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Santos SS, Moreira JB, Costa M, Rodrigues RS, Sebastião AM, Xapelli S, Solá S. The Mitochondrial Antioxidant Sirtuin3 Cooperates with Lipid Metabolism to Safeguard Neurogenesis in Aging and Depression. Cells 2021; 11:90. [PMID: 35011652 PMCID: PMC8750385 DOI: 10.3390/cells11010090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2021] [Revised: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 12/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Neural stem cells (NSCs), crucial for memory in the adult brain, are also pivotal to buffer depressive behavior. However, the mechanisms underlying the boost in NSC activity throughout life are still largely undiscovered. Here, we aimed to explore the role of deacetylase Sirtuin 3 (SIRT3), a central player in mitochondrial metabolism and oxidative protection, in the fate of NSC under aging and depression-like contexts. We showed that chronic treatment with tert-butyl hydroperoxide induces NSC aging, markedly reducing SIRT3 protein. SIRT3 overexpression, in turn, restored mitochondrial oxidative stress and the differentiation potential of aged NSCs. Notably, SIRT3 was also shown to physically interact with the long chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase (LCAD) in NSCs and to require its activation to prevent age-impaired neurogenesis. Finally, the SIRT3 regulatory network was investigated in vivo using the unpredictable chronic mild stress (uCMS) paradigm to mimic depressive-like behavior in mice. Interestingly, uCMS mice presented lower levels of neurogenesis and LCAD expression in the same neurogenic niches, being significantly rescued by physical exercise, a well-known upregulator of SIRT3 and lipid metabolism. Our results suggest that targeting NSC metabolism, namely through SIRT3, might be a suitable promising strategy to delay NSC aging and confer stress resilience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sónia Sá Santos
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-003 Lisbon, Portugal; (J.B.M.); (M.C.)
| | - João B. Moreira
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-003 Lisbon, Portugal; (J.B.M.); (M.C.)
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular (iMM) João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-028 Lisbon, Portugal; (R.S.R.); (A.M.S.); (S.X.)
| | - Márcia Costa
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-003 Lisbon, Portugal; (J.B.M.); (M.C.)
- Department of Translational Neurodegeneration, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Rui S. Rodrigues
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular (iMM) João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-028 Lisbon, Portugal; (R.S.R.); (A.M.S.); (S.X.)
- Instituto de Farmacologia e Neurociências, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-028 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Ana M. Sebastião
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular (iMM) João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-028 Lisbon, Portugal; (R.S.R.); (A.M.S.); (S.X.)
- Instituto de Farmacologia e Neurociências, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-028 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Sara Xapelli
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular (iMM) João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-028 Lisbon, Portugal; (R.S.R.); (A.M.S.); (S.X.)
- Instituto de Farmacologia e Neurociências, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-028 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Susana Solá
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-003 Lisbon, Portugal; (J.B.M.); (M.C.)
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Neurogenic and Neuroprotective Potential of Stem/Stromal Cells Derived from Adipose Tissue. Cells 2021; 10:cells10061475. [PMID: 34208414 PMCID: PMC8231154 DOI: 10.3390/cells10061475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2021] [Revised: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 06/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Currently, the number of stem-cell based experimental therapies in neurological injuries and neurodegenerative disorders has been massively increasing. Despite the fact that we still have not obtained strong evidence of mesenchymal stem/stromal cells’ neurogenic effectiveness in vivo, research may need to focus on more appropriate sources that result in more therapeutically promising cell populations. In this study, we used dedifferentiated fat cells (DFAT) that are proven to demonstrate more pluripotent abilities in comparison with standard adipose stromal cells (ASCs). We used the ceiling culture method to establish DFAT cells and to optimize culture conditions with the use of a physioxic environment (5% O2). We also performed neural differentiation tests and assessed the neurogenic and neuroprotective capability of both DFAT cells and ASCs. Our results show that DFAT cells may have a better ability to differentiate into oligodendrocytes, astrocytes, and neuron-like cells, both in culture supplemented with N21 and in co-culture with oxygen–glucose-deprived (OGD) hippocampal organotypic slice culture (OHC) in comparison with ASCs. Results also show that DFAT cells have a different secretory profile than ASCs after contact with injured tissue. In conclusion, DFAT cells constitute a distinct subpopulation and may be an alternative source in cell therapy for the treatment of nervous system disorders.
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Toparlak ÖD, Zasso J, Bridi S, Serra MD, Macchi P, Conti L, Baudet ML, Mansy SS. Artificial cells drive neural differentiation. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2020; 6:eabb4920. [PMID: 32948587 PMCID: PMC7500934 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abb4920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2020] [Accepted: 07/29/2020] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
We report the construction of artificial cells that chemically communicate with mammalian cells under physiological conditions. The artificial cells respond to the presence of a small molecule in the environment by synthesizing and releasing a potent protein signal, brain-derived neurotrophic factor. Genetically controlled artificial cells communicate with engineered human embryonic kidney cells and murine neural stem cells. The data suggest that artificial cells are a versatile chassis for the in situ synthesis and on-demand release of chemical signals that elicit desired phenotypic changes of eukaryotic cells, including neuronal differentiation. In the future, artificial cells could be engineered to go beyond the capabilities of typical smart drug delivery vehicles by synthesizing and delivering specific therapeutic molecules tailored to distinct physiological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ö Duhan Toparlak
- Department CIBIO, University of Trento, via Sommarive 9, 38123 Povo, Italy
| | - Jacopo Zasso
- Department CIBIO, University of Trento, via Sommarive 9, 38123 Povo, Italy
| | - Simone Bridi
- Department CIBIO, University of Trento, via Sommarive 9, 38123 Povo, Italy
| | - Mauro Dalla Serra
- National Research Council-Institute of Biophysics & Bruno Kessler Foundation, via alla Cascata 56/C, 38123 Trento, Italy
| | - Paolo Macchi
- Department CIBIO, University of Trento, via Sommarive 9, 38123 Povo, Italy
| | - Luciano Conti
- Department CIBIO, University of Trento, via Sommarive 9, 38123 Povo, Italy
| | - Marie-Laure Baudet
- Department CIBIO, University of Trento, via Sommarive 9, 38123 Povo, Italy
| | - Sheref S Mansy
- Department CIBIO, University of Trento, via Sommarive 9, 38123 Povo, Italy.
- Department of Chemistry, University of Alberta, 11227 Saskatchewan Drive, Edmonton, AB T6G 2G2, Canada
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Li E, Park HR, Hong CP, Kim Y, Choi J, Lee S, Park HJ, Lee B, Kim TA, Kim SJ, Kim HS, Song J. Neural stem cells derived from the developing forebrain of YAC128 mice exhibit pathological features of Huntington's disease. Cell Prolif 2020; 53:e12893. [PMID: 32865873 PMCID: PMC7574873 DOI: 10.1111/cpr.12893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2020] [Revised: 07/25/2020] [Accepted: 08/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives Huntington's disease (HD) is a devastating neurodegenerative disease caused by polyglutamine (polyQ) expansion in the huntingtin (HTT) gene. Mutant huntingtin (mHTT) is the main cause of HD and is associated with impaired mitochondrial dynamics, ubiquitin‐proteasome system and autophagy, as well as tauopathy. In this study, we aimed to establish a new neural stem cell line for HD studies. Materials and methods YAC128 mice are a yeast artificial chromosome (YAC)‐based transgenic mouse model of HD. These mice express a full‐length human mutant HTT gene with 128 CAG repeats and exhibit various pathophysiological features of HD. In this study, we isolated a new neural stem cell line from the forebrains of YAC128 mouse embryos (E12.5) and analysed its characteristics using cellular and biochemical methods. Results Compared to wild‐type (WT) NSCs, the YAC128 NSC line exhibited greater proliferation and migration capacity. In addition to mHTT expression, increased intracellular Ca2+ levels and dysfunctional mitochondrial membrane potential were observed in the YAC128 NSCs. YAC128 NSCs had defects in mitochondrial dynamics, including a deficit in mitochondrial axonal transport and unbalanced fusion and fission processes. YAC128 NSCs also displayed decreased voltage response variability and Na+ current amplitude. Additionally, the ubiquitin‐proteasome and autophagy systems were impaired in the YAC128 NSCs. Conclusions We have established a new neural stem line from YAC128 transgenic mice, which may serve as a useful resource for studying HD pathogenesis and drug screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Endan Li
- Department of Biomedical Science, CHA Stem Cell Institute, CHA University, Seongnam-si, Korea
| | | | | | - Younghoon Kim
- Department of Biomedical Science, CHA Stem Cell Institute, CHA University, Seongnam-si, Korea
| | - Jiwoo Choi
- Department of Biomedical Science, CHA Stem Cell Institute, CHA University, Seongnam-si, Korea
| | - Suji Lee
- Department of Biomedical Science, CHA Stem Cell Institute, CHA University, Seongnam-si, Korea
| | - Hyun Jung Park
- Department of Biomedical Science, CHA Stem Cell Institute, CHA University, Seongnam-si, Korea
| | - Bomi Lee
- iPS Bio, Inc., Seongnam-si, Korea
| | - Tae Aug Kim
- Department of Biomedical Science, CHA Stem Cell Institute, CHA University, Seongnam-si, Korea
| | | | - Hyun Sook Kim
- Department of Neurology, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University, Seongnam-si, Korea
| | - Jihwan Song
- Department of Biomedical Science, CHA Stem Cell Institute, CHA University, Seongnam-si, Korea.,iPS Bio, Inc., Seongnam-si, Korea
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5
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Fernandes MB, Costa M, Ribeiro MF, Siquenique S, Sá Santos S, Martins J, Coelho AV, Silva MFB, Rodrigues CMP, Solá S. Reprogramming of Lipid Metabolism as a New Driving Force Behind Tauroursodeoxycholic Acid-Induced Neural Stem Cell Proliferation. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:335. [PMID: 32582686 PMCID: PMC7286385 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.00335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2020] [Accepted: 04/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent evidence suggests that neural stem cell (NSC) fate is highly dependent on mitochondrial bioenergetics. Tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA), an endogenous neuroprotective bile acid and a metabolic regulator, stimulates NSC proliferation and enhances adult NSC pool in vitro and in vivo. In this study, we dissected the mechanism triggered by this proliferation-inducing molecule, namely in mediating metabolic reprogramming. Liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (LC-MS) based detection of differential proteomics revealed that TUDCA reduces the mitochondrial levels of the long-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase (LCAD), an enzyme crucial for β-oxidation of long-chain fatty acids (FA). TUDCA impact on NSC mitochondrial proteome was further confirmed, including in neurogenic regions of adult rats. We show that LCAD raises throughout NSC differentiation, while its silencing promotes NSC proliferation. In contrast, nuclear levels of sterol regulatory element-binding protein (SREBP-1), a major transcription factor of lipid biosynthesis, changes in the opposite manner of LCAD, being upregulated by TUDCA. In addition, alterations in some metabolic intermediates, such as palmitic acid, also supported the TUDCA-induced de novo lipogenesis. More interestingly, a metabolic shift from FA to glucose catabolism appears to occur in TUDCA-treated NSCs, since mitochondrial levels of pyruvate dehydrogenase E1-α (PDHE1-α) were significant enhanced by TUDCA. At last, the mitochondria-nucleus translocation of PDHE1-α was potentiated by TUDCA, associated with an increase of H3-histones and acetylated forms. In conclusion, TUDCA-induced proliferation of NSCs involves metabolic plasticity and mitochondria-nucleus crosstalk, in which nuclear PDHE1-α might be required to assure pyruvate-derived acetyl-CoA for histone acetylation and NSC cycle progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta B Fernandes
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Márcia Costa
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Maria Filipe Ribeiro
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Sónia Siquenique
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Sónia Sá Santos
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Joana Martins
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Ana V Coelho
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Margarida F B Silva
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Cecília M P Rodrigues
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Susana Solá
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
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6
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Impaired Neuronal Differentiation of Neural Stem Cells Lacking the Engrailed-2 Gene. Neuroscience 2018; 386:137-149. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2018.06.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2018] [Revised: 06/01/2018] [Accepted: 06/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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7
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Subcellular localisation modulates ubiquitylation and degradation of Ascl1. Sci Rep 2018; 8:4625. [PMID: 29545540 PMCID: PMC5854709 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-23056-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2018] [Accepted: 03/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The proneural transcription factor Ascl1 is a master regulator of neurogenesis, coordinating proliferation and differentiation in the central nervous system. While its expression is well characterised, post-translational regulation is much less well understood. Here we demonstrate that a population of chromatin-bound Ascl1 can be found associated with short chains of ubiquitin while cytoplasmic Ascl1 harbours much longer ubiquitin chains. Only cytoplasmic ubiquitylation targets Ascl1 for destruction, which occurs by conjugation of ubiquitin to lysines in the basic helix-loop-helix domain of Ascl1 and requires the E3 ligase Huwe1. In contrast, chromatin-bound Ascl1 associated with short ubiquitin-chains, which can occur on lysines within the N-terminal region or the bHLH domain and is not mediated by Huwe1, is not targeted for ubiquitin-mediated destruction. We therefore offer further insights into post-translational regulation of Ascl1, highlighting complex regulation of ubiquitylation and degradation in the cytoplasm and on chromatin.
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8
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Huntington Disease as a Neurodevelopmental Disorder and Early Signs of the Disease in Stem Cells. Mol Neurobiol 2017; 55:3351-3371. [PMID: 28497201 PMCID: PMC5842500 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-017-0477-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2017] [Accepted: 03/01/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Huntington disease (HD) is a dominantly inherited disorder caused by a CAG expansion mutation in the huntingtin (HTT) gene, which results in the HTT protein that contains an expanded polyglutamine tract. The adult form of HD exhibits a late onset of the fully symptomatic phase. However, there is also a long presymptomatic phase, which has been increasingly investigated and recognized as important for the disease development. Moreover, the juvenile form of HD, evoked by a higher number of CAG repeats, resembles a neurodevelopmental disorder and has recently been the focus of additional interest. Multiple lines of data, such as the developmental necessity of HTT, its role in the cell cycle and neurogenesis, and findings from pluripotent stem cells, suggest the existence of a neurodevelopmental component in HD pathogenesis. Therefore, we discuss the early molecular pathogenesis of HD in pluripotent and neural stem cells, with respect to the neurodevelopmental aspects of HD.
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9
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Yu MS, Tanese N. Huntingtin Is Required for Neural But Not Cardiac/Pancreatic Progenitor Differentiation of Mouse Embryonic Stem Cells In vitro. Front Cell Neurosci 2017; 11:33. [PMID: 28270748 PMCID: PMC5318384 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2017.00033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2016] [Accepted: 02/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Mutation in the huntingtin (HTT) gene causes Huntington's disease (HD). It is an autosomal dominant trinucleotide-repeat expansion disease in which CAG repeat sequence expands to >35. This results in the production of mutant HTT protein with an increased stretch of glutamines near the N-terminus. The wild type HTT gene encodes a 350 kD protein whose function remains elusive. Mutant HTT protein has been implicated in transcription, axonal transport, cytoskeletal structure/function, signal transduction, and autophagy. HD is characterized by the appearance of nuclear inclusions and degeneration of the striatum. Although HTT protein is expressed early in embryos, most patients develop symptoms in mid-life. It is also unclear why the ubiquitously expressed mutant HTT specifically causes striatal atrophy. Wild type Htt is essential for development as Htt knockout mice die at day E7.5. Increasing evidence suggests mutant Htt may alter neurogenesis and development of striatal neurons resulting in neuronal loss. Using a mouse embryonic stem cell model, we examined the role of Htt in neural differentiation. We found cells lacking Htt inefficient in generating neural stem cells. In contrast differentiation into progenitors of mesoderm and endoderm lineages was not affected. The data suggests Htt is essential for neural but not cardiac/pancreatic progenitor differentiation of embryonic stem cells in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Man Shan Yu
- Department of Microbiology, New York University School of Medicine, New York NY, USA
| | - Naoko Tanese
- Department of Microbiology, New York University School of Medicine, New York NY, USA
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10
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Morgado AL, Rodrigues CMP, Solá S. MicroRNA-145 Regulates Neural Stem Cell Differentiation Through the Sox2-Lin28/let-7 Signaling Pathway. Stem Cells 2016; 34:1386-95. [PMID: 26849971 DOI: 10.1002/stem.2309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2015] [Revised: 12/05/2015] [Accepted: 12/16/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs or miRs) regulate several biological functions, including cell fate determination and differentiation. Although miR-145 has already been described to regulate glioma development, its precise role in neurogenesis has never been addressed. miR-145 represses sex-determining region Y-box 2 (Sox2), a core transcription factor of embryonic stem cells (ESCs), to inhibit pluripotency and self-renewal in human ESCs. In addition, the Sox2-Lin28/let-7 signaling pathway regulates proliferation and neurogenesis of neural precursors. In this study, we aimed to investigate the precise role of miR-145 in neural stem cell (NSC) fate decision, and the possible involvement of the Sox2-Lin28/let-7 signaling pathway in miR-145 regulatory network. Our results show for the first time that miR-145 expression significantly increased after induction of mouse NSC differentiation, remaining elevated throughout this process. Forced miR-145 downregulation decreased neuronal markers, namely βIII-tubulin, NeuN, and MAP2. Interestingly, throughout NSC differentiation, protein levels of Sox2 and Lin28, a well-known suppressor of let-7 biogenesis, decreased. Of note, neuronal differentiation also resulted in let-7a and let-7b upregulation. Transfection of NSCs with anti-miR-145, in turn, increased both Sox2 and Lin28 protein levels, while decreasing both let-7a and let-7b. More importantly, Sox2 and Lin28 silencing partially rescued the impairment of neuronal differentiation induced by miR-145 downregulation. In conclusion, our results demonstrate a novel role for miR-145 during NSC differentiation, where miR-145 modulation of Sox2-Lin28/let-7 network is crucial for neurogenesis progression. Stem Cells 2016;34:1386-1395.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana L Morgado
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Cecília M P Rodrigues
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
- Department of Biochemistry and Human Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Susana Solá
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
- Department of Biochemistry and Human Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
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11
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Yang Y, Jiao J, Gao R, Le R, Kou X, Zhao Y, Wang H, Gao S, Wang Y. Enhanced Rejuvenation in Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Neurons Compared with Directly Converted Neurons from an Aged Mouse. Stem Cells Dev 2015; 24:2767-77. [PMID: 26192905 DOI: 10.1089/scd.2015.0137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Yuanyuan Yang
- Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiao Jiao
- Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Rui Gao
- Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Rongrong Le
- Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaochen Kou
- Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yanhong Zhao
- Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hong Wang
- Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shaorong Gao
- Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yixuan Wang
- Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
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12
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Jones KM, Sarić N, Russell JP, Andoniadou CL, Scambler PJ, Basson MA. CHD7 maintains neural stem cell quiescence and prevents premature stem cell depletion in the adult hippocampus. Stem Cells 2015; 33:196-210. [PMID: 25183173 PMCID: PMC5952591 DOI: 10.1002/stem.1822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2014] [Accepted: 07/19/2014] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Neural stem/progenitor cells (NSCs) in the hippocampus produce new neurons throughout adult life. NSCs are maintained in a state of reversible quiescence and the failure to maintain the quiescent state can result in the premature depletion of the stem cell pool. The epigenetic mechanisms that maintain this quiescent state have not been identified. Using an inducible knockout mouse model, we show that the chromatin remodeling factor chromodomain-helicase-DNA-binding protein 7 (CHD7) is essential for maintaining NSC quiescence. CHD7 inactivation in adult NSCs results in a loss of stem cell quiescence in the hippocampus, a transient increase in cell divisions, followed by a significant decline in neurogenesis. This loss of NSC quiescence is associated with the premature loss of NSCs in middle-aged mice. We find that CHD7 represses the transcription of several positive regulators of cell cycle progression and is required for full induction of the Notch target gene Hes5 in quiescent NSCs. These findings directly link CHD7 to pathways involved in NSC quiescence and identify the first chromatin-remodeling factor with a role in NSC quiescence and maintenance. As CHD7 haplo-insufficiency is associated with a range of cognitive disabilities in CHARGE syndrome, our observations may have implications for understanding the basis of these deficits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kieran M Jones
- King's College London, Department of Craniofacial Development and Stem Cell Biology, Guy's Hospital Tower Wing, London, UK
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13
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Xie W, Wang JQ, Wang QC, Wang Y, Yao S, Tang TS. Adult neural progenitor cells from Huntington's disease mouse brain exhibit increased proliferation and migration due to enhanced calcium and ROS signals. Cell Prolif 2015; 48:517-31. [PMID: 26269226 DOI: 10.1111/cpr.12205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2015] [Accepted: 06/10/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Huntington's disease (HD) is an inherited human neurodegenerative disorder characterized by uncontrollable movement, psychiatric disturbance and cognitive decline. Impaired proliferative/differentiational potentials of adult neural progenitor cells (ANPCs) have been thought to be a pathogenic mechanism involved in it. In this study, we aimed to elucidate intrinsic properties of ANPCs subjected to neurodegenerative condition in YAC128 HD mice. MATERIALS AND METHODS ANPCs were isolated from the SVZ regions of 4-month-old WT and YAC128 mice. Cell proliferation, migration and neuronal differentiation in vitro were compared between these two genotypes with/without Ca(2+) inhibitors or ROS scavenger treatments. Differences in ANPC proliferation and differentiation capabilities in vivo between the two genotypes were evaluated using Ki-67 and Doublecortin (DCX) immunofluorescence respectively. RESULTS Compared to WT ANPCs, YAC128 ANPCs had significantly enhanced cell proliferation, migration and neuronal differentiation in vitro, accompanied by increased Ca(2+) and ROS signals. Raised proliferation and migration in YAC128 ANPCs were abolished by Ca(2+) signalling antagonists and ROS scavenging. However, in vivo, HD ANPCs failed to show any elevated proliferation or differentiation. CONCLUSIONS Increased Ca(2+) signalling and higher level of ROS conferred HD ANPC enhancement of proliferation and migration potentials. However, the in vivo micro-environment did not support endogenous ANPCs to respond appropriately to neuronal loss in these YAC128 mouse brains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjuan Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Biomembrane and Membrane Biotechnology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Jiu-Qiang Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Biomembrane and Membrane Biotechnology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Qiao-Chu Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Biomembrane and Membrane Biotechnology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Yun Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Biomembrane and Membrane Biotechnology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Sheng Yao
- Department of Neurology, Navy General Hospital, Beijing, 100048, China
| | - Tie-Shan Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Biomembrane and Membrane Biotechnology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
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14
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Chew LJ, DeBoy CA, Senatorov VV. Finding degrees of separation: experimental approaches for astroglial and oligodendroglial cell isolation and genetic targeting. J Neurosci Methods 2014; 236:125-47. [PMID: 25169049 PMCID: PMC4171043 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2014.08.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2014] [Revised: 08/15/2014] [Accepted: 08/18/2014] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The study of CNS glial cell function requires experimental methods to detect, purify, and manipulate each cell population with fidelity and specificity. With the identification and cloning of cell- and stage-specific markers, glial cell analysis techniques have grown beyond physical methods of tissue dissociation and cell culture, and become highly specific with immunoselection of cell cultures in vitro and genetic targeting in vivo. The unique plasticity of glial cells offers the potential for cell replacement therapies in neurological disease that utilize neural cells derived from transplanted neural stem and progenitor cells. In this mini-review, we outline general physical and genetic approaches for macroglial cell generation. We summarize cell culture methods to obtain astrocytes and oligodendrocytes and their precursors, from developing and adult tissue, as well as approaches to obtain human neural progenitor cells through the establishment of stem cells. We discuss popular targeting rodent strains designed for cell-specific detection, selection and manipulation of neuroglial cell progenitors and their committed progeny. Based on shared markers between astrocytes and stem cells, we discuss genetically modified mouse strains with overlapping expression, and highlight SOX-expressing strains available for targeting of stem and progenitor cell populations. We also include recently established mouse strains for detection, and tag-assisted RNA and miRNA analysis. This discussion aims to provide a brief overview of the rapidly expanding collection of experimental approaches and genetic resources for the isolation and targeting of macroglial cells, their sources, progeny and gene products to facilitate our understanding of their properties and potential application in pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Jin Chew
- Center for Neuroscience Research, Children's Research Institute, Children's National Medical Center, Washington, DC, United States.
| | - Cynthia A DeBoy
- Biology Department, Trinity Washington University, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Vladimir V Senatorov
- Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, University of California, Berkeley, CA, United States
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15
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Fischer B, Azim K, Hurtado-Chong A, Ramelli S, Fernández M, Raineteau O. E-proteins orchestrate the progression of neural stem cell differentiation in the postnatal forebrain. Neural Dev 2014; 9:23. [PMID: 25352248 PMCID: PMC4274746 DOI: 10.1186/1749-8104-9-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2014] [Accepted: 10/08/2014] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neural stem cell (NSC) differentiation is a complex multistep process that persists in specific regions of the postnatal forebrain and requires tight regulation throughout life. The transcriptional control of NSC proliferation and specification involves Class II (proneural) and Class V (Id1-4) basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) proteins. In this study, we analyzed the pattern of expression of their dimerization partners, Class I bHLH proteins (E-proteins), and explored their putative role in orchestrating postnatal subventricular zone (SVZ) neurogenesis. RESULTS Overexpression of a dominant-negative form of the E-protein E47 (dnE47) confirmed a crucial role for bHLH transcriptional networks in postnatal neurogenesis by dramatically blocking SVZ NSC differentiation. In situ hybridization was used in combination with RT-qPCR to measure and compare the level of expression of E-protein transcripts (E2-2, E2A, and HEB) in the neonatal and adult SVZ as well as in magnetic affinity cell sorted progenitor cells and neuroblasts. Our results evidence that E-protein transcripts, in particular E2-2 and E2A, are enriched in the postnatal SVZ with expression levels increasing as cells engage towards neuronal differentiation. To investigate the role of E-proteins in orchestrating lineage progression, both in vitro and in vivo gain-of-function and loss-of-function experiments were performed for individual E-proteins. Overexpression of E2-2 and E2A promoted SVZ neurogenesis by enhancing not only radial glial cell differentiation but also cell cycle exit of their progeny. Conversely, knock-down by shRNA electroporation resulted in opposite effects. Manipulation of E-proteins and/or Ascl1 in SVZ NSC cultures indicated that those effects were Ascl1 dependent, although they could not solely be attributed to an Ascl1-induced switch from promoting cell proliferation to triggering cell cycle arrest and differentiation. CONCLUSIONS In contrast to former concepts, suggesting ubiquitous expression and subsidiary function for E-proteins to foster postnatal neurogenesis, this work unveils E-proteins as being active players in the orchestration of postnatal SVZ neurogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Olivier Raineteau
- Brain Research Institute, ETH Zurich/University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland.
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16
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Valenza M, Marullo M, Di Paolo E, Cesana E, Zuccato C, Biella G, Cattaneo E. Disruption of astrocyte-neuron cholesterol cross talk affects neuronal function in Huntington's disease. Cell Death Differ 2014; 22:690-702. [PMID: 25301063 DOI: 10.1038/cdd.2014.162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2014] [Revised: 08/13/2014] [Accepted: 09/03/2014] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
In the adult brain, neurons require local cholesterol production, which is supplied by astrocytes through apoE-containing lipoproteins. In Huntington's disease (HD), such cholesterol biosynthesis in the brain is severely reduced. Here we show that this defect, occurring in astrocytes, is detrimental for HD neurons. Astrocytes bearing the huntingtin protein containing increasing CAG repeats secreted less apoE-lipoprotein-bound cholesterol in the medium. Conditioned media from HD astrocytes and lipoprotein-depleted conditioned media from wild-type (wt) astrocytes were equally detrimental in a neurite outgrowth assay and did not support synaptic activity in HD neurons, compared with conditions of cholesterol supplementation or conditioned media from wt astrocytes. Molecular perturbation of cholesterol biosynthesis and efflux in astrocytes caused similarly altered astrocyte-neuron cross talk, whereas enhancement of glial SREBP2 and ABCA1 function reversed the aspects of neuronal dysfunction in HD. These findings indicate that astrocyte-mediated cholesterol homeostasis could be a potential therapeutic target to ameliorate neuronal dysfunction in HD.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Valenza
- Department of Biosciences and Centre for Stem Cell Research, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - M Marullo
- Department of Biosciences and Centre for Stem Cell Research, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - E Di Paolo
- Department of Biosciences and Centre for Stem Cell Research, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - E Cesana
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology, Università degli Studi di Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - C Zuccato
- Department of Biosciences and Centre for Stem Cell Research, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - G Biella
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology, Università degli Studi di Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - E Cattaneo
- Department of Biosciences and Centre for Stem Cell Research, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
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17
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Mateo JL, van den Berg DLC, Haeussler M, Drechsel D, Gaber ZB, Castro DS, Robson P, Lu QR, Crawford GE, Flicek P, Ettwiller L, Wittbrodt J, Guillemot F, Martynoga B. Characterization of the neural stem cell gene regulatory network identifies OLIG2 as a multifunctional regulator of self-renewal. Genome Res 2014; 25:41-56. [PMID: 25294244 PMCID: PMC4317172 DOI: 10.1101/gr.173435.114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The gene regulatory network (GRN) that supports neural stem cell (NS cell) self-renewal has so far been poorly characterized. Knowledge of the central transcription factors (TFs), the noncoding gene regulatory regions that they bind to, and the genes whose expression they modulate will be crucial in unlocking the full therapeutic potential of these cells. Here, we use DNase-seq in combination with analysis of histone modifications to identify multiple classes of epigenetically and functionally distinct cis-regulatory elements (CREs). Through motif analysis and ChIP-seq, we identify several of the crucial TF regulators of NS cells. At the core of the network are TFs of the basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH), nuclear factor I (NFI), SOX, and FOX families, with CREs often densely bound by several of these different TFs. We use machine learning to highlight several crucial regulatory features of the network that underpin NS cell self-renewal and multipotency. We validate our predictions by functional analysis of the bHLH TF OLIG2. This TF makes an important contribution to NS cell self-renewal by concurrently activating pro-proliferation genes and preventing the untimely activation of genes promoting neuronal differentiation and stem cell quiescence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan L Mateo
- Centre for Organismal Studies (COS) Heidelberg, University of Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany;
| | - Debbie L C van den Berg
- Division of Molecular Neurobiology, MRC-National Institute for Medical Research, Mill Hill, London NW7 1AA, United Kingdom
| | - Maximilian Haeussler
- Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PT, United Kingdom
| | - Daniela Drechsel
- Division of Molecular Neurobiology, MRC-National Institute for Medical Research, Mill Hill, London NW7 1AA, United Kingdom
| | - Zachary B Gaber
- Division of Molecular Neurobiology, MRC-National Institute for Medical Research, Mill Hill, London NW7 1AA, United Kingdom
| | - Diogo S Castro
- Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciência, 2780-156 Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Paul Robson
- Developmental Cellomics Laboratory, Genome Institute of Singapore, Singapore 138672, Singapore
| | | | - Gregory E Crawford
- Institute of Genome Sciences and Policy, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27708, USA
| | - Paul Flicek
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, European Bioinformatics Institute, Wellcome Trust Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge CB10 1SD, United Kingdom; Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Wellcome Trust Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge, CB10 1SA, United Kingdom
| | - Laurence Ettwiller
- Centre for Organismal Studies (COS) Heidelberg, University of Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; New England Biolabs, Inc., Ipswich, Massachusetts 01938-2723, USA
| | - Joachim Wittbrodt
- Centre for Organismal Studies (COS) Heidelberg, University of Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - François Guillemot
- Division of Molecular Neurobiology, MRC-National Institute for Medical Research, Mill Hill, London NW7 1AA, United Kingdom
| | - Ben Martynoga
- Division of Molecular Neurobiology, MRC-National Institute for Medical Research, Mill Hill, London NW7 1AA, United Kingdom;
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18
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Xavier JM, Morgado AL, Solá S, Rodrigues CMP. Mitochondrial translocation of p53 modulates neuronal fate by preventing differentiation-induced mitochondrial stress. Antioxid Redox Signal 2014; 21:1009-24. [PMID: 24329038 PMCID: PMC4123470 DOI: 10.1089/ars.2013.5417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Apoptosis regulatory proteins, such as p53, play a pivotal role in neural differentiation, through mechanisms independent of cell death. In addition, p53 has been identified as an important regulator of mitochondrial survival response, maintaining mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) integrity and oxidative protection. The aim of this study was to determine the role of mitochondrial p53 in organelle damage and neural differentiation. RESULTS Our results show that mitochondrial apoptotic events such as reactive oxygen species production, mitochondrial membrane permeabilization, and cytochrome c release are typical of early-stage mouse neural stem cell differentiation, which occurs 3-18 h after induction of differentiation, with no evidence of cell death. In addition, decreased mtDNA content, lipidated LC3 (LC3-II), colocalization of mitochondria and LC3-II puncta, and mitochondria-associated Parkin are consistent with activation of mitophagy. Importantly, at early stages of neural differentiation, p53 was actively translocated to mitochondria and attenuated mitochondrial oxidative stress, cytochrome c release, and mitophagy. Forced mitochondrial translocation of p53 increased neurogenic potential and neurite outgrowth. INNOVATION AND CONCLUSION In conclusion, our results reveal a novel role for mitochondrial p53, which modulates mitochondrial damage and apoptosis-related events in the context of neural differentiation, thus enhancing neuronal fate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joana M Xavier
- Instituto de Investigação do Medicamento (iMed.ULisboa), Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade de Lisboa , Lisboa, Portugal
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19
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Cariboni A, Conti L, Andrè V, Aprile D, Zasso J, Maggi R. Establishment of a radial glia-like mouse fetal hypothalamic neural stem cell line (AC1) able to differentiate into neuroendocrine cells. NEUROGENESIS 2014; 1:e29950. [PMID: 28255570 PMCID: PMC5322806 DOI: 10.4161/neur.29950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2014] [Revised: 06/10/2014] [Accepted: 07/15/2014] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
The present study describes the generation and the characterization of a stable cell line of neural stem cells derived from embryonic mouse hypothalamus. These cells (AC1) grow as an adherent culture in defined serum-free medium and express typical markers of neurogenic radial glia and of hypothalamic precursors. After prolonged expansion, AC1 cells may be efficiently induced to differentiate into neurons and astroglial cells in vitro and start to express some hormonal neuropeptides, like TRH, CRH, and POMC. Based on the capabilities of AC1 cells to be stably expanded and to develop neuroendocrine lineages in vitro, these cells might represent a novel tool to elucidate the mechanisms involved in the development of the hypothalamus and in the specific differentiation of neuroendocrine neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Cariboni
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari; Sez. Biomedicina e Endocrinologia;
Università degli Studi di Milano; Milan, Italy; Centro Interuniversitario per lo studio delle Malattie della Riproduzione (CIRMAR); Università degli Studi di Milano; Milan, Italy
| | - Luciano Conti
- Centro per la Biologia Integrata (CIBIO); Università degli Studi di Trento; Trento, Italy
| | - Valentina Andrè
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari; Sez. Biomedicina e Endocrinologia;
Università degli Studi di Milano; Milan, Italy
| | - Davide Aprile
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari; Sez. Biomedicina e Endocrinologia;
Università degli Studi di Milano; Milan, Italy
| | - Jacopo Zasso
- Centro per la Biologia Integrata (CIBIO); Università degli Studi di Trento; Trento, Italy
| | - Roberto Maggi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari; Sez. Biomedicina e Endocrinologia;
Università degli Studi di Milano; Milan, Italy; Centro Interuniversitario per lo studio delle Malattie della Riproduzione (CIRMAR); Università degli Studi di Milano; Milan, Italy
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20
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MicroRNA-34a Modulates Neural Stem Cell Differentiation by Regulating Expression of Synaptic and Autophagic Proteins. Mol Neurobiol 2014; 51:1168-83. [PMID: 24973144 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-014-8794-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2014] [Accepted: 06/15/2014] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
We have previously demonstrated the involvement of specific apoptosis-associated microRNAs (miRNAs), including miR-34a, in mouse neural stem cell (NSC) differentiation. In addition, a growing body of evidence points to a critical role for autophagy during neuronal differentiation, as a response-survival mechanism to limit oxidative stress and regulate synaptogenesis associated with this process. The aim of this study was to further investigate the precise role of miR-34a during NSC differentiation. Our results showed that miR-34a expression was markedly downregulated during neurogenesis. Neuronal differentiation and cell morphology, synapse function, and electrophysiological maturation were significantly impaired in miR-34a-overexpressing NSCs. In addition, synaptotagmin 1 (Syt1) and autophagy-related 9a (Atg9a) significantly increased during neurogenesis. Pharmacological inhibition of autophagy impaired both neuronal differentiation and cell morphology. Notably, we showed that Syt1 and Atg9a are miR-34a targets in neural differentiation context, markedly decreasing after miR-34a overexpression. Syt1 overexpression and rapamycin-induced autophagy partially rescued the impairment of neuronal differentiation by miR-34a. In conclusion, our results demonstrate a novel role for miR-34a regulation of NSC differentiation, where miR-34a downregulation and subsequent increase of Syt1 and Atg9a appear to be crucial for neurogenesis progression.
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21
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iPSC-derived neural precursors exert a neuroprotective role in immune-mediated demyelination via the secretion of LIF. Nat Commun 2014; 4:2597. [PMID: 24169527 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms3597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2013] [Accepted: 09/11/2013] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The possibility of generating neural stem/precursor cells (NPCs) from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) has opened a new avenue of research that might nurture bench-to-bedside translation of cell transplantation protocols in central nervous system myelin disorders. Here we show that mouse iPSC-derived NPCs (miPSC-NPCs)-when intrathecally transplanted after disease onset-ameliorate clinical and pathological features of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis, an animal model of multiple sclerosis. Transplanted miPSC-NPCs exert the neuroprotective effect not through cell replacement, but through the secretion of leukaemia inhibitory factor that promotes survival, differentiation and the remyelination capacity of both endogenous oligodendrocyte precursors and mature oligodendrocytes. The early preservation of tissue integrity limits blood-brain barrier damage and central nervous system infiltration of blood-borne encephalitogenic leukocytes, ultimately responsible for demyelination and axonal damage. While proposing a novel mechanism of action, our results further expand the therapeutic potential of NPCs derived from iPSCs in myelin disorders.
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22
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Schneider L. Survival of neural stem cells undergoing DNA damage-induced astrocytic differentiation in self-renewal-promoting conditions in vitro. PLoS One 2014; 9:e87228. [PMID: 24475256 PMCID: PMC3903639 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0087228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2013] [Accepted: 12/19/2013] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
We recently reported that neural stem cells (NSCs) become senescent and commit to astrocytic differentiation upon X-ray irradiation. Surprisingly, under self-renewing culture conditions, some of these senescent cells undergo p53-independent apoptosis, which can be suppressed by caspase inhibition and BCL2 overexpression. Inhibition of apoptosis proved beneficial for astroglial differentiation efficiency; hence the toxicity of DNA damage on NSCs was specifically tested in context of the culture conditions. In this regard, self-renewal-promoting culture conditions proved incompatible with terminal astrocyte differentiation and impacted negatively on the viability of NSCs following DNA damage-induced cell cycle exit. On the contrary, a switch to differentiation-supporting conditions ablated apoptosis and conveyed tolerance to DNA damage. Thus, stem cell death has likely not originated from DNA break toxicity, while the potentially confounding effect of stem cell niche should always be taken in consideration in stem cell irradiation experiments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonid Schneider
- IFOM Foundation - The FIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology Foundation, Milan, Italy
- Fachbereich Biologie, Technische Universität Darmstadt, Darmstadt, Germany
- * E-mail:
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23
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Cusulin C, Monni E, Ahlenius H, Wood J, Brune JC, Lindvall O, Kokaia Z. Embryonic stem cell-derived neural stem cells fuse with microglia and mature neurons. Stem Cells 2013; 30:2657-71. [PMID: 22961761 DOI: 10.1002/stem.1227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2012] [Accepted: 08/10/2012] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Transplantation of neural stem cells (NSCs) is a novel strategy to restore function in the diseased brain, acting through multiple mechanisms, for example, neuronal replacement, neuroprotection, and modulation of inflammation. Whether transplanted NSCs can operate by fusing with microglial cells or mature neurons is largely unknown. Here, we have studied the interaction of a mouse embryonic stem cell-derived neural stem (NS) cell line with rat and mouse microglia and neurons in vitro and in vivo. We show that NS cells spontaneously fuse with cocultured cortical neurons, and that this process requires the presence of microglia. Our in vitro data indicate that the NS cells can first fuse with microglia and then with neurons. The fused NS/microglial cells express markers and retain genetic and functional characteristics of both parental cell types, being able to respond to microglia-specific stimuli (LPS and IL-4/IL-13) and to differentiate to neurons and astrocytes. The NS cells fuse with microglia, at least partly, through interaction between phosphatidylserine exposed on the surface of NS cells and CD36 receptor on microglia. Transplantation of NS cells into rodent cortex results in fusion with mature pyramidal neurons, which often carry two nuclei, a process probably mediated by microglia. The fusogenic role of microglia could be even more important after NSC transplantation into brains affected by neurodegenerative diseases associated with microglia activation. It remains to be elucidated how the occurrence of the fused cells will influence the functional outcome after NSC transplantation in the diseased brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlo Cusulin
- Laboratory of Stem Cells and Restorative Neurology, Department of Laboratory Medicine, University Hospital, SE-22184 Lund, Sweden
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24
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Mohammad-Gharibani P, Tiraihi T, Delshad A, Arabkheradmand J, Taheri T. Improvement of contusive spinal cord injury in rats by co-transplantation of gamma-aminobutyric acid-ergic cells and bone marrow stromal cells. Cytotherapy 2013; 15:1073-85. [PMID: 23806239 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcyt.2013.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2013] [Revised: 04/25/2013] [Accepted: 05/07/2013] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AIMS Cell therapy is considered a promising option for treatment of spinal cord injury (SCI). The purpose of this study is to use combined therapy of bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) and BMSC-derived gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)ergic inhibitory neurotransmitter cells (BDGCs) for the contusion model of SCI in rats. METHODS BDGCs were prepared from BMSCs by pre-inducing them with β-mercaptoethanol followed by retinoic acid and then inducing them by creatine. They were immunostained with BMSC, proneuronal, neural and GABA markers. The BDGCs were intraspinally transplanted into the contused rats, whereas the BMSCs were delivered intravenously. The animals were sacrificed after 12 weeks. RESULTS The Basso, Beattie and Bresnahan test showed improvement in the animals with the combined therapy compared with the untreated animals, the animals treated with GABAergic cells only and the animals that received BMSCs. The immunohistochemistry analysis of the tissue sections prepared from the animals receiving the combined therapy showed that the transplanted cells were engrafted and integrated into the injured spinal cord; in addition, a significant reduction was seen in the cavitation. CONCLUSIONS The study shows that the combination of GABAergic cells with BMSCs can improve SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Payam Mohammad-Gharibani
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
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25
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A proapoptotic effect of valproic acid on progenitors of embryonic stem cell-derived glutamatergic neurons. Cell Death Dis 2013; 4:e677. [PMID: 23788034 PMCID: PMC3702299 DOI: 10.1038/cddis.2013.205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Valproic acid (VPA) is a branched-chain saturated fatty acid with a long history of clinical use as an antiepileptic drug (AED). VPA is also known to inhibit histone deacetylases (HDACs) and to cause diverse effects on neural progenitor cells (NPCs) and neurons. Although the neuroprotective or neurodestructive effects of VPA have been investigated in heterogeneous cell populations, in this study, we used homogeneous populations of NPCs and glutamatergic cortical pyramidal neurons, which were differentiated from embryonic stem (ES) cells. At therapeutic concentrations, VPA had a proapoptotic effect on ES cell-derived NPCs of glutamatergic neurons, but not on their progeny. This effect of VPA most likely occurred through the inhibition of HDACs, because similar phenotypes were observed following treatment with other HDAC inhibitors (HDACis) such as trichostatin A and sodium butyrate. The proapoptotic phenotype was not observed when cells were exposed to a structural analog of VPA, valpromide (VPM), which has the same antiepileptic effect as VPA, but does not inhibit HDACs. Western blotting confirmed that treatment with HDACis, but not VPM, significantly increased the levels of histone H3 acetylation in NPCs. HDACi treatments did not affect the survival of neurons, although the acetylation levels were increased to a limited extent. These results, which are based on a homogeneous culture system, suggest that VPA inhibits HDAC activity and induces the apoptosis of NPCs that are fated to differentiate into glutamatergic neurons. The dose-dependent effects of VPA both on apoptosis and hyperacetylation of histone H3 in NPCs supported this notion. These cell type- and differentiation stage-specific effects of VPA imply that dysfunction of HDACs during pregnancy significantly increase the risk of congenital malformations associated with VPA administration.
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26
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Amyloid β peptides promote autophagy-dependent differentiation of mouse neural stem cells: Aβ-mediated neural differentiation. Mol Neurobiol 2013; 48:829-40. [PMID: 23729317 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-013-8471-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2013] [Accepted: 05/06/2013] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Although regarded as neurotoxic, amyloid β (Aβ) peptides may also mediate a wide range of nonpathogenic processes. Autophagy has been implicated in Aβ-mediated effects, although its precise function in neural differentiation remains unknown. Here, we addressed the role of different Aβ fragments in neural stem cell (NSC) proliferation and differentiation, and investigated whether autophagy is involved in Aβ-induced alterations of neural fate. Our results demonstrate that neuronal and glial-specific protein markers are significantly induced by both Aβ1-40 and Aβ1-42. However, Aβ1-40 preferentially enhances neurogenesis of NSCs, as determined by βIII-tubulin, NeuN, and MAP2 neuronal marker immunoreactivity, while Aβ1-42 appears to favor gliogenesis. In contrast, Aβ25-35 does not influence NSC fate. The effect of Aβ1-40 on neurogenesis is partially dependent on its role in NSC self-renewal as both S-phase of the cell cycle and BrdU labeling were markedly increased. Nevertheless, Aβ1-40 resulted also in increased Tuj1 promoter activity. Autophagy, assessed by conversion of endogenous LC3-I/II, fluorescence of pGFP-LC3-transfected cells, and Atg9 protein levels, was evident in both Aβ1-40- and Aβ1-42-treated NSCs, independently of reactive oxygen species production and apoptosis. Finally, inhibition of autophagy by pharmacologic means abrogated Aβ-induced lineage-specific protein markers. These results support distinct roles for different Aβ peptides in NSC fate decision and underline the importance of autophagy control of this process.
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27
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Gorba T, Conti L. Neural stem cells as tools for drug discovery: novel platforms and approaches. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2013; 8:1083-94. [DOI: 10.1517/17460441.2013.805199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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28
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Madeira C, Rodrigues CAV, Reis MSC, Ferreira FFCG, Correia RESM, Diogo MM, Cabral JMS. Nonviral Gene Delivery to Neural Stem Cells with Minicircles by Microporation. Biomacromolecules 2013; 14:1379-87. [DOI: 10.1021/bm400015b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Catarina Madeira
- Department of Bioengineering and Institute for Biotechnology and Bioengineering (IBB), Instituto Superior Técnico, Technical University of Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Carlos A. V. Rodrigues
- Department of Bioengineering and Institute for Biotechnology and Bioengineering (IBB), Instituto Superior Técnico, Technical University of Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Mónica S. C. Reis
- Department of Bioengineering and Institute for Biotechnology and Bioengineering (IBB), Instituto Superior Técnico, Technical University of Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Filipa F. C. G. Ferreira
- Department of Bioengineering and Institute for Biotechnology and Bioengineering (IBB), Instituto Superior Técnico, Technical University of Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Raquel E. S. M. Correia
- Department of Bioengineering and Institute for Biotechnology and Bioengineering (IBB), Instituto Superior Técnico, Technical University of Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Maria M. Diogo
- Department of Bioengineering and Institute for Biotechnology and Bioengineering (IBB), Instituto Superior Técnico, Technical University of Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Joaquim M. S. Cabral
- Department of Bioengineering and Institute for Biotechnology and Bioengineering (IBB), Instituto Superior Técnico, Technical University of Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001, Lisboa, Portugal
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Brilli E, Reitano E, Conti L, Conforti P, Gulino R, Consalez GG, Cesana E, Smith A, Rossi F, Cattaneo E. Neural stem cells engrafted in the adult brain fuse with endogenous neurons. Stem Cells Dev 2013; 22:538-47. [PMID: 23009360 DOI: 10.1089/scd.2012.0530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Neural stem cells (NSCs) have become promising tools for basic research and regenerative medicine. Intracerebral transplantation studies have suggested that these cells may be able to adopt neuronal phenotypes typical of their engraftment site and to establish appropriate connections in the recipient circuitries. Here, we examined the in vivo neurogenic competence of well-characterized NSC lines subjected to in vitro priming and subsequent implantation into the adult intact mouse brain. Upon implantation into the hippocampus and, less frequently, in the striatum and in the cerebral cortex, numerous green fluorescent protein (GFP)-tagged cells acquired differentiated features indistinguishable from resident neurons. Upon closer examination, however, we found that this outcome resulted from fusion of donor cells with local neuronal elements generating long-term persistent GFP(+) neuronal hybrids. This fusogenic behavior of NSCs was unexpected and also observed in coculture with E18 hippocampal immature neural cells, but not with microglia or astrocytes. Similar findings were consistently obtained with different NSC lines, mouse recipients, and donor cell-labeling methods. The frequent and cell type-specific fusion of donor NSCs with host neurons highlights a previously underestimated biological property of the nervous tissue that might prove profitable for basic and therapeutically oriented studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Brilli
- Centre for Stem Cell Research, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
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30
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Abstract
In vitro studies of neural progenitors isolated from the developing mouse have provided important insights into intrinsic and extrinsic pathways that control their behavior. However, use of primary cultures or neurospheres established from fetal tissues in cell population-based assays can be compromised by cellular heterogeneity. A complementary approach that addresses this issue is the establishment of adherent clonal neural stem (NS) cell lines. Here I describe protocols and troubleshooting advice for establishing adherent NS cell lines from the mouse fetal forebrain. NS cells grow as pure cultures in defined serum-free conditions as adherent monolayers and are therefore amenable to chemical/genetic screens, biochemical studies, and population-based analysis of gene expression or transcriptional regulation (e.g. RNA-Seq and ChIP-Seq). NS cell lines therefore represent a tractable cellular model system to explore the molecular and cellular biology of neural stem cell self-renewal and differentiation. Similar protocols can be extended to rat and human embryos, as well as human brain tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven M Pollard
- Department of Cancer Biology, Samantha Dickson Brain Cancer Unit, UCL Cancer Institute, University College London, London, UK
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Fonseca MB, Nunes AF, Morgado AL, Solá S, Rodrigues CMP. TAp63γ demethylation regulates protein stability and cellular distribution during neural stem cell differentiation. PLoS One 2012; 7:e52417. [PMID: 23251711 PMCID: PMC3522631 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0052417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2012] [Accepted: 11/15/2012] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
p63 is a close relative of the p53 tumor suppressor and transcription factor that modulates cell fate. The full-length isoform of p63, containing a transactivation (TA) domain (TAp63) is an essential proapoptotic protein in neural development. The role of p63 in epithelial development is also well established; however, its precise function during neural differentiation remains largely controversial. Recently, it has been demonstrated that several conserved elements of apoptosis are also integral components of cellular differentiation; p53 directly interacts with key regulators of neurogenesis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of p63 during mouse neural stem cell (NSC) differentiation and test whether the histone H3 lysine 27-specific demethylase JMJD3 interacts with p63 to redirect NSCs to neurogenesis. Our results showed that JMJD3 and TAp63γ are coordinately regulated to establish neural-specific gene expression programs in NSCs undergoing differentiation. JMJD3 overexpression increased TAp63γ levels in a demethylase activity-dependent manner. Importantly, overexpression of TAp63γ increased β-III tubulin whereas downregulation of TAp63γ by specific p63 siRNA decreased β-III tubulin. Immunoprecipitation assays demonstrated direct interaction between TAp63γ and JMJD3, and modulation of TAp63γ methylation status by JMJD3-demethylase activity. Importantly, the demethylase activity of JMJD3 influenced TAp63γ protein stabilization and cellular distribution, as well as TAp63γ-regulated neurogenesis. These findings clarify the role of p63 in adult neural progenitor cells and reveal TAp63γ as a direct target for JMJD3-mediated neuronal commitment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria B. Fonseca
- Research Institute for Medicines and Pharmaceutical Sciences (iMed.UL), Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Ana F. Nunes
- Research Institute for Medicines and Pharmaceutical Sciences (iMed.UL), Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Ana L. Morgado
- Research Institute for Medicines and Pharmaceutical Sciences (iMed.UL), Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Susana Solá
- Research Institute for Medicines and Pharmaceutical Sciences (iMed.UL), Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
- Department of Biochemistry and Human Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Cecília M. P. Rodrigues
- Research Institute for Medicines and Pharmaceutical Sciences (iMed.UL), Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
- Department of Biochemistry and Human Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
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Sinno M, Biagioni S, Ajmone-Cat MA, Pafumi I, Caramanica P, Medda V, Tonti G, Minghetti L, Mannello F, Cacci E. The matrix metalloproteinase inhibitor marimastat promotes neural progenitor cell differentiation into neurons by gelatinase-independent TIMP-2-dependent mechanisms. Stem Cells Dev 2012; 22:345-58. [PMID: 23098139 DOI: 10.1089/scd.2012.0299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their endogenous inhibitors (TIMPs), produced in the brain by cells of non-neural and neural origin, including neural progenitors (NPs), are emerging as regulators of nervous system development and adult brain functions. In the present study, we explored whether MMP-2, MMP-9, and TIMP-2, abundantly produced in the brain, modulate NP developmental properties. We found that treatment of NPs, isolated from the murine fetal cerebral cortex or adult subventricular zone, with the clinically tested broad-spectrum MMP inhibitor Marimastat profoundly affected the NP differentiation fate. Marimastat treatment allowed for an enrichment of our cultures in neuronal cells, inducing NPs to generate higher percentage of neurons and a lower percentage of astrocytes, possibly affecting NP commitment. Consistently with its proneurogenic effect, Marimastat early downregulated the expression of Notch target genes, such as Hes1 and Hes5. MMP-2 and MMP-9 profiling on proliferating and differentiating NPs revealed that MMP-9 was not expressed under these conditions, whereas MMP-2 increased in the medium as pro-MMP-2 (72 kDa) during differentiation; its active form (62 kDa) was not detectable by gel zymography. MMP-2 silencing or administration of recombinant active MMP-2 demonstrated that MMP-2 does not affect NP neuronal differentiation, nor it is involved in the Marimastat proneurogenic effect. We also found that TIMP-2 is expressed in NPs and increases during late differentiation, mainly as a consequence of astrocyte generation. Endogenous TIMP-2 did not modulate NP neurogenic potential; however, the proneurogenic action of Marimastat was mediated by TIMP-2, as demonstrated by silencing experiments. In conclusion, our data exclude a major involvement of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in the regulation of basal NP differentiation, but highlight the ability of TIMP-2 to act as key effector of the proneurogenic response to an inducing stimulus such as Marimastat.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maddalena Sinno
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology Charles Darwin, Sapienza, University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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Improvement in protocol to generate homogeneous glutamatergic neurons from mouse embryonic stem cells reduced apoptosis. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2012; 430:604-9. [PMID: 23219817 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2012.11.106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2012] [Accepted: 11/27/2012] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Obtaining a homogenous population of central nervous system neurons has been a significant challenge in neuroscience research; however, a recent study established a retinoic acid-treated embryoid bodies-based differentiation protocol that permits the effective generation of highly homogeneous glutamatergic cortical pyramidal neurons from embryonic stem cells. We were able to reproduce this protocol regarding the purity of glutamatergic neurons, but these neurons were not sufficiently healthy for long-term observation under the same conditions that were originally described. Here, we achieved a substantial improvement in cell survival by applying a simple technique: We changed the medium for glutamatergic neurons from the original complete medium to commercially available SBM (the Nerve-Cell Culture Medium manufactured by Sumitomo Bakelite Co. Ltd.) and finally succeeded in maintaining healthy neurons for at least 3 weeks without decreasing their purity. Because SBM contains glial conditioned medium, we postulated that brain-derived neurotrophic factor or basic fibroblast growth factor is the key components responsible for pro-survival effect of SBM on neurons, and examined their effects by adding them to CM. As a result, neither of them had pro-survival effect on pure glutamatergic neuronal population.
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Conforti P, Camnasio S, Mutti C, Valenza M, Thompson M, Fossale E, Zeitlin S, MacDonald ME, Zuccato C, Cattaneo E. Lack of huntingtin promotes neural stem cells differentiation into glial cells while neurons expressing huntingtin with expanded polyglutamine tracts undergo cell death. Neurobiol Dis 2012; 50:160-70. [PMID: 23089356 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2012.10.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2012] [Revised: 10/10/2012] [Accepted: 10/13/2012] [Indexed: 10/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Huntington's disease (HD) is a neurodegenerative disorder that affects muscle coordination and diminishes cognitive abilities. The genetic basis of the disease is an expansion of CAG repeats in the Huntingtin (Htt) gene. Here we aimed to generate a series of mouse neural stem (NS) cell lines that carried varying numbers of CAG repeats in the mouse Htt gene (Hdh CAG knock-in NS cells) or that had Hdh null alleles (Hdh knock-out NS cells). Towards this end, Hdh CAG knock-in mouse ES cell lines that carried an Htt gene with 20, 50, 111, or 140 CAG repeats or that were Htt null were neuralized and converted into self-renewing NS cells. The resulting NS cell lines were immunopositive for the neural stem cell markers NESTIN, SOX2, and BLBP and had similar proliferative rates and cell cycle distributions. After 14 days in vitro, wild-type NS cells gave rise to cultures composed of 70% MAP2(+) neurons and 30% GFAP(+) astrocytes. In contrast, NS cells with expanded CAG repeats underwent neuronal cell death, with only 38%±15% of the MAP2(+) cells remaining at the end of the differentiation period. Cell death was verified by increased caspase 3/7 activity on day 14 of the neuronal differentiation protocol. Interestingly, Hdh knock-out NS cells treated using the same neuronal differentiation protocol showed a dramatic increase in the number of GFAP(+) cells on day 14 (61%±20% versus 24%±10% in controls), and a massive decrease of MAP2(+) neurons (30%±11% versus 64%±17% in controls). Both Hdh CAG knock-in NS cells and Hdh knock-out NS cells showed reduced levels of Bdnf mRNA during neuronal differentiation, in agreement with data obtained previously in HD mouse models and in post-mortem brain samples from HD patients. We concluded that Hdh CAG knock-in and Hdh knock-out NS cells have potential as tools for investigating the roles of normal and mutant HTT in differentiated neurons and glial cells of the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Conforti
- Center for Stem Cell Research, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Balzaretti 9, 20113 Milan, Italy
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Synthetic condensed 1,4-naphthoquinone derivative shifts neural stem cell differentiation by regulating redox state. Mol Neurobiol 2012; 47:313-24. [PMID: 23054678 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-012-8353-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2012] [Accepted: 09/12/2012] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Naphthoquinones are bioactive compounds widespread in nature that impact on several cellular pathways, including cell proliferation and survival, by acting as prooxidants and electrophiles. We have previously described the role of the synthetic isoxazole condensed 1,4-naphthoquinone derivative 1a in preventing apoptosis induced by distinct stimuli in several cell models. In addition, apoptosis regulators and executioners may control neural stem cell (NSC) fate, without involving cell death per se. Here, we hypothesize that 1a might also play a role in NSC fate decision. We found that exposure to 1a shifts NSC differentiation potential from neurogenic to gliogenic lineage and involves the generation of reactive oxygen species, without increasing cell death. Modulation of caspases and calpains, using cysteine protease inhibitors, failed to mimic 1a effects. In addition, incubation with the naphthoquinone derivative resulted in upregulation and nuclear translocation of antioxidant responsive proteins, Nrf2 and Sirt1, which in turn may mediate 1a-directed shift in NSC differentiation. In fact, antioxidants halted the shift in NSC differentiation potential from neurogenic to gliogenic lineage, while strongly reducing reactive oxygen species generation and Nrf2 and Sirt1 nuclear translocation in NSC exposed to 1a. Collectively, these data support a new role for a specific naphthoquinone derivative in NSC fate decision and underline the importance of redox environment control.
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36
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Shin E, Palmer MJ, Li M, Fricker RA. GABAergic neurons from mouse embryonic stem cells possess functional properties of striatal neurons in vitro, and develop into striatal neurons in vivo in a mouse model of Huntington's disease. Stem Cell Rev Rep 2012; 8:513-31. [PMID: 21720791 DOI: 10.1007/s12015-011-9290-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Huntington's disease (HD) is a neurodegenerative disease where GABAergic medium spiny neurons (MSNs) in the striatum degenerate. Embryonic stem cell-derived neural transplantation may provide an appropriate therapy for HD. Here we aimed to develop a suitable protocol to obtain a high percentage of functional GABAergic neurons from mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs), and then tested their differentiation potential in vivo. The monolayer method was compared with the embryoid body and five stage method for its efficiency in generating GABAergic neurons from mESCs. All three methods yielded a similar percentage of GABAergic neurons from mESCs. Monolayer method-derived GABAergic neurons expressed the MSN marker dopamine- and cyclic AMP-regulated phosphoprotein (DARPP32). The pluripotent stem cell population could be eliminated in vitro by treating cells with puromycin and retinoic acid. Using patch-clamp recordings, the functional properties of GABAergic neurons derived from mESCs were compared to GABAergic neurons derived from primary lateral ganglionic eminence. Both types of neurons showed active membrane properties (voltage-gated Na(+) and K(+) currents, Na(+)-dependent action potentials, and spontaneous postsynaptic currents) and possessed functional glutamatergic receptors and transporters. mESC-derived neural progenitors were transplanted into a mouse model of HD. Grafted cells differentiated to mature neurons expressing glutamate decarboxylase, dopamine type 1 receptors, and DARPP32. Also, neural precursors and dividing populations were found in the grafts. In summary, mESCs are able to differentiate efficiently into functional GABAergic neurons using defined in vitro conditions, and these survive and differentiate following grafting to a mouse model of HD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eunju Shin
- Institute for Science and Technology in Medicine, Keele University, Keele ST5 5BG, UK
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37
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Lepski G. What do we know about the neurogenic potential of different stem cell types? ARQUIVOS DE NEURO-PSIQUIATRIA 2012; 70:540-6. [DOI: 10.1590/s0004-282x2012000700013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2012] [Accepted: 03/12/2012] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Cell therapies, based on transplantation of immature cells, are being considered as a promising tool in the treatment of neurological disorders. Many efforts are being concentrated on the development of safe and effective stem cell lines. Nevertheless, the neurogenic potential of some cell lines, i.e., the ability to generate mature neurons either in vitro or in vivo, is largely unknown. Recent evidence indicate that this potential might be distinct among different cell lines, therefore limiting their broad use as replacement cells in the central nervous system. Here, we have reviewed the latest advancements regarding the electrophysiological maturation of stem cells, focusing our attention on fetal-derived-, embryonic-, and induced pluripotent stem cells. In summary, a large body of evidence supports the biological safety, high neurogenic potential, and in some diseases probable clinical efficiency related to fetal-derived cells. By contrast, reliable data regarding embryonic and induced pluripotent stem cells are still missing.
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38
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Tian C, Ambroz RJ, Sun L, Wang Y, Ma K, Chen Q, Zhu B, Zheng JC. Direct conversion of dermal fibroblasts into neural progenitor cells by a novel cocktail of defined factors. Curr Mol Med 2012; 12:126-37. [PMID: 22172100 DOI: 10.2174/156652412798889018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2011] [Revised: 11/17/2011] [Accepted: 11/23/2011] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The generation of functional neural progenitor cells (NPCs) independent of donor brain tissue and embryonic tissues is of great therapeutic interest with regard to regenerative medicine and the possible treatment of neurodegenerative disorders. Traditionally, NPCs are derived through the differentiation of embryonic stem cells (ESCs) and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). However, the induction of NPCs from ESCs and iPSCs is a complicated process that increases the risk of neoplasia and undesired cell types. This process can be circumvented through the direct conversion of somatic cells from one cell type to another by ectopic expression of specifically defined transcription factors. Using gene expression profiling and parental cells from E/Nestin:EGFP transgenic mice as a monitoring system, we tested nine factors with the potential to directly convert fibroblasts into NPCs. We found that five of these factors can directly convert adult dermal fibroblasts into NPC-like cells (iNPCs), and the resulting iNPCs possessed similar properties as primary NPCs including proliferation, self-renewal and differentiation. Significantly, iNPCs also exhibit chemotactic properties similar to those of primary NPCs. These provide an important alternative strategy to generate iNPCs for cell replacement therapy of neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Tian
- Laboratory of Neuroimmunology and Regenerative Therapy, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-5930, USA.
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39
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Ritch JJ, Valencia A, Alexander J, Sapp E, Gatune L, Sangrey GR, Sinha S, Scherber CM, Zeitlin S, Sadri-Vakili G, Irimia D, Difiglia M, Kegel KB. Multiple phenotypes in Huntington disease mouse neural stem cells. Mol Cell Neurosci 2012; 50:70-81. [PMID: 22508027 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcn.2012.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2011] [Revised: 03/09/2012] [Accepted: 03/29/2012] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Neural stem (NS) cells are a limitless resource, and thus superior to primary neurons for drug discovery provided they exhibit appropriate disease phenotypes. Here we established NS cells for cellular studies of Huntington's disease (HD). HD is a heritable neurodegenerative disease caused by a mutation resulting in an increased number of glutamines (Q) within a polyglutamine tract in Huntingtin (Htt). NS cells were isolated from embryonic wild-type (Htt(7Q/7Q)) and "knock-in" HD (Htt(140Q/140Q)) mice expressing full-length endogenous normal or mutant Htt. NS cells were also developed from mouse embryonic stem cells that were devoid of Htt (Htt(-/-)), or knock-in cells containing human exon1 with an N-terminal FLAG epitope tag and with 7Q or 140Q inserted into one of the mouse alleles (Htt(F7Q/7Q) and Htt(F140Q/7Q)). Compared to Htt(7Q/7Q) NS cells, HD Htt(140Q/140Q) NS cells showed significantly reduced levels of cholesterol, increased levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and impaired motility. The heterozygous Htt(F140Q/7Q) NS cells had increased ROS and decreased motility compared to Htt(F7Q/7Q). These phenotypes of HD NS cells replicate those seen in HD patients or in primary cell or in vivo models of HD. Huntingtin "knock-out" NS cells (Htt(-/-)) also had impaired motility, but in contrast to HD cells had increased cholesterol. In addition, Htt(140Q/140Q) NS cells had higher phospho-AKT/AKT ratios than Htt(7Q/7Q) NS cells in resting conditions and after BDNF stimulation, suggesting mutant htt affects AKT dependent growth factor signaling. Upon differentiation, the Htt(7Q/7Q) and Htt(140Q/140Q) generated numerous Beta(III)-Tubulin- and GABA-positive neurons; however, after 15 days the cellular architecture of the differentiated Htt(140Q/140Q) cultures changed compared to Htt(7Q/7Q) cultures and included a marked increase of GFAP-positive cells. Our findings suggest that NS cells expressing endogenous mutant Htt will be useful for study of mechanisms of HD and drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- James J Ritch
- MassGeneral Institute for Neurodegenerative Disease, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA 02129, United States
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40
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Santos DM, Xavier JM, Morgado AL, Solá S, Rodrigues CMP. Distinct regulatory functions of calpain 1 and 2 during neural stem cell self-renewal and differentiation. PLoS One 2012; 7:e33468. [PMID: 22432027 PMCID: PMC3303840 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0033468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2011] [Accepted: 02/09/2012] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Calpains are calcium regulated cysteine proteases that have been described in a wide range of cellular processes, including apoptosis, migration and cell cycle regulation. In addition, calpains have been implicated in differentiation, but their impact on neural differentiation requires further investigation. Here, we addressed the role of calpain 1 and calpain 2 in neural stem cell (NSC) self-renewal and differentiation. We found that calpain inhibition using either the chemical inhibitor calpeptin or the endogenous calpain inhibitor calpastatin favored differentiation of NSCs. This effect was associated with significant changes in cell cycle-related proteins and may be regulated by calcium. Interestingly, calpain 1 and calpain 2 were found to play distinct roles in NSC fate decision. Calpain 1 expression levels were higher in self-renewing NSC and decreased with differentiation, while calpain 2 increased throughout differentiation. In addition, calpain 1 silencing resulted in increased levels of both neuronal and glial markers, β-III Tubulin and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP). Calpain 2 silencing elicited decreased levels of GFAP. These results support a role for calpain 1 in repressing differentiation, thus maintaining a proliferative NSC pool, and suggest that calpain 2 is involved in glial differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela M. Santos
- Research Institute for Medicines and Pharmaceutical Sciences (iMed.UL), Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Joana M. Xavier
- Research Institute for Medicines and Pharmaceutical Sciences (iMed.UL), Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Ana L. Morgado
- Research Institute for Medicines and Pharmaceutical Sciences (iMed.UL), Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Susana Solá
- Research Institute for Medicines and Pharmaceutical Sciences (iMed.UL), Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
- Department of Biochemistry and Human Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
- * E-mail:
| | - Cecília M. P. Rodrigues
- Research Institute for Medicines and Pharmaceutical Sciences (iMed.UL), Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
- Department of Biochemistry and Human Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
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Schneider L, d'Adda di Fagagna F. Neural stem cells exposed to BrdU lose their global DNA methylation and undergo astrocytic differentiation. Nucleic Acids Res 2012; 40:5332-42. [PMID: 22379135 PMCID: PMC3384327 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gks207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Bromodeoxyuridine (5-bromo-2′-deoxyuridine, BrdU) is a halogenated nucleotide of low toxicity commonly used to monitor DNA replication. It is considered a valuable tool for in vitro and in vivo studies, including the detection of the small population of neural stem cells (NSC) in the mammalian brain. Here, we show that NSC grown in self-renewing conditions in vitro, when exposed to BrdU, lose the expression of stem cell markers like Nestin, Sox2 and Pax6 and undergo glial differentiation, strongly up-regulating the astrocytic marker GFAP. The onset of GFAP expression in BrdU exposed NSC was paralleled by a reduced expression of key DNA methyltransferases (DNMT) and a rapid loss of global DNA CpG methylation, as we determined by our specially developed analytic assay. Remarkably, a known DNA demethylating compound, 5-aza-2′-deoxycytidine (Decitabine), had similar effect on demethylation and differentiation of NSC. Since our key findings apply also to NSC derived from murine forebrain, our observations strongly suggest more caution in BrdU uses in stem cells research. We also propose that BrdU and its related substances may also open new opportunities for differentiation therapy in oncology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonid Schneider
- IFOM Foundation, The FIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology Foundation, Via Adamello 16, 20139 Milan, Italy.
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Rodrigues CAV, Diogo MM, da Silva CL, Cabral JMS. Microcarrier expansion of mouse embryonic stem cell-derived neural stem cells in stirred bioreactors. Biotechnol Appl Biochem 2011; 58:231-42. [PMID: 21838797 DOI: 10.1002/bab.37] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Neural stem cells (NSCs) are self-renewing multipotent cells, able to differentiate into the phenotypes present in the central nervous system. Applications of NSCs may include toxicology, fundamental research, or cell therapies. The culture of floating cell clusters, called "neurospheres," is widely used for the propagation of NSC populations in vitro but shows several limitations, which may be circumvented by expansion under adherent conditions. In particular, the derivation of distinct populations of NSCs from embryonic stem cells capable of long-term culture under adherent conditions without losing differentiation potential was recently described. However, the expansion of these cells in agitated bioreactors has not been addressed until now and was the aim of this study. Selected microcarriers were tested under dynamic conditions in spinner flasks. Superior performance was observed with polystyrene beads coated with a recombinant peptide containing the Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD) motif (Pronectin F). After optimization of the culture, a 35-fold increase in cell number was achieved after 6 days. High cellular viability and multipotency were maintained throughout the culture. The study presented here may be the basis for the development of larger scale bioprocesses for expansion of these and other populations of adherent NSCs, either from mouse or human origin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos A V Rodrigues
- Department of Bioengineering, Instituto Superior Técnico, Technical University of Lisbon, Lisboa, Portugal
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Schneider L, Fumagalli M, d'Adda di Fagagna F. Terminally differentiated astrocytes lack DNA damage response signaling and are radioresistant but retain DNA repair proficiency. Cell Death Differ 2011; 19:582-91. [PMID: 21979466 DOI: 10.1038/cdd.2011.129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The impact and consequences of damage generation into genomic DNA, especially in the form of DNA double-strand breaks, and of the DNA-damage response (DDR) pathways that are promptly activated, have been elucidated in great detail. Most of this research, however, has been performed on proliferating, often cancerous, cell lines. In a mammalian body, the majority of cells are terminally differentiated (TD), and derives from a small pool of self-renewing somatic stem cells. Here, we comparatively studied DDR signaling and radiosensitivity in neural stem cells (NSC) and their TD-descendants, astrocytes - the predominant cells in the mammalian brain. Astrocytes have important roles in brain physiology, development and plasticity. We discovered that NSC activate canonical DDR upon exposure to ionizing radiation. Strikingly, astrocytes proved radioresistant, lacked functional DDR signaling, with key DDR genes such as ATM being repressed at the transcriptional level. Nevertheless, astrocytes retain the expression of non-homologous end-joining (NHEJ) genes and indeed they are DNA repair proficient. Unlike in NSC, in astrocytes DNA-PK seems to be the PI3K-like protein kinase responsible for γH2AX signal generation upon DNA damage. We also demonstrate the lack of functional DDR signaling activation in vivo in astrocytes of irradiated adult mouse brains, although adjacent neurons activate the DDR.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Schneider
- IFOM Foundation - The FIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology Foundation, Via Adamello 16, 20139 Milan, Italy.
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Zeng WR, Fabb SR, Haynes JM, Pouton CW. Extended periods of neural induction and propagation of embryonic stem cell-derived neural progenitors with EGF and FGF2 enhances Lmx1a expression and neurogenic potential. Neurochem Int 2011; 59:394-403. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2011.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2010] [Revised: 03/28/2011] [Accepted: 04/21/2011] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
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Castro DS, Martynoga B, Parras C, Ramesh V, Pacary E, Johnston C, Drechsel D, Lebel-Potter M, Garcia LG, Hunt C, Dolle D, Bithell A, Ettwiller L, Buckley N, Guillemot F. A novel function of the proneural factor Ascl1 in progenitor proliferation identified by genome-wide characterization of its targets. Genes Dev 2011; 25:930-45. [PMID: 21536733 DOI: 10.1101/gad.627811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 307] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Proneural genes such as Ascl1 are known to promote cell cycle exit and neuronal differentiation when expressed in neural progenitor cells. The mechanisms by which proneural genes activate neurogenesis--and, in particular, the genes that they regulate--however, are mostly unknown. We performed a genome-wide characterization of the transcriptional targets of Ascl1 in the embryonic brain and in neural stem cell cultures by location analysis and expression profiling of embryos overexpressing or mutant for Ascl1. The wide range of molecular and cellular functions represented among these targets suggests that Ascl1 directly controls the specification of neural progenitors as well as the later steps of neuronal differentiation and neurite outgrowth. Surprisingly, Ascl1 also regulates the expression of a large number of genes involved in cell cycle progression, including canonical cell cycle regulators and oncogenic transcription factors. Mutational analysis in the embryonic brain and manipulation of Ascl1 activity in neural stem cell cultures revealed that Ascl1 is indeed required for normal proliferation of neural progenitors. This study identified a novel and unexpected activity of the proneural gene Ascl1, and revealed a direct molecular link between the phase of expansion of neural progenitors and the subsequent phases of cell cycle exit and neuronal differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diogo S Castro
- Medical Research Council National Institute for Medical Research, Division of Molecular Neurobiology, The Ridgeway, Mill Hill, London NW7 1AA, United Kingdom.
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Onorati M, Binetti M, Conti L, Camnasio S, Calabrese G, Albieri I, Di Febo F, Toselli M, Biella G, Martynoga B, Guillemot F, Consalez GG, Cattaneo E. Preservation of positional identity in fetus-derived neural stem (NS) cells from different mouse central nervous system compartments. Cell Mol Life Sci 2011; 68:1769-83. [PMID: 20981563 PMCID: PMC11114801 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-010-0548-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2010] [Revised: 08/18/2010] [Accepted: 09/16/2010] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Neural stem (NS) cells are a self-renewing population of symmetrically dividing multipotent radial glia-like stem cells, characterized by homogeneous expansion in monolayer. Here we report that fetal NS cells isolated from different regions of the developing mouse nervous system behave in a similar manner with respect to self-renewal and neuropotency, but exhibit distinct positional identities. For example, NS cells from the neocortex maintain the expression of anterior transcription factors, including Otx2 and Foxg1, while Hoxb4 and Hoxb9 are uniquely found in spinal cord-derived NS cells. This molecular signature was stable for over 20 passages and was strictly linked to the developmental stage of the donor, because only NS cells derived from E14.5 cortex, and not those derived from E12.5 cortex, carried a consistent transcription factor profile. We also showed that traits of this positional code are maintained during neuronal differentiation, leading to the generation of electrophysiologically active neurons, even if they do not acquire a complete neurochemical identity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Onorati
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences and Center for Stem Cell Research, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Balzaretti 9, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Maurizio Binetti
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences and Center for Stem Cell Research, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Balzaretti 9, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Luciano Conti
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences and Center for Stem Cell Research, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Balzaretti 9, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Stefano Camnasio
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences and Center for Stem Cell Research, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Balzaretti 9, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Giovanna Calabrese
- San Raffaele Scientific Institute and Università Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Ilaria Albieri
- San Raffaele Scientific Institute and Università Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesca Di Febo
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiological and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Mauro Toselli
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiological and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Gerardo Biella
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiological and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | | | | | - G. Giacomo Consalez
- San Raffaele Scientific Institute and Università Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Elena Cattaneo
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences and Center for Stem Cell Research, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Balzaretti 9, 20133 Milan, Italy
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Wnt5a is a transcriptional target of Dlx homeogenes and promotes differentiation of interneuron progenitors in vitro and in vivo. J Neurosci 2011; 31:2675-87. [PMID: 21325536 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.3110-10.2011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
During brain development, neurogenesis, migration, and differentiation of neural progenitor cells are regulated by an interplay between intrinsic genetic programs and extrinsic cues. The Dlx homeogene transcription factors have been proposed to directly control the genesis and maturation of GABAergic interneurons of the olfactory bulb (OB), subpallium, and cortex. Here we provide evidence that Dlx genes promote differentiation of olfactory interneurons via the signaling molecule Wnt5a. Dlx2 and Dlx5 interact with homeodomain binding sequences within the Wnt5a locus and activate its transcription. Exogenously provided Wnt5a promotes GABAergic differentiation in dissociated OB neurons and in organ-type brain cultures. Finally, we show that the Dlx-mutant environment is unfavorable for GABA differentiation, in vivo and in vitro. We conclude that Dlx genes favor interneuron differentiation also in a non-cell-autonomous fashion, via expression of Wnt5a.
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Cardano M, Diaferia GR, Cattaneo M, Dessì SS, Long Q, Conti L, Deblasio P, Cattaneo E, Biunno I. mSEL-1L (Suppressor/enhancer Lin12-like) protein levels influence murine neural stem cell self-renewal and lineage commitment. J Biol Chem 2011; 286:18708-19. [PMID: 21454627 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m110.210740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Murine SEL-1L (mSEL-1L) is a key component of the endoplasmic reticulum-associated degradation pathway. It is essential during development as revealed by the multi-organ dysfunction and in uterus lethality occurring in homozygous mSEL-1L-deficient mice. Here we show that mSEL-1L is highly expressed in pluripotent embryonic stem cells and multipotent neural stem cells (NSCs) but silenced in all mature neural derivatives (i.e. astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, and neurons) by mmu-miR-183. NSCs derived from homozygous mSEL-1L-deficient embryos (mSEL-1L(-/-) NSCs) fail to proliferate in vitro, show a drastic reduction of the Notch effector HES-5, and reveal a significant down-modulation of the early neural progenitor markers PAX-6 and OLIG-2, when compared with the wild type (mSEL-1L(+/+) NSCs) counterpart. Furthermore, these cells are almost completely deprived of the neural marker Nestin, display a significant decrease of SOX-2 expression, and rapidly undergo premature astrocytic commitment and apoptosis. The data suggest severe self-renewal defects occurring in these cells probably mediated by misregulation of the Notch signaling. The results reported here denote mSEL-1L as a primitive marker with a possible involvement in the regulation of neural progenitor stemness maintenance and lineage determination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Cardano
- Doctorate School of Molecular Medicine, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20100 Milan, Italy
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Diaferia GR, Conti L, Redaelli S, Cattaneo M, Mutti C, DeBlasio P, Dalprà L, Cattaneo E, Biunno I. Systematic chromosomal analysis of cultured mouse neural stem cell lines. Stem Cells Dev 2011; 20:1411-23. [PMID: 21275879 DOI: 10.1089/scd.2010.0359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The potential use of neural stem cells (NSCs) in basic research, drug testing, and for the development of therapeutic strategies is dependent on their large scale in vitro amplification which, however, introduces considerable risks of genetic instability and transformation. NSCs have been derived from different sources, but the occurrence of chromosomal instability has been monitored only to a limited extent in relationship to the source of derivation, growth procedure, long-term culture, and genetic manipulation. Here we have systematically investigated the effect of these parameters on the chromosomal stability of pure populations of mouse NSCs obtained after neuralization from embryonic stem cells (ESCs) or directly from fetal or adult mouse brain. We found that the procedure of NSCs establishment is not accompanied by genetic instability and chromosomal aberration. On the contrary, we observed that a composite karyotype appears in NSCs above extensive passaging. This phenomenon is more evident in ESC- and adult sub-ventricular zone-derived NSCs and further deteriorates after genetic engineering of the cells. Fetal-derived NSCs showed the greatest euploidy state with negligible clonal structural aberrations, but persistent clonal numerical abnormalities. It was previously published that long-term passaged ESC- and adult sub-ventricular zone-derived NSCs did not show any defects in the cells' proliferative and differentiative capacity nor induced in vivo tumour formation, although we here report on the chromosomal abnormalities of these cells. Although chromosomal aberrations are known to occur less frequently in human cells, studies performed on murine stem cells provide an important complement to understand the biological events occurring in human lines.
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Wianny F, Bourillot PY, Dehay C. Embryonic stem cells in non-human primates: An overview of neural differentiation potential. Differentiation 2011; 81:142-52. [PMID: 21296479 DOI: 10.1016/j.diff.2011.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2010] [Revised: 12/18/2010] [Accepted: 01/11/2011] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Non-human primate (NHP) embryonic stem (ES) cells show unlimited proliferative capacities and a great potential to generate multiple cell lineages. These properties make them an ideal resource both for investigating early developmental processes and for assessing their therapeutic potential in numerous models of degenerative diseases. They share the same markers and the same properties with human ES cells, and thus provide an invaluable transitional model that can be used to address the safety issues related to the clinical use of human ES cells. Here, we review the available information on the derivation and the specific features of monkey ES cells. We comment on the capacity of primate ES cells to differentiate into neural lineages and the current protocols to generate self-renewing neural stem cells. We also highlight the signalling pathways involved in the maintenance of these neural cell types. Finally, we discuss the potential of monkey ES cells for neuronal differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florence Wianny
- Inserm, U846, Stem Cell and Brain Research Institute, 18 Avenue Doyen Lépine, 69500 Bron, France.
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