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Li J, Chi J, Yang Y, Song Z, Yang Y, Zhou X, Liu Y, Zhao Y. PHDs-seq: a large-scale phenotypic screening method for drug discovery through parallel multi-readout quantification. CELL REGENERATION (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2023; 12:22. [PMID: 37264282 DOI: 10.1186/s13619-023-00164-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
High-throughput phenotypic screening is a cornerstone of drug development and the main technical approach for stem cell research. However, simultaneous detection of activated core factors responsible for cell fate determination and accurate assessment of directional cell transition are difficult using conventional screening methods that focus on changes in only a few biomarkers. The PHDs-seq (Probe Hybridization based Drug screening by sequencing) platform was developed to evaluate compound function based on their transcriptional effects in a wide range of signature biomarkers. In this proof-of-concept demonstration, several sets of markers related to cell fate determination were profiled in adipocyte reprogramming from dermal fibroblasts. After validating the accuracy, sensitivity and reproducibility of PHDs-seq data in molecular and cellular assays, a panel of 128 signalling-related compounds was screened for the ability to induce reprogramming of keloid fibroblasts (KF) into adipocytes. Notably, the potent ATP-competitive VEGFR/PDGFR inhibitor compound, ABT869, was found to promote the transition from fibroblasts to adipocytes. This study highlights the power and accuracy of the PHDs-seq platform for high-throughput drug screening in stem cell research, and supports its use in basic explorations of the molecular mechanisms underlying disease development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Li
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, MOE Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation, Beijing Key Laboratory of Cardiometabolic Molecular Medicine, Institute of Molecular Medicine, College of Future Technology, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
- Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Jun Chi
- Plastech Pharmaceutical Technology Ltd, Nanjing, 210031, China
| | - Yang Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, MOE Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation, Beijing Key Laboratory of Cardiometabolic Molecular Medicine, Institute of Molecular Medicine, College of Future Technology, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
- Plastech Pharmaceutical Technology Ltd, Nanjing, 210031, China
| | - Zhongya Song
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Skin Diseases and STIs, Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Nanjing, China
| | - Yong Yang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Skin Diseases and STIs, Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Nanjing, China
| | - Xin Zhou
- Department of General Surgery, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Yang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, MOE Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation, Beijing Key Laboratory of Cardiometabolic Molecular Medicine, Institute of Molecular Medicine, College of Future Technology, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China.
- Plastech Pharmaceutical Technology Ltd, Nanjing, 210031, China.
| | - Yang Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, MOE Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation, Beijing Key Laboratory of Cardiometabolic Molecular Medicine, Institute of Molecular Medicine, College of Future Technology, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China.
- Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China.
- Plastech Pharmaceutical Technology Ltd, Nanjing, 210031, China.
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Ching C, Iich E, Teo AKK. Harnessing Human Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Pancreatic In Vitro Models for High-Throughput Toxicity Testing and Diabetes Drug Discovery. Handb Exp Pharmacol 2023; 281:301-332. [PMID: 37306817 DOI: 10.1007/164_2023_655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The long-standing goals in diabetes research are to improve β-cell survival, functionality and increase β-cell mass. Current strategies to manage diabetes progression are still not ideal for sustained maintenance of normoglycemia, thereby increasing demand for the development of novel drugs. Available pancreatic cell lines, cadaveric islets, and their culture methods and formats, either 2D or 3D, allow for multiple avenues of experimental design to address diverse aims in the research setting. More specifically, these pancreatic cells have been employed in toxicity testing, diabetes drug screens, and with careful curation, can be optimized for use in efficient high-throughput screenings (HTS). This has since spearheaded the understanding of disease progression and related mechanisms, as well as the discovery of potential drug candidates which could be the cornerstone for diabetes treatment. This book chapter will touch on the pros and cons of the most widely used pancreatic cells, including the more recent human pluripotent stem cell-derived pancreatic cells, and HTS strategies (cell models, design, readouts) that can be used for the purpose of toxicity testing and diabetes drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen Ching
- Stem Cells and Diabetes Laboratory, Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Precision Medicine Translational Research Programme, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Elhadi Iich
- Stem Cells and Diabetes Laboratory, Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Adrian Kee Keong Teo
- Stem Cells and Diabetes Laboratory, Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, Singapore.
- Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.
- Precision Medicine Translational Research Programme, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.
- Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.
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Wang J, Chen S, Pan C, Li G, Tang Z. Application of Small Molecules in the Central Nervous System Direct Neuronal Reprogramming. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 10:799152. [PMID: 35875485 PMCID: PMC9301571 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.799152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The lack of regenerative capacity of neurons leads to poor prognoses for some neurological disorders. The use of small molecules to directly reprogram somatic cells into neurons provides a new therapeutic strategy for neurological diseases. In this review, the mechanisms of action of different small molecules, the approaches to screening small molecule cocktails, and the methods employed to detect their reprogramming efficiency are discussed, and the studies, focusing on neuronal reprogramming using small molecules in neurological disease models, are collected. Future research efforts are needed to investigate the in vivo mechanisms of small molecule-mediated neuronal reprogramming under pathophysiological states, optimize screening cocktails and dosing regimens, and identify safe and effective delivery routes to promote neural regeneration in different neurological diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Gaigai Li
- *Correspondence: Gaigai Li, ; Zhouping Tang,
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Pharmaceutical therapeutics for articular regeneration and restoration: state-of-the-art technology for screening small molecular drugs. Cell Mol Life Sci 2021; 78:8127-8155. [PMID: 34783870 PMCID: PMC8593173 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-021-03983-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2021] [Revised: 09/20/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Articular cartilage damage caused by sports injury or osteoarthritis (OA) has gained increased attention as a worldwide health burden. Pharmaceutical treatments are considered cost-effective means of promoting cartilage regeneration, but are limited by their inability to generate sufficient functional chondrocytes and modify disease progression. Small molecular chemical compounds are an abundant source of new pharmaceutical therapeutics for cartilage regeneration, as they have advantages in design, fabrication, and application, and, when used in combination, act as powerful tools for manipulating cellular fate. In this review, we present current achievements in the development of small molecular drugs for cartilage regeneration, particularly in the fields of chondrocyte generation and reversion of chondrocyte degenerative phenotypes. Several clinically or preclinically available small molecules, which have been shown to facilitate chondrogenesis, chondrocyte dedifferentiation, and cellular reprogramming, and subsequently ameliorate cartilage degeneration by targeting inflammation, matrix degradation, metabolism, and epigenetics, are summarized. Notably, this review introduces essential parameters for high-throughput screening strategies, including models of different chondrogenic cell sources, phenotype readout methodologies, and transferable advanced systems from other fields. Overall, this review provides new insights into future pharmaceutical therapies for cartilage regeneration.
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Thalacker-Mercer A, Blum J. Discovery and application of dietary compounds to optimize human health, a focus on skeletal muscle regeneration. Curr Opin Biotechnol 2021; 70:131-135. [PMID: 33971586 DOI: 10.1016/j.copbio.2021.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2021] [Accepted: 04/10/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Worldwide, the number of persons over the age of 65 years and those at risk of malnutrition (over and under) is growing, and the prevalence of diet-related chronic disease is at a record high. Pathologies that are linked to poor nutrition underlie the leading causes of death. Safe and effective strategies to improve human health outcomes are urgently required. Identification of nutrient needs for health outcomes has led to the development of food products, supplements, and dietary pattern recommendations. Application of these nutrient-based therapies have the potential to optimize clinical outcomes, such as tissue regeneration post-skeletal muscle trauma. However, despite progress in identifying nutrient needs there is often a delay in the utilization of products in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Thalacker-Mercer
- Division of Nutritional Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States; Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States.
| | - Jamie Blum
- Division of Nutritional Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States
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