1
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The impact of amino acid metabolism on adult neurogenesis. Biochem Soc Trans 2023; 51:233-244. [PMID: 36606681 DOI: 10.1042/bst20220762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2022] [Revised: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Adult neurogenesis is a multistage process during which newborn neurons are generated through the activation and proliferation of neural stem cells (NSCs) and integrated into existing neural networks. Impaired adult neurogenesis has been observed in various neurological and psychiatric disorders, suggesting its critical role in cognitive function, brain homeostasis, and neural repair. Over the past decades, mounting evidence has identified a strong association between metabolic status and adult neurogenesis. Here, we aim to summarize how amino acids and their neuroactive metabolites affect adult neurogenesis. Furthermore, we discuss the causal link between amino acid metabolism, adult neurogenesis, and neurological diseases. Finally, we propose that systematic elucidation of how amino acid metabolism regulates adult neurogenesis has profound implications not only for understanding the biological underpinnings of brain development and neurological diseases, but also for providing potential therapeutic strategies to intervene in disease progression.
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2
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Welch C, Mulligan K. Does Bisphenol A Confer Risk of Neurodevelopmental Disorders? What We Have Learned from Developmental Neurotoxicity Studies in Animal Models. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:2894. [PMID: 35270035 PMCID: PMC8910940 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23052894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2022] [Revised: 03/02/2022] [Accepted: 03/05/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Substantial evidence indicates that bisphenol A (BPA), a ubiquitous environmental chemical used in the synthesis of polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins, can impair brain development. Clinical and epidemiological studies exploring potential connections between BPA and neurodevelopmental disorders in humans have repeatedly identified correlations between early BPA exposure and developmental disorders, such as attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder and autism spectrum disorder. Investigations using invertebrate and vertebrate animal models have revealed that developmental exposure to BPA can impair multiple aspects of neuronal development, including neural stem cell proliferation and differentiation, synapse formation, and synaptic plasticity-neuronal phenotypes that are thought to underpin the fundamental changes in behavior-associated neurodevelopmental disorders. Consistent with neuronal phenotypes caused by BPA, behavioral analyses of BPA-treated animals have shown significant impacts on behavioral endophenotypes related to neurodevelopmental disorders, including altered locomotor activity, learning and memory deficits, and anxiety-like behavior. To contextualize the correlations between BPA and neurodevelopmental disorders in humans, this review summarizes the current literature on the developmental neurotoxicity of BPA in laboratory animals with an emphasis on neuronal phenotypes, molecular mechanisms, and behavioral outcomes. The collective works described here predominantly support the notion that gestational exposure to BPA should be regarded as a risk factor for neurodevelopmental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chloe Welch
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA;
| | - Kimberly Mulligan
- Department of Biological Sciences, California State University, Sacramento, 6000 J Street, Sacramento, CA 95819, USA
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3
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Zhang Z, Wang L, Liu Y, Luan Y, Zhu K, Tian Y, Liu Y, Zheng X. Activation of type 4 metabotropic glutamate receptor attenuates oxygen and glucose deprivation-induced apoptosis in human neural stem cells via inhibition of ASK1-p38 signaling pathway. Brain Res 2021; 1767:147561. [PMID: 34133989 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2021.147561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2021] [Revised: 05/19/2021] [Accepted: 06/11/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Hypoxic ischemic brain injury (HIBI) has been one of the most severe central nervous system (CNS) diseases with high fatality and disability rate. Neural stem cells (NSCs) persist in the mammalian brain throughout life and NSCs-associated therapies might be a promising strategy for the HIBI treatment. In this study, we identified that type 4 metabotropic glutamate receptor (mGluR4) was expressed in cultured human NSCs (hNSCs) isolated from the human fetus cortex and further established the oxygen and glucose deprivation (OGD) model in hNSCs to study the role of mGluR4 in hypoxic and ischemic injury. The results indicated that mGluR4 activation by using VU0155041 (mGluR4-specific agonist) markedly attenuated the OGD-induced alterations in TUNEL staining, apoptosis rate, cleavages of pro-caspase-8, -9, -3, and Bcl-2/Bax expression balance. Furthermore, mGluR4 activation inhibited the ASK1/p38 signaling pathway. Asiatic acid, as a p38 MAPK activator, is capable of abolishing the neuroprotective effect of mGluR4, while both NQDI-1 (ASK-1 inhibitor) and SB203580 (p38 MAPK inhibitor) exerted similar effects to VU0155041 in the OGD-induced hNSC damage. In conclusion, this study indicates that mGluR4 activation protects hNSCs against the OGD-induced cell death via inhibiting the ASK1-p38 pathway. Activation of mGluR4 might be a promising strategy for enhancing NSCs survival in hypoxic and ischemic injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhe Zhang
- Department of Stomatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, China; Institute of Neurobiology, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, China
| | - Li Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710077, China
| | - Yingfei Liu
- Institute of Neurobiology, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, China
| | - Yan Luan
- Institute of Neurobiology, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, China
| | - Kun Zhu
- Department of Neurology, Shaanxi Provincial People's Hospital, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, China
| | - Yumei Tian
- Department of Rehabilitation, Xi'an Mental Health Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, China
| | - Yong Liu
- Institute of Neurobiology, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, China.
| | - Xiaoyan Zheng
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, China.
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4
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Zhao G, Zhou W, Liu Y, Wang Y, Li Z, Song Z. Critical role of metabotropic glutamate receptor 4 in bone marrow-derived dendritic cells in the Th17 cell differentiation and the melanogenesis of B16 cells. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020; 53:e9282. [PMID: 32267311 PMCID: PMC7162588 DOI: 10.1590/1414-431x20209282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2019] [Accepted: 01/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Vitiligo is an acquired pigmentary disorder resulting from selective destruction of melanocytes. Emerging studies have suggested that T helper cell 17 (Th17) is potentially implicated in vitiligo development and progression. It was recently discovered that metabotropic glutamate receptor 4 (mGluR4) can modulate Th17-mediated adaptive immunity. However, the influence of mGluR4 on melanogenesis of melanocytes has yet to be elucidated. In the present study, we primarily cultured mouse bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (BMDC) and then knocked down and over-expressed mGluR4 using transfection. Transduced BMDC were co-cultured with CD4+ T cells and the expression of Th17-related cytokines were measured. The morphology and melanogenesis of B16 cells were observed after being treated with co-culture medium of CD4+ T cells and transduced BMDC. We found that mGluR4 knockdown did not affect the co-stimulatory CD80 and CD86 upregulation after lipopolysaccharide stimulation but did increase the expression of Th17-related cytokines, and further down-regulated the expression of microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF) and the downstream genes, decreased melanin production, and destroyed the morphology of B16 cells. Conversely, over-expression of mGluR4 reduced the expression of CD80 and CD86, suppressed the production of Th17-related cytokines, increased the expression of MITF, and did not destroy the morphology of B16 cells. Our study confirmed that mGluR4 modulated the Th17 cell polarization and resulted in the alteration of melanogenesis and morphology of B16 cells. Collectively, these findings suggest mGluR4 might be a potent target involved in the immune pathogenesis of vitiligo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guangming Zhao
- Department of Dermatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Wenhui Zhou
- Department of Dermatology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Ying Liu
- Department of Dermatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Yupeng Wang
- Department of Dermatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Zhou Li
- Department of Dermatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Zhiqi Song
- Department of Dermatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
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5
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Zhang Z, Zheng X, Liu Y, Luan Y, Wang L, Zhao L, Zhang J, Tian Y, Lu H, Chen X, Liu Y. Activation of metabotropic glutamate receptor 4 regulates proliferation and neural differentiation in neural stem/progenitor cells of the rat subventricular zone and increases phosphatase and tensin homolog protein expression. J Neurochem 2020; 156:465-480. [PMID: 32052426 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.14984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2019] [Revised: 02/07/2020] [Accepted: 02/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Neural stem/progenitor cells (NSPCs) persist in the mammalian subventricular zone throughout life, where they can be activated in response to physiological and pathophysiological stimuli. A recent study indicates metabotropic glutamate receptor 4 (mGluR4) is involved in regulating NSPCs behaviors. Therefore, defining mGluR4 function in NSPCs is necessary for determining novel strategies to enhance the intrinsic potential for brain regeneration after injuries. In this study, mGluR4 was functionally expressed in SVZ-derived NSPCs from male Sprague-Dawley rats, in which the cyclic adenosine monophosphate concentration was reduced after treatment with the mGluR4-specific agonist VU0155041. Additionally, lateral ventricle injection of VU0155041 significantly decreased 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine (BrdU)+ and Ki67+ cells, while increased Doublecortin (DCX)/BrdU double-positive cells in SVZ. In cultured NSPCs, mGluR4 activation decreased the ratio of BrdU+ cells, G2/M-phase cells, and inhibited Cyclin D1 expression, whereas it increased neuron-specific class III β-tubulin (Tuj1) expression and the number of Tuj1, DCX, and PSA-NCAM-positive cells. However, pharmacological blocking mGluR4 with the antagonist MSOP or knockdown of mGluR4 abolished the effects of VU0155041 on NSPCs proliferation and neuronal differentiation. Further investigation demonstrated that VU0155041 treatment down-regulated AKT phosphorylation and up-regulated expression of the phosphatase and tensin homolog protein (PTEN) in NSPCs culture. Moreover VU0155041-induced proliferating inhibition and neuronal differentiating amplification in NSPCs were significantly hampered by VO-OHpic, a PTEN inhibitor. We conclude that activation of mGluR4 in SVZ-derived NSPCs suppresses proliferation and enhances their neuronal differentiation, and regulation of PTEN may be involved as a potential intracellular target of mGluR4 signal. Cover Image for this issue: https://doi.org/10.1111/jnc.15052.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhichao Zhang
- Institute of Neurobiology, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Xiaoyan Zheng
- Department of Hematology, First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yingfei Liu
- Institute of Neurobiology, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yan Luan
- Institute of Neurobiology, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Li Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Medical College, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Lingyu Zhao
- Institute of Neurobiology, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Jianshui Zhang
- Institute of Neurobiology, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yumei Tian
- Institute of Neurobiology, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Haixia Lu
- Institute of Neurobiology, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Xinlin Chen
- Institute of Neurobiology, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yong Liu
- Institute of Neurobiology, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
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6
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Xiang Y, Han H, Ji S, Wei L, Yang P, Zhang J. The developmental expression of metabotropic glutamate receptor 4 in prenatal human frontal lobe and neurogenesis regions. Brain Dev 2019; 41:567-576. [PMID: 30954358 DOI: 10.1016/j.braindev.2019.03.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2018] [Revised: 02/22/2019] [Accepted: 03/25/2019] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUNDS Metabotropic glutamate receptors, besides ionotropic receptors, mediate the complicated effect of glutamate on neurogenesis. Previous studies showed that metabotropic glutamate receptor 4 (mGluR4) regulated the proliferation and differentiation of neural stem/progenitor cells in vitro. However, little is known about the expression pattern of mGluR4 on prenatal central nervous system in vivo, especially the human being. METHODS The normal brain tissues of human fetus were collected and divided into 4 groups according to the gestational age: 9-11 W, 14-16 W, 22-24 W and 32-36 W. Then the expression of mGluR4 was evaluated at mRNA and protein levels by means of PCR or immunohistochemistry method, respectively. The type of cell expressing mGluR4 was further investigated using double-labeling immunofluorescence. RESULTS RT-PCR showed that the mRNA of mGluR4 could be detected in frontal lobe from 9 W to 32 W and real-time PCR quantificationally demonstrated the mRNA increased with development. Similarly, immnoreactivity was found in all layers of frontal lobe, VZ/SVZ. The intensity scores analysis showed that the staining became stronger and the range extended gradually with development. The double-labeling immunofluorescence showed that mGluR4 was present in neural stem/progenitor cells (nestin-positive cells after 9 W), young neurons (DCX-positive cells after 9 W), mature neurons (NeuN-positive cells in cortex after 32 W), as well as typical astrocytes (GFAP-positive cells in medulla after 32 W). CONCLUSION These results supply an important evidence that mGluR4 is expressed in prenatal human cerebrum, and main kinds of cells related to neurogenesis are involved in its expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Xiang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Xi'an Huashan Central Hospital, China
| | - Hua Han
- Department of Human Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, China
| | - Shengfeng Ji
- Department of Human Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, China
| | - Liang Wei
- Department of Human Anatomy & Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Brain Disorders, Xi'an Medical University, China
| | - Pengbo Yang
- Department of Human Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, China.
| | - Junfeng Zhang
- Department of Human Anatomy & Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Brain Disorders, Xi'an Medical University, China.
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7
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Bedoya M, Rinné S, Kiper AK, Decher N, González W, Ramírez D. TASK Channels Pharmacology: New Challenges in Drug Design. J Med Chem 2019; 62:10044-10058. [PMID: 31260312 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.9b00248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Rational drug design targeting ion channels is an exciting and always evolving research field. New medicinal chemistry strategies are being implemented to explore the wild chemical space and unravel the molecular basis of the ion channels modulators binding mechanisms. TASK channels belong to the two-pore domain potassium channel family and are modulated by extracellular acidosis. They are extensively distributed along the cardiovascular and central nervous systems, and their expression is up- and downregulated in different cancer types, which makes them an attractive therapeutic target. However, TASK channels remain unexplored, and drugs designed to target these channels are poorly selective. Here, we review TASK channels properties and their known blockers and activators, considering the new challenges in ion channels drug design and focusing on the implementation of computational methodologies in the drug discovery process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mauricio Bedoya
- Centro de Bioinformática y Simulación Molecular (CBSM) , Universidad de Talca , 1 Poniente No. 1141 , 3460000 Talca , Chile
| | - Susanne Rinné
- Institute for Physiology and Pathophysiology, Vegetative Physiology and Marburg Center for Mind, Brain and Behavior, MCMBB , Philipps-University of Marburg , Deutschhausstraße 2 , Marburg 35037 , Germany
| | - Aytug K Kiper
- Institute for Physiology and Pathophysiology, Vegetative Physiology and Marburg Center for Mind, Brain and Behavior, MCMBB , Philipps-University of Marburg , Deutschhausstraße 2 , Marburg 35037 , Germany
| | - Niels Decher
- Institute for Physiology and Pathophysiology, Vegetative Physiology and Marburg Center for Mind, Brain and Behavior, MCMBB , Philipps-University of Marburg , Deutschhausstraße 2 , Marburg 35037 , Germany
| | - Wendy González
- Centro de Bioinformática y Simulación Molecular (CBSM) , Universidad de Talca , 1 Poniente No. 1141 , 3460000 Talca , Chile.,Millennium Nucleus of Ion Channels-Associated Diseases (MiNICAD) , Universidad de Talca , 1 Poniente No. 1141 , 3460000 Talca , Chile
| | - David Ramírez
- Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud , Universidad Autónoma de Chile , El Llano Subercaseaux 2801, Piso 6 , 8900000 Santiago , Chile
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8
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Fernandes J, Chandler JD, Liu KH, Uppal K, Hao L, Hu X, Go YM, Jones DP. Metabolomic Responses to Manganese Dose in SH-SY5Y Human Neuroblastoma Cells. Toxicol Sci 2019; 169:84-94. [PMID: 30715528 PMCID: PMC6484887 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfz028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Manganese (Mn)-associated neurotoxicity has been well recognized. However, Mn is also an essential nutrient to maintain physiological function. Our previous study of human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells showed that Mn treatment comparable to physiological and toxicological concentrations in human brain resulted in different mitochondrial responses, yet cellular metabolic responses associated with such different outcomes remain uncharacterized. Herein, SH-SY5Y cells were examined for metabolic responses discriminated by physiological and toxicological levels of Mn using high-resolution metabolomics (HRM). Before performing HRM, we examined Mn dose (from 0 to100 μM) and time effects on cell death. Although we did not observe any immediate cell death after 5 h exposure to any of the Mn concentrations assessed (0-100 μM), cell loss was present after a 24-h recovery period in cultures treated with Mn ≥ 50 μM. Exposure to Mn for 5 h resulted in a wide range of changes in cellular metabolism including amino acids (AA), neurotransmitters, energy, and fatty acids metabolism. Adaptive responses at 10 μM showed increases in neuroprotective AA metabolites (creatine, phosphocreatine, phosphoserine). A 5-h exposure to 100 µM Mn, a time before any cell death occurred, resulted in decreases in energy and fatty acid metabolites (hexose-1,6 bisphosphate, acyl carnitines). The results show that adjustments in AA metabolism occur in response to Mn that does not cause cell death while disruption in energy and fatty acid metabolism occur in response to Mn that results in subsequent cell death. The present study establishes utility for metabolomics analyses to discriminate adaptive and toxic molecular responses in a human in vitro cellular model that could be exploited in evaluation of Mn toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jolyn Fernandes
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Joshua D Chandler
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Ken H Liu
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Karan Uppal
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Li Hao
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Xin Hu
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Young-Mi Go
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Dean P Jones
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
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9
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Abstract
Birth defects are a common occurrence in the United States and worldwide. Currently, evaluation of potential developmental toxicants (i.e., teratogens) relies heavily on animal-based models which do not always adequately mimic human development. In order to address this, researchers are developing in vitro human-based models which utilize human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) to assess the teratogenic potential of chemical substances. The field of human developmental toxicity assays includes a variety of platforms including monolayer, micropattern, embryoid body, and 3D organoid cultures. In this review, we will overview the field of human teratogenic assays, detail the most recent advances, and discuss current limitations and future perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn E Worley
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Biotech 2147, 110 8th Street, Troy, NY 12180, USA.
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10
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Current Screening Methodologies in Drug Discovery for Selected Human Diseases. Mar Drugs 2018; 16:md16080279. [PMID: 30110923 PMCID: PMC6117650 DOI: 10.3390/md16080279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2018] [Accepted: 08/11/2018] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
The increase of many deadly diseases like infections by multidrug-resistant bacteria implies re-inventing the wheel on drug discovery. A better comprehension of the metabolisms and regulation of diseases, the increase in knowledge based on the study of disease-born microorganisms’ genomes, the development of more representative disease models and improvement of techniques, technologies, and computation applied to biology are advances that will foster drug discovery in upcoming years. In this paper, several aspects of current methodologies for drug discovery of antibacterial and antifungals, anti-tropical diseases, antibiofilm and antiquorum sensing, anticancer and neuroprotectors are considered. For drug discovery, two different complementary approaches can be applied: classical pharmacology, also known as phenotypic drug discovery, which is the historical basis of drug discovery, and reverse pharmacology, also designated target-based drug discovery. Screening methods based on phenotypic drug discovery have been used to discover new natural products mainly from terrestrial origin. Examples of the discovery of marine natural products are provided. A section on future trends provides a comprehensive overview on recent advances that will foster the pharmaceutical industry.
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11
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Zhang Z, Zheng X, Luan Y, Liu Y, Li X, Liu C, Lu H, Chen X, Liu Y. Activity of Metabotropic Glutamate Receptor 4 Suppresses Proliferation and Promotes Apoptosis With Inhibition of Gli-1 in Human Glioblastoma Cells. Front Neurosci 2018; 12:320. [PMID: 29867331 PMCID: PMC5962807 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2018.00320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2017] [Accepted: 04/24/2018] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most lethal glioma variant in the adult brain and among the deadliest of human cancers. Increasing evidence has shown that metabotropic glutamate receptor subtype 4 (mGluR4) expression may play roles in regulating the growth of neural stem cells as well as several cancer cell lines. Here, we investigated the effects of mGluR4 on the growth and apoptosis of the LN229 GBM cell line. Involvement of Gli-1, one of the key transcription factors in the sonic Hedgehog (SHH) signaling pathway, was further explored. In this study, mGluR4 was activated using selective agonist VU0155041; and gene-targeted siRNAs were used to generate loss of function of mGluR4 and Gli-1 in LN229 cells. The results demonstrated that LN229 cells expressed mGluR4 and the agonist VU0155041 decreased cell viability in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Activation of mGluR4 inhibited cyclin D1 expression, activated pro-caspase-8/9/3, and disrupted the balance of Bcl-2/Bax expression, which indicated cell cycle arrest and apoptosis of LN229 cells, respectively. Furthermore, Gli-1 expression was reduced by mGluR4 activation in LN229 cells, and downregulation of Gli-1 expression by gene-targeted siRNA resulted in both inhibition of cell proliferation and promotion of apoptosis. Moreover, VU0155041 treatment substantially blocked SHH-induced cyclin D1 expression and cell proliferation, while increasing TUNEL-positive cells and the activation of apoptosis-related proteins. We concluded that activation of mGluR4 expressed in LN229 cells could inhibit GBM cell growth by decreasing cell proliferation and promoting apoptosis. Further suppression of intracellular Gli-1 expression might be involved in the action of mGluR4 on cancer cells. Our study suggested a novel role of mGluR4, which might serve as a potential drug target for control of GBM cell growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhichao Zhang
- Institute of Neurobiology, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, China.,Department of Human Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, China
| | - Xiaoyan Zheng
- Institute of Neurobiology, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, China
| | - Yan Luan
- Institute of Neurobiology, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, China
| | - Yingfei Liu
- Institute of Neurobiology, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, China
| | - Xingxing Li
- Institute of Neurobiology, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, China
| | - Chongxiao Liu
- Institute of Neurobiology, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, China.,Department of Neurosurgery, Second Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Haixia Lu
- Institute of Neurobiology, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, China
| | - Xinlin Chen
- Institute of Neurobiology, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, China.,Department of Human Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, China
| | - Yong Liu
- Institute of Neurobiology, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, China
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12
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Sheridan JM, Keown A, Policheni A, Roesley SN, Rivlin N, Kadouri N, Ritchie ME, Jain R, Abramson J, Heng TS, Gray DH. Thymospheres Are Formed by Mesenchymal Cells with the Potential to Generate Adipocytes, but Not Epithelial Cells. Cell Rep 2017; 21:934-942. [DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2017.09.090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2017] [Revised: 06/28/2017] [Accepted: 09/26/2017] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
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13
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Zhao G, Liu Y, Yi X, Wang Y, Qiao S, Li Z, Ni J, Song Z. Curcumin inhibiting Th17 cell differentiation by regulating the metabotropic glutamate receptor-4 expression on dendritic cells. Int Immunopharmacol 2017; 46:80-86. [DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2017.02.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2016] [Revised: 02/14/2017] [Accepted: 02/15/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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14
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Lee HR, Farhanullah, Lee J, Jajoo R, Kong SY, Shin JY, Kim JO, Lee J, Lee J, Kim HJ. Discovery of a Small Molecule that Enhances Astrocytogenesis by Activation of STAT3, SMAD1/5/8, and ERK1/2 via Induction of Cytokines in Neural Stem Cells. ACS Chem Neurosci 2016; 7:90-9. [PMID: 26505647 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.5b00243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Identification of small molecules that direct neural stem cells (NSCs) into specific cell types would be helpful to understand the molecular mechanisms involved in regulation of NSC fate, and facilitate the development of therapeutic applications. In the current study, we developed and screened small molecules that can modulate the fate of NSCs that are derived from rat fetal cortex. Among these compounds, compounds 5 and 6 successfully differentiated NSCs into astrocytes and neurons, respectively. Compound 5 induced astrocytogenesis by increasing expression of interleukin-6, bone morphogenetic protein 2 and leukemia inhibitory factor and through consequent phosphorylation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 and Sma- and Mad-related protein 1/5/8 in NSCs. In addition, compound 5 increased the expression of fibroblast growth factor (FGF) 2 and FGF8 which may regulate the branching and morphology of astrocytes. Taken together, our results suggest that these small molecules can serve as a useful tool to study cell fate determination in NSCs and be used as an inexpensive alternative to cytokines to study mechanisms of astrocytogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ha-Rim Lee
- College
of Pharmacy, Chung-Ang University, Seoul 156-756, Korea
| | - Farhanullah
- GVK Bioscience Pvt
Ltd, Hyderabad-500076, India
| | - JiSoo Lee
- College
of Pharmacy, Chung-Ang University, Seoul 156-756, Korea
| | - Rahul Jajoo
- GVK Bioscience Pvt
Ltd, Hyderabad-500076, India
| | - Sun-Young Kong
- College
of Pharmacy, Chung-Ang University, Seoul 156-756, Korea
| | - Jae-Yeon Shin
- College
of Pharmacy, Chung-Ang University, Seoul 156-756, Korea
| | - Jae-Ouk Kim
- Laboratory
Science Division, International Vaccine Institute, Seoul 151-919, Korea
| | - Jiyoun Lee
- Department
of Global Medical Science, Sungshin University, Seoul 142-732, Korea
| | - Jeewoo Lee
- College
of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, Seoul 151-742, Korea
| | - Hyun-Jung Kim
- College
of Pharmacy, Chung-Ang University, Seoul 156-756, Korea
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15
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Rhim JH, Luo X, Xu X, Gao D, Zhou T, Li F, Qin L, Wang P, Xia X, Wong STC. A High-content screen identifies compounds promoting the neuronal differentiation and the midbrain dopamine neuron specification of human neural progenitor cells. Sci Rep 2015; 5:16237. [PMID: 26542303 PMCID: PMC4635364 DOI: 10.1038/srep16237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2015] [Accepted: 10/14/2015] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Small molecule compounds promoting the neuronal differentiation of stem/progenitor cells are of pivotal importance to regenerative medicine. We carried out a high-content screen to systematically characterize known bioactive compounds, on their effects on the neuronal differentiation and the midbrain dopamine (mDA) neuron specification of neural progenitor cells (NPCs) derived from the ventral mesencephalon of human fetal brain. Among the promoting compounds three major pharmacological classes were identified including the statins, TGF-βRI inhibitors, and GSK-3 inhibitors. The function of each class was also shown to be distinct, either to promote both the neuronal differentiation and mDA neuron specification, or selectively the latter, or promote the former but suppress the latter. We then carried out initial investigation on the possible mechanisms underlying, and demonstrated their applications on NPCs derived from human pluripotent stem cells (PSCs). Our study revealed the potential of several small molecule compounds for use in the directed differentiation of human NPCs. The screening result also provided insight into the signaling network regulating the differentiation of human NPCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji Heon Rhim
- Chao Center for BRAIN, Department of Systems Medicine and Bioengineering, Houston Methodist Research Institute, 6670 Bertner Avenue, Houston, TX 77030
| | - Xiangjian Luo
- Chao Center for BRAIN, Department of Systems Medicine and Bioengineering, Houston Methodist Research Institute, 6670 Bertner Avenue, Houston, TX 77030
| | - Xiaoyun Xu
- Chao Center for BRAIN, Department of Systems Medicine and Bioengineering, Houston Methodist Research Institute, 6670 Bertner Avenue, Houston, TX 77030
| | - Dongbing Gao
- Chao Center for BRAIN, Department of Systems Medicine and Bioengineering, Houston Methodist Research Institute, 6670 Bertner Avenue, Houston, TX 77030
| | - Tieling Zhou
- Chao Center for BRAIN, Department of Systems Medicine and Bioengineering, Houston Methodist Research Institute, 6670 Bertner Avenue, Houston, TX 77030
| | - Fuhai Li
- Chao Center for BRAIN, Department of Systems Medicine and Bioengineering, Houston Methodist Research Institute, 6670 Bertner Avenue, Houston, TX 77030.,Weill Cornell Medical College, Cornell University, New York, NY 10065
| | - Lidong Qin
- Department of Nanomedicine, Houston Methodist Research Institute, 6670 Bertner Avenue, Houston, TX 77030.,Weill Cornell Medical College, Cornell University, New York, NY 10065
| | - Ping Wang
- Department of Pathology and Genomic Medicine, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX 77030.,Weill Cornell Medical College, Cornell University, New York, NY 10065
| | - Xiaofeng Xia
- Chao Center for BRAIN, Department of Systems Medicine and Bioengineering, Houston Methodist Research Institute, 6670 Bertner Avenue, Houston, TX 77030.,Weill Cornell Medical College, Cornell University, New York, NY 10065
| | - Stephen T C Wong
- Chao Center for BRAIN, Department of Systems Medicine and Bioengineering, Houston Methodist Research Institute, 6670 Bertner Avenue, Houston, TX 77030.,Weill Cornell Medical College, Cornell University, New York, NY 10065
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16
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Zhang Z, Ma W, Wang L, Gong H, Tian Y, Zhang J, Liu J, Lu H, Chen X, Liu Y. Activation of Type 4 Metabotropic Glutamate Receptor Attenuates Oxidative Stress-Induced Death of Neural Stem Cells with Inhibition of JNK and p38 MAPK Signaling. Stem Cells Dev 2015; 24:2709-22. [PMID: 26176363 DOI: 10.1089/scd.2015.0067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Promoting both endogenous and exogenous neural stem cells' (NSCs) survival in the hostile host environments is essential to cell replacement therapy for central nervous system (CNS) disorders. Type 4 metabotropic glutamate receptor (mGluR4), one of the members of mGluRs, has been shown to protect neurons from acute and chronic excitotoxic insults in various brain damages. The present study investigated the preventive effects of mGluR4 on NSC injury induced by oxidative stress. Under challenge with H2O2, loss of cell viability was observed in cultured rat NSCs, and treatment with selective mGluR4 agonist VU0155041 conferred protective effects against the loss of cellular viability in a concentration-dependent manner, as shown by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Pretreatment of VU0155041 (30 μM) also inhibited the excessive NSC death induced by H2O2, and group III mGluRs antagonist (RS)-a-methylserine-O-phosphate (MSOP) or gene-targeted knockdown abolished the protective action of mGluR4, indicated by propidium iodide-Hoechst and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated UTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) staining. Western blot assay demonstrated that mGluR4 activation reversed the decreased procaspase-8/9/3and the destructed Bcl-2/Bax expressing balance, and likewise, MSOP and mGluR4 knockdown abrogated the action of mGluR4 activity. Furthermore, inhibition of JNK and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) were observed after mGluR4 activation, and as paralleling control, JNK-specific inhibitor SP600125 and p38-specific inhibitor SB203580 significantly rescued the H2O2-mediated NSC apoptosis and cleavage of procaspase-3. We suggest that activation of mGluR4 prevents oxidative stress-induced NSC death and apoptotic-associated protein activities with involvement of inhibiting the JNK and p38 pathways in cell culture. Our findings may help to develop strategies for enhancing the resided and transplanted NSC survival after oxidative stress insult of CNS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhichao Zhang
- 1 Institute of Neurobiology, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center , Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Wen Ma
- 1 Institute of Neurobiology, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center , Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Li Wang
- 2 Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Medical College , Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Hanshi Gong
- 1 Institute of Neurobiology, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center , Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yumei Tian
- 3 Xi'an Mental Health Center , Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Jianshui Zhang
- 1 Institute of Neurobiology, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center , Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Jianxin Liu
- 1 Institute of Neurobiology, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center , Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Haixia Lu
- 1 Institute of Neurobiology, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center , Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Xinlin Chen
- 1 Institute of Neurobiology, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center , Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yong Liu
- 1 Institute of Neurobiology, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center , Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
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17
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Oleanolic Acid Induces Differentiation of Neural Stem Cells to Neurons: An Involvement of Transcription Factor Nkx-2.5. Stem Cells Int 2015; 2015:672312. [PMID: 26240574 PMCID: PMC4512619 DOI: 10.1155/2015/672312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2014] [Accepted: 01/16/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Neural stem cells (NSCs) harbor the potential to differentiate into neurons, astrocytes, and oligodendrocytes under normal conditions and/or in response to tissue damage. NSCs open a new way of treatment of the injured central nervous system and neurodegenerative disorders. Thus far, few drugs have been developed for controlling NSC functions. Here, the effect as well as mechanism of oleanolic acid (OA), a pentacyclic triterpenoid, on NSC function was investigated. We found OA significantly inhibited neurosphere formation in a dose-dependent manner and achieved a maximum effect at 10 nM. OA also reduced 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU) incorporation into NSCs, which was indicative of inhibited NSC proliferation. Western blotting analysis revealed the protein levels of neuron-specific marker tubulin-βIII (TuJ1) and Mash1 were increased whilst the astrocyte-specific marker glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) decreased. Immunofluorescence analysis showed OA significantly elevated the percentage of TuJ1-positive cells and reduced GFAP-positive cells. Using DNA microarray analysis, 183 genes were differentially regulated by OA. Through transcription factor binding site analyses of the upstream regulatory sequences of these genes, 87 genes were predicted to share a common motif for Nkx-2.5 binding. Finally, small interfering RNA (siRNA) methodology was used to silence Nkx-2.5 expression and found silence of Nkx-2.5 alone did not change the expression of TuJ-1 and the percentage of TuJ-1-positive cells. But in combination of OA treatment and silence of Nkx-2.5, most effects of OA on NSCs were abolished. These results indicated that OA is an effective inducer for NSCs differentiation into neurons at least partially by Nkx-2.5-dependent mechanism.
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18
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Kuwanon V inhibits proliferation, promotes cell survival and increases neurogenesis of neural stem cells. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0118188. [PMID: 25706719 PMCID: PMC4338147 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0118188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2014] [Accepted: 01/05/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Neural stem cells (NSCs) have the ability to proliferate and differentiate into neurons and glia. Regulation of NSC fate by small molecules is important for the generation of a certain type of cell. The identification of small molecules that can induce new neurons from NSCs could facilitate regenerative medicine and drug development for neurodegenerative diseases. In this study, we screened natural compounds to identify molecules that are effective on NSC cell fate determination. We found that Kuwanon V (KWV), which was isolated from the mulberry tree (Morus bombycis) root, increased neurogenesis in rat NSCs. In addition, during NSC differentiation, KWV increased cell survival and inhibited cell proliferation as shown by 5-bromo-2-deoxyuridine pulse experiments, Ki67 immunostaining and neurosphere forming assays. Interestingly, KWV enhanced neuronal differentiation and decreased NSC proliferation even in the presence of mitogens such as epidermal growth factor and fibroblast growth factor 2. KWV treatment of NSCs reduced the phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2, increased mRNA expression levels of the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p21, down-regulated Notch/Hairy expression levels and up-regulated microRNA miR-9, miR-29a and miR-181a. Taken together, our data suggest that KWV modulates NSC fate to induce neurogenesis, and it may be considered as a new drug candidate that can regenerate or protect neurons in neurodegenerative diseases.
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19
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Zhang LC, Li N, Liu X, Liang J, Yan H, Zhao KB, Pu L, Shi HB, Zhang YB, Wang LG, Wang LX. A genome-wide association study of limb bone length using a Large White × Minzhu intercross population. Genet Sel Evol 2014; 46:56. [PMID: 25366846 PMCID: PMC4219012 DOI: 10.1186/s12711-014-0056-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2014] [Accepted: 07/28/2014] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In pig, limb bone length influences ham yield and body height to a great extent and has important economic implications for pig industry. In this study, an intercross population was constructed between the indigenous Chinese Minzhu pig breed and the western commercial Large White pig breed to examine the genetic basis for variation in limb bone length. The aim of this study was to detect potential genetic variants associated with porcine limb bone length. Methods A total of 571 F2 individuals from a Large White and Minzhu intercross population were genotyped using the Illumina PorcineSNP60K Beadchip, and phenotyped for femur length (FL), humerus length (HL), hipbone length (HIPL), scapula length (SL), tibia length (TL), and ulna length (UL). A genome-wide association study was performed by applying the previously reported approach of genome-wide rapid association using mixed model and regression. Statistical significance of the associations was based on Bonferroni-corrected P-values. Results A total of 39 significant SNPs were mapped to a 11.93 Mb long region on pig chromosome 7 (SSC7). Linkage analysis of these significant SNPs revealed three haplotype blocks of 495 kb, 376 kb and 492 kb, respectively, in the 11.93 Mb region. Annotation based on the pig reference genome identified 15 genes that were located near or contained the significant SNPs in these linkage disequilibrium intervals. Conditioned analysis revealed that four SNPs, one on SSC2 and three on SSC4, showed significant associations with SL and HL, respectively. Conclusions Analysis of the 15 annotated genes that were identified in these three haplotype blocks indicated that HMGA1 and PPARD, which are expressed in limbs and influence chondrocyte cell growth and differentiation, could be considered as relevant biological candidates for limb bone length in pig, with potential applications in breeding programs. Our results may also be useful for the study of the mechanisms that underlie human limb length and body height. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12711-014-0056-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Li-Gang Wang
- Key Laboratory of Farm Animal Genetic Resources and Germplasm Innovation of Ministry of Agriculture, Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193, China.
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20
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Huang JH, Cai WJ, Zhang XM, Shen ZY. Icariin promotes self-renewal of neural stem cells: An involvement of extracellular regulated kinase signaling pathway. Chin J Integr Med 2014; 20:107-15. [DOI: 10.1007/s11655-013-1583-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2012] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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21
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Sun Y, Dong Z, Jin T, Ang KH, Huang M, Haston KM, Peng J, Zhong TP, Finkbeiner S, Weiss WA, Arkin MR, Jan LY, Guo S. Imaging-based chemical screening reveals activity-dependent neural differentiation of pluripotent stem cells. eLife 2013; 2:e00508. [PMID: 24040509 PMCID: PMC3771564 DOI: 10.7554/elife.00508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2012] [Accepted: 08/11/2013] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Mammalian pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) represent an important venue for understanding basic principles regulating tissue-specific differentiation and discovering new tools that may facilitate clinical applications. Mechanisms that direct neural differentiation of PSCs involve growth factor signaling and transcription regulation. However, it is unknown whether and how electrical activity influences this process. Here we report a high throughput imaging-based screen, which uncovers that selamectin, an anti-helminthic therapeutic compound with reported activity on invertebrate glutamate-gated chloride channels, promotes neural differentiation of PSCs. We show that selamectin’s pro-neurogenic activity is mediated by γ2-containing GABAA receptors in subsets of neural rosette progenitors, accompanied by increased proneural and lineage-specific transcription factor expression and cell cycle exit. In vivo, selamectin promotes neurogenesis in developing zebrafish. Our results establish a chemical screening platform that reveals activity-dependent neural differentiation from PSCs. Compounds identified in this and future screening might prove therapeutically beneficial for treating neurodevelopmental or neurodegenerative disorders. DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.00508.001 Pluripotent stem cells have the potential to become most of the cell types that make up an organism. However, the signals that trigger these cells to turn into neurons rather than lung cells or muscle cells, for example, are not fully understood. Proteins called growth factors are known to have a role in this process, as are transcription factors, but it is not clear if other factors are also involved. In an attempt to identify additional mechanisms that could contribute to the formation of neurons, Sun et al. screened more than 2,000 small molecules for their ability to transform mouse pluripotent stem cells into neurons in cell culture. Surprisingly, they found that a compound called selamectin, which is used to treat parasitic flatworm infections, also triggered stem cells to turn into neurons. Selamectin works by blocking a particular type of ion channel in flatworms, but this ion channel is not found in vertebrates, which means that selamectin must be promoting the formation of neurons in mice via a different mechanism. Given that a drug related to selamectin is known to act on a subtype of receptors for the neurotransmitter GABA, Sun et al. wondered whether these receptors—known as GABAA receptors—might also underlie the effects of selamectin. Consistent with this idea, drugs that increased GABAA activity stimulated the formation of neurons, whereas drugs that reduced GABAA function blocked the effects of selamectin. In addition, Sun et al. showed that selamectin triggers human embryonic stem cells to become neurons, and that it also promotes the formation of new neurons in developing zebrafish in vivo. As well as revealing an additional mechanism for the formation of neurons from stem cells, the screening technique introduced by Sun et al. could help to identify further pro-neuronal molecules, which could aid the treatment of neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders. DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.00508.002
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaping Sun
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Science , University of California, San Francisco , San Francisco , United States ; Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research , University of California, San Francisco , San Francisco , United States ; Programs in Human Genetics and Biological Sciences , University of California, San Francisco , San Francisco , United States
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22
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Zhang M, Luo G, Zhou Y, Wang S, Zhong Z. Phenotypic screens targeting neurodegenerative diseases. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013; 19:1-16. [PMID: 23958650 DOI: 10.1177/1087057113499777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases affect millions of people worldwide, and the incidences increase as the population ages. Disease-modifying therapy that prevents or slows disease progression is still lacking, making neurodegenerative diseases an area of high unmet medical need. Target-based drug discovery for disease-modifying agents has been ongoing for many years, without much success due to incomplete understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying neurodegeneration. Phenotypic screening, starting with a disease-relevant phenotype to screen for compounds that change the outcome of biological pathways rather than activities at certain specific targets, offers an alternative approach to find small molecules or targets that modulate the key characteristics of neurodegeneration. Phenotypic screens that focus on amelioration of disease-specific toxins, protection of neurons from degeneration, or promotion of neuroregeneration could be potential fertile grounds for discovering therapeutic agents for neurodegenerative diseases. In this review, we will summarize the progress of compound screening using these phenotypic-based strategies for this area, with a highlight on unique considerations for disease models, assays, and screening methodologies. We will further provide our perspectives on how best to use phenotypic screening to develop drug leads for neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minhua Zhang
- 1GlaxoSmithKline (China) R&D Company Limited, Neurodegeneration DPU, Shanghai, China
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23
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Mechanisms Underlying the Antiproliferative and Prodifferentiative Effects of Psoralen on Adult Neural Stem Cells via DNA Microarray. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2013; 2013:452948. [PMID: 23983781 PMCID: PMC3745865 DOI: 10.1155/2013/452948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2013] [Accepted: 04/28/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Adult neural stem cells (NSCs) persist throughout life to replace mature cells that are lost during turnover, disease, or injury. The investigation of NSC creates novel treatments for central nervous system (CNS) injuries and neurodegenerative disorders. The plasticity and reparative potential of NSC are regulated by different factors, which are critical for neurological regenerative medicine research. We investigated the effects of Psoralen, which is the mature fruit of Psoralea corylifolia L., on NSC behaviors and the underlying mechanisms. The self-renewal and proliferation of NSC were examined. We detected neuron- and/or astrocyte-specific markers using immunofluorescence and Western blotting, which could evaluate NSC differentiation. Psoralen treatment significantly inhibited neurosphere formation in a dose-dependent manner. Psoralen treatment increased the expression of the astrocyte-specific marker but decreased neuron-specific marker expression. These results suggested that Psoralen was a differentiation inducer in astrocyte. Differential gene expression following Psoralen treatment was screened using DNA microarray and confirmed by quantitative real-time PCR. Our microarray study demonstrated that Psoralen could effectively regulate the specific gene expression profile of NSC. The genes involved in the classification of cellular differentiation, proliferation, and metabolism, the transcription factors belonging to Ets family, and the hedgehog pathway may be closely related to the regulation.
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24
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Lairson LL, Lyssiotis CA, Zhu S, Schultz PG. Small molecule-based approaches to adult stem cell therapies. Annu Rev Pharmacol Toxicol 2013; 53:107-25. [PMID: 23294307 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-pharmtox-011112-140300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
There is considerable interest in the development of stem cell-based strategies for the treatment of a broad range of human diseases, including neurodegenerative, autoimmune, cardiovascular, and musculoskeletal diseases. To date, such regenerative approaches have focused largely on the development of cell transplantation therapies using cells derived from pluripotent embryonic stem cells (ESCs). Although there have been exciting preliminary reports describing the efficacy of ESC-derived replacement therapies, approaches involving ex vivo manipulated ESCs are hindered by issues of mutation, immune rejection, and ethical controversy. An alternative approach involves direct in vivo modulation or ex vivo expansion of endogenous adult stem cell populations using drug-like small molecules. Here we describe chemical approaches to the regulation of somatic stem cell biology that are yielding new biological insights and that may ultimately lead to innovative new medicines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luke L Lairson
- Department of Chemistry and the Skaggs Institute for Chemical Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California 92037, USA.
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25
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An activated protein C analog stimulates neuronal production by human neural progenitor cells via a PAR1-PAR3-S1PR1-Akt pathway. J Neurosci 2013; 33:6181-90. [PMID: 23554499 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.4491-12.2013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Activated protein C (APC) is a protease with anticoagulant and cell-signaling activities. In the CNS, APC and its analogs with reduced anticoagulant activity but preserved cell signaling activities, such as 3K3A-APC, exert neuroprotective, vasculoprotective, and anti-inflammatory effects. Murine APC promotes subependymal neurogenesis in rodents in vivo after ischemic and traumatic brain injury. Whether human APC can influence neuronal production from resident progenitor cells in humans is unknown. Here we show that 3K3A-APC, but not S360A-APC (an enzymatically inactive analog of APC), stimulates neuronal mitogenesis and differentiation from fetal human neural stem and progenitor cells (NPCs). The effects of 3K3A-APC on proliferation and differentiation were comparable to those obtained with fibroblast growth factor and brain-derived growth factor, respectively. Its promoting effect on neuronal differentiation was accompanied by inhibition of astroglial differentiation. In addition, 3K3A-APC exerted modest anti-apoptotic effects during neuronal production. These effects appeared to be mediated through specific protease activated receptors (PARs) and sphingosine-1-phosphate receptors (S1PRs), in that siRNA-mediated inhibition of PARs 1-4 and S1PRs 1-5 revealed that PAR1, PAR3, and S1PR1 are required for the neurogenic effects of 3K3A-APC. 3K3A-APC activated Akt, a downstream target of S1PR1, which was inhibited by S1PR1, PAR1, and PAR3 silencing. Adenoviral transduction of NPCs with a kinase-defective Akt mutant abolished the effects of 3K3A-APC on NPCs, confirming a key role of Akt activation in 3K3A-APC-mediated neurogenesis. Therefore, APC and its pharmacological analogs, by influencing PAR and S1PR signals in resident neural progenitor cells, may be potent modulators of both development and repair in the human CNS.
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Bardy J, Chen AK, Lim YM, Wu S, Wei S, Weiping H, Chan K, Reuveny S, Oh SK. Microcarrier Suspension Cultures for High-Density Expansion and Differentiation of Human Pluripotent Stem Cells to Neural Progenitor Cells. Tissue Eng Part C Methods 2013; 19:166-80. [DOI: 10.1089/ten.tec.2012.0146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Jo'an Bardy
- Bioprocessing Technology Institute, A*STAR (Agency for Science, Technology and Research), Singapore, Singapore
| | - Allen K. Chen
- Bioprocessing Technology Institute, A*STAR (Agency for Science, Technology and Research), Singapore, Singapore
| | - Yu Ming Lim
- Bioprocessing Technology Institute, A*STAR (Agency for Science, Technology and Research), Singapore, Singapore
| | - Selena Wu
- Bioprocessing Technology Institute, A*STAR (Agency for Science, Technology and Research), Singapore, Singapore
| | - Shunhui Wei
- Singapore Bioimaging Consortium, A*STAR (Agency for Science, Technology and Research), Singapore, Singapore
| | - Han Weiping
- Singapore Bioimaging Consortium, A*STAR (Agency for Science, Technology and Research), Singapore, Singapore
| | - Ken Chan
- Bioprocessing Technology Institute, A*STAR (Agency for Science, Technology and Research), Singapore, Singapore
| | - Shaul Reuveny
- Bioprocessing Technology Institute, A*STAR (Agency for Science, Technology and Research), Singapore, Singapore
| | - Steve K.W. Oh
- Bioprocessing Technology Institute, A*STAR (Agency for Science, Technology and Research), Singapore, Singapore
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27
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Abstract
Ion channels are targets of many therapeutically useful agents, and worldwide sales of ion channel-targeted drugs are estimated to be approximately US$12 billion. Nevertheless, considering that over 400 genes encoding ion channel subunits have been identified, ion channels remain significantly under-exploited as therapeutic targets. This is at least partly due to limitations in high-throughput assay technologies that support screening and lead optimization. Will the recent developments in automated electrophysiology rectify this situation? What are the other major limitations and can they be overcome? In this article, we review the status of ion channel drug discovery, discuss current challenges and propose alternative approaches that may facilitate the discovery of new drugs in the future.
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Seifried A, Schultz J, Gohla A. Human HAD phosphatases: structure, mechanism, and roles in health and disease. FEBS J 2012; 280:549-71. [PMID: 22607316 DOI: 10.1111/j.1742-4658.2012.08633.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 123] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Phosphatases of the haloacid dehalogenase (HAD) superfamily of hydrolases are an ancient and very large class of enzymes that have evolved to dephosphorylate a wide range of low- and high molecular weight substrates with often exquisite specificities. HAD phosphatases constitute approximately one-fifth of all human phosphatase catalytic subunits. While the overall sequence similarity between HAD phosphatases is generally very low, family members can be identified based on the presence of a characteristic Rossmann-like fold and the active site sequence DxDx(V/T). HAD phosphatases employ an aspartate residue as a nucleophile in a magnesium-dependent phosphoaspartyl transferase reaction. Although there is genetic evidence demonstrating a causal involvement of some HAD phosphatases in diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular, metabolic and neurological disorders, the physiological roles of many of these enzymes are still poorly understood. In this review, we discuss the structure and evolution of human HAD phosphatases, and summarize their known functions in health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annegrit Seifried
- Rudolf Virchow Center for Experimental Biomedicine, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
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29
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Chemical biology in stem cell research. Arch Pharm Res 2012; 35:281-97. [PMID: 22370782 DOI: 10.1007/s12272-012-0208-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2011] [Revised: 12/07/2011] [Accepted: 12/07/2011] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Stem cells are offering a considerable range of prospects to the biomedical research including novel platforms for disease models and drug discovery tools to cell transplantation and regenerative therapies. However, there are several obstacles to overcome to bring these potentials into reality. First, robust methods to maintain stem cells in the pluripotent state should be established and factors that are required to direct stem cell fate into a particular lineage should be elucidated. Second, both allogeneic rejection following transplantation and limited cell availability issues must be circumvented. These challenges are being addressed, at least in part, through the identification of a group of chemicals (small molecules) that possess novel activities on stem cell biology. For example, small molecules can be used both in vitro and/or in vivo as tools to promote proliferation of stem cells (self-renewal), to direct stem cells to a lineage specific patterns (differentiation), or to reprogram somatic cells to a more undifferentiated state (de-differentiation or reprogramming). These molecules, in turn, have provided new insights into the signaling mechanisms that regulate stem cell biology, and may eventually lead to effective therapies in regenerative medicine. In this review, we will introduce recent findings with regards to small molecules and their impact on stem cell self-renewal and differentiation.
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Kim HJ, Jin CY. Stem cells in drug screening for neurodegenerative disease. THE KOREAN JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGY & PHARMACOLOGY : OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE KOREAN PHYSIOLOGICAL SOCIETY AND THE KOREAN SOCIETY OF PHARMACOLOGY 2012; 16:1-9. [PMID: 22416213 PMCID: PMC3298819 DOI: 10.4196/kjpp.2012.16.1.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2011] [Revised: 01/20/2012] [Accepted: 01/25/2012] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Because the average human life span has recently increased, the number of patients who are diagnosed with neurodegenerative diseases has escalated. Recent advances in stem cell research have given us access to unlimited numbers of multi-potent or pluripotent cells for screening for new drugs for neurodegenerative diseases. Neural stem cells (NSCs) are a good model with which to screen effective drugs that increase neurogenesis. Recent technologies for human embryonic stem cells (ESCs) or induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) can provide human cells that harbour specific neurodegenerative disease. This article discusses the use of NSCs, ESCs and iPSCs for neurodegenerative drug screening and toxicity evaluation. In addition, we introduce drugs or natural products that are recently identified to affect the stem cell fate to generate neurons or glia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyun-Jung Kim
- Laboratory of Stem Cell and Molecular Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Chung-Ang University, Seoul 156-756, Korea
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31
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Shen G, Hu Y, Wu J, Jin K, Zhu D, Zhang Y, Yu Y, Lou Y. A 2,6-Disubstituted 4-Anilinoquinazoline Derivative Facilitates Cardiomyogenesis of Embryonic Stem Cells. ChemMedChem 2012; 7:733-40. [DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.201100603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2011] [Revised: 01/16/2012] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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Kim KJ, Wang J, Xu X, Wu S, Zhang W, Qin Z, Wu F, Liu A, Zhao Y, Fang H, Zhu M, Zhao J, Zhong Z. A chemical genomics screen to discover genes that modulate neural stem cell differentiation. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011; 17:129-39. [PMID: 21948800 DOI: 10.1177/1087057111422379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
The authors designed a chemical genomics screen with the aim of understanding genes and pathways that modulate neural stem/precursor cell differentiation. Multipotent mouse neural precursor cells isolated from cortices of embryonic day 12 (E12) embryos were subjected to spontaneous differentiation triggered by growth factor withdrawal. A quantitative whole-well immunofluorescence assay was set up to screen tool compound sets to identify small molecules with potent, dose-dependent, and reproducible effects on increasing neural stem cell differentiation toward neuronal lineage. Among the pro-neuronal compounds, kinase inhibitors were shown to exert pro-neuronal effect via a signaling pathway associated with the kinase. The global effect of hit compounds on modulating neuronal differentiation was confirmed by an in vivo mouse study and human neural stem cells culture. This study demonstrates that a phenotypic assay using cell type-specific antibody markers can be used for a large-scale compound screen to discover targets and pathways with impacts on differentiation of lineage-restricted precursor cells toward specific lineages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin J Kim
- Discovery Technology, GlaxoSmithKline (China) R&D Co., Ltd. Shanghai, PR China
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Selective activation of metabotropic glutamate receptor 7 induces inhibition of cellular proliferation and promotes astrocyte differentiation of ventral mesencephalon human neural stem/progenitor cells. Neurochem Int 2011; 59:421-31. [PMID: 21624409 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2011.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2010] [Revised: 04/04/2011] [Accepted: 04/11/2011] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Expression of group III metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluR) was established by RT-PCR and immunocytochemistry on a cultured clonal human neural stem/progenitor cell (hNSPC) line derived from fetal ventral mesencephalon (VM). Selective activation of these receptors by the group III mGluR agonist L-(+)-2-amino-4-phosphonobutyric acid (L-AP4) prevented increases in cAMP levels following forskolin stimulation, suggesting these receptors are coupled to their canonical G-protein coupled signal transduction pathway. Tonic exposure of undifferentiated cultures to L-AP4 resulted in a decrease in cellular metabolism and proliferation in the absence of toxicity, as measured by MTT and LDH assays, in a dose-dependent manner. This was confirmed by a reduction in BrdU incorporation into nuclear DNA, suggestive of an anti-proliferative effect of L-AP4. This effect was rescued by co-addition of the broad-spectrum group III mGluR competitive antagonist (RS)-a-cyclopropyl-4-phosphonophenylglycine (CPPG), demonstrating a receptor-mediated mechanism, but not mimicked by application of the cell permeable cAMP analogue dibutyrl cAMP (db-cAMP). The potency of these effects of L-AP4 indicates that this is an mGlu7 subtype-mediated effect. Tonic exposure of undifferentiated cultures to the mGlu7 selective allosteric agonist N,N'-bis(diphenylmethyl)-1,2-ethanediamine dihydrochloride (AMN082), but not the mGlu4 selective allosteric agonist (±)-cis-2-(3,5-dicholorphenylcarbamoyl)cyclohexanecarboxylic acid (VU0155041), or the mGlu8 selective agonist (S)-3,4-dicarboxyphenylglycine ((S)-3,4-DCPG) resulted in an identical anti-proliferative effect to L-AP4, confirming the involvement of the mGlu7 subtype. In differentiating cultures, tonic exposure to L-AP4 or AMN082 resulted in a significant shift towards an astrocyte cell fate. The mGlu7 receptor therefore provides a new opportunity to influence the proliferation and differentiation of ventral mesencephalon-derived hNSPC.
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Multi-step usage of in vivo models during rational drug design and discovery. Int J Mol Sci 2011; 12:2262-74. [PMID: 21731440 PMCID: PMC3127116 DOI: 10.3390/ijms12042262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2011] [Revised: 03/25/2011] [Accepted: 03/29/2011] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
In this article we propose a systematic development method for rational drug design while reviewing paradigms in industry, emerging techniques and technologies in the field. Although the process of drug development today has been accelerated by emergence of computational methodologies, it is a herculean challenge requiring exorbitant resources; and often fails to yield clinically viable results. The current paradigm of target based drug design is often misguided and tends to yield compounds that have poor absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion, toxicology (ADMET) properties. Therefore, an in vivo organism based approach allowing for a multidisciplinary inquiry into potent and selective molecules is an excellent place to begin rational drug design. We will review how organisms like the zebrafish and Caenorhabditis elegans can not only be starting points, but can be used at various steps of the drug development process from target identification to pre-clinical trial models. This systems biology based approach paired with the power of computational biology; genetics and developmental biology provide a methodological framework to avoid the pitfalls of traditional target based drug design.
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Abstract
Embryonic stem (ES) cells and their differentiated progeny offer tremendous potential for regenerative medicine, even in the field of drug discovery. There is an urgent need for clinically relevant assays that make use of ES cells because of their rich biological utility. Attention has been focused on small molecules that allow the precise manipulation of cells in vitro, which could allow researchers to obtain homogeneous cell types for cell-based therapies and discover drugs for stimulating the regeneration of endogenous cells. Such therapeutics can act on target cells or their niches in vivo to promote cell survival, proliferation, differentiation, and homing. In the present paper, we reviewed the use of ES cell models for high-throughput/content drug screening and toxicity assessment. In addition, we examined the role of stem cells in large pharmaceutical companies' R&D and discussed a novel subject, nicheology, in stem cell-related research fields.
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36
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Yuan X, Li W, Ding S. Small molecules in cellular reprogramming and differentiation. PROGRESS IN DRUG RESEARCH. FORTSCHRITTE DER ARZNEIMITTELFORSCHUNG. PROGRES DES RECHERCHES PHARMACEUTIQUES 2011; 67:253-66. [PMID: 21141734 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-7643-8989-5_13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Recent advances in somatic cell reprogramming and directed differentiation make it possible to generate patient-specific pluripotent cells and further derive functional tissue-specific cells for biomedical research and future therapies. Chemical compounds targeting enzymes or signaling proteins are powerful tools to regulate and reveal complex cellular processes and have been identified and applied to controlling cell fate and function, including stem cell maintenance, differentiation, and reprogramming. Not only are small molecules useful in generating desired cell types in vitro for various applications, but also such small molecules could be further developed as conventional therapeutics to target patient's own cells residing in different tissues/organs for treating degenerative diseases, injuries, and cancer. Here, we will review recent studies of small molecules in controlling cell fate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xu Yuan
- Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute, 10550 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
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37
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Lyssiotis CA, Lairson LL, Boitano AE, Wurdak H, Zhu S, Schultz PG. Chemical Control of Stem Cell Fate and Developmental Potential. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2010; 50:200-42. [DOI: 10.1002/anie.201004284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 112] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Costas A. Lyssiotis
- Department of Chemistry and The Skaggs Institute for Chemical Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, 10550 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92037 (USA), Fax: (+1) 858‐784‐9440
| | - Luke L. Lairson
- The Genomics Institute of the Novartis Research Foundation, 10675 John Jay Hopkins Drive, San Diego, CA 92121 (USA)
| | - Anthony E. Boitano
- The Genomics Institute of the Novartis Research Foundation, 10675 John Jay Hopkins Drive, San Diego, CA 92121 (USA)
| | - Heiko Wurdak
- Department of Chemistry and The Skaggs Institute for Chemical Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, 10550 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92037 (USA), Fax: (+1) 858‐784‐9440
| | - Shoutian Zhu
- Department of Chemistry and The Skaggs Institute for Chemical Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, 10550 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92037 (USA), Fax: (+1) 858‐784‐9440
| | - Peter G. Schultz
- Department of Chemistry and The Skaggs Institute for Chemical Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, 10550 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92037 (USA), Fax: (+1) 858‐784‐9440
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38
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Lyssiotis CA, Lairson LL, Boitano AE, Wurdak H, Zhu S, Schultz PG. Chemische Kontrolle des Schicksals und Entwicklungspotenzials von Stammzellen. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2010. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.201004284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Costas A. Lyssiotis
- Department of Chemistry and The Skaggs Institute for Chemical Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, 10550 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92037 (USA), Fax: (+1) 858‐784‐9440
| | - Luke L. Lairson
- The Genomics Institute of the Novartis Research Foundation, 10675 John Jay Hopkins Drive, San Diego, CA 92121 (USA)
| | - Anthony E. Boitano
- The Genomics Institute of the Novartis Research Foundation, 10675 John Jay Hopkins Drive, San Diego, CA 92121 (USA)
| | - Heiko Wurdak
- Department of Chemistry and The Skaggs Institute for Chemical Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, 10550 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92037 (USA), Fax: (+1) 858‐784‐9440
| | - Shoutian Zhu
- Department of Chemistry and The Skaggs Institute for Chemical Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, 10550 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92037 (USA), Fax: (+1) 858‐784‐9440
| | - Peter G. Schultz
- Department of Chemistry and The Skaggs Institute for Chemical Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, 10550 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92037 (USA), Fax: (+1) 858‐784‐9440
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39
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Ozeki Y, Pickard BS, Kano SI, Malloy MP, Zeledon M, Sun DQ, Fujii K, Wakui K, Shirayama Y, Fukushima Y, Kunugi H, Hashimoto K, Muir WJ, Blackwood DH, Sawa A. A novel balanced chromosomal translocation found in subjects with schizophrenia and schizotypal personality disorder: altered l-serine level associated with disruption of PSAT1 gene expression. Neurosci Res 2010; 69:154-60. [PMID: 20955740 DOI: 10.1016/j.neures.2010.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2010] [Revised: 10/04/2010] [Accepted: 10/10/2010] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
l-Serine is required for the synthesis of glycine and d-serine, both of which are NMDA receptor co-agonists. Although roles for d-serine and glycine have been suggested in schizophrenia, little is known about the role of the l-serine synthesizing cascade in schizophrenia or related psychiatric conditions. Here we report a patient with schizophrenia carrying a balanced chromosomal translocation with the breakpoints localized to 3q13.12 and 9q21.2. We examined this proband and her son with schizotypal personality disorder for chromosomal abnormalities, molecular expression profiles, and serum amino acids. Marked decrease of l-serine and glutamate was observed in the sera of the patient and her son, compared with those in normal controls. Interestingly, expression of PSAT1 gene, which is located next to the breakpoint and encodes one of the enzymes in the l-serine synthesizing cascade, was reduced in both patient and her son. Direct effect of impaired PSAT1 gene expression on decreased serum l-serine level was strongly implicated by rat astrocyte experiments. In summary, we propose an idea that PSAT1 may be implicated in altered serine metabolism and schizophrenia spectrum conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuji Ozeki
- Department of Psychiatry, Dokkyo Medical University, Japan
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40
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41
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Dirks PB. Brain tumor stem cells: the cancer stem cell hypothesis writ large. Mol Oncol 2010; 4:420-30. [PMID: 20801091 DOI: 10.1016/j.molonc.2010.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2010] [Revised: 08/03/2010] [Accepted: 08/03/2010] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Brain tumors, which are typically very heterogeneous at the cellular level, appear to have a stem cell foundation. Recently, investigations from multiple groups have found that human as well as experimental mouse brain tumors contain subpopulations of cells that functionally behave as tumor stem cells, driving tumor growth and generating tumor cell progeny that form the tumor bulk, but which then lose tumorigenic ability. In human glioblastomas, these tumor stem cells express neural precursor markers and are capable of differentiating into tumor cells that express more mature neural lineage markers. In addition, modeling brain tumors in mice suggests that neural precursor cells more readily give rise to full blown tumors, narrowing potential cells of origin to those rarer brain cells that have a proliferative potential. Applying stem cell concepts and methodologies is giving fresh insight into brain tumor biology, cell of origin and mechanisms of growth, and is offering new opportunities for development of more effective treatments. The field of brain tumor stem cells remains very young and there is much to be learned before these new insights are translated into new patient treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter B Dirks
- Division of Neurosurgery, Developmental and Stem Cell Biology Program, Arthur and Sonia Labatt Brain Tumor Research Center, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
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42
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Lukaszewicz AI, McMillan MK, Kahn M. Small molecules and stem cells. Potency and lineage commitment: the new quest for the fountain of youth. J Med Chem 2010; 53:3439-53. [PMID: 20047330 DOI: 10.1021/jm901361d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Agnès I Lukaszewicz
- Eli and Edythe Broad Center for Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research at USC, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
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43
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Niswender CM, Conn PJ. Metabotropic glutamate receptors: physiology, pharmacology, and disease. Annu Rev Pharmacol Toxicol 2010; 50:295-322. [PMID: 20055706 DOI: 10.1146/annurev.pharmtox.011008.145533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1346] [Impact Index Per Article: 96.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) are family C G-protein-coupled receptors that participate in the modulation of synaptic transmission and neuronal excitability throughout the central nervous system. The mGluRs bind glutamate within a large extracellular domain and transmit signals through the receptor protein to intracellular signaling partners. A great deal of progress has been made in determining the mechanisms by which mGluRs are activated, proteins with which they interact, and orthosteric and allosteric ligands that can modulate receptor activity. The widespread expression of mGluRs makes these receptors particularly attractive drug targets, and recent studies continue to validate the therapeutic utility of mGluR ligands in neurological and psychiatric disorders such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, anxiety, depression, and schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colleen M Niswender
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37212, USA.
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44
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Lee SH, Go HS, Choi CS, Cheong JH, Han SY, Bae KH, Ko KH, Park SH. Inhibitory Effects of Phylligenin on the Proliferation of Cultured Rat Neural Progenitor Cells. Biomol Ther (Seoul) 2010. [DOI: 10.4062/biomolther.2010.18.1.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
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45
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Antflick JE, Vetiska S, Baizer JS, Yao Y, Baker GB, Hampson DR. l-Serine-O-phosphate in the central nervous system. Brain Res 2009; 1300:1-13. [DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2009.08.087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2009] [Revised: 08/25/2009] [Accepted: 08/30/2009] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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46
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Abstract
The Allen Brain Atlas, a Web-based, genome-wide atlas of gene expression in the adult mouse brain, was an experiment on a massive scale. The development of the atlas faced a combination of great technical challenges and a non-traditional open research model, and it encountered many hurdles on the path to completion and community adoption. Having overcome these challenges, it is now a fundamental tool for neuroscientists worldwide and has set the stage for the creation of other similar open resources. Nevertheless, there are many untapped opportunities for exploration.
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47
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Zhou BBS, Zhang H, Damelin M, Geles KG, Grindley JC, Dirks PB. Tumour-initiating cells: challenges and opportunities for anticancer drug discovery. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2009; 8:806-23. [PMID: 19794444 DOI: 10.1038/nrd2137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 636] [Impact Index Per Article: 42.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The hypothesis that cancer is driven by tumour-initiating cells (popularly known as cancer stem cells) has recently attracted a great deal of attention, owing to the promise of a novel cellular target for the treatment of haematopoietic and solid malignancies. Furthermore, it seems that tumour-initiating cells might be resistant to many conventional cancer therapies, which might explain the limitations of these agents in curing human malignancies. Although much work is still needed to identify and characterize tumour-initiating cells, efforts are now being directed towards identifying therapeutic strategies that could target these cells. This Review considers recent advances in the cancer stem cell field, focusing on the challenges and opportunities for anticancer drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin-Bing S Zhou
- Oncology Discovery, Wyeth Research, 401 North Middletown Road, Pearl River, New York 10965, USA.
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48
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Abstract
As the focus of synthesis increasingly shifts from its historical emphasis on molecular structure to function, improved strategies are clearly required for the generation of molecules with defined physical, chemical, and biological properties. In contrast, living organisms are remarkably adept at producing molecules and molecular assemblies with an impressive array of functions - from enzymes and antibodies to the photosynthetic center. Thus, the marriage of Nature's synthetic strategies, molecules, and biosynthetic machinery with more traditional synthetic approaches might enable the generation of molecules with properties difficult to achieve by chemical strategies alone. Here we illustrate the potential of this approach and overview some opportunities and challenges in the coming years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xu Wu
- Genomics Institute of the Novartis Research Foundation, 10675 John Jay Hopkins Drive, San Diego, California 92121, USA
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49
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Villa-Diaz LG, Torisawa YS, Uchida T, Ding J, Nogueira-de-Souza NC, O’Shea KS, Takayama S, Smith GD. Microfluidic culture of single human embryonic stem cell colonies. LAB ON A CHIP 2009; 9:1749-55. [PMID: 19495459 PMCID: PMC2820408 DOI: 10.1039/b820380f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
We have developed a miniaturized microfluidic culture system that allows experimentation on individual human embryonic stem cell (hESC) colonies in dynamic (flow applied) or static (without flow) conditions. The system consists of three inlet channels that converge into a cell-culture channel and provides the capability to spatially and temporally deliver specific treatments by using patterned laminar fluid flow to different parts of a single hESC colony. We show that microfluidic culture for 96 h with or without flow results in similar maintenance of hESC self-renewal, the capability to differentiate into three germ cell lineages, and to maintain a normal karyotype, as in standard culture dishes. Localized delivery of a fluorescent nucleic acid dye was achieved with laminar flow, producing staining only in nuclei of exposed cells. Likewise, cells in desired regions of colonies could be removed with enzymatic treatment and collected for analysis. Re-coating the enzyme treated area of the channel with extracellular matrix led to re-growth of hESC colonies into this region. Our study demonstrates the culture of hESCs in a microfluidic device that can deliver specific treatments to desired regions of a single colony. This miniaturized culture system allows in situ treatment and analysis with the ability to obtain cell samples from part of a colony without micromanipulation and to perform sensitive molecular analysis while permitting further growth of the hESC colony.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis Gerardo Villa-Diaz
- Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109-0617, USA
| | - Yu-suke Torisawa
- Departments of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109-0617, USA
| | - Tomoyuki Uchida
- Departments of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109-0617, USA
| | - Jun Ding
- Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109-0617, USA
| | | | - Kathy Sue O’Shea
- Departments of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109-0617, USA
| | - Shuichi Takayama
- Departments of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109-0617, USA
- Departments of Macromolecular Science and Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109-0617, USA
| | - Gary Daniel Smith
- Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109-0617, USA
- Departments of Urology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109-0617, USA
- Departments of Molecular and Integrated Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109-0617, USA
- Departments of Reproductive Sciences Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109-0617, USA
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50
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Desbordes SC, Placantonakis DG, Ciro A, Socci ND, Lee G, Djaballah H, Studer L. High-throughput screening assay for the identification of compounds regulating self-renewal and differentiation in human embryonic stem cells. Cell Stem Cell 2009; 2:602-12. [PMID: 18522853 DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2008.05.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 170] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2007] [Revised: 04/01/2008] [Accepted: 05/13/2008] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
High-throughput screening (HTS) of chemical libraries has become a critical tool in basic biology and drug discovery. However, its implementation and the adaptation of high-content assays to human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) have been hampered by multiple technical challenges. Here we present a strategy to adapt hESCs to HTS conditions, resulting in an assay suitable for the discovery of small molecules that drive hESC self-renewal or differentiation. Use of this new assay has led to the identification of several marketed drugs and natural compounds promoting short-term hESC maintenance and compounds directing early lineage choice during differentiation. Global gene expression analysis upon drug treatment defines known and novel pathways correlated to hESC self-renewal and differentiation. Our results demonstrate feasibility of hESC-based HTS and enhance the repertoire of chemical compounds for manipulating hESC fate. The availability of high-content assays should accelerate progress in basic and translational hESC biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina C Desbordes
- Developmental Biology Program, Department of Neurosurgery, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY 10021, USA.
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