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Hickmott JW, Morshead CM. Glia-to-neuron reprogramming to the rescue? Neural Regen Res 2025; 20:1395-1396. [PMID: 39075900 DOI: 10.4103/nrr.nrr-d-24-00281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 07/31/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Jack W Hickmott
- Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada (Hickmott JW, Morshead CM)
- Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, Toronto, ON, Canada (Hickmott JW, Morshead CM)
| | - Cindi M Morshead
- Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada (Hickmott JW, Morshead CM)
- Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, Toronto, ON, Canada (Hickmott JW, Morshead CM)
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada (Morshead CM)
- The KITE Research Institute, Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada (Morshead CM)
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2
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Yin Z, Kang J, Cheng X, Gao H, Huo S, Xu H. Investigating Müller glia reprogramming in mice: a retrospective of the last decade, and a look to the future. Neural Regen Res 2025; 20:946-959. [PMID: 38989930 DOI: 10.4103/nrr.nrr-d-23-01612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Müller glia, as prominent glial cells within the retina, plays a significant role in maintaining retinal homeostasis in both healthy and diseased states. In lower vertebrates like zebrafish, these cells assume responsibility for spontaneous retinal regeneration, wherein endogenous Müller glia undergo proliferation, transform into Müller glia-derived progenitor cells, and subsequently regenerate the entire retina with restored functionality. Conversely, Müller glia in the mouse and human retina exhibit limited neural reprogramming. Müller glia reprogramming is thus a promising strategy for treating neurodegenerative ocular disorders. Müller glia reprogramming in mice has been accomplished with remarkable success, through various technologies. Advancements in molecular, genetic, epigenetic, morphological, and physiological evaluations have made it easier to document and investigate the Müller glia programming process in mice. Nevertheless, there remain issues that hinder improving reprogramming efficiency and maturity. Thus, understanding the reprogramming mechanism is crucial toward exploring factors that will improve Müller glia reprogramming efficiency, and for developing novel Müller glia reprogramming strategies. This review describes recent progress in relatively successful Müller glia reprogramming strategies. It also provides a basis for developing new Müller glia reprogramming strategies in mice, including epigenetic remodeling, metabolic modulation, immune regulation, chemical small-molecules regulation, extracellular matrix remodeling, and cell-cell fusion, to achieve Müller glia reprogramming in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiyuan Yin
- Key Lab of Visual Damage and Regeneration & Restoration of Chongqing, Southwest Eye Hospital, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
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3
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Dong W, Liu S, Li S, Wang Z. Cell reprogramming therapy for Parkinson's disease. Neural Regen Res 2024; 19:2444-2455. [PMID: 38526281 PMCID: PMC11090434 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.390965] [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: 06/07/2023] [Revised: 07/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Parkinson's disease is typically characterized by the progressive loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta. Many studies have been performed based on the supplementation of lost dopaminergic neurons to treat Parkinson's disease. The initial strategy for cell replacement therapy used human fetal ventral midbrain and human embryonic stem cells to treat Parkinson's disease, which could substantially alleviate the symptoms of Parkinson's disease in clinical practice. However, ethical issues and tumor formation were limitations of its clinical application. Induced pluripotent stem cells can be acquired without sacrificing human embryos, which eliminates the huge ethical barriers of human stem cell therapy. Another widely considered neuronal regeneration strategy is to directly reprogram fibroblasts and astrocytes into neurons, without the need for intermediate proliferation states, thus avoiding issues of immune rejection and tumor formation. Both induced pluripotent stem cells and direct reprogramming of lineage cells have shown promising results in the treatment of Parkinson's disease. However, there are also ethical concerns and the risk of tumor formation that need to be addressed. This review highlights the current application status of cell reprogramming in the treatment of Parkinson's disease, focusing on the use of induced pluripotent stem cells in cell replacement therapy, including preclinical animal models and progress in clinical research. The review also discusses the advancements in direct reprogramming of lineage cells in the treatment of Parkinson's disease, as well as the controversy surrounding in vivo reprogramming. These findings suggest that cell reprogramming may hold great promise as a potential strategy for treating Parkinson's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjing Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Institute of Primate Translational Medicine, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan Province, China
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Kunming, Yunnan Province, China
| | - Shuyi Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Institute of Primate Translational Medicine, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan Province, China
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Kunming, Yunnan Province, China
| | - Shangang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Institute of Primate Translational Medicine, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan Province, China
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Kunming, Yunnan Province, China
| | - Zhengbo Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Institute of Primate Translational Medicine, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan Province, China
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Kunming, Yunnan Province, China
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4
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Yuan M, Tang Y, Huang T, Ke L, Huang E. In situ direct reprogramming of astrocytes to neurons via polypyrimidine tract-binding protein 1 knockdown in a mouse model of ischemic stroke. Neural Regen Res 2024; 19:2240-2248. [PMID: 38488558 PMCID: PMC11034579 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.390957] [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: 05/06/2023] [Revised: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 04/24/2024] Open
Abstract
JOURNAL/nrgr/04.03/01300535-202410000-00025/figure1/v/2024-02-06T055622Z/r/image-tiff In situ direct reprogramming technology can directly convert endogenous glial cells into functional neurons in vivo for central nervous system repair. Polypyrimidine tract-binding protein 1 (PTB) knockdown has been shown to reprogram astrocytes to functional neurons in situ. In this study, we used AAV-PHP.eB-GFAP-shPTB to knockdown PTB in a mouse model of ischemic stroke induced by endothelin-1, and investigated the effects of GFAP-shPTB-mediated direct reprogramming to neurons. Our results showed that in the mouse model of ischemic stroke, PTB knockdown effectively reprogrammed GFAP-positive cells to neurons in ischemic foci, restored neural tissue structure, reduced inflammatory response, and improved behavioral function. These findings validate the effectiveness of in situ transdifferentiation of astrocytes, and suggest that the approach may be a promising strategy for stroke treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng Yuan
- Key Laboratory of Brain Aging and Neurodegenerative Diseases of Fujian Province, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, China
- Department of Human Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, China
| | - Yao Tang
- Key Laboratory of Brain Aging and Neurodegenerative Diseases of Fujian Province, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, China
- Scientific Research Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, China
| | - Tianwen Huang
- Department of Neurology, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, China
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Vascular Aging, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, China
| | - Lining Ke
- Key Laboratory of Brain Aging and Neurodegenerative Diseases of Fujian Province, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, China
- Department of Human Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, China
| | - En Huang
- Key Laboratory of Brain Aging and Neurodegenerative Diseases of Fujian Province, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, China
- Scientific Research Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, China
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5
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Osanai Y, Xing YL, Mochizuki S, Kobayashi K, Homman-Ludiye J, Cooray A, Poh J, Inutsuka A, Ohno N, Merson TD. 5' Transgenes drive leaky expression of 3' transgenes in Cre-inducible bi-cistronic vectors. Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev 2024; 32:101288. [PMID: 39104576 PMCID: PMC11298883 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2024.101288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2024] [Indexed: 08/07/2024]
Abstract
Molecular cloning techniques enabling contemporaneous expression of two or more protein-coding sequences provide an invaluable tool for understanding the molecular regulation of cellular functions. The Cre-lox system is used for inducing the expression of recombinant proteins encoded within a bi-/poly-cistronic cassette. However, leak expression of transgenes is often observed in the absence of Cre recombinase activity, compromising the utility of this approach. To investigate the mechanism of leak expression, we generated Cre-inducible bi-cistronic vectors to monitor the expression of transgenes positioned either 5' or 3' of a 2A peptide or internal ribosomal entry site (IRES) sequence. Cells transfected with these bi-cistronic vectors exhibited Cre-independent leak expression specifically of transgenes positioned 3' of the 2A peptide or IRES sequence. Similarly, AAV-FLEX vectors encoding bi-cistronic cassettes or fusion proteins revealed the selective Cre-independent leak expression of transgenes positioned at the 3' end of the open reading frame. Our data demonstrate that 5' transgenes confer promoter-like activity that drives the expression of 3' transgenes. An additional lox-STOP-lox cassette between the 2A sequence and 3' transgene dramatically decreased Cre-independent transgene expression. Our findings highlight the need for appropriate experimental controls when using Cre-inducible bi-/poly-cistronic constructs and inform improved design of vectors for more tightly regulated inducible transgene expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasuyuki Osanai
- Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute, Monash University, 15 Innovation Walk, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
- Department of Anatomy, Division of Histology and Cell Biology, School of Medicine, Jichi Medical University, Shimotsuke, Tochigi 329-0431, Japan
| | - Yao Lulu Xing
- Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute, Monash University, 15 Innovation Walk, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Shinya Mochizuki
- Department of Anatomy, Bioimaging and Neuro-cell Science, Jichi Medical University, Shimotsuke, Tochigi 329-0431, Japan
| | - Kenta Kobayashi
- Section of Viral Vector Development, National Institute for Physiological Sciences, Myodaiji, Okazaki 444-8585, Japan
- The Graduate University for Advanced Studies (SOKENDAI), Shonan Village, Hayama, Kanagawa 240-0193, Japan
| | - Jihane Homman-Ludiye
- Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute, Monash University, 15 Innovation Walk, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Amali Cooray
- Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute, Monash University, 15 Innovation Walk, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Jasmine Poh
- Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute, Monash University, 15 Innovation Walk, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Ayumu Inutsuka
- Division of Brain and Neurophysiology, Department of Physiology, Jichi Medical University, Shimotsuke, Tochigi 329-0431, Japan
| | - Nobuhiko Ohno
- Department of Anatomy, Division of Histology and Cell Biology, School of Medicine, Jichi Medical University, Shimotsuke, Tochigi 329-0431, Japan
- Division of Ultrastructure Research, National Institute for Physiological Sciences, Myodaiji, Okazaki 444-8585, Japan
| | - Tobias D. Merson
- Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute, Monash University, 15 Innovation Walk, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
- Oligodendroglial Interactions Group, Systems Neurodevelopment Laboratory, National Institute of Mental Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
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6
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Papadimitriou E, Thomaidou D. Post-transcriptional mechanisms controlling neurogenesis and direct neuronal reprogramming. Neural Regen Res 2024; 19:1929-1939. [PMID: 38227517 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.390976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Neurogenesis is a tightly regulated process in time and space both in the developing embryo and in adult neurogenic niches. A drastic change in the transcriptome and proteome of radial glial cells or neural stem cells towards the neuronal state is achieved due to sophisticated mechanisms of epigenetic, transcriptional, and post-transcriptional regulation. Understanding these neurogenic mechanisms is of major importance, not only for shedding light on very complex and crucial developmental processes, but also for the identification of putative reprogramming factors, that harbor hierarchically central regulatory roles in the course of neurogenesis and bare thus the capacity to drive direct reprogramming towards the neuronal fate. The major transcriptional programs that orchestrate the neurogenic process have been the focus of research for many years and key neurogenic transcription factors, as well as repressor complexes, have been identified and employed in direct reprogramming protocols to convert non-neuronal cells, into functional neurons. The post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression during nervous system development has emerged as another important and intricate regulatory layer, strongly contributing to the complexity of the mechanisms controlling neurogenesis and neuronal function. In particular, recent advances are highlighting the importance of specific RNA binding proteins that control major steps of mRNA life cycle during neurogenesis, such as alternative splicing, polyadenylation, stability, and translation. Apart from the RNA binding proteins, microRNAs, a class of small non-coding RNAs that block the translation of their target mRNAs, have also been shown to play crucial roles in all the stages of the neurogenic process, from neural stem/progenitor cell proliferation, neuronal differentiation and migration, to functional maturation. Here, we provide an overview of the most prominent post-transcriptional mechanisms mediated by RNA binding proteins and microRNAs during the neurogenic process, giving particular emphasis on the interplay of specific RNA binding proteins with neurogenic microRNAs. Taking under consideration that the molecular mechanisms of neurogenesis exert high similarity to the ones driving direct neuronal reprogramming, we also discuss the current advances in in vitro and in vivo direct neuronal reprogramming approaches that have employed microRNAs or RNA binding proteins as reprogramming factors, highlighting the so far known mechanisms of their reprogramming action.
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7
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Xiang Z, He S, Chen R, Liu S, Liu M, Xu L, Zheng J, Jiang Z, Ma L, Sun Y, Qin Y, Chen Y, Li W, Wang X, Chen G, Lei W. Two-photon live imaging of direct glia-to-neuron conversion in the mouse cortex. Neural Regen Res 2024; 19:1781-1788. [PMID: 38103245 PMCID: PMC10960291 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.386401] [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: 04/28/2023] [Revised: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
JOURNAL/nrgr/04.03/01300535-202408000-00032/figure1/v/2023-12-16T180322Z/r/image-tiff Over the past decade, a growing number of studies have reported transcription factor-based in situ reprogramming that can directly convert endogenous glial cells into functional neurons as an alternative approach for neuroregeneration in the adult mammalian central nervous system. However, many questions remain regarding how a terminally differentiated glial cell can transform into a delicate neuron that forms part of the intricate brain circuitry. In addition, concerns have recently been raised around the absence of astrocyte-to-neuron conversion in astrocytic lineage-tracing mice. In this study, we employed repetitive two-photon imaging to continuously capture the in situ astrocyte-to-neuron conversion process following ectopic expression of the neural transcription factor NeuroD1 in both proliferating reactive astrocytes and lineage-traced astrocytes in the mouse cortex. Time-lapse imaging over several weeks revealed the step-by-step transition from a typical astrocyte with numerous short, tapered branches to a typical neuron with a few long neurites and dynamic growth cones that actively explored the local environment. In addition, these lineage-converting cells were able to migrate radially or tangentially to relocate to suitable positions. Furthermore, two-photon Ca2+ imaging and patch-clamp recordings confirmed that the newly generated neurons exhibited synchronous calcium signals, repetitive action potentials, and spontaneous synaptic responses, suggesting that they had made functional synaptic connections within local neural circuits. In conclusion, we directly visualized the step-by-step lineage conversion process from astrocytes to functional neurons in vivo and unambiguously demonstrated that adult mammalian brains are highly plastic with respect to their potential for neuroregeneration and neural circuit reconstruction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zongqin Xiang
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration (GHMICR), Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
- Laboratory for Neuroimmunology in Health and Diseases, Guangzhou First People's Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Shu He
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration (GHMICR), Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Rongjie Chen
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration (GHMICR), Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Shanggong Liu
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration (GHMICR), Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Minhui Liu
- VIB-KU Leuven Center for Brain & Disease Research, Leuven, Flemish Region, Belgium
| | - Liang Xu
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration (GHMICR), Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Jiajun Zheng
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Zhouquan Jiang
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration (GHMICR), Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Long Ma
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration (GHMICR), Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Ying Sun
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration (GHMICR), Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Yongpeng Qin
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration (GHMICR), Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Yi Chen
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration (GHMICR), Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Wen Li
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration (GHMICR), Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Xiangyu Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Gong Chen
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration (GHMICR), Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Wenliang Lei
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration (GHMICR), Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
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Li ST, Wan Y, Chen L, Ding Y. Advances in neuronal reprogramming for neurodegenerative diseases: Strategies, controversies, and opportunities. Exp Neurol 2024; 378:114817. [PMID: 38763354 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2024.114817] [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: 01/26/2024] [Revised: 05/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/21/2024]
Abstract
Neuronal death is often observed in central nervous system injuries and neurodegenerative diseases. The mammalian central nervous system manifests limited neuronal regeneration capabilities, and traditional cell therapies are limited in their potential applications due to finite cell sources and immune rejection. Neuronal reprogramming has emerged as a novel technology, in which non-neuronal cells (e.g. glial cells) are transdifferentiated into mature neurons. This process results in relatively minimal immune rejection. The present review discuss the latest progress in this cutting-edge field, including starter cell selection, innovative technical strategies and methods of neuronal reprogramming for neurodegenerative diseases, as well as the potential problems and controversies. The further development of neuronal reprogramming technology may pave the way for novel therapeutic strategies in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Si-Tong Li
- Department of Histology and Embryology, West China School of Preclinical and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Yue Wan
- Department of Histology and Embryology, West China School of Preclinical and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Li Chen
- Department of Histology and Embryology, West China School of Preclinical and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Yan Ding
- Department of Histology and Embryology, West China School of Preclinical and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China.
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Pavlinkova G, Smolik O. NEUROD1: transcriptional and epigenetic regulator of human and mouse neuronal and endocrine cell lineage programs. Front Cell Dev Biol 2024; 12:1435546. [PMID: 39105169 PMCID: PMC11298428 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2024.1435546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2024] [Accepted: 07/02/2024] [Indexed: 08/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Transcription factors belonging to the basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) family are key regulators of cell fate specification and differentiation during development. Their dysregulation is implicated not only in developmental abnormalities but also in various adult diseases and cancers. Recently, the abilities of bHLH factors have been exploited in reprogramming strategies for cell replacement therapy. One such factor is NEUROD1, which has been associated with the reprogramming of the epigenetic landscape and potentially possessing pioneer factor abilities, initiating neuronal developmental programs, and enforcing pancreatic endocrine differentiation. The review aims to consolidate current knowledge on NEUROD1's multifaceted roles and mechanistic pathways in human and mouse cell differentiation and reprogramming, exploring NEUROD1 roles in guiding the development and reprogramming of neuroendocrine cell lineages. The review focuses on NEUROD1's molecular mechanisms, its interactions with other transcription factors, its role as a pioneer factor in chromatin remodeling, and its potential in cell reprogramming. We also show a differential potential of NEUROD1 in differentiation of neurons and pancreatic endocrine cells, highlighting its therapeutic potential and the necessity for further research to fully understand and utilize its capabilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela Pavlinkova
- Laboratory of Molecular Pathogenetics, Institute of Biotechnology Czech Academy of Sciences, Vestec, Czechia
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Liu MH, Xu YG, Bai XN, Lin JH, Xiang ZQ, Wang T, Xu L, Chen G. Efficient Dlx2-mediated astrocyte-to-neuron conversion and inhibition of neuroinflammation by NeuroD1. Dev Neurobiol 2024. [PMID: 39034481 DOI: 10.1002/dneu.22951] [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: 08/21/2023] [Revised: 06/05/2024] [Accepted: 07/01/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024]
Abstract
In vivo astrocyte-to-neuron (AtN) conversion induced by overexpression of neural transcriptional factors has great potential for neural regeneration and repair. Here, we demonstrate that a single neural transcriptional factor, Dlx2, converts mouse striatal astrocytes into neurons in a dose-dependent manner. Lineage-tracing studies in Aldh1l1-CreERT2 mice confirm that Dlx2 can convert striatal astrocytes into DARPP32+ and Ctip2+ medium spiny neurons (MSNs). Time-course studies reveal a gradual conversion from astrocytes to neurons in 1 month, with a distinct intermediate state in between astrocytes and neurons. Interestingly, when Dlx2-infected astrocytes start to lose astrocytic markers, the other local astrocytes proliferate to maintain astrocytic levels in the converted areas. Unexpectedly, although Dlx2 efficiently reprograms astrocytes into neurons in the gray matter striatum, it also induces partial reprogramming of astrocytes in the white matter corpus callosum. Such partial reprogramming of white matter astrocytes is associated with neuroinflammation, which can be suppressed by the addition of NeuroD1. Our results highlight the importance of investigating AtN conversion in both the gray matter and white matter to thoroughly evaluate therapeutic potentials. This study also unveils the critical role of anti-inflammation by NeuroD1 during AtN conversion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min-Hui Liu
- Guangdong-HongKong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration (GHMICR), Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
- VIB Center for Brain and Disease, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Yu-Ge Xu
- Guangdong-HongKong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration (GHMICR), Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiao-Ni Bai
- Guangdong-HongKong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration (GHMICR), Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jian-Hua Lin
- Guangdong-HongKong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration (GHMICR), Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zong-Qin Xiang
- Guangdong-HongKong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration (GHMICR), Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, the First Affiliated Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Tao Wang
- Guangdong-HongKong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration (GHMICR), Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Liang Xu
- Guangdong-HongKong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration (GHMICR), Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Gong Chen
- Guangdong-HongKong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration (GHMICR), Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
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Wu L, Liu Y, He Q, Ao G, Xu N, He W, Liu X, Huang L, Yu Q, Kanamaru H, Dong S, Zhu S, Yuan Y, Han M, Ling Y, Liu L, Wu C, Zhou Y, Sherchan P, Flores JJ, Tang J, Chen X, He X, Zhang JH. PEDF-34 attenuates neurological deficit and suppresses astrocyte-dependent neuroinflammation by modulating astrocyte polarization via 67LR/JNK/STAT1 signaling pathway after subarachnoid hemorrhage in rats. J Neuroinflammation 2024; 21:178. [PMID: 39034417 PMCID: PMC11264993 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-024-03171-y] [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: 05/17/2024] [Accepted: 07/11/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Reactive astrocytes participate in various pathophysiology after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), including neuroinflammation, glymphatic-lymphatic system dysfunction, brain edema, BBB disruption, and cell death. Astrocytes transform into two new reactive phenotypes with changed morphology, altered gene expression, and secretion profiles, termed detrimental A1 and beneficial A2. This study investigates the effect of 67LR activation by PEDF-34, a PEDF peptide, on neuroinflammation and astrocyte polarization after the experimental SAH. METHODS A total of 318 male adult Sprague-Dawley rats were used in experiments in vivo, of which 272 rats were subjected to the endovascular perforation model of SAH and 46 rats underwent sham surgery. 67LR agonist (PEDF-34) was administrated intranasally 1 h after SAH. 67LR-specific inhibitor (NSC-47924) and STAT1 transcriptional activator (2-NP) were injected intracerebroventricularly 48 h before SAH. Short- and long-term neurological tests, brain water content, immunostaining, Nissl staining, western blot, and ELISA assay were performed. In experiments in vitro, primary astrocyte culture with hemoglobin (Hb) stimulation was used to mimic SAH. The expression of the PEDF-34/67LR signaling pathway and neuro-inflammatory cytokines were assessed using Western blot, ELISA, and immunohistochemistry assays both in vivo and in vitro. RESULTS Endogenous PEDF and 67LR expressions were significantly reduced at 6 h after SAH. 67LR was expressed in astrocytes and neurons. Intranasal administration of PEDF-34 significantly reduced brain water content, pro-inflammatory cytokines, and short-term and long-term neurological deficits after SAH. The ratio of p-JNK/JNK and p-STAT1/STAT1 and the expression of CFB and C3 (A1 astrocytes marker), significantly decreased after PEDF-34 treatment, along with fewer expression of TNF-α and IL-1β at 24 h after SAH. However, 2-NP (STAT1 transcriptional activator) and NSC-47924 (67LR inhibitor) reversed the protective effects of PEDF-34 in vivo and in vitro by promoting A1 astrocyte polarization with increased inflammatory cytokines. CONCLUSION PEDF-34 activated 67LR, attenuating neuroinflammation and inhibiting astrocyte A1 polarization partly via the JNK/STAT1 pathway, suggesting that PEDF-34 might be a potential treatment for SAH patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Wu
- Department of Cerebrovascular Surgery, Neurosurgery Center, Engineering Technology Research Center of Education Ministry of China on Diagnosis and Treatment of Cerebrovascular Disease, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510280, Guangdong, China
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Basic Sciences, School of Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, 92354, USA
- Department of Neurology, Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital, Guangzhou, 510317, Guangdong, China
| | - Yanchao Liu
- Department of Cerebrovascular Surgery, Neurosurgery Center, Engineering Technology Research Center of Education Ministry of China on Diagnosis and Treatment of Cerebrovascular Disease, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510280, Guangdong, China
| | - Qiuguang He
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Basic Sciences, School of Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, 92354, USA
| | - Guangnan Ao
- Department of Cerebrovascular Surgery, Neurosurgery Center, Engineering Technology Research Center of Education Ministry of China on Diagnosis and Treatment of Cerebrovascular Disease, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510280, Guangdong, China
| | - Ningbo Xu
- Department of Cerebrovascular Surgery, Neurosurgery Center, Engineering Technology Research Center of Education Ministry of China on Diagnosis and Treatment of Cerebrovascular Disease, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510280, Guangdong, China
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Basic Sciences, School of Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, 92354, USA
- Department of Interventional Therapy, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510280, Guangdong, China
| | - Wangqing He
- Department of Cerebrovascular Surgery, Neurosurgery Center, Engineering Technology Research Center of Education Ministry of China on Diagnosis and Treatment of Cerebrovascular Disease, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510280, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiao Liu
- Department of Cerebrovascular Surgery, Neurosurgery Center, Engineering Technology Research Center of Education Ministry of China on Diagnosis and Treatment of Cerebrovascular Disease, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510280, Guangdong, China
| | - Lei Huang
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Basic Sciences, School of Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, 92354, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA, 92354, USA
| | - Qian Yu
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Basic Sciences, School of Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, 92354, USA
| | - Hideki Kanamaru
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Basic Sciences, School of Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, 92354, USA
| | - Siyuan Dong
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Basic Sciences, School of Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, 92354, USA
| | - Shiyi Zhu
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Basic Sciences, School of Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, 92354, USA
| | - Ye Yuan
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Basic Sciences, School of Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, 92354, USA
| | - Mingyang Han
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Basic Sciences, School of Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, 92354, USA
| | - Yeping Ling
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Basic Sciences, School of Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, 92354, USA
| | - Lu Liu
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Basic Sciences, School of Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, 92354, USA
| | - Chenyu Wu
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Basic Sciences, School of Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, 92354, USA
| | - You Zhou
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Basic Sciences, School of Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, 92354, USA
| | - Prativa Sherchan
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Basic Sciences, School of Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, 92354, USA
| | - Jerry J Flores
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Basic Sciences, School of Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, 92354, USA
| | - Jiping Tang
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Basic Sciences, School of Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, 92354, USA
| | - Xionghui Chen
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Basic Sciences, School of Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, 92354, USA.
- Department of Emergency Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215000, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Xuying He
- Department of Cerebrovascular Surgery, Neurosurgery Center, Engineering Technology Research Center of Education Ministry of China on Diagnosis and Treatment of Cerebrovascular Disease, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510280, Guangdong, China.
- Department of Neurology, Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital, Guangzhou, 510317, Guangdong, China.
| | - John H Zhang
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Basic Sciences, School of Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, 92354, USA.
- Department of Neurosurgery, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA, 92354, USA.
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12
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Mseis-Jackson N, Sharma M, Li H. Controlling the Expression Level of the Neuronal Reprogramming Factors for a Successful Reprogramming Outcome. Cells 2024; 13:1223. [PMID: 39056804 PMCID: PMC11274869 DOI: 10.3390/cells13141223] [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: 06/24/2024] [Revised: 07/16/2024] [Accepted: 07/19/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Neuronal reprogramming is a promising approach for making major advancement in regenerative medicine. Distinct from the approach of induced pluripotent stem cells, neuronal reprogramming converts non-neuronal cells to neurons without going through a primitive stem cell stage. In vivo neuronal reprogramming brings this approach to a higher level by changing the cell fate of glial cells to neurons in neural tissue through overexpressing reprogramming factors. Despite the ongoing debate over the validation and interpretation of newly generated neurons, in vivo neuronal reprogramming is still a feasible approach and has the potential to become clinical treatment with further optimization and refinement. Here, we discuss the major neuronal reprogramming factors (mostly pro-neurogenic transcription factors during development), especially the significance of their expression levels during neurogenesis and the reprogramming process focusing on NeuroD1. In the developing central nervous system, these pro-neurogenic transcription factors usually elicit distinct spatiotemporal expression patterns that are critical to their function in generating mature neurons. We argue that these dynamic expression patterns may be similarly needed in the process of reprogramming adult cells into neurons and further into mature neurons with subtype identities. We also summarize the existing approaches and propose new ones that control gene expression levels for a successful reprogramming outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie Mseis-Jackson
- Department of Neuroscience & Regenerative Medicine, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA;
| | - Mehek Sharma
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science & Mathematics, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA;
| | - Hedong Li
- Department of Neuroscience & Regenerative Medicine, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA;
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13
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Le N, Vu TD, Palazzo I, Pulya R, Kim Y, Blackshaw S, Hoang T. Robust reprogramming of glia into neurons by inhibition of Notch signaling and nuclear factor I (NFI) factors in adult mammalian retina. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2024; 10:eadn2091. [PMID: 38996013 PMCID: PMC11244444 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adn2091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024]
Abstract
Generation of neurons through direct reprogramming has emerged as a promising therapeutic approach for treating neurodegenerative diseases. In this study, we present an efficient method for reprogramming retinal glial cells into neurons. By suppressing Notch signaling by disrupting either Rbpj or Notch1/2, we induced mature Müller glial cells to reprogram into bipolar- and amacrine-like neurons. We demonstrate that Rbpj directly activates both Notch effector genes and genes specific to mature Müller glia while indirectly repressing expression of neurogenic basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) factors. Combined loss of function of Rbpj and Nfia/b/x resulted in conversion of nearly all Müller glia to neurons. Last, inducing Müller glial proliferation by overexpression of dominant-active Yap promotes neurogenesis in both Rbpj- and Nfia/b/x/Rbpj-deficient Müller glia. These findings demonstrate that Notch signaling and NFI factors act in parallel to inhibit neurogenic competence in mammalian Müller glia and help clarify potential strategies for regenerative therapies aimed at treating retinal dystrophies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nguyet Le
- Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Trieu-Duc Vu
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Michigan School of Medicine, Ann Arbor, MI 48105
- Michigan Neuroscience Institute, University of Michigan School of Medicine, Ann Arbor, MI 48105, USA
| | - Isabella Palazzo
- Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Ritvik Pulya
- Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Yehna Kim
- Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Seth Blackshaw
- Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Institute for Cell Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Kavli Neuroscience Discovery Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Thanh Hoang
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Michigan School of Medicine, Ann Arbor, MI 48105
- Michigan Neuroscience Institute, University of Michigan School of Medicine, Ann Arbor, MI 48105, USA
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan School of Medicine, Ann Arbor, MI 48105, USA
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14
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Yang X, He S, Li X, Guo Z, Wang H, Zhang Z, Song X, Jia K, He L, Zhou B. Synchronized lineage tracing of cell membranes and nuclei by dual recombinases and dual fluorescent. J Genet Genomics 2024:S1673-8527(24)00182-6. [PMID: 38996840 DOI: 10.1016/j.jgg.2024.07.006] [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: 05/03/2024] [Revised: 07/03/2024] [Accepted: 07/05/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024]
Abstract
Genetic lineage tracing has been widely employed to investigate cell lineages and fate. However, conventional reporting systems often label the entire cytoplasm, making it challenging to discern cell boundaries. Additionally, single Cre-loxP recombination systems have limitations in tracing specific cell populations. This study proposes three reporting systems that utilize Cre, Dre and Dre + Cre mediated recombination. These systems incorporate tdTomato expression on the cell membrane and PhiYFP expression within the cell nucleus, allowing for clear observation of the cell nucleus and membrane. The efficacy of these systems is successfully demonstrated by labeling cardiomyocytes and hepatocytes. The potential for dynamic visualization of the cell membrane is showcased using intravital imaging microscopy or three-dimensional imaging. Furthermore, by combining this dual recombinase system with the ProTracer system, hepatocyte proliferation is traced with enhanced precision. This reporting system holds significant importance in advancing the understanding of cell fate studies in development, homeostasis, and diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueying Yang
- School of Life Science, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310024, China
| | - Shun He
- School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310030, China
| | - Xufeng Li
- School of Life Science, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310024, China
| | - Zhihou Guo
- School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310030, China
| | - Haichang Wang
- School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310030, China
| | - Zhuonan Zhang
- School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310030, China
| | - Xin Song
- School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310030, China
| | - Ke Jia
- School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310030, China
| | - Lingjuan He
- School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310030, China.
| | - Bin Zhou
- School of Life Science, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310024, China; New Cornerstone Science Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China; School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China.
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15
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Liang S, Zhou J, Yu X, Lu S, Liu R. Neuronal conversion from glia to replenish the lost neurons. Neural Regen Res 2024; 19:1446-1453. [PMID: 38051886 PMCID: PMC10883502 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.386400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT Neuronal injury, aging, and cerebrovascular and neurodegenerative diseases such as cerebral infarction, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, frontotemporal dementia, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and Huntington's disease are characterized by significant neuronal loss. Unfortunately, the neurons of most mammals including humans do not possess the ability to self-regenerate. Replenishment of lost neurons becomes an appealing therapeutic strategy to reverse the disease phenotype. Transplantation of pluripotent neural stem cells can supplement the missing neurons in the brain, but it carries the risk of causing gene mutation, tumorigenesis, severe inflammation, and obstructive hydrocephalus induced by brain edema. Conversion of neural or non-neural lineage cells into functional neurons is a promising strategy for the diseases involving neuron loss, which may overcome the above-mentioned disadvantages of neural stem cell therapy. Thus far, many strategies to transform astrocytes, fibroblasts, microglia, Müller glia, NG2 cells, and other glial cells to mature and functional neurons, or for the conversion between neuronal subtypes have been developed through the regulation of transcription factors, polypyrimidine tract binding protein 1 (PTBP1), and small chemical molecules or are based on a combination of several factors and the location in the central nervous system. However, some recent papers did not obtain expected results, and discrepancies exist. Therefore, in this review, we discuss the history of neuronal transdifferentiation, summarize the strategies for neuronal replenishment and conversion from glia, especially astrocytes, and point out that biosafety, new strategies, and the accurate origin of the truly converted neurons in vivo should be focused upon in future studies. It also arises the attention of replenishing the lost neurons from glia by gene therapies such as up-regulation of some transcription factors or down-regulation of PTBP1 or drug interference therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiyu Liang
- National Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- School of Chemical Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jing Zhou
- Department of Geriatric Rehabilitation, Beijing Rehabilitation Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaolin Yu
- National Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Shuai Lu
- National Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Ruitian Liu
- National Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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16
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Li H, Zhuang Y, Zhang B, Xu X, Liu B. Application of Lineage Tracing in Central Nervous System Development and Regeneration. Mol Biotechnol 2024; 66:1552-1562. [PMID: 37335434 PMCID: PMC11217125 DOI: 10.1007/s12033-023-00769-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2023]
Abstract
The central nervous system (CNS) is a complicated neural network. The origin and evolution of functional neurons and glia cells remain unclear, as do the cellular alterations that occur during the course of cerebral disease rehabilitation. Lineage tracing is a valuable method for tracing specific cells and achieving a better understanding of the CNS. Recently, various technological breakthroughs have been made in lineage tracing, such as the application of various combinations of fluorescent reporters and advances in barcode technology. The development of lineage tracing has given us a deeper understanding of the normal physiology of the CNS, especially the pathological processes. In this review, we summarize these advances of lineage tracing and their applications in CNS. We focus on the use of lineage tracing techniques to elucidate the process CNS development and especially the mechanism of injury repair. Deep understanding of the central nervous system will help us to use existing technologies to diagnose and treat diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tian tan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yuan Zhuang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tian tan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Bin Zhang
- Department of Intensive Care Unit, Beijing Tian tan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaojian Xu
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Central Nervous System Injury, Department of Neurotrauma, Beijing Neurosurgical Institute, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Baiyun Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tian tan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Central Nervous System Injury, Department of Neurotrauma, Beijing Neurosurgical Institute, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.
- Center for Nerve Injury and Repair, Beijing Institute of Brain Disorders, Beijing, China.
- China National Clinical Research Center for Neurological Diseases, Beijing, China.
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17
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Wei J, Wang M, Li S, Han R, Xu W, Zhao A, Yu Q, Li H, Li M, Chi G. Reprogramming of astrocytes and glioma cells into neurons for central nervous system repair and glioblastoma therapy. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 176:116806. [PMID: 38796971 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116806] [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: 02/09/2024] [Revised: 05/18/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Central nervous system (CNS) damage is usually irreversible owing to the limited regenerative capability of neurons. Following CNS injury, astrocytes are reactively activated and are the key cells involved in post-injury repair mechanisms. Consequently, research on the reprogramming of reactive astrocytes into neurons could provide new directions for the restoration of neural function after CNS injury and in the promotion of recovery in various neurodegenerative diseases. This review aims to provide an overview of the means through which reactive astrocytes around lesions can be reprogrammed into neurons, to elucidate the intrinsic connection between the two cell types from a neurogenesis perspective, and to summarize what is known about the neurotranscription factors, small-molecule compounds and MicroRNA that play major roles in astrocyte reprogramming. As the malignant proliferation of astrocytes promotes the development of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), this review also examines the research advances on and the theoretical basis for the reprogramming of GBM cells into neurons and discusses the advantages of such approaches over traditional treatment modalities. This comprehensive review provides new insights into the field of GBM therapy and theoretical insights into the mechanisms of neurological recovery following neurological injury and in GBM treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junyuan Wei
- The Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, and College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China.
| | - Miaomiao Wang
- The Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, and College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China.
| | - Shilin Li
- School of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China.
| | - Rui Han
- Department of Neurovascular Surgery, First Hospital of Jilin University, 1xinmin Avenue, Changchun, Jilin Province 130021, China.
| | - Wenhong Xu
- The Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, and College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China.
| | - Anqi Zhao
- The Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, and College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China.
| | - Qi Yu
- The Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, and College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China.
| | - Haokun Li
- The Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, and College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China.
| | - Meiying Li
- The Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, and College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China.
| | - Guangfan Chi
- The Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, and College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China.
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18
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Zhou J, Zhang L, Peng J, Zhang X, Zhang F, Wu Y, Huang A, Du F, Liao Y, He Y, Xie Y, Gu L, Kuang C, Ou W, Xie M, Tu T, Pang J, Zhang D, Guo K, Feng Y, Yin S, Cao Y, Li T, Jiang Y. Astrocytic LRP1 enables mitochondria transfer to neurons and mitigates brain ischemic stroke by suppressing ARF1 lactylation. Cell Metab 2024:S1550-4131(24)00192-X. [PMID: 38906140 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmet.2024.05.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2022] [Revised: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/23/2024]
Abstract
Low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein-1 (LRP1) is an endocytic/signaling cell-surface receptor that regulates diverse cellular functions, including cell survival, differentiation, and proliferation. LRP1 has been previously implicated in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative disorders, but there are inconsistencies in its functions. Therefore, whether and how LRP1 maintains brain homeostasis remains to be clarified. Here, we report that astrocytic LRP1 promotes astrocyte-to-neuron mitochondria transfer by reducing lactate production and ADP-ribosylation factor 1 (ARF1) lactylation. In astrocytes, LRP1 suppressed glucose uptake, glycolysis, and lactate production, leading to reduced lactylation of ARF1. Suppression of astrocytic LRP1 reduced mitochondria transfer into damaged neurons and worsened ischemia-reperfusion injury in a mouse model of ischemic stroke. Furthermore, we examined lactate levels in human patients with stroke. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) lactate was elevated in stroke patients and inversely correlated with astrocytic mitochondria. These findings reveal a protective role of LRP1 in brain ischemic stroke by enabling mitochondria-mediated astrocyte-neuron crosstalk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Zhou
- Department of Neurosurgery, the Affiliated Hospital, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China; Sichuan Clinical Research Center for Neurosurgery, the Affiliated Hospital, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China
| | - Lifang Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, the Affiliated Hospital, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China; Sichuan Clinical Research Center for Neurosurgery, the Affiliated Hospital, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China
| | - Jianhua Peng
- Department of Neurosurgery, the Affiliated Hospital, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China; Institute of Epigenetics and Brain Science, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China; Academician (Expert) Workstation of Sichuan Province, the Affiliated Hospital, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China
| | - Xianhui Zhang
- Laboratory of Neurological Diseases and Brain Function, the Affiliated Hospital, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China
| | - Fan Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, the Affiliated Hospital, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China; Sichuan Clinical Research Center for Neurosurgery, the Affiliated Hospital, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China
| | - Yuanyuan Wu
- Laboratory of Neurological Diseases and Brain Function, the Affiliated Hospital, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China
| | - An Huang
- Laboratory of Neurological Diseases and Brain Function, the Affiliated Hospital, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China
| | - Fengling Du
- Department of Neonatology, the Affiliated Hospital, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China
| | - Yuyan Liao
- Department of Neurosurgery, the Affiliated Hospital, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China
| | - Yijing He
- Laboratory of Neurological Diseases and Brain Function, the Affiliated Hospital, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China
| | - Yuke Xie
- Laboratory of Neurological Diseases and Brain Function, the Affiliated Hospital, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China
| | - Long Gu
- Laboratory of Neurological Diseases and Brain Function, the Affiliated Hospital, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China
| | - Chenghao Kuang
- Laboratory of Neurological Diseases and Brain Function, the Affiliated Hospital, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China
| | - Wei Ou
- Department of Anesthesiology, Laboratory of Mitochondrial Metabolism and Perioperative Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Maodi Xie
- Department of Anesthesiology, Laboratory of Mitochondrial Metabolism and Perioperative Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Tianqi Tu
- Department of Neurosurgery, the Affiliated Hospital, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China
| | - Jinwei Pang
- Department of Neurosurgery, the Affiliated Hospital, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China
| | - Dingkun Zhang
- Laboratory of Clinical Proteomics and Metabolomics, Institutes for Systems Genetics, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Kecheng Guo
- Laboratory of Neurological Diseases and Brain Function, the Affiliated Hospital, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China
| | - Yue Feng
- Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Department of Nuclear Medicine, the Affiliated Hospital, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China
| | - Shigang Yin
- Institute of Epigenetics and Brain Science, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China; Laboratory of Neurological Diseases and Brain Function, the Affiliated Hospital, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China
| | - Yang Cao
- Department of Cardiology, the First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230001, China; School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230027, China.
| | - Tao Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, Laboratory of Mitochondrial Metabolism and Perioperative Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China.
| | - Yong Jiang
- Department of Neurosurgery, the Affiliated Hospital, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China; Institute of Epigenetics and Brain Science, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China; Laboratory of Neurological Diseases and Brain Function, the Affiliated Hospital, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China.
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19
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Liu S, Xu X, Omari-Siaw E, Yu J, Deng W. Progress of reprogramming astrocytes into neuron. Mol Cell Neurosci 2024; 130:103947. [PMID: 38862082 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcn.2024.103947] [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: 03/27/2024] [Revised: 06/07/2024] [Accepted: 06/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024] Open
Abstract
As the main players in the central nervous system (CNS), neurons dominate most life activities. However, after accidental trauma or neurodegenerative diseases, neurons are unable to regenerate themselves. The loss of this important role can seriously affect the quality of life of patients, ranging from movement disorders to disability and even death. There is no suitable treatment to prevent or reverse this process. Therefore, the regeneration of neurons after loss has been a major clinical problem and the key to treatment. Replacing the lost neurons by transdifferentiation of other cells is the only viable approach. Although much progress has been made in stem cell therapy, ethical issues, immune rejection, and limited cell sources still hinder its clinical application. In recent years, somatic cell reprogramming technology has brought a new dawn. Among them, astrocytes, as endogenously abundant cells homologous to neurons, have good potential and application value for reprogramming into neurons, having been reprogrammed into neurons in vitro and in vivo in a variety of ways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sitong Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China; The International Institute on Natural Products and Stem Cells (iNPS), Zhenjiang, China; Key Lab for Drug Delivery & Tissue Regeneration, Zhenjiang, China; Jiangsu Provincial Research Center for Medicinal Function Development of New Food Resources, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Ximing Xu
- School of Pharmacy, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China; The International Institute on Natural Products and Stem Cells (iNPS), Zhenjiang, China; Key Lab for Drug Delivery & Tissue Regeneration, Zhenjiang, China; Jiangsu Provincial Research Center for Medicinal Function Development of New Food Resources, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Emmanuel Omari-Siaw
- Department of Pharmaceutical Science, Kumasi Technical University, PO Box 854, Kumasi, Ashanti, Ghana
| | - Jiangnan Yu
- School of Pharmacy, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China; The International Institute on Natural Products and Stem Cells (iNPS), Zhenjiang, China; Key Lab for Drug Delivery & Tissue Regeneration, Zhenjiang, China; Jiangsu Provincial Research Center for Medicinal Function Development of New Food Resources, Zhenjiang, China.
| | - Wenwen Deng
- School of Pharmacy, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China; The International Institute on Natural Products and Stem Cells (iNPS), Zhenjiang, China; Key Lab for Drug Delivery & Tissue Regeneration, Zhenjiang, China; Jiangsu Provincial Research Center for Medicinal Function Development of New Food Resources, Zhenjiang, China.
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20
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Wu C, Li Y, He X, Sun H, Zhang S, Hou F, Hu M, Lan A, Zhang H, Qi L, Zhang H, Liao H. Chemogenetic activation of astrocytic Gi signaling promotes spinogenesis and motor functional recovery after stroke. Glia 2024; 72:1150-1164. [PMID: 38436489 DOI: 10.1002/glia.24521] [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: 02/21/2023] [Revised: 02/18/2024] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
Ischemic stroke is the leading cause of adult disability. The rewiring of surviving neurons is the fundamental process for functional recovery. Accumulating evidence implicates astrocytes in synapses and neural circuits formation, but few studies have further studied how to enhance the effects of astrocytes on synapse and circuits after stroke and its impacts on post-stroke functional recovery. In this study, we made use of chemogenetics to specifically activate astrocytic Gi signaling in the peri-infarcted sensorimotor cortex at different time epochs in a mouse model of photothrombotic stroke. We found that early activation of astrocytic hM4Di after stroke by CNO modulates astrocyte activity and upregulates synaptogenic molecules including thrombospondin-1 (TSP1) as revealed by bulk RNA-sequencing, but no significant improvement was observed in dendritic spine density and behavioral performance in grid walking test. Interestingly, when the manipulation was initiated at the subacute phase of stroke, the recovery of spine density and motor function could be effectively promoted, accompanied by increased TSP1 expression. Our data highlight the important role of astrocytes in synapse remodeling during the repair phase of stroke and suggest astrocytic Gi signaling activation as a potential strategy for synapse regeneration, circuit rewiring, and functional recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chaoran Wu
- New drug screening center, Jiangsu Center for Pharmacodynamics Research and Evaluation, State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yu Li
- New drug screening center, Jiangsu Center for Pharmacodynamics Research and Evaluation, State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xinran He
- New drug screening center, Jiangsu Center for Pharmacodynamics Research and Evaluation, State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Hao Sun
- New drug screening center, Jiangsu Center for Pharmacodynamics Research and Evaluation, State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Shiwen Zhang
- New drug screening center, Jiangsu Center for Pharmacodynamics Research and Evaluation, State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Fengsheng Hou
- New drug screening center, Jiangsu Center for Pharmacodynamics Research and Evaluation, State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Mengqiu Hu
- New drug screening center, Jiangsu Center for Pharmacodynamics Research and Evaluation, State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Aili Lan
- New drug screening center, Jiangsu Center for Pharmacodynamics Research and Evaluation, State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Hao Zhang
- New drug screening center, Jiangsu Center for Pharmacodynamics Research and Evaluation, State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Long Qi
- New drug screening center, Jiangsu Center for Pharmacodynamics Research and Evaluation, State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Huibin Zhang
- Center for Drug Discovery, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Discovery for Metabolic Disease, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Hong Liao
- New drug screening center, Jiangsu Center for Pharmacodynamics Research and Evaluation, State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
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21
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Xie Y, Chen B. Building the toolbox for in vivo glia-to-neuron reprogramming. Neural Regen Res 2024; 19:1171-1172. [PMID: 37905849 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.385869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Ye Xie
- Departments of Ophthalmology and Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
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22
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Li Z, Jiang YY, Long C, Peng X, Tao J, Pu Y, Yue R. Bridging metabolic syndrome and cognitive dysfunction: role of astrocytes. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2024; 15:1393253. [PMID: 38800473 PMCID: PMC11116704 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2024.1393253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Metabolic syndrome (MetS) and cognitive dysfunction pose significant challenges to global health and the economy. Systemic inflammation, endocrine disruption, and autoregulatory impairment drive neurodegeneration and microcirculatory damage in MetS. Due to their unique anatomy and function, astrocytes sense and integrate multiple metabolic signals, including peripheral endocrine hormones and nutrients. Astrocytes and synapses engage in a complex dialogue of energetic and immunological interactions. Astrocytes act as a bridge between MetS and cognitive dysfunction, undergoing diverse activation in response to metabolic dysfunction. This article summarizes the alterations in astrocyte phenotypic characteristics across multiple pathological factors in MetS. It also discusses the clinical value of astrocytes as a critical pathologic diagnostic marker and potential therapeutic target for MetS-associated cognitive dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zihan Li
- Department of Endocrinology, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
- Clinical Medical School, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Ya-yi Jiang
- Department of Endocrinology, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
- Clinical Medical School, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Caiyi Long
- Department of Endocrinology, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
- Clinical Medical School, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Xi Peng
- Department of Endocrinology, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
- Clinical Medical School, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Jiajing Tao
- Department of Endocrinology, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
- Clinical Medical School, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Yueheng Pu
- Department of Endocrinology, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
- Clinical Medical School, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Rensong Yue
- Department of Endocrinology, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
- Clinical Medical School, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
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23
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Zhao J, Liu S, Xiang X, Zhu X. Versatile strategies for adult neurogenesis: avenues to repair the injured brain. Neural Regen Res 2024; 19:774-780. [PMID: 37843211 PMCID: PMC10664121 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.382224] [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: 10/22/2022] [Revised: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Brain injuries due to trauma or stroke are major causes of adult death and disability. Unfortunately, few interventions are effective for post-injury repair of brain tissue. After a long debate on whether endogenous neurogenesis actually happens in the adult human brain, there is now substantial evidence to support its occurrence. Although neurogenesis is usually significantly stimulated by injury, the reparative potential of endogenous differentiation from neural stem/progenitor cells is usually insufficient. Alternatively, exogenous stem cell transplantation has shown promising results in animal models, but limitations such as poor long-term survival and inefficient neuronal differentiation make it still challenging for clinical use. Recently, a high focus was placed on glia-to-neuron conversion under single-factor regulation. Despite some inspiring results, the validity of this strategy is still controversial. In this review, we summarize historical findings and recent advances on neurogenesis strategies for neurorepair after brain injury. We also discuss their advantages and drawbacks, as to provide a comprehensive account of their potentials for further studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junyi Zhao
- The Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute (BCBDI), Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Siyu Liu
- The Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute (BCBDI), Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Xianyuan Xiang
- The Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute (BCBDI), Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China
- Faculty of Life and Health Sciences, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Xinzhou Zhu
- The Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute (BCBDI), Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China
- Faculty of Life and Health Sciences, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China
- Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science-Shenzhen Fundamental Research Institutions, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China
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24
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Chen D, Zhao Z, Zhang S, Chen S, Wu X, Shi J, Liu N, Pan C, Tang Y, Meng C, Zhao X, Tao B, Liu W, Chen D, Ding H, Zhang P, Tang Z. Evolving Therapeutic Landscape of Intracerebral Hemorrhage: Emerging Cutting-Edge Advancements in Surgical Robots, Regenerative Medicine, and Neurorehabilitation Techniques. Transl Stroke Res 2024:10.1007/s12975-024-01244-x. [PMID: 38558011 DOI: 10.1007/s12975-024-01244-x] [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: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is the most serious form of stroke and has limited available therapeutic options. As knowledge on ICH rapidly develops, cutting-edge techniques in the fields of surgical robots, regenerative medicine, and neurorehabilitation may revolutionize ICH treatment. However, these new advances still must be translated into clinical practice. In this review, we examined several emerging therapeutic strategies and their major challenges in managing ICH, with a particular focus on innovative therapies involving robot-assisted minimally invasive surgery, stem cell transplantation, in situ neuronal reprogramming, and brain-computer interfaces. Despite the limited expansion of the drug armamentarium for ICH over the past few decades, the judicious selection of more efficacious therapeutic modalities and the exploration of multimodal combination therapies represent opportunities to improve patient prognoses after ICH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danyang Chen
- Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Zhixian Zhao
- Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Shenglun Zhang
- School of Mechanical Science and Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Shiling Chen
- Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Xuan Wu
- Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Jian Shi
- School of Mechanical Science and Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Na Liu
- Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Chao Pan
- Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Yingxin Tang
- Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Cai Meng
- School of Astronautics, Beihang University, Beijing, China
| | - Xingwei Zhao
- School of Mechanical Science and Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Bo Tao
- School of Mechanical Science and Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Wenjie Liu
- Beijing WanTeFu Medical Instrument Co., Ltd., Beijing, China
| | - Diansheng Chen
- Institute of Robotics, School of Mechanical Engineering and Automation, Beihang University, Beijing, China
| | - Han Ding
- School of Mechanical Science and Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Ping Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China.
| | - Zhouping Tang
- Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China.
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25
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Abstract
The recent emergence of reprogramming technologies to convert brain cell types or epigenetically alter neurons and neural progenitors in vivo and in situ hold significant promises in brain repair and neuronal aging reversal. However, given the significant epigenetic and transcriptomic changes to components of the existing neuronal cells and network, we question if these reprogramming technology might inadvertently alter or erase memory engrams, conceivably resulting in changes in narrative identity or personality. We suggest that the nature of these alterations might be less predictable compared to memory and personality changes known to be associated with diseases, drugs or brain stimulation therapies. While research in applying reprogramming technologies to neurological ailments and aging should continue, more targeted analyses should be put in place in animal experiments to gauge the severity and degree of memory alterations, and appropriate risk and benefit analyses should be conducted before these technologies move into human trials.
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26
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Cao P, Li J, Liu Z, Liang G. Current controversies in glia-to-neuron conversion therapy in neurodegenerative diseases. Neural Regen Res 2024; 19:723-724. [PMID: 37843203 PMCID: PMC10664116 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.382251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Revised: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Peng Cao
- Department of Neurosurgery, General Hospital of the Northern Theater Command of Chinese People’s Liberation Army, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Jianan Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, General Hospital of the Northern Theater Command of Chinese People’s Liberation Army, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Zhuxi Liu
- Key Laboratory of Precision Medical Research on Major Chronic Disease, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Guobiao Liang
- Department of Neurosurgery, General Hospital of the Northern Theater Command of Chinese People’s Liberation Army, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, China
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27
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Apostolopoulos A, Kawamoto N, Chow SYA, Tsuiji H, Ikeuchi Y, Shichino Y, Iwasaki S. dCas13-mediated translational repression for accurate gene silencing in mammalian cells. Nat Commun 2024; 15:2205. [PMID: 38467613 PMCID: PMC10928199 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-46412-7] [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: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Current gene silencing tools based on RNA interference (RNAi) or, more recently, clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)‒Cas13 systems have critical drawbacks, such as off-target effects (RNAi) or collateral mRNA cleavage (CRISPR‒Cas13). Thus, a more specific method of gene knockdown is needed. Here, we develop CRISPRδ, an approach for translational silencing, harnessing catalytically inactive Cas13 proteins (dCas13). Owing to its tight association with mRNA, dCas13 serves as a physical roadblock for scanning ribosomes during translation initiation and does not affect mRNA stability. Guide RNAs covering the start codon lead to the highest efficacy regardless of the translation initiation mechanism: cap-dependent, internal ribosome entry site (IRES)-dependent, or repeat-associated non-AUG (RAN) translation. Strikingly, genome-wide ribosome profiling reveals the ultrahigh gene silencing specificity of CRISPRδ. Moreover, the fusion of a translational repressor to dCas13 further improves the performance. Our method provides a framework for translational repression-based gene silencing in eukaryotes.
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Grants
- JP20H05784 Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT)
- JP21H05278 Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT)
- JP21H05734 Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT)
- JP23H04268 Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT)
- JP20H05786 Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT)
- JP23H02415 MEXT | Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS)
- JP20K07016 MEXT | Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS)
- JP23K05648 MEXT | Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS)
- JP21K15023 MEXT | Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS)
- JP23KJ2175 MEXT | Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS)
- JP20gm1410001 Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development (AMED)
- JP20gm1410001 Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development (AMED)
- JP23gm6910005h0001 Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development (AMED)
- JP23gm6910005 Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development (AMED)
- JP20gm1410001 Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development (AMED)
- Pioneering Projects MEXT | RIKEN
- Pioneering Projects MEXT | RIKEN
- Exploratory Research Center on Life and Living Systems (ExCELLS), 23EX601
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonios Apostolopoulos
- Department of Computational Biology and Medical Sciences, Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Kashiwa, Chiba, 277-8561, Japan
- RNA Systems Biochemistry Laboratory, RIKEN Cluster for Pioneering Research, Wako, Saitama, 351-0198, Japan
| | - Naohiro Kawamoto
- RNA Systems Biochemistry Laboratory, RIKEN Cluster for Pioneering Research, Wako, Saitama, 351-0198, Japan
| | - Siu Yu A Chow
- Institute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo, Meguro-ku, Tokyo, 153-8505, Japan
| | - Hitomi Tsuiji
- Education and Research Division of Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Aichi Gakuin University, Nagoya, Aichi, 464-8650, Japan
| | - Yoshiho Ikeuchi
- Institute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo, Meguro-ku, Tokyo, 153-8505, Japan
- Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan
- Institute for AI and Beyond, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan
| | - Yuichi Shichino
- RNA Systems Biochemistry Laboratory, RIKEN Cluster for Pioneering Research, Wako, Saitama, 351-0198, Japan.
| | - Shintaro Iwasaki
- Department of Computational Biology and Medical Sciences, Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Kashiwa, Chiba, 277-8561, Japan.
- RNA Systems Biochemistry Laboratory, RIKEN Cluster for Pioneering Research, Wako, Saitama, 351-0198, Japan.
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28
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Mei B, Xu X, Weng J, Yang Y, Wang P, Qiu G, Zhang C, Zhang Q, Lu Y, Liu X. Activating astrocytic α2A adrenoceptors in hippocampus reduces glutamate toxicity to attenuate sepsis-associated encephalopathy in mice. Brain Behav Immun 2024; 117:376-398. [PMID: 38320682 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2024.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2023] [Revised: 12/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/08/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Glutamate metabolism disorder is an important mechanism of sepsis-associated encephalopathy (SAE). Astrocytes regulate glutamate metabolism. In septic mice, α2A adrenoceptor (α2A-AR) activation in the central nervous system provides neuroprotection. α2A-ARs are expressed abundantly in hippocampal astrocytes. This study was performed to determine whether hippocampal astrocytic α2A-AR activation confers neuroprotection against SAE and whether this protective effect is astrocyte specific and achieved by the modulation of glutamate metabolism. METHODS Male C57BL/6 mice with and without α2A-AR knockdown were subjected to cecal ligation and puncture (CLP). They were treated with intrahippocampal guanfacine (an α2A-AR agonist) or intraperitoneal dexmedetomidine in the presence or absence of dihydrokainic acid [DHK; a glutamate transporter 1 (GLT-1) antagonist] and/or UCPH-101 [a glutamate/aspartate transporter (GLAST) antagonist]. Hippocampal tissue was collected for the measurement of astrocyte reactivity, GLT-1 and GLAST expression, and glutamate receptor subunit 2B (GluN2B) phosphorylation. In vivo real-time extracellular glutamate concentrations in the hippocampus were measured by ultra-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry combined with microdialysis, and in vivo real-time hippocampal glutamatergic neuron excitability was assessed by calcium imaging. The mice were subjected to the Barnes maze and fear conditioning tests to assess their learning and memory. Golgi staining was performed to assess changes in the hippocampal synaptic structure. In vitro, primary astrocytes with and without α2A-AR knockdown were stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and treated with guanfacine or dexmedetomidine in the presence or absence of 8-bromo- cyclic adenosine monophosphate (8-Br-cAMP, a cAMP analog). LPS-treated primary and BV2 microglia were also treated with guanfacine or dexmedetomidine. Astrocyte reactivity, PKA catalytic subunit, GLT-1 an GLAST expression were determined in primary astrocytes. Interleukin-1β, interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha in the medium of microglia culture were measured. RESULTS CLP induced synaptic injury, impaired neurocognitive function, increased astrocyte reactivity and reduced GLT-1 and GLAST expression in the hippocampus of mice. The extracellular glutamate concentration, phosphorylation of GluN2B at Tyr-1472 and glutamatergic neuron excitability in the hippocampus were increased in the hippocampus of septic mice. Intraperitoneal dexmedetomidine or intrahippocampal guanfacine administration attenuated these effects. Hippocampal astrocytes expressed abundant α2A-ARs; expression was also detected in neurons but not microglia. Specific knockdown of α2A-ARs in hippocampal astrocytes and simultaneous intrahippocampal DHK and UCPH-101 administration blocked the neuroprotective effects of dexmedetomidine and guanfacine. Intrahippocampal administration of DHK or UCPH-101 alone had no such effect. In vitro, guanfacine or dexmedetomidine inhibited astrocyte reactivity, reduced PKA catalytic subunit expression, and increased GLT-1 and GLAST expression in primary astrocytes but not in primary astrocytes that received α2A-AR knockdown or were treated with 8-Br-cAMP. Guanfacine or dexmedetomidine inhibited microglial reactivity in BV2 but not primary microglia. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that neurocognitive protection against SAE after hippocampal α2A-AR activation is astrocyte specific. This protection may involve the inhibition of astrocyte reactivity and alleviation of glutamate neurotoxicity, thereby reducing synaptic injury. The cAMP/protein kinase A (PKA) signaling pathway is a potential cellular mechanism by which activating α2A-AR modulates astrocytic function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Mei
- Department of Anesthesiology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui Province, 230022, China.
| | - Xiaoxia Xu
- Department of Anesthesiology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui Province, 230022, China
| | - Juntao Weng
- Department of Anesthesiology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui Province, 230022, China
| | - Yueyue Yang
- Department of Anesthesiology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui Province, 230022, China
| | - Peng Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui Province, 230022, China
| | - Gaolin Qiu
- Department of Anesthesiology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui Province, 230022, China
| | - Chi Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui Province, 230001, China
| | - Qunlin Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui Province, 230001, China
| | - Yao Lu
- Department of Anesthesiology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui Province, 230022, China
| | - Xuesheng Liu
- Department of Anesthesiology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui Province, 230022, China.
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29
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Liu J, Xin X, Sun J, Fan Y, Zhou X, Gong W, Yang M, Li Z, Wang Y, Yang Y, Gao C. Dual-targeting AAV9P1-mediated neuronal reprogramming in a mouse model of traumatic brain injury. Neural Regen Res 2024; 19:629-635. [PMID: 37721294 PMCID: PMC10581548 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.380907] [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: 11/16/2022] [Revised: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Traumatic brain injury results in neuronal loss and glial scar formation. Replenishing neurons and eliminating the consequences of glial scar formation are essential for treating traumatic brain injury. Neuronal reprogramming is a promising strategy to convert glial scars to neural tissue. However, previous studies have reported inconsistent results. In this study, an AAV9P1 vector incorporating an astrocyte-targeting P1 peptide and glial fibrillary acidic protein promoter was used to achieve dual-targeting of astrocytes and the glial scar while minimizing off-target effects. The results demonstrate that AAV9P1 provides high selectivity of astrocytes and reactive astrocytes. Moreover, neuronal reprogramming was induced by downregulating the polypyrimidine tract-binding protein 1 gene via systemic administration of AAV9P1 in a mouse model of traumatic brain injury. In summary, this approach provides an improved gene delivery vehicle to study neuronal programming and evidence of its applications for traumatic brain injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingzhou Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, China
| | - Xin Xin
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, China
| | - Jiejie Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, China
| | - Yueyue Fan
- Academy of Medical Engineering and Translational Medicine, Medical College, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
| | - Xun Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, China
| | - Wei Gong
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, China
| | - Meiyan Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, China
| | - Zhiping Li
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, China
| | - Yuli Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, China
| | - Yang Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, China
| | - Chunsheng Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, China
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30
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Zheng YY, Xu H, Wang YS. Progress in direct reprogramming of dopaminergic cell replacement therapy. Neurol Sci 2024; 45:873-881. [PMID: 37945931 DOI: 10.1007/s10072-023-07175-z] [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: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a gradual neurodegenerative disease. While drug therapy and surgical treatments have been the primary means of addressing PD, they do not offer a cure, and the risks associated with surgical treatment are high. Recent advances in cell reprogramming have given rise to new prospects for the treatment of Parkinson's disease (PD), with induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), induced dopamine neurons (iDNs), and induced neural stem cells (iNSCs) being created. These cells can potentially be used in the treatment of Parkinson's disease. On the other hand, this article emphasizes the limits of iPSCs and iNSCs in the context of Parkinson's disease treatment, as well as approaches for direct reprogramming of somatic cells into iDNs. The paper will examine the benefits and drawbacks of directly converting somatic cells into iDNs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Yuan Zheng
- School of Pharmacy, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, 264003, Shandong, China
| | - Hui Xu
- Human Resources Department, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, 264003, Shandong, China
| | - Yue Si Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, 264003, Shandong, China.
- Medicine and Pharmacy Research Center, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, 264003, Shandong, China.
- Yantai Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, 264003, Shandong, China.
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31
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Li Q, Zhang W, Qiao XY, Liu C, Dao JJ, Qiao CM, Cui C, Shen YQ, Zhao WJ. Reducing polypyrimidine tract‑binding protein 1 fails to promote neuronal transdifferentiation on HT22 and mouse astrocyte cells under physiological conditions. Exp Ther Med 2024; 27:72. [PMID: 38234625 PMCID: PMC10792410 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2023.12360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2024] Open
Abstract
In contrast to prior findings that have illustrated the conversion of non-neuronal cells into functional neurons through the specific targeting of polypyrimidine tract-binding protein 1 (PTBP1), accumulated evidence suggests the impracticality of inducing neuronal transdifferentiation through suppressing PTBP1 expression in pathological circumstances. Therefore, the present study explored the effect of knocking down PTBP1 under physiological conditions on the transdifferentiation of mouse hippocampal neuron HT22 cells and mouse astrocyte (MA) cells. A total of 20 µM negative control small interfering (si)RNA and siRNA targeting PTBP1 were transfected into HT22 and MA cells using Lipo8000™ for 3 and 5 days, respectively. The expression of early neuronal marker βIII-Tubulin and mature neuronal markers NeuN and microtubule-associated protein 2 (MAP2) were detected using western blotting. In addition, βIII-tubulin, NeuN and MAP2 were labeled with immunofluorescence staining to evaluate neuronal cell differentiation in response to PTBP1 downregulation. Under physiological conditions, no significant changes in the expression of βIII-Tubulin, NeuN and MAP2 were found after 3 and 5 days of knockdown of PTBP1 protein in both HT22 and MA cells. In addition, the immunofluorescence staining results showed no apparent transdifferentiation in maker levels and morphology. The results suggested that the knockdown of PTBP1 failed to induce neuronal differentiation under physiological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Li
- Department of Cell Biology, Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, P.R. China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Department of Cell Biology, Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, P.R. China
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Guizhou Nursing Vocational College, Guiyang, Guizhou 550081, P.R. China
| | - Xin-Yu Qiao
- Department of Cell Biology, Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, P.R. China
| | - Chong Liu
- Department of Cell Biology, Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, P.R. China
| | - Ji-Ji Dao
- Department of Cell Biology, Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, P.R. China
| | - Chen-Meng Qiao
- Department of Neurodegeneration and Neuroinjury, Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, P.R. China
| | - Chun Cui
- Department of Neurodegeneration and Neuroinjury, Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, P.R. China
| | - Yan-Qin Shen
- Department of Neurodegeneration and Neuroinjury, Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, P.R. China
| | - Wei-Jiang Zhao
- Department of Cell Biology, Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, P.R. China
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32
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Zhang F, Ignatova VV, Ming GL, Song H. Advances in brain epitranscriptomics research and translational opportunities. Mol Psychiatry 2024; 29:449-463. [PMID: 38123727 PMCID: PMC11116067 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-023-02339-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Various chemical modifications of all RNA transcripts, or epitranscriptomics, have emerged as crucial regulators of RNA metabolism, attracting significant interest from both basic and clinical researchers due to their diverse functions in biological processes and immense clinical potential as highlighted by the recent profound success of RNA modifications in improving COVID-19 mRNA vaccines. Rapid accumulation of evidence underscores the critical involvement of various RNA modifications in governing normal neural development and brain functions as well as pathogenesis of brain disorders. Here we provide an overview of RNA modifications and recent advancements in epitranscriptomic studies utilizing animal models to elucidate important roles of RNA modifications in regulating mammalian neurogenesis, gliogenesis, synaptic formation, and brain function. Moreover, we emphasize the pivotal involvement of RNA modifications and their regulators in the pathogenesis of various human brain disorders, encompassing neurodevelopmental disorders, brain tumors, psychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders. Furthermore, we discuss potential translational opportunities afforded by RNA modifications in combatting brain disorders, including their use as biomarkers, in the development of drugs or gene therapies targeting epitranscriptomic pathways, and in applications for mRNA-based vaccines and therapies. We also address current limitations and challenges hindering the widespread clinical application of epitranscriptomic research, along with the improvements necessary for future progress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Zhang
- Department of Neuroscience and Mahoney Institute for Neurosciences, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Valentina V Ignatova
- Department of Neuroscience and Mahoney Institute for Neurosciences, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Guo-Li Ming
- Department of Neuroscience and Mahoney Institute for Neurosciences, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
| | - Hongjun Song
- Department of Neuroscience and Mahoney Institute for Neurosciences, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
- The Epigenetics Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
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33
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Wu Y, Meng X, Cheng WY, Yan Z, Li K, Wang J, Jiang T, Zhou F, Wong KH, Zhong C, Dong Y, Gao S. Can pluripotent/multipotent stem cells reverse Parkinson's disease progression? Front Neurosci 2024; 18:1210447. [PMID: 38356648 PMCID: PMC10864507 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2024.1210447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by continuous and selective degeneration or death of dopamine neurons in the midbrain, leading to dysfunction of the nigrostriatal neural circuits. Current clinical treatments for PD include drug treatment and surgery, which provide short-term relief of symptoms but are associated with many side effects and cannot reverse the progression of PD. Pluripotent/multipotent stem cells possess a self-renewal capacity and the potential to differentiate into dopaminergic neurons. Transplantation of pluripotent/multipotent stem cells or dopaminergic neurons derived from these cells is a promising strategy for the complete repair of damaged neural circuits in PD. This article reviews and summarizes the current preclinical/clinical treatments for PD, their efficacies, and the advantages/disadvantages of various stem cells, including pluripotent and multipotent stem cells, to provide a detailed overview of how these cells can be applied in the treatment of PD, as well as the challenges and bottlenecks that need to be overcome in future translational studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongkang Wu
- Key Laboratory of Adolescent Health Evaluation and Sports Intervention, Ministry of Education, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiangtian Meng
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shanghai East Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wai-Yin Cheng
- Research Institute for Future Food, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Zhichao Yan
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shanghai East Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Keqin Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shanghai East Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jian Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shanghai East Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Tianfang Jiang
- Department of Neurology, Shanghai Eighth People’s Hospital Affiliated to Jiangsu University, Shanghai, China
| | - Fei Zhou
- Department of Neurology, Third Affiliated Hospital of Navy Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ka-Hing Wong
- Research Institute for Future Food, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Chunlong Zhong
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shanghai East Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yi Dong
- Key Laboratory of Adolescent Health Evaluation and Sports Intervention, Ministry of Education, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shane Gao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shanghai East Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
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34
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Huang L, Lai X, Liang X, Chen J, Yang Y, Xu W, Qin Q, Qin R, Huang X, Xie M, Chen L. A promise for neuronal repair: reprogramming astrocytes into neurons in vivo. Biosci Rep 2024; 44:BSR20231717. [PMID: 38175538 PMCID: PMC10830445 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20231717] [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: 10/02/2023] [Revised: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Massive loss of neurons following brain injury or disease is the primary cause of central nervous system dysfunction. Recently, much research has been conducted on how to compensate for neuronal loss in damaged parts of the nervous system and thus restore functional connectivity among neurons. Direct somatic cell differentiation into neurons using pro-neural transcription factors, small molecules, or microRNAs, individually or in association, is the most promising form of neural cell replacement therapy available. This method provides a potential remedy for cell loss in a variety of neurodegenerative illnesses, and the development of reprogramming technology has made this method feasible. This article provides a comprehensive review of reprogramming, including the selection and methods of reprogramming starting cell populations as well as the signaling methods involved in this process. Additionally, we thoroughly examine how reprogramming astrocytes into neurons can be applied to treat stroke and other neurodegenerative diseases. Finally, we discuss the challenges of neuronal reprogramming and offer insights about the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lijuan Huang
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China
- State Key Laboratory of Targeting Oncology, National Center for International Research of Bio-Targeting Theranostics, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Bio-Targeting Theranostics, Collaborative Innovation Center for Targeting Tumor Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, 530021, China
| | - Xinyu Lai
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China
- Collaborative Innovation Centre of Regenerative Medicine and Medical BioResource Development and Application Co-constructed by the Province and Ministry, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, 530021, China
| | - Xiaojun Liang
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China
| | - Jiafeng Chen
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China
- State Key Laboratory of Targeting Oncology, National Center for International Research of Bio-Targeting Theranostics, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Bio-Targeting Theranostics, Collaborative Innovation Center for Targeting Tumor Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, 530021, China
| | - Yue Yang
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China
- State Key Laboratory of Targeting Oncology, National Center for International Research of Bio-Targeting Theranostics, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Bio-Targeting Theranostics, Collaborative Innovation Center for Targeting Tumor Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, 530021, China
| | - Wei Xu
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China
- State Key Laboratory of Targeting Oncology, National Center for International Research of Bio-Targeting Theranostics, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Bio-Targeting Theranostics, Collaborative Innovation Center for Targeting Tumor Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, 530021, China
| | - Qingchun Qin
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China
- State Key Laboratory of Targeting Oncology, National Center for International Research of Bio-Targeting Theranostics, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Bio-Targeting Theranostics, Collaborative Innovation Center for Targeting Tumor Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, 530021, China
| | - Rongxing Qin
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China
| | - Xiaoying Huang
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China
| | - Minshan Xie
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China
| | - Li Chen
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China
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35
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Mahmoudi N, Wang Y, Moriarty N, Ahmed NY, Dehorter N, Lisowski L, Harvey AR, Parish CL, Williams RJ, Nisbet DR. Neuronal Replenishment via Hydrogel-Rationed Delivery of Reprogramming Factors. ACS NANO 2024; 18:3597-3613. [PMID: 38221746 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.3c11337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Abstract
The central nervous system's limited capacity for regeneration often leads to permanent neuronal loss following injury. Reprogramming resident reactive astrocytes into induced neurons at the site of injury is a promising strategy for neural repair, but challenges persist in stabilizing and accurately targeting viral vectors for transgene expression. In this study, we employed a bioinspired self-assembling peptide (SAP) hydrogel for the precise and controlled release of a hybrid adeno-associated virus (AAV) vector, AAVDJ, carrying the NeuroD1 neural reprogramming transgene. This method effectively mitigates the issues of high viral dosage at the target site, off-target delivery, and immunogenic reactions, enhancing the vector's targeting and reprogramming efficiency. In vitro, this vector successfully induced neuron formation, as confirmed by morphological, histochemical, and electrophysiological analyses. In vivo, SAP-mediated delivery of AAVDJ-NeuroD1 facilitated the trans-differentiation of reactive host astrocytes into induced neurons, concurrently reducing glial scarring. Our findings introduce a safe and effective method for treating central nervous system injuries, marking a significant advancement in regenerative neuroscience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Negar Mahmoudi
- Laboratory of Advanced Biomaterials, the John Curtin School of Medical Research, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
- ANU College of Engineering & Computer Science, Acton, ACT 2601, Australia
| | - Yi Wang
- The Graeme Clark Institute, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Niamh Moriarty
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Noorya Y Ahmed
- The John Curtin School of Medical Research, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
- The Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Nathalie Dehorter
- The John Curtin School of Medical Research, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
- The Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Leszek Lisowski
- Translational Vectorology Research Unit, Children's Medical Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia
- Vector and Genome Engineering Facility, Children's Medical Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia
- Australian Genome Therapeutics Centre, Children's Medical Research Institute and Sydney Children's Hospitals Network, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology and Innovative Therapies, Military Institute of Medicine, 04-141 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Alan R Harvey
- School of Human Sciences, The University of Western Australia, and Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Clare L Parish
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Richard J Williams
- The Graeme Clark Institute, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia
- IMPACT, School of Medicine, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC 3217, Australia
| | - David R Nisbet
- Laboratory of Advanced Biomaterials, the John Curtin School of Medical Research, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
- The Graeme Clark Institute, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia
- Melbourne Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Science, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia
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Wang L, Dong W, Yin Z, Sheng J, Ezeana CF, Yang L, Yu X, Wong SSY, Wan Z, Danforth RL, Han K, Gao D, Wong STC. Charting Single Cell Lineage Dynamics and Mutation Networks via Homing CRISPR. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.01.05.574236. [PMID: 38260351 PMCID: PMC10802354 DOI: 10.1101/2024.01.05.574236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
Single cell lineage tracing, essential for unraveling cellular dynamics in disease evolution is critical for developing targeted therapies. CRISPR-Cas9, known for inducing permanent and cumulative mutations, is a cornerstone in lineage tracing. The novel homing guide RNA (hgRNA) technology enhances this by enabling dynamic retargeting and facilitating ongoing genetic modifications. Charting these mutations, especially through successive hgRNA edits, poses a significant challenge. Our solution, LINEMAP, is a computational framework designed to trace and map these mutations with precision. LINEMAP meticulously discerns mutation alleles at single-cell resolution and maps their complex interrelationships through a mutation evolution network. By utilizing a Markov Process model, we can predict mutation transition probabilities, revealing potential mutational routes and pathways. Our reconstruction algorithm, anchored in the Markov model's attributes, reconstructs cellular lineage pathways, shedding light on the cell's evolutionary journey to the minutiae of single-cell division. Our findings reveal an intricate network of mutation evolution paired with a predictive Markov model, advancing our capability to reconstruct single-cell lineage via hgRNA. This has substantial implications for advancing our understanding of biological mechanisms and propelling medical research forward.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Wang
- Department of System Medicine and Bioengineering, Houston Methodist Neal Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030
| | - Wenjuan Dong
- Department of System Medicine and Bioengineering, Houston Methodist Neal Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030
| | - Zheng Yin
- Department of System Medicine and Bioengineering, Houston Methodist Neal Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030
- Biostatistics and Bioinformatics Shared Resource, Houston Methodist Neal Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030
| | - Jianting Sheng
- Department of System Medicine and Bioengineering, Houston Methodist Neal Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030
| | - Chika F. Ezeana
- Department of System Medicine and Bioengineering, Houston Methodist Neal Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030
| | - Li Yang
- T.T. and W. F. Chao Center for BRAIN, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, Texas 77030
| | - Xiaohui Yu
- Department of System Medicine and Bioengineering, Houston Methodist Neal Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030
| | | | - Zhihao Wan
- Department of System Medicine and Bioengineering, Houston Methodist Neal Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030
| | - Rebecca L. Danforth
- Department of System Medicine and Bioengineering, Houston Methodist Neal Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030
| | - Kun Han
- Department of System Medicine and Bioengineering, Houston Methodist Neal Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030
| | - Dingcheng Gao
- Department of Cell & Development Biology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10065
| | - Stephen T. C. Wong
- Department of System Medicine and Bioengineering, Houston Methodist Neal Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030
- Departments of Radiology, Pathology and Genomic Medicine, Houston Methodist Hospital, Weill Cornell Medical College, Houston, TX 77030
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37
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Kondoh H. Organ Regeneration Without Relying on Regeneration-Dedicated Stem Cells. Results Probl Cell Differ 2024; 72:105-118. [PMID: 38509254 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-39027-2_6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
The classic conception of tissue regeneration assumed the existence of tissue-proper regeneration stem cells that are set aside during normal tissue development and reserved as stem cells for regeneration. However, modern studies using cell tracing and other approaches have ruled out the presence of regeneration-proper stem cells in most cases in vertebrate tissue regeneration. The only experimentally validated regeneration-dedicated reserve cells are the satellite cells in skeletal muscle (e.g., Michele 2022) (see Sect. 5.2.3 ). Here, we will first discuss examples of large-scale tissue regeneration, liver regeneration in mammals, and lens and limb regeneration in newts. Then, attempts to widen the tissue regeneration capacity in mammals with exogenous transcription factor genes will be reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hisato Kondoh
- Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
- Biohistory Research Hall, Takatsuki, Osaka, Japan
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38
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Salmina AB, Alexandrova OP, Averchuk AS, Korsakova SA, Saridis MR, Illarioshkin SN, Yurchenko SO. Current progress and challenges in the development of brain tissue models: How to grow up the changeable brain in vitro? J Tissue Eng 2024; 15:20417314241235527. [PMID: 38516227 PMCID: PMC10956167 DOI: 10.1177/20417314241235527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024] Open
Abstract
In vitro modeling of brain tissue is a promising but not yet resolved problem in modern neurobiology and neuropharmacology. Complexity of the brain structure and diversity of cell-to-cell communication in (patho)physiological conditions make this task almost unachievable. However, establishment of novel in vitro brain models would ultimately lead to better understanding of development-associated or experience-driven brain plasticity, designing efficient approaches to restore aberrant brain functioning. The main goal of this review is to summarize the available data on methodological approaches that are currently in use, and to identify the most prospective trends in development of neurovascular unit, blood-brain barrier, blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier, and neurogenic niche in vitro models. The manuscript focuses on the regulation of adult neurogenesis, cerebral microcirculation and fluids dynamics that should be reproduced in the in vitro 4D models to mimic brain development and its alterations in brain pathology. We discuss approaches that are critical for studying brain plasticity, deciphering the individual person-specific trajectory of brain development and aging, and testing new drug candidates in the in vitro models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alla B Salmina
- Brain Science Institute, Research Center of Neurology, Moscow, Russia
- Bauman Moscow State Technical University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Olga P Alexandrova
- Brain Science Institute, Research Center of Neurology, Moscow, Russia
- Bauman Moscow State Technical University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Anton S Averchuk
- Brain Science Institute, Research Center of Neurology, Moscow, Russia
- Bauman Moscow State Technical University, Moscow, Russia
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39
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Guo Y, Chen J, Ji W, Xu L, Xie Y, He S, Lai C, Hou K, Li Z, Chen G, Wu Z. High-titer AAV disrupts cerebrovascular integrity and induces lymphocyte infiltration in adult mouse brain. Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev 2023; 31:101102. [PMID: 37753218 PMCID: PMC10518493 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2023.08.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023]
Abstract
The brain is often described as an "immune-privileged" organ due to the presence of the blood-brain-barrier (BBB), which limits the entry of immune cells. In general, intracranial injection of adeno-associated virus (AAV) is considered a relatively safe procedure. In this study, we discovered that AAV, a popular engineered viral vector for gene therapy, can disrupt the BBB and induce immune cell infiltration in a titer-dependent manner. First, our bulk RNA sequencing data revealed that injection of high-titer AAV significantly upregulated many genes involved in disrupting BBB integrity and antiviral adaptive immune responses. By using histologic analysis, we further demonstrated that the biological structure of the BBB was severely disrupted in the adult mouse brain. Meanwhile, we noticed abnormal leakage of blood components, including immune cells, within the brain parenchyma of high-titer AAV injected areas. Moreover, we identified that the majority of infiltrated immune cells were cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs), which resulted in a massive loss of neurons at the site of AAV injection. In addition, antagonizing CTL function by administering antibodies significantly reduced neuronal toxicity induced by high-titer AAV. Collectively, our findings underscore potential severe side effects of intracranial injection of high-titer AAV, which might compromise proper data interpretation if unaware of.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaowei Guo
- Key Laboratory of CNS Regeneration (Ministry of Education), Guangdong Key Laboratory of Non-human Primate Research, GHM Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Junliang Chen
- Key Laboratory of CNS Regeneration (Ministry of Education), Guangdong Key Laboratory of Non-human Primate Research, GHM Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Wenyu Ji
- Key Laboratory of CNS Regeneration (Ministry of Education), Guangdong Key Laboratory of Non-human Primate Research, GHM Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Liang Xu
- Key Laboratory of CNS Regeneration (Ministry of Education), Guangdong Key Laboratory of Non-human Primate Research, GHM Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Yu Xie
- Key Laboratory of CNS Regeneration (Ministry of Education), Guangdong Key Laboratory of Non-human Primate Research, GHM Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Shu He
- Key Laboratory of CNS Regeneration (Ministry of Education), Guangdong Key Laboratory of Non-human Primate Research, GHM Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Chuying Lai
- Key Laboratory of CNS Regeneration (Ministry of Education), Guangdong Key Laboratory of Non-human Primate Research, GHM Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Kaiyu Hou
- Key Laboratory of CNS Regeneration (Ministry of Education), Guangdong Key Laboratory of Non-human Primate Research, GHM Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Zeru Li
- Key Laboratory of CNS Regeneration (Ministry of Education), Guangdong Key Laboratory of Non-human Primate Research, GHM Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Gong Chen
- Key Laboratory of CNS Regeneration (Ministry of Education), Guangdong Key Laboratory of Non-human Primate Research, GHM Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Zheng Wu
- Key Laboratory of CNS Regeneration (Ministry of Education), Guangdong Key Laboratory of Non-human Primate Research, GHM Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
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Serrano C, Cananzi S, Shen T, Wang LL, Zhang CL. Simple and Highly Specific Targeting of Resident Microglia with Adeno-Associated Virus. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.12.12.571321. [PMID: 38168285 PMCID: PMC10760038 DOI: 10.1101/2023.12.12.571321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Microglia, as the immune cells of the central nervous system (CNS), play dynamic roles in both health and diseased conditions. The ability to genetically target microglia using viruses is crucial for understanding their functions and advancing microglia-based treatments. We here show that resident microglia can be simply and specifically targeted using adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors containing a 466-bp DNA fragment from the human IBA1 (hIBA1) promoter. This targeting approach is applicable to both resting and reactive microglia. When combining the short hIBA1 promoter with the target sequence of miR124, up to 95% of transduced cells are identified as microglia. Such a simple and highly specific microglia-targeting strategy may be further optimized for research and therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Serrano
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
- Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Sergio Cananzi
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
- Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Tianjin Shen
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
- Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Lei-Lei Wang
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
- Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Chun-Li Zhang
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
- Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
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41
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Guo X, Jiang P, Pan M, Ding Y, Lin Y, Jiang T, Li R, Wang W, Dai Y, Wang S, Cao Y, Lin H, Yang M, Liu W, Tao J. Overexpression of miR-124 in astrocyte improves neurological deficits in rat with ischemic stroke via DLL4 modulation. Exp Neurol 2023; 370:114571. [PMID: 37848121 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2023.114571] [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: 07/20/2023] [Revised: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Astrocytes have been demonstrated to undergo conversion into functional neurons, presenting a promising approach for stroke treatment. However, the development of small molecules capable of effectively inducing this cellular reprogramming remains a critical challenge. METHODS Initially, we introduced a glial cell marker gene, GFaABC1D, as the promoter within an adeno-associated virus vector overexpressing miR-124 into the motor cortex of an ischemia-reperfusion model in rats. Additionally, we administered NeuroD1 as a positive control. Lentiviral vectors overexpressing miR-124 were constructed and transfected into primary rat astrocytes. We assessed the cellular distribution of GFAP, DCX, and NeuN on days 7, 14, and 28, respectively. RESULTS In rats with ischemic stroke, miR-124-transduced glial cells exhibited positive staining for the immature neuron marker doublecortin (DCX) and the mature neuron marker NeuN after 4 weeks. In contrast, NeuroD1-overexpressing model rats only expressed NeuN, and the positive percentage was higher in co-transfection with miR-124 and NeuroD1. Overexpression of miR-124 effectively ameliorated neurological deficits and motor functional impairment in the model rats. In primary rat astrocytes transduced with miR-124, DCX was not observed after 7 days of transfection, but it appeared at 14 days, with the percentage further increasing to 44.6% at 28 days. Simultaneously, 15.1% of miR-124-transduced cells exhibited NeuN positivity, which was not detected at 7 and 14 days. In vitro, double fluorescence assays revealed that miR-124 targeted Dll4, and in vivo experiments confirmed that miR-124 inhibited the expression of Notch1 and DLL4. CONCLUSIONS The overexpression of miR-124 in astrocytes demonstrates significant potential for improving neurological deficits following ischemic stroke by inhibiting DLL4 expression, and it may facilitate astrocyte-to-neuronal transformation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoqin Guo
- Provincial and Ministerial Co-founded Collaborative Innovation Center of Rehabilitation Technology, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian 350122, China
| | - Pingli Jiang
- Provincial and Ministerial Co-founded Collaborative Innovation Center of Rehabilitation Technology, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian 350122, China
| | - Meihua Pan
- National-Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Rehabilitation Medicine Technology, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian 350122, China
| | - Yanyi Ding
- National-Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Rehabilitation Medicine Technology, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian 350122, China
| | - Yanting Lin
- National-Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Rehabilitation Medicine Technology, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian 350122, China
| | - Tao Jiang
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Cognitive Rehabilitation, Affiliated Rehabilitation Hospital of Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian 350001, China
| | - Rui Li
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Cognitive Rehabilitation, Affiliated Rehabilitation Hospital of Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian 350001, China
| | - Wenju Wang
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Cognitive Rehabilitation, Affiliated Rehabilitation Hospital of Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian 350001, China
| | - Yaling Dai
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Cognitive Rehabilitation, Affiliated Rehabilitation Hospital of Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian 350001, China
| | - Sinuo Wang
- Traditional Chinese Medicine Rehabilitation Research Center of State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian 350122, China
| | - Yajun Cao
- Traditional Chinese Medicine Rehabilitation Research Center of State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian 350122, China
| | - Huawei Lin
- Traditional Chinese Medicine Rehabilitation Research Center of State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian 350122, China
| | - Minguang Yang
- Traditional Chinese Medicine Rehabilitation Research Center of State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian 350122, China
| | - Weilin Liu
- The Institute of Rehabilitation Industry, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian 350122, China.
| | - Jing Tao
- The Institute of Rehabilitation Industry, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian 350122, China.
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42
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Yang G, Yan Z, Wu X, Zhang M, Xu C, Shi L, Yang H, Fang K. Ptbp1 knockdown failed to induce astrocytes to neurons in vivo. Gene Ther 2023; 30:801-806. [PMID: 36721028 DOI: 10.1038/s41434-023-00382-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2022] [Revised: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
The conversion of non-neuronal cells to neurons is a promising potential strategy for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. Recent studies have reported that shRNA-, CasRx-, or ASO-mediated Ptbp1 suppression could reprogram resident astrocytes to neurons. However, some groups have disputed the interpretation of the data underlying the reported neuron conversion events. These controversies surrounding neuron conversion may be due to differences in the astrocyte fate-mapping systems. Here, we suppressed Ptbp1 using Cas13X and labelled astrocytes with an HA tag fused to Cas13X (Cas13X-NLS-HA). We found no astrocyte-to-neuron conversion in the mouse striatum via the HA-tagged labelling system compared with the GFAP-driven tdTomato labelling system (AAV-GFAP::tdTomato-WPRE) used in previous studies. Our findings indicate that Cas13X-mediated Ptbp1 knockdown failed to induce neuron conversion in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Zixiang Yan
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, Key Laboratory of Primate Neurobiology, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Shanghai Research Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- Shenzhen Branch, Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Genome Analysis Laboratory of the Ministry of Agriculture, Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen, China
| | | | - Meng Zhang
- Huigene Therapeutics Inc., Shanghai, China
| | - Chunlong Xu
- Lingang Laboratory/Shanghai Research Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Shanghai, China
| | - Linyu Shi
- Huigene Therapeutics Inc., Shanghai, China
| | - Hui Yang
- Huigene Therapeutics Inc., Shanghai, China.
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, Key Laboratory of Primate Neurobiology, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Shanghai Research Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.
| | - Kailun Fang
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, Key Laboratory of Primate Neurobiology, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Shanghai Research Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.
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43
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Xiao B, Tan EK. Cell replacement for Parkinson's disease: advances and challenges. Neural Regen Res 2023; 18:2693-2694. [PMID: 37449626 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.373710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Bin Xiao
- Department of Neurology, National Neuroscience Institute, Singapore
| | - Eng-King Tan
- Department of Neurology, National Neuroscience Institute; Neuroscience and Behavioral Disorders Program, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore
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44
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Schaukowitch K, Janas JA, Wernig M. Insights and applications of direct neuronal reprogramming. Curr Opin Genet Dev 2023; 83:102128. [PMID: 37862835 DOI: 10.1016/j.gde.2023.102128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Revised: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/22/2023]
Abstract
Direct neuronal reprogramming converts somatic cells of a defined lineage into induced neuronal cells without going through a pluripotent intermediate. This approach not only provides access to the otherwise largely inaccessible cells of the brain for neuronal disease modeling, but also holds great promise for ultimately enabling neuronal cell replacement without the use of transplantation. To improve efficiency and specificity of direct neuronal reprogramming, much of the current efforts aim to understand the mechanisms that safeguard cell identities and how the reprogramming cells overcome the barriers resisting fate changes. Here, we review recent discoveries into the mechanisms by which the donor cell program is silenced, and new cell identities are established. We also discuss advancements that have been made toward fine-tuning the output of these reprogramming systems to generate specific types of neuronal cells. Finally, we highlight the benefit of using direct neuronal reprogramming to study age-related disorders and the potential of in vivo direct reprogramming in regenerative medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katie Schaukowitch
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Department of Chemical and Systems Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Justyna A Janas
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Department of Chemical and Systems Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Marius Wernig
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Department of Chemical and Systems Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA.
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45
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Gleichman AJ, Kawaguchi R, Sofroniew MV, Carmichael ST. A toolbox of astrocyte-specific, serotype-independent adeno-associated viral vectors using microRNA targeting sequences. Nat Commun 2023; 14:7426. [PMID: 37973910 PMCID: PMC10654773 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-42746-w] [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: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes, one of the most prevalent cell types in the central nervous system (CNS), are critically involved in neural function. Genetically manipulating astrocytes is an essential tool in understanding and affecting their roles. Adeno-associated viruses (AAVs) enable rapid genetic manipulation; however, astrocyte specificity of AAVs can be limited, with high off-target expression in neurons and sparsely in endothelial cells. Here, we report the development of a cassette of four copies of six miRNA targeting sequences (4x6T) which triggers transgene degradation specifically in neurons and endothelial cells. In combination with the GfaABC1D promoter, 4x6T increases astrocytic specificity of Cre with a viral reporter from <50% to >99% in multiple serotypes in mice, and confers astrocyte specificity in multiple recombinases and reporters. We also present empty vectors to add 4x6T to other cargo, independently and in Cre/Dre-dependent forms. This toolbox of AAVs allows rapid manipulation of astrocytes throughout the CNS, is compatible with different AAV serotypes, and demonstrates the efficacy of using multiplexed miRNA targeting sequences to decrease expression in multiple off-target cell populations simultaneously.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy J Gleichman
- Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California-Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Riki Kawaguchi
- Center for Neurobehavioral Genetics, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Michael V Sofroniew
- Department of Neurobiology, University of California-Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - S Thomas Carmichael
- Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California-Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
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46
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Le N, Vu TD, Palazzo I, Pulya R, Kim Y, Blackshaw S, Hoang T. Robust reprogramming of glia into neurons by inhibition of Notch signaling and NFI factors in adult mammalian retina. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.10.29.560483. [PMID: 37961663 PMCID: PMC10634926 DOI: 10.1101/2023.10.29.560483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
Generation of neurons through direct reprogramming has emerged as a promising therapeutic approach for neurodegenerative diseases. Despite successful applications in vitro , in vivo implementation has been hampered by low efficiency. In this study, we present a highly efficient strategy for reprogramming retinal glial cells into neurons by simultaneously inhibiting key negative regulators. By suppressing Notch signaling through the removal of its central mediator Rbpj, we induced mature Müller glial cells to reprogram into bipolar and amacrine neurons in uninjured adult mouse retinas, and observed that this effect was further enhanced by retinal injury. We found that specific loss of function of Notch1 and Notch2 receptors in Müller glia mimicked the effect of Rbpj deletion on Müller glia-derived neurogenesis. Integrated analysis of multiome (scRNA- and scATAC-seq) and CUT&Tag data revealed that Rbpj directly activates Notch effector genes and genes specific to mature Müller glia while also indirectly represses the expression of neurogenic bHLH factors. Furthermore, we found that combined loss of function of Rbpj and Nfia/b/x resulted in a robust conversion of nearly all Müller glia to neurons. Finally, we demonstrated that inducing Müller glial proliferation by AAV (adeno-associated virus)-mediated overexpression of dominant- active Yap supports efficient levels of Müller glia-derived neurogenesis in both Rbpj - and Nfia/b/x/Rbpj - deficient Müller glia. These findings demonstrate that, much like in zebrafish, Notch signaling actively represses neurogenic competence in mammalian Müller glia, and suggest that inhibition of Notch signaling and Nfia/b/x in combination with overexpression of activated Yap could serve as an effective component of regenerative therapies for degenerative retinal diseases.
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47
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Pavlou M, Reh TA. Cell-Based Therapies: Strategies for Regeneration. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Med 2023; 13:a041306. [PMID: 36878647 PMCID: PMC10626262 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a041306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/08/2023]
Abstract
The neural retina of mammals, like most of the rest of the central nervous system, does not regenerate new neurons after they are lost through damage or disease. The ability of nonmammalian vertebrates, like fish and amphibians, is remarkable, and lessons learned over the last 20 years have revealed some of the mechanisms underlying this potential. This knowledge has recently been applied to mammals to develop methods that can stimulate regeneration in mice. In this review, we highlight the progress in this area, and propose a "wish list" of how the clinical implementation of regenerative strategies could be applicable to various human retinal diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Pavlou
- Department of Biological Structure, University of Washington School of Medicine, Institute of Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Seattle, Washington 98195, USA
| | - Thomas A Reh
- Department of Biological Structure, University of Washington School of Medicine, Institute of Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Seattle, Washington 98195, USA
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48
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Chudakova DA, Samoilova EM, Chekhonin VP, Baklaushev VP. Improving Efficiency of Direct Pro-Neural Reprogramming: Much-Needed Aid for Neuroregeneration in Spinal Cord Injury. Cells 2023; 12:2499. [PMID: 37887343 PMCID: PMC10605572 DOI: 10.3390/cells12202499] [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: 09/27/2023] [Revised: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a medical condition affecting ~2.5-4 million people worldwide. The conventional therapy for SCI fails to restore the lost spinal cord functions; thus, novel therapies are needed. Recent breakthroughs in stem cell biology and cell reprogramming revolutionized the field. Of them, the use of neural progenitor cells (NPCs) directly reprogrammed from non-neuronal somatic cells without transitioning through a pluripotent state is a particularly attractive strategy. This allows to "scale up" NPCs in vitro and, via their transplantation to the lesion area, partially compensate for the limited regenerative plasticity of the adult spinal cord in humans. As recently demonstrated in non-human primates, implanted NPCs contribute to the functional improvement of the spinal cord after injury, and works in other animal models of SCI also confirm their therapeutic value. However, direct reprogramming still remains a challenge in many aspects; one of them is low efficiency, which prevents it from finding its place in clinics yet. In this review, we describe new insights that recent works brought to the field, such as novel targets (mitochondria, nucleoli, G-quadruplexes, and others), tools, and approaches (mechanotransduction and electrical stimulation) for direct pro-neural reprogramming, including potential ones yet to be tested.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daria A. Chudakova
- Federal Center for Brain and Neurotechnologies, Federal Medical and Biological Agency of Russia, 117513 Moscow, Russia
| | - Ekaterina M. Samoilova
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119991 Moscow, Russia
- Federal Research and Clinical Center of Specialised Medical Care and Medical Technologies FMBA of Russia, 115682 Moscow, Russia
| | - Vladimir P. Chekhonin
- Department of Medical Nanobiotechnology of Medical and Biological Faculty, Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, 117997 Moscow, Russia
| | - Vladimir P. Baklaushev
- Federal Center for Brain and Neurotechnologies, Federal Medical and Biological Agency of Russia, 117513 Moscow, Russia
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119991 Moscow, Russia
- Federal Research and Clinical Center of Specialised Medical Care and Medical Technologies FMBA of Russia, 115682 Moscow, Russia
- Department of Medical Nanobiotechnology of Medical and Biological Faculty, Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, 117997 Moscow, Russia
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Irie T, Matsuda T, Hayashi Y, Matsuda-Ito K, Kamiya A, Masuda T, Prinz M, Isobe N, Kira JI, Nakashima K. Direct neuronal conversion of microglia/macrophages reinstates neurological function after stroke. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2307972120. [PMID: 37812721 PMCID: PMC10589698 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2307972120] [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: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Although generating new neurons in the ischemic injured brain would be an ideal approach to replenish the lost neurons for repairing the damage, the adult mammalian brain retains only limited neurogenic capability. Here, we show that direct conversion of microglia/macrophages into neurons in the brain has great potential as a therapeutic strategy for ischemic brain injury. After transient middle cerebral artery occlusion in adult mice, microglia/macrophages converge at the lesion core of the striatum, where neuronal loss is prominent. Targeted expression of a neurogenic transcription factor, NeuroD1, in microglia/macrophages in the injured striatum enables their conversion into induced neuronal cells that functionally integrate into the existing neuronal circuits. Furthermore, NeuroD1-mediated induced neuronal cell generation significantly improves neurological function in the mouse stroke model, and ablation of these cells abolishes the gained functional recovery. Our findings thus demonstrate that neuronal conversion contributes directly to functional recovery after stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takashi Irie
- Department of Stem Cell Biology and Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, 812-8582Fukuoka, Japan
- Department of Neurology, Neurological Institute, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, 812-8582Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Taito Matsuda
- Department of Stem Cell Biology and Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, 812-8582Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Yoshinori Hayashi
- Department of Physiology, Nihon University School of Dentistry, 101-8310Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kanae Matsuda-Ito
- Department of Stem Cell Biology and Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, 812-8582Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Akihide Kamiya
- Department of Molecular Life Sciences, Tokai University School of Medicine, 259-1193Isehara, Japan
- Center for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Institute of Medical Science, University of Tokyo, 108-8639Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takahiro Masuda
- Division of Molecular Neuroinflammation, Medical Research Center for High Depth Omics, Medical Institute of Bioregulation, Kyushu University, 812-8582Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Marco Prinz
- Institute of Neuropathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, D-79106Freiburg, Germany
- Signalling Research Centres Centre for Biological Signalling Studies and Centre for Integrative Biological Signalling Studies, University of Freiburg, D-79106Freiburg, Germany
| | - Noriko Isobe
- Department of Neurology, Neurological Institute, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, 812-8582Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Jun-ichi Kira
- Department of Neurology, Neurological Institute, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, 812-8582Fukuoka, Japan
- Translational Neuroscience Center, Graduate School of Medicine, and School of Pharmacy at Fukuoka, International University of Health and Welfare, 831-8501Okawa, Japan
- Department of Neurology, Brain and Nerve Center, Fukuoka Central Hospital, International University of Health and Welfare, 810-0022Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Kinichi Nakashima
- Department of Stem Cell Biology and Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, 812-8582Fukuoka, Japan
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50
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Liu HL, Lu XM, Wang HY, Hu KB, Wu QY, Liao P, Li S, Long ZY, Wang YT. The role of RNA splicing factor PTBP1 in neuronal development. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA. MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH 2023; 1870:119506. [PMID: 37263298 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2023.119506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Revised: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Alternative pre-mRNA splicing, which produces various mRNA isoforms with distinct structures and functions from a single gene, is regulated by specific RNA-binding proteins and is an essential method for regulating gene expression in mammals. Recent studies have shown that abnormal change during neuronal development triggered by splicing mis-regulation is an important feature of various neurological diseases. Polypyrimidine tract binding protein 1 (PTBP1) is a kind of RNA-binding proteins with extensive biological functions. As a well-known splicing regulator, it affects the neuronal development process through its involvement in axon formation, synaptogenesis, and neuronal apoptosis, according to the most recent studies. Here, we summarized the mechanism of alternative splicing, structure and function of PTBP1, and the latest research progress on the role of alternative splicing events regulated by PTBP1 in axon formation, synaptogenesis and neuronal apoptosis, to reveal the mechanism of PTBP1-regulated changes in neuronal development process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui-Lin Liu
- College of Pharmacy and Bioengineering, Chongqing University of Technology, Chongqing 400054, PR China; State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing 400042, PR China
| | - Xiu-Min Lu
- College of Pharmacy and Bioengineering, Chongqing University of Technology, Chongqing 400054, PR China
| | - Hai-Yan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing 400042, PR China
| | - Kai-Bin Hu
- College of Pharmacy and Bioengineering, Chongqing University of Technology, Chongqing 400054, PR China
| | - Qing-Yun Wu
- College of Pharmacy and Bioengineering, Chongqing University of Technology, Chongqing 400054, PR China
| | - Ping Liao
- College of Pharmacy and Bioengineering, Chongqing University of Technology, Chongqing 400054, PR China
| | - Sen Li
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing 400042, PR China
| | - Zai-Yun Long
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing 400042, PR China
| | - Yong-Tang Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing 400042, PR China.
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