight the translational value of brain organoids and current challenges that the field is experiencing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yogita K Adlakha
- Amity Institute of Molecular Medicine and Stem Cell Research, Amity University, Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India.
- Maternal and Child Health Domain, Translational Health Science and Technology Institute (THSTI), Faridabad, Haryana, India.
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7
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Sekulovski S, Trowitzsch S. What connects splicing of transfer RNA precursor molecules with pontocerebellar hypoplasia? Bioessays 2023; 45:e2200130. [PMID: 36517085 DOI: 10.1002/bies.202200130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2022] [Revised: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Transfer RNAs (tRNAs) represent the most abundant class of RNA molecules in the cell and are key players during protein synthesis and cellular homeostasis. Aberrations in the extensive tRNA biogenesis pathways lead to severe neurological disorders in humans. Mutations in the tRNA splicing endonuclease (TSEN) and its associated RNA kinase cleavage factor polyribonucleotide kinase subunit 1 (CLP1) cause pontocerebellar hypoplasia (PCH), a heterogeneous group of neurodegenerative disorders, that manifest as underdevelopment of specific brain regions typically accompanied by microcephaly, profound motor impairments, and child mortality. Recently, we demonstrated that mutations leading to specific PCH subtypes destabilize TSEN in vitro and cause imbalances of immature to mature tRNA ratios in patient-derived cells. However, how tRNA processing defects translate to disease on a systems level has not been understood. Recent findings suggested that other cellular processes may be affected by mutations in TSEN/CLP1 and obscure the molecular mechanisms of PCH emergence. Here, we review PCH disease models linked to the TSEN/CLP1 machinery and discuss future directions to study neuropathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samoil Sekulovski
- Institute of Biochemistry, Biocenter, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt/Main, Germany
| | - Simon Trowitzsch
- Institute of Biochemistry, Biocenter, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt/Main, Germany
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8
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Mitrečić D, Hribljan V, Jagečić D, Isaković J, Lamberto F, Horánszky A, Zana M, Foldes G, Zavan B, Pivoriūnas A, Martinez S, Mazzini L, Radenovic L, Milasin J, Chachques JC, Buzanska L, Song MS, Dinnyés A. Regenerative Neurology and Regenerative Cardiology: Shared Hurdles and Achievements. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:855. [PMID: 35055039 PMCID: PMC8776151 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23020855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2021] [Revised: 12/24/2021] [Accepted: 01/09/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
From the first success in cultivation of cells in vitro, it became clear that developing cell and/or tissue specific cultures would open a myriad of new opportunities for medical research. Expertise in various in vitro models has been developing over decades, so nowadays we benefit from highly specific in vitro systems imitating every organ of the human body. Moreover, obtaining sufficient number of standardized cells allows for cell transplantation approach with the goal of improving the regeneration of injured/disease affected tissue. However, different cell types bring different needs and place various types of hurdles on the path of regenerative neurology and regenerative cardiology. In this review, written by European experts gathered in Cost European action dedicated to neurology and cardiology-Bioneca, we present the experience acquired by working on two rather different organs: the brain and the heart. When taken into account that diseases of these two organs, mostly ischemic in their nature (stroke and heart infarction), bring by far the largest burden of the medical systems around Europe, it is not surprising that in vitro models of nervous and heart muscle tissue were in the focus of biomedical research in the last decades. In this review we describe and discuss hurdles which still impair further progress of regenerative neurology and cardiology and we detect those ones which are common to both fields and some, which are field-specific. With the goal to elucidate strategies which might be shared between regenerative neurology and cardiology we discuss methodological solutions which can help each of the fields to accelerate their development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dinko Mitrečić
- Laboratory for Stem Cells, Croatian Institute for Brain Research, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
- Department of Histology and Embryology, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Valentina Hribljan
- Laboratory for Stem Cells, Croatian Institute for Brain Research, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
- Department of Histology and Embryology, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Denis Jagečić
- Laboratory for Stem Cells, Croatian Institute for Brain Research, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
- Department of Histology and Embryology, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | | | - Federica Lamberto
- BioTalentum Ltd., Aulich Lajos Str. 26, 2100 Gordillo, Hungary
- Department of Physiology and Animal Health, Institute of Physiology and Animal Health, Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Páter Károly Str. 1, 2100 Godollo, Hungary
| | - Alex Horánszky
- BioTalentum Ltd., Aulich Lajos Str. 26, 2100 Gordillo, Hungary
- Department of Physiology and Animal Health, Institute of Physiology and Animal Health, Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Páter Károly Str. 1, 2100 Godollo, Hungary
| | - Melinda Zana
- BioTalentum Ltd., Aulich Lajos Str. 26, 2100 Gordillo, Hungary
| | - Gabor Foldes
- Heart and Vascular Center, Semmelweis University, 1122 Budapest, Hungary
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London W12 0NN, UK
| | - Barbara Zavan
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Augustas Pivoriūnas
- Department of Stem Cell Biology, State Research Institute Centre for Innovative Medicine, LT-01102 Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Salvador Martinez
- Instituto de Neurociencias UMH-CSIC, 03550 San Juan de Alicante, Spain
| | - Letizia Mazzini
- ALS Center, Department of Neurology, Maggiore della Carità Hospital, University of Piemonte Orientale, 28100 Novara, Italy
| | - Lidija Radenovic
- Center for Laser Microscopy, Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Jelena Milasin
- Laboratory for Stem Cell Research, School of Dental Medicine, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Juan Carlos Chachques
- Laboratory of Biosurgical Research, Pompidou Hospital, University of Paris, 75006 Paris, France
| | - Leonora Buzanska
- Department of Stem Cell Bioengineering, Mossakowski Medical Research Institute Polish Academy of Sciences, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Min Suk Song
- Omnion Research International Ltd., 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - András Dinnyés
- BioTalentum Ltd., Aulich Lajos Str. 26, 2100 Gordillo, Hungary
- Department of Physiology and Animal Health, Institute of Physiology and Animal Health, Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Páter Károly Str. 1, 2100 Godollo, Hungary
- HCEMM-USZ Stem Cell Research Group, Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Medicine, University of Szeged, 6720 Szeged, Hungary
- College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, China
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9
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Novel Approaches Used to Examine and Control Neurogenesis in Parkinson's Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22179608. [PMID: 34502516 PMCID: PMC8431772 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22179608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Revised: 08/31/2021] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurogenesis is a key mechanism of brain development and plasticity, which is impaired in chronic neurodegeneration, including Parkinson’s disease. The accumulation of aberrant α-synuclein is one of the features of PD. Being secreted, this protein produces a prominent neurotoxic effect, alters synaptic plasticity, deregulates intercellular communication, and supports the development of neuroinflammation, thereby providing propagation of pathological events leading to the establishment of a PD-specific phenotype. Multidirectional and ambiguous effects of α-synuclein on adult neurogenesis suggest that impaired neurogenesis should be considered as a target for the prevention of cell loss and restoration of neurological functions. Thus, stimulation of endogenous neurogenesis or cell-replacement therapy with stem cell-derived differentiated neurons raises new hopes for the development of effective and safe technologies for treating PD neurodegeneration. Given the rapid development of optogenetics, it is not surprising that this method has already been repeatedly tested in manipulating neurogenesis in vivo and in vitro via targeting stem or progenitor cells. However, niche astrocytes could also serve as promising candidates for controlling neuronal differentiation and improving the functional integration of newly formed neurons within the brain tissue. In this review, we mainly focus on current approaches to assess neurogenesis and prospects in the application of optogenetic protocols to restore the neurogenesis in Parkinson’s disease.
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10
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Grubisha MJ, Sweet RA, MacDonald ML. Investigating Post-translational Modifications in Neuropsychiatric Disease: The Next Frontier in Human Post-mortem Brain Research. Front Mol Neurosci 2021; 14:689495. [PMID: 34335181 PMCID: PMC8322442 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2021.689495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 06/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Gene expression and translation have been extensively studied in human post-mortem brain tissue from subjects with psychiatric disease. Post-translational modifications (PTMs) have received less attention despite their implication by unbiased genetic studies and importance in regulating neuronal and circuit function. Here we review the rationale for studying PTMs in psychiatric disease, recent findings in human post-mortem tissue, the required controls for these types of studies, and highlight the emerging mass spectrometry approaches transforming this research direction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melanie J. Grubisha
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Robert A. Sweet
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Matthew L. MacDonald
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
- Biomedical Mass Spectrometry Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
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11
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Sarieva K, Mayer S. The Effects of Environmental Adversities on Human Neocortical Neurogenesis Modeled in Brain Organoids. Front Mol Biosci 2021; 8:686410. [PMID: 34250020 PMCID: PMC8264783 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2021.686410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2021] [Accepted: 06/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Over the past decades, a growing body of evidence has demonstrated the impact of prenatal environmental adversity on the development of the human embryonic and fetal brain. Prenatal environmental adversity includes infectious agents, medication, and substances of use as well as inherently maternal factors, such as diabetes and stress. These adversities may cause long-lasting effects if occurring in sensitive time windows and, therefore, have high clinical relevance. However, our knowledge of their influence on specific cellular and molecular processes of in utero brain development remains scarce. This gap of knowledge can be partially explained by the restricted experimental access to the human embryonic and fetal brain and limited recapitulation of human-specific neurodevelopmental events in model organisms. In the past years, novel 3D human stem cell-based in vitro modeling systems, so-called brain organoids, have proven their applicability for modeling early events of human brain development in health and disease. Since their emergence, brain organoids have been successfully employed to study molecular mechanisms of Zika and Herpes simplex virus-associated microcephaly, as well as more subtle events happening upon maternal alcohol and nicotine consumption. These studies converge on pathological mechanisms targeting neural stem cells. In this review, we discuss how brain organoids have recently revealed commonalities and differences in the effects of environmental adversities on human neurogenesis. We highlight both the breakthroughs in understanding the molecular consequences of environmental exposures achieved using organoids as well as the on-going challenges in the field related to variability in protocols and a lack of benchmarking, which make cross-study comparisons difficult.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kseniia Sarieva
- Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- International Max Planck Research School, Graduate Training Centre of Neuroscience, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Simone Mayer
- Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
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Ross JM, Kim C, Allen D, Crouch EE, Narsinh K, Cooke DL, Abla AA, Nowakowski TJ, Winkler EA. The Expanding Cell Diversity of the Brain Vasculature. Front Physiol 2020; 11:600767. [PMID: 33343397 PMCID: PMC7744630 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2020.600767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2020] [Accepted: 11/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The cerebrovasculature is essential to brain health and is tasked with ensuring adequate delivery of oxygen and metabolic precursors to ensure normal neurologic function. This is coordinated through a dynamic, multi-directional cellular interplay between vascular, neuronal, and glial cells. Molecular exchanges across the blood-brain barrier or the close matching of regional blood flow with brain activation are not uniformly assigned to arteries, capillaries, and veins. Evidence has supported functional segmentation of the brain vasculature. This is achieved in part through morphologic or transcriptional heterogeneity of brain vascular cells-including endothelium, pericytes, and vascular smooth muscle. Advances with single cell genomic technologies have shown increasing cell complexity of the brain vasculature identifying previously unknown cell types and further subclassifying transcriptional diversity in cardinal vascular cell types. Cell-type specific molecular transitions or zonations have been identified. In this review, we summarize emerging evidence for the expanding vascular cell diversity in the brain and how this may provide a cellular basis for functional segmentation along the arterial-venous axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jayden M. Ross
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
- Department of Anatomy, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
- The Eli and Edythe Broad Center for Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Chang Kim
- Department of Anatomy, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
- The Eli and Edythe Broad Center for Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Denise Allen
- Department of Anatomy, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
- The Eli and Edythe Broad Center for Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Elizabeth E. Crouch
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Kazim Narsinh
- Department of Radiology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Daniel L. Cooke
- Department of Radiology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Adib A. Abla
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Tomasz J. Nowakowski
- Department of Anatomy, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
- The Eli and Edythe Broad Center for Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
- Department of Radiology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Ethan A. Winkler
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
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