1
|
Martínez AL, Brea J, López D, Cosme N, Barro M, Monroy X, Burgueño J, Merlos M, Loza MI. In vitro models for neuropathic pain phenotypic screening in brain therapeutics. Pharmacol Res 2024; 202:107111. [PMID: 38382648 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2024.107111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 02/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
The discovery of brain therapeutics faces a significant challenge due to the low translatability of preclinical results into clinical success. To address this gap, several efforts have been made to obtain more translatable neuronal models for phenotypic screening. These models allow the selection of active compounds without predetermined knowledge of drug targets. In this review, we present an overview of various existing models within the field, examining their strengths and limitations, particularly in the context of neuropathic pain research. We illustrate the usefulness of these models through a comparative review in three crucial areas: i) the development of novel phenotypic screening strategies specifically for neuropathic pain, ii) the validation of the models for both primary and secondary screening assays, and iii) the use of the models in target deconvolution processes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A L Martínez
- BioFarma Research Group, Centro Singular de Investigación en Medicina Molecular e Enfermidades Crónicas (CIMUS), Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain; Instituto de Investigacións Sanitarias de Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), Santiago de Compostela, Spain; Departamento de Farmacoloxía, Farmacia e Tecnoloxía Farmacéutica, Facultade de Farmacia, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - J Brea
- BioFarma Research Group, Centro Singular de Investigación en Medicina Molecular e Enfermidades Crónicas (CIMUS), Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain; Instituto de Investigacións Sanitarias de Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), Santiago de Compostela, Spain; Departamento de Farmacoloxía, Farmacia e Tecnoloxía Farmacéutica, Facultade de Farmacia, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - D López
- BioFarma Research Group, Centro Singular de Investigación en Medicina Molecular e Enfermidades Crónicas (CIMUS), Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain; Instituto de Investigacións Sanitarias de Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - N Cosme
- BioFarma Research Group, Centro Singular de Investigación en Medicina Molecular e Enfermidades Crónicas (CIMUS), Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain; Instituto de Investigacións Sanitarias de Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - M Barro
- BioFarma Research Group, Centro Singular de Investigación en Medicina Molecular e Enfermidades Crónicas (CIMUS), Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain; Instituto de Investigacións Sanitarias de Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - X Monroy
- WeLab Barcelona, Parc Científic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - J Burgueño
- WeLab Barcelona, Parc Científic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - M Merlos
- WeLab Barcelona, Parc Científic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - M I Loza
- BioFarma Research Group, Centro Singular de Investigación en Medicina Molecular e Enfermidades Crónicas (CIMUS), Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain; Instituto de Investigacións Sanitarias de Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), Santiago de Compostela, Spain; Departamento de Farmacoloxía, Farmacia e Tecnoloxía Farmacéutica, Facultade de Farmacia, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Marzoog BA. Transcription Factors in Brain Regeneration: A Potential Novel Therapeutic Target. Curr Drug Targets 2024; 25:46-61. [PMID: 38444255 DOI: 10.2174/0113894501279977231210170231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Revised: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/07/2024]
Abstract
Transcription factors play a crucial role in providing identity to each cell population. To maintain cell identity, it is essential to balance the expression of activator and inhibitor transcription factors. Cell plasticity and reprogramming offer great potential for future therapeutic applications, as they can regenerate damaged tissue. Specific niche factors can modify gene expression and differentiate or transdifferentiate the target cell to the required fate. Ongoing research is being carried out on the possibilities of transcription factors in regenerating neurons, with neural stem cells (NSCs) being considered the preferred cells for generating new neurons due to their epigenomic and transcriptome memory. NEUROD1/ASCL1, BRN2, MYTL1, and other transcription factors can induce direct reprogramming of somatic cells, such as fibroblasts, into neurons. However, the molecular biology of transcription factors in reprogramming and differentiation still needs to be fully understood.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Basheer Abdullah Marzoog
- World-Class Research Center, Digital Biodesign and Personalized Healthcare», I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), 119991 Moscow, Russia
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Schaukowitch K, Janas JA, Wernig M. Insights and applications of direct neuronal reprogramming. Curr Opin Genet Dev 2023; 83:102128. [PMID: 37862835 DOI: 10.1016/j.gde.2023.102128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Revised: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/22/2023]
Abstract
Direct neuronal reprogramming converts somatic cells of a defined lineage into induced neuronal cells without going through a pluripotent intermediate. This approach not only provides access to the otherwise largely inaccessible cells of the brain for neuronal disease modeling, but also holds great promise for ultimately enabling neuronal cell replacement without the use of transplantation. To improve efficiency and specificity of direct neuronal reprogramming, much of the current efforts aim to understand the mechanisms that safeguard cell identities and how the reprogramming cells overcome the barriers resisting fate changes. Here, we review recent discoveries into the mechanisms by which the donor cell program is silenced, and new cell identities are established. We also discuss advancements that have been made toward fine-tuning the output of these reprogramming systems to generate specific types of neuronal cells. Finally, we highlight the benefit of using direct neuronal reprogramming to study age-related disorders and the potential of in vivo direct reprogramming in regenerative medicine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katie Schaukowitch
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Department of Chemical and Systems Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Justyna A Janas
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Department of Chemical and Systems Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Marius Wernig
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Department of Chemical and Systems Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Tang H, Li Y, Tang W, Zhu J, Parker GC, Zhang JH. Endogenous Neural Stem Cell-induced Neurogenesis after Ischemic Stroke: Processes for Brain Repair and Perspectives. Transl Stroke Res 2023; 14:297-303. [PMID: 36057034 DOI: 10.1007/s12975-022-01078-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Revised: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
Ischemic stroke is a very common cerebrovascular accident that occurred in adults and causes higher risk of neural deficits. After ischemic stroke, patients are often left with severe neurological deficits. Therapeutic strategies for ischemic stroke might mitigate neuronal loss due to delayed neural cell death in the penumbra or seek to replace dead neural cells in the ischemic core. Currently, stem cell therapy is the most promising approach for inducing neurogenesis for neural repair after ischemic stroke. Stem cell treatments include transplantation of exogenous stem cells but also stimulating endogenous neural stem cells (NSCs) proliferation and differentiation into neural cells. In this review, we will discuss endogenous NSCs-induced neurogenesis after ischemic stroke and provide perspectives for the therapeutic effects of endogenous NSCs in ischemic stroke. Our review would inform future therapeutic development not only for patients with ischemic stroke but also with other neurological deficits.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hailiang Tang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, National Center for Neurological Disorders, National Key Laboratory for Medical Neurobiology, Institutes of Brain Science, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Regeneration, Institute of Neurosurgery, MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Shanghai, China
| | - Yao Li
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Weijun Tang
- Department of Radiology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jianhong Zhu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, National Center for Neurological Disorders, National Key Laboratory for Medical Neurobiology, Institutes of Brain Science, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Regeneration, Institute of Neurosurgery, MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Shanghai, China.
| | - Graham C Parker
- Department of Pediatrics, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA.
| | - John H Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Loma Linda University, 11234 Anderson Street, Loma Linda, CA, 92354, USA.
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Loma Linda University, 11041 Campus Street, Loma Linda, CA, 92354, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Shi CJ, Lian JJ, Zhang BW, Cha JX, Hua QH, Pi XP, Hou YJ, Xie X, Zhang R. TGFβR-1/ALK5 inhibitor RepSox induces enteric glia-to-neuron transition and influences gastrointestinal mobility in adult mice. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2023; 44:92-104. [PMID: 35794374 DOI: 10.1038/s41401-022-00932-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Promoting adult neurogenesis in the enteric nervous system (ENS) may be a potential therapeutic approach to cure enteric neuropathies. Enteric glial cells (EGCs) are the most abundant glial cells in the ENS. Accumulating evidence suggests that EGCs can be a complementary source to supply new neurons during adult neurogenesis in the ENS. In the brain, astrocytes have been intensively studied for their neuronal conversion properties, and small molecules have been successfully used to induce the astrocyte-to-neuron transition. However, research on glia-to-neuron conversion in the ENS is still lacking. In this study, we used GFAP-Cre:Rosa-tdTomato mice to trace glia-to-neuron transdifferentiation in the ENS in vivo and in vitro. We showed that GFAP promoter-driven tdTomato exclusively labelled EGCs and was a suitable marker to trace EGCs and their progeny cells in the ENS of adult mice. Interestingly, we discovered that RepSox or other ALK5 inhibitors alone induced efficient transdifferentiation of EGCs into neurons in vitro. Knockdown of ALK5 further confirmed that the TGFβR-1/ALK5 signalling pathway played an essential role in the transition of EGCs to neurons. RepSox-induced neurons were Calbindin- and nNOS-positive and displayed typical neuronal electrophysiological properties. Finally, we showed that administration of RepSox (3, 10 mg· kg-1 ·d-1, i.g.) for 2 weeks significantly promoted the conversion of EGCs to neurons in the ENS and influenced gastrointestinal motility in adult mice. This study provides a method for efficiently converting adult mouse EGCs into neurons by small-molecule compounds, which might be a promising therapeutic strategy for gastrointestinal neuropathy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chang-Jie Shi
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, Laboratory of Receptor-based Bio-medicine, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Jun-Jiang Lian
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, Laboratory of Receptor-based Bio-medicine, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Bo-Wen Zhang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, Laboratory of Receptor-based Bio-medicine, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Jia-Xue Cha
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, Laboratory of Receptor-based Bio-medicine, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Qiu-Hong Hua
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, Laboratory of Receptor-based Bio-medicine, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Xiao-Ping Pi
- CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, the National Center for Drug Screening, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Yu-Jun Hou
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, Laboratory of Receptor-based Bio-medicine, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Xin Xie
- CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, the National Center for Drug Screening, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Ru Zhang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, Laboratory of Receptor-based Bio-medicine, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Samara A, Spildrejorde M, Sharma A, Falck M, Leithaug M, Modafferi S, Bjørnstad PM, Acharya G, Gervin K, Lyle R, Eskeland R. A multi-omics approach to visualize early neuronal differentiation from hESCs in 4D. iScience 2022; 25:105279. [PMID: 36304110 PMCID: PMC9593815 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.105279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Revised: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuronal differentiation of pluripotent stem cells is an established method to study physiology, disease, and medication safety. However, the sequence of events in human neuronal differentiation and the ability of in vitro models to recapitulate early brain development are poorly understood. We developed a protocol optimized for the study of early human brain development and neuropharmacological applications. We comprehensively characterized gene expression and epigenetic profiles at four timepoints, because the cells differentiate from embryonic stem cells towards a heterogeneous population of progenitors, immature and mature neurons bearing telencephalic signatures. A multi-omics roadmap of neuronal differentiation, combined with searchable interactive gene analysis tools, allows for extensive exploration of early neuronal development and the effect of medications. Multi-omics charting a new neuronal differentiation protocol for human ES cells Single-cell analyses reveal marker genes during neuronal differentiation Identified transcriptional waves similar to early human brain development Searchable tools to visualize single-cell gene expression and chromatin state
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Athina Samara
- Division of Clinical Paediatrics, Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden,Astrid Lindgren Children′s Hospital Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden,Corresponding author
| | - Mari Spildrejorde
- PharmaTox Strategic Research Initiative, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway,Department of Medical Genetics, Oslo University Hospital and University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway,Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Ankush Sharma
- Department of Informatics, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway,Department of Molecular Medicine, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway,Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Martin Falck
- PharmaTox Strategic Research Initiative, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway,Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Magnus Leithaug
- Department of Medical Genetics, Oslo University Hospital and University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Stefania Modafferi
- Department of Medical Genetics, Oslo University Hospital and University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Pål Marius Bjørnstad
- Department of Medical Genetics, Oslo University Hospital and University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Ganesh Acharya
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology (CLINTEC), Karolinska Institutet, Alfred Nobels Allé 8, SE-14152 Stockholm, Sweden,Center for Fetal Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge, SE-14186 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Kristina Gervin
- PharmaTox Strategic Research Initiative, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway,Pharmacoepidemiology and Drug Safety Research Group, Department of Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway,Division of Clinical Neuroscience, Department of Research and Innovation, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Robert Lyle
- PharmaTox Strategic Research Initiative, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway,Department of Medical Genetics, Oslo University Hospital and University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway,Centre for Fertility and Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway,Corresponding author
| | - Ragnhild Eskeland
- PharmaTox Strategic Research Initiative, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway,Department of Molecular Medicine, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway,Corresponding author
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Habibey R, Rojo Arias JE, Striebel J, Busskamp V. Microfluidics for Neuronal Cell and Circuit Engineering. Chem Rev 2022; 122:14842-14880. [PMID: 36070858 PMCID: PMC9523714 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.2c00212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The widespread adoption of microfluidic devices among the neuroscience and neurobiology communities has enabled addressing a broad range of questions at the molecular, cellular, circuit, and system levels. Here, we review biomedical engineering approaches that harness the power of microfluidics for bottom-up generation of neuronal cell types and for the assembly and analysis of neural circuits. Microfluidics-based approaches are instrumental to generate the knowledge necessary for the derivation of diverse neuronal cell types from human pluripotent stem cells, as they enable the isolation and subsequent examination of individual neurons of interest. Moreover, microfluidic devices allow to engineer neural circuits with specific orientations and directionality by providing control over neuronal cell polarity and permitting the isolation of axons in individual microchannels. Similarly, the use of microfluidic chips enables the construction not only of 2D but also of 3D brain, retinal, and peripheral nervous system model circuits. Such brain-on-a-chip and organoid-on-a-chip technologies are promising platforms for studying these organs as they closely recapitulate some aspects of in vivo biological processes. Microfluidic 3D neuronal models, together with 2D in vitro systems, are widely used in many applications ranging from drug development and toxicology studies to neurological disease modeling and personalized medicine. Altogether, microfluidics provide researchers with powerful systems that complement and partially replace animal models.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rouhollah Habibey
- Department of Ophthalmology, Universitäts-Augenklinik Bonn, University of Bonn, Ernst-Abbe-Straße 2, D-53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Jesús Eduardo Rojo Arias
- Wellcome─MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0AW, United Kingdom
| | - Johannes Striebel
- Department of Ophthalmology, Universitäts-Augenklinik Bonn, University of Bonn, Ernst-Abbe-Straße 2, D-53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Volker Busskamp
- Department of Ophthalmology, Universitäts-Augenklinik Bonn, University of Bonn, Ernst-Abbe-Straße 2, D-53127 Bonn, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
He J, You D, Li Q, Wang J, Ding S, He X, Zheng H, Ji Z, Wang X, Ye X, Liu C, Kang H, Xu X, Xu X, Wang H, Yu M. Osteogenesis-Inducing Chemical Cues Enhance the Mechanosensitivity of Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells for Osteogenic Differentiation on a Microtopographically Patterned Surface. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2022; 9:e2200053. [PMID: 35373921 PMCID: PMC9165486 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202200053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2022] [Revised: 02/25/2022] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Mechanical cues are widely used for regulating cell behavior because of their overarching, extensive, and non-invasive advantages. However, unlike chemical cues, mechanical cues are not efficient enough to determine cell fate independently and improving the mechanosensitivity of cells is rather challenging. In this study, the combined effect of chemical and mechanical cues on the osteogenic differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells is examined. These results show that chemical cues such as the presence of an osteogenic medium, induce cells to secrete more collagen, and induce integrin for recruiting focal adhesion proteins that mature and cascade a series of events with the help of the mechanical force of the scaffold material. High-resolution, highly ordered hollow-micro-frustum-arrays using double-layer lithography, combined with modified methacrylate gelatin loaded with pre-defined soluble chemicals to provide both chemical and mechanical cues to cells. This approach ultimately facilitates the achievement of cellular osteodifferentiation and enhances bone repair efficiency in a model of femoral fracture in vivo in mice. Moreover, the results also reveal these pivotal roles of Integrin α2/Focal adhesion kinase/Ras homolog gene family member A/Large Tumor Suppressor 1/Yes-associated protein in human mesenchymal stem cells osteogenic differentiation both in vitro and in vivo. Overall, these results show that chemical cues enhance the microtopographical sensitivity of cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jianxiang He
- Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedical Research of Zhejiang ProvinceStomatology HospitalSchool of StomatologyZhejiang University School of MedicineZhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Oral DiseasesHangzhou310006P. R. China
| | - Dongqi You
- Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedical Research of Zhejiang ProvinceStomatology HospitalSchool of StomatologyZhejiang University School of MedicineZhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Oral DiseasesHangzhou310006P. R. China
| | - Qi Li
- Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedical Research of Zhejiang ProvinceStomatology HospitalSchool of StomatologyZhejiang University School of MedicineZhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Oral DiseasesHangzhou310006P. R. China
| | - Jiabao Wang
- School of Materials Science and Engineeringand Institute for Advanced StudyTongji UniversityShanghai201804P. R. China
| | - Sijia Ding
- Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedical Research of Zhejiang ProvinceStomatology HospitalSchool of StomatologyZhejiang University School of MedicineZhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Oral DiseasesHangzhou310006P. R. China
| | - Xiaotong He
- Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedical Research of Zhejiang ProvinceStomatology HospitalSchool of StomatologyZhejiang University School of MedicineZhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Oral DiseasesHangzhou310006P. R. China
| | - Haiyan Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedical Research of Zhejiang ProvinceStomatology HospitalSchool of StomatologyZhejiang University School of MedicineZhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Oral DiseasesHangzhou310006P. R. China
| | - Zhenkai Ji
- School of Materials Science and Engineeringand Institute for Advanced StudyTongji UniversityShanghai201804P. R. China
| | - Xia Wang
- Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedical Research of Zhejiang ProvinceStomatology HospitalSchool of StomatologyZhejiang University School of MedicineZhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Oral DiseasesHangzhou310006P. R. China
| | - Xin Ye
- Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedical Research of Zhejiang ProvinceStomatology HospitalSchool of StomatologyZhejiang University School of MedicineZhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Oral DiseasesHangzhou310006P. R. China
| | - Chao Liu
- Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedical Research of Zhejiang ProvinceStomatology HospitalSchool of StomatologyZhejiang University School of MedicineZhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Oral DiseasesHangzhou310006P. R. China
| | - Hanyue Kang
- School of Materials Science and Engineeringand Institute for Advanced StudyTongji UniversityShanghai201804P. R. China
| | - Xiuzhen Xu
- School of Materials Science and Engineeringand Institute for Advanced StudyTongji UniversityShanghai201804P. R. China
| | - Xiaobin Xu
- School of Materials Science and Engineeringand Institute for Advanced StudyTongji UniversityShanghai201804P. R. China
| | - Huiming Wang
- Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedical Research of Zhejiang ProvinceStomatology HospitalSchool of StomatologyZhejiang University School of MedicineZhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Oral DiseasesHangzhou310006P. R. China
- School of StomatologyThe First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhou310003P. R. China
| | - Mengfei Yu
- Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedical Research of Zhejiang ProvinceStomatology HospitalSchool of StomatologyZhejiang University School of MedicineZhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Oral DiseasesHangzhou310006P. R. China
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Dou R, Liu X, Kan X, Shen X, Mao J, Shen H, Wu J, Chen H, Xu W, Li S, Wu T, Hong Y. Dendrobium officinale polysaccharide-induced neuron-like cells from bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells improve neuronal function a rat stroke model. Tissue Cell 2021; 73:101649. [PMID: 34583247 DOI: 10.1016/j.tice.2021.101649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2021] [Revised: 08/25/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Various methods have been used to induce the neuronal differentiation of marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). However, the limited induction efficiency of cells in vitro has restricted their use. Therefore, identifying a simple and efficient treatment method is necessary. Dendrobium officinale is an important traditional Chinese medicine, and its main component, polysaccharides, has many pharmacological activities. However, the effects of D. officinale polysaccharide (DOP) on the neuronal differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) and treatment of ischaemic stroke remain unknown. We found that DOP promoted the neuronal differentiation of BMSCs by increasing the expression levels of neural markers, and the optimal concentration of DOP was 25 μg/mL. Additionally, the Notch signalling pathway was inhibited during the neuronal differentiation of BMSCs induced by DOP, and this effect was strengthened using an inhibitor of this pathway. The Wnt signalling pathway was activated during the differentiation of BMSCs, and inhibition of the Wnt signalling pathway downregulated the expression of neuronal genes. Furthermore, the transplantation of neuron-like cells induced by DOP improved neuronal recovery, as the brain infarct volume, neurologic severity scores and levels of inflammatory factors were all significantly reduced in vivo. In conclusion, DOP is an effective inducer of the neuronal differentiation of BMSCs and treatment option for ischaemic stroke.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rengang Dou
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, the Second Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No. 678 Furong Road, Economic and Technological Development Zone, Hefei, Anhui, 230061, China.
| | - Xue Liu
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, the Second Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No. 678 Furong Road, Economic and Technological Development Zone, Hefei, Anhui, 230061, China.
| | - Xiuli Kan
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, the Second Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No. 678 Furong Road, Economic and Technological Development Zone, Hefei, Anhui, 230061, China.
| | - Xianshan Shen
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, the Second Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No. 678 Furong Road, Economic and Technological Development Zone, Hefei, Anhui, 230061, China.
| | - Jing Mao
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, the Second Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No. 678 Furong Road, Economic and Technological Development Zone, Hefei, Anhui, 230061, China.
| | - Hongtao Shen
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, the Second Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No. 678 Furong Road, Economic and Technological Development Zone, Hefei, Anhui, 230061, China.
| | - Jianxian Wu
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, the Second Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No. 678 Furong Road, Economic and Technological Development Zone, Hefei, Anhui, 230061, China.
| | - Hanlin Chen
- Stomatologic Hospital & College, Anhui Medical University, Key Lab. of Oral Diseases Research of Anhui Province, No. 69 Meishan Road, Shushan District, Hefei, Anhui, 230001, China.
| | - Wanting Xu
- Stomatologic Hospital & College, Anhui Medical University, Key Lab. of Oral Diseases Research of Anhui Province, No. 69 Meishan Road, Shushan District, Hefei, Anhui, 230001, China.
| | - Shasha Li
- Stomatologic Hospital & College, Anhui Medical University, Key Lab. of Oral Diseases Research of Anhui Province, No. 69 Meishan Road, Shushan District, Hefei, Anhui, 230001, China.
| | - Tingting Wu
- Stomatologic Hospital & College, Anhui Medical University, Key Lab. of Oral Diseases Research of Anhui Province, No. 69 Meishan Road, Shushan District, Hefei, Anhui, 230001, China.
| | - Yongfeng Hong
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, the Second Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No. 678 Furong Road, Economic and Technological Development Zone, Hefei, Anhui, 230061, China.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Molecular Mechanisms Underlying Ascl1-Mediated Astrocyte-to-Neuron Conversion. Stem Cell Reports 2021; 16:534-547. [PMID: 33577795 PMCID: PMC7940254 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2021.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2019] [Revised: 01/12/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Direct neuronal reprogramming potentially provides valuable sources for cell-based therapies. Proneural gene Ascl1 converts astrocytes into induced neuronal (iN) cells efficiently both in vitro and in vivo. However, the underlying mechanisms are largely unknown. By combining RNA sequencing and chromatin immunoprecipitation followed by high-throughput sequencing, we found that the expression of 1,501 genes was markedly changed during the early stages of Ascl1-induced astrocyte-to-neuron conversion and that the regulatory regions of 107 differentially expressed genes were directly bound by ASCL1. Among Ascl1's direct targets, Klf10 regulates the neuritogenesis of iN cells at the early stage, Myt1 and Myt1l are critical for the electrophysiological maturation of iN cells, and Neurod4 and Chd7 are required for the efficient conversion of astrocytes into neurons. Together, this study provides more insights into understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying Ascl1-mediated astrocyte-to-neuron conversion and will be of value for the application of direct neuronal reprogramming. RNA-seq and ChIP-seq were used to study Ascl1-induced astrocyte-to-neuron conversion Early Klf10 regulates neuritogenesis and electrophysiological properties of iN cells Myt1 and Myt1l are critical for the electrophysiological maturation of iN cells Neurod4 and Chd7 are required for efficient conversion of astrocytes to neurons
Collapse
|
11
|
Qin H, Zhao AD, Sun ML, Ma K, Fu XB. Direct conversion of human fibroblasts into dopaminergic neuron-like cells using small molecules and protein factors. Mil Med Res 2020; 7:52. [PMID: 33129359 PMCID: PMC7603706 DOI: 10.1186/s40779-020-00284-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2020] [Accepted: 10/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Generation of neurons is essential in cell replacement therapy for neurodegenerative disorders like Parkinson's disease. Several studies have reported the generation of dopaminergic (DA) neurons from mouse and human fibroblasts by ectopic expression of transcription factors, in which genetic manipulation is associated with potential risks. METHODS The small molecules and protein factors were selected based on their function to directly induce human fetal lung IMR-90 fibroblasts into DA neuron-like cells. Microscopical, immunocytochemical, and RT-qPCR analyses were used to characterize the morphology, phenotype, and gene expression features of the induced cells. The whole-cell patch-clamp recordings were exploited to measure the electrophysiological properties. RESULTS Human IMR-90 fibroblasts were rapidly converted into DA neuron-like cells after the chemical induction using small molecules and protein factors, with a yield of approximately 95% positive TUJ1-positive cells. The induced DA neuron-like cells were immunopositive for pan-neuronal markers MAP2, NEUN, and Synapsin 1 and DA markers TH, DDC, DAT, and NURR1. The chemical induction process did not involve a neural progenitor/stem cell intermediate stage. The induced neurons could fire single action potentials, which reflected partially the electrophysiological properties of neurons. CONCLUSION We developed a chemical cocktail of small molecules and protein factors to convert human fibroblasts into DA neuron-like cells without passing through a neural progenitor/stem cell intermediate stage. The induced DA neuron-like cells from human fibroblasts might provide a cellular source for cell-based therapy of Parkinson's disease in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hua Qin
- Research Center for Tissue Repair and Regeneration affiliated to the Medical Innovation Research Division and 4th Medical Center, PLA General Hospital and PLA Medical College, 28 Fu Xing Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100853, China
| | - An-Dong Zhao
- Research Center for Tissue Repair and Regeneration affiliated to the Medical Innovation Research Division and 4th Medical Center, PLA General Hospital and PLA Medical College, 28 Fu Xing Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100853, China.,Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300070, China.,PLA Key Laboratory of Tissue Repair and Regenerative Medicine and Beijing Key Research Laboratory of Skin Injury, Repair and Regeneration, Beijing, 100048, China
| | - Meng-Li Sun
- Research Center for Tissue Repair and Regeneration affiliated to the Medical Innovation Research Division and 4th Medical Center, PLA General Hospital and PLA Medical College, 28 Fu Xing Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100853, China.,PLA Key Laboratory of Tissue Repair and Regenerative Medicine and Beijing Key Research Laboratory of Skin Injury, Repair and Regeneration, Beijing, 100048, China
| | - Kui Ma
- Research Center for Tissue Repair and Regeneration affiliated to the Medical Innovation Research Division and 4th Medical Center, PLA General Hospital and PLA Medical College, 28 Fu Xing Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100853, China.,PLA Key Laboratory of Tissue Repair and Regenerative Medicine and Beijing Key Research Laboratory of Skin Injury, Repair and Regeneration, Beijing, 100048, China
| | - Xiao-Bing Fu
- Research Center for Tissue Repair and Regeneration affiliated to the Medical Innovation Research Division and 4th Medical Center, PLA General Hospital and PLA Medical College, 28 Fu Xing Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100853, China. .,PLA Key Laboratory of Tissue Repair and Regenerative Medicine and Beijing Key Research Laboratory of Skin Injury, Repair and Regeneration, Beijing, 100048, China. .,Research Unit of Trauma Care, Tissue Repair and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, 2019RU051, Beijing, 100048, China.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Yang DW, Moon JS, Ko HM, Shin YK, Fukumoto S, Kim SH, Kim MS. Direct reprogramming of fibroblasts into diverse lineage cells by DNA demethylation followed by differentiating cultures. THE KOREAN JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGY & PHARMACOLOGY : OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE KOREAN PHYSIOLOGICAL SOCIETY AND THE KOREAN SOCIETY OF PHARMACOLOGY 2020; 24:463-472. [PMID: 33093268 PMCID: PMC7585590 DOI: 10.4196/kjpp.2020.24.6.463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2020] [Revised: 09/24/2020] [Accepted: 09/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Direct reprogramming, also known as a trans-differentiation, is a technique to allow mature cells to be converted into other types of cells without inducing a pluripotent stage. It has been suggested as a major strategy to acquire the desired type of cells in cell-based therapies to repair damaged tissues. Studies related to switching the fate of cells through epigenetic modification have been progressing and they can bypass safety issues raised by the virus-based transfection methods. In this study, a protocol was established to directly convert fully differentiated fibroblasts into diverse mesenchymal-lineage cells, such as osteoblasts, adipocytes, chondrocytes, and ectodermal cells, including neurons, by means of DNA demethylation, immediately followed by culturing in various differentiating media. First, 24 h exposure of 5-azacytidine (5-aza-CN), a well-characterized DNA methyl transferase inhibitor, to NIH-3T3 murine fibroblast cells induced the expression of stem-cell markers, that is, increasing cell plasticity. Next, 5-aza-CN treated fibroblasts were cultured in osteogenic, adipogenic, chondrogenic, and neurogenic media with or without bone morphogenetic protein 2 for a designated period. Differentiation of each desired type of cell was verified by quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction/western blot assays for appropriate marker expression and by various staining methods, such as alkaline phosphatase/alizarin red S/oil red O/alcian blue. These proposed procedures allowed easier acquisition of the desired cells without any transgenic modification, using direct reprogramming technology, and thus may help make it more available in the clinical fields of regenerative medicine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dong-Wook Yang
- Dental Science Research Institute, School of Dentistry, Chonnam National University, Gwangju 61186, Korea
| | - Jung-Sun Moon
- Dental Science Research Institute, School of Dentistry, Chonnam National University, Gwangju 61186, Korea
| | - Hyun-Mi Ko
- Dental Science Research Institute, School of Dentistry, Chonnam National University, Gwangju 61186, Korea
| | - Yeo-Kyeong Shin
- Dental Science Research Institute, School of Dentistry, Chonnam National University, Gwangju 61186, Korea
| | - Satoshi Fukumoto
- Division of Pediatric Dentistry, Department of Oral Health and Development Sciences, Tohoku University Graduate School of Dentistry, Sendai 980-8575, Japan
| | - Sun-Hun Kim
- Dental Science Research Institute, School of Dentistry, Chonnam National University, Gwangju 61186, Korea
| | - Min-Seok Kim
- Dental Science Research Institute, School of Dentistry, Chonnam National University, Gwangju 61186, Korea
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Riemens RJM, Kenis G, van den Beucken T. Human-induced pluripotent stem cells as a model for studying sporadic Alzheimer's disease. Neurobiol Learn Mem 2020; 175:107318. [PMID: 32977028 DOI: 10.1016/j.nlm.2020.107318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2020] [Revised: 09/16/2020] [Accepted: 09/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The discovery of induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technology has the potential to accelerate scientific research for Alzheimer's disease (AD). iPSCs are therefore increasingly considered for AD modeling and drug development. Nevertheless, most of the work conducted so far has mainly focused on iPSC models from patients with familial AD (fAD), while actually sporadic AD (sAD) is more prevalent and represents over 90% of the AD cases in the population. The development of more sAD models is therefore key for studying this multifactorial disorder. In fact, probing the unique genomes of sAD patients and their interaction with AD-associated environmental factors could contribute to a better understanding of this disease. However, initial iPSC-based models for sAD have shown a high degree of variability and inconsistencies in terms of AD hallmarks. In this review, we provide an overview of the studies that have been conducted for sAD so far. In addition, we critically assess important sources of variability related to the model in addition to those that might be explained by the heterogeneous nature of sAD. These considerations might aid in developing more consistent iPSC models of sAD, which could help in developing a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying the disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- R J M Riemens
- Institute of Human Genetics, Julius Maximilian University, Wuerzburg, Germany; Department of Psychiatry & Neuropsychology, Graduate School MHeNS (School for Mental Health and Neuroscience), allocated with the Faculty Health Medicine and Life Sciences of Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - G Kenis
- Department of Psychiatry & Neuropsychology, Graduate School MHeNS (School for Mental Health and Neuroscience), allocated with the Faculty Health Medicine and Life Sciences of Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - T van den Beucken
- Department of Toxicogenomics, Graduate School GROW (Research School for Oncology and Developmental Biology), allocated with the Faculty Health Medicine and Life Sciences of Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Griffin SM, Pickard MR, Hawkins CP, Williams AC, Fricker RA. Nicotinamide restricts neural precursor proliferation to enhance catecholaminergic neuronal subtype differentiation from mouse embryonic stem cells. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0233477. [PMID: 32925933 PMCID: PMC7489539 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0233477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2020] [Accepted: 08/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Emerging evidence indicates that a strong relationship exists between brain regenerative therapies and nutrition. Early life nutrition plays an important role during embryonic brain development, and there are clear consequences to an imbalance in nutritional factors on both the production and survival of mature neuronal populations and the infant’s risk of diseases in later life. Our research and that of others suggest that vitamins play a fundamental role in the formation of neurons and their survival. There is a growing body of evidence that nicotinamide, the water-soluble amide form of vitamin B3, is implicated in the conversion of pluripotent stem cells to clinically relevant cells for regenerative therapies. This study investigated the ability of nicotinamide to promote the development of mature catecholaminergic neuronal populations (associated with Parkinson’s disease) from mouse embryonic stem cells, as well as investigating the underlying mechanisms of nicotinamide’s action. Nicotinamide selectively enhanced the production of tyrosine hydroxylase-expressing neurons and serotonergic neurons from mouse embryonic stem cell cultures (Sox1GFP knock-in 46C cell line). A 5-Ethynyl-2´-deoxyuridine (EdU) assay ascertained that nicotinamide, when added in the initial phase, reduced cell proliferation. Nicotinamide drove tyrosine hydroxylase-expressing neuron differentiation as effectively as an established cocktail of signalling factors, reducing the proliferation of neural progenitors and accelerating neuronal maturation, neurite outgrowth and neurotransmitter expression. These novel findings show that nicotinamide enhanced and enriched catecholaminergic differentiation and inhibited cell proliferation by directing cell cycle arrest in mouse embryonic stem cell cultures, thus driving a critical neural proliferation-to-differentiation switch from neural progenitors to neurons. Further research into the role of vitamin metabolites in embryogenesis will significantly advance cell-based regenerative medicine, and help realize their role as crucial developmental signalling molecules in brain development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Síle M. Griffin
- Keele Medical School and Institute for Science and Technology in Medicine, Keele University, Keele, Staffordshire, England, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
| | - Mark R. Pickard
- Chester Medical School, University Centre Shrewsbury, University of Chester, Shrewsbury, England, United Kingdom
| | - Clive P. Hawkins
- Keele Medical School and Institute for Science and Technology in Medicine, Keele University, Keele, Staffordshire, England, United Kingdom
- Department of Neurology, Royal Stoke University Hospital, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, England, United Kingdom
| | - Adrian C. Williams
- Department of Neurosciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, England, United Kingdom
| | - Rosemary A. Fricker
- Keele Medical School and Institute for Science and Technology in Medicine, Keele University, Keele, Staffordshire, England, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Using Sox2 to alleviate the hallmarks of age-related hearing loss. Ageing Res Rev 2020; 59:101042. [PMID: 32173536 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2020.101042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2019] [Revised: 03/04/2020] [Accepted: 03/05/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Age-related hearing loss (ARHL) is the most prevalent sensory deficit. ARHL reduces the quality of life of the growing population, setting seniors up for the enhanced mental decline. The size of the needy population, the structural deficit, and a likely research strategy for effective treatment of chronic neurosensory hearing in the elderly are needed. Although there has been profound advancement in auditory regenerative research, there remain multiple challenges to restore hearing loss. Thus, additional investigations are required, using novel tools. We propose how the (1) flat epithelium, remaining after the organ of Corti has deteriorated, can be converted to the repaired-sensory epithelium, using Sox2. This will include (2) developing an artificial gene regulatory network transmitted by (3) large viral vectors to the flat epithelium to stimulate remnants of the organ of Corti to restore hair cells. We hope to unite with our proposal toward the common goal, eventually restoring a functional human hearing organ by transforming the flat epithelial cells left after the organ of Corti loss.
Collapse
|
16
|
Niu H, Xiao J, Ma Z, Chen L. Prmt4-mediated methylation of NF-κB is critical for neural differentiation of embryonic stem cells. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2020; 525:S0006-291X(20)30340-5. [PMID: 32070496 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2020.02.072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2020] [Accepted: 02/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Neural differentiation is a complex process regulated by multiple signaling at different regulatory levels. Though great progresses have been made in understanding the mechanisms of neural differentiation, post-translational regulation of neural differentiation remains largely unknown. In this study, we found Prmt4, one of the methyltransferases catalyzing protein arginine methylation, is highly expressed in neural stem cells (NSCs) and associated with neural differentiation. Knockout of Prmt4 in mESCs blocked neural differentiation by inhibiting NF-κB activation. Mechanistically, Prmt4 interacts with NF-κB component p65 to promote its methylation, resulting in increased activation of NF-κB signaling during neural differentiation. Our study not only identified Prmt4 as novel regulator of neural differentiation, but also highlighted the importance of protein arginine methylation in cell fate transition.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hengli Niu
- Department of Pharmacy, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, 730030, China
| | - Jiyuan Xiao
- Department of Pharmacy, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, 730030, China.
| | - Zhongxing Ma
- Department of Orthopedics, 6th People's Hospital, Zhangjiagang City, Jiangsu Province, 215600, China
| | - Ling Chen
- Department of Pharmacy, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, 730030, China
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Sharma R, Smits IPM, De La Vega L, Lee C, Willerth SM. 3D Bioprinting Pluripotent Stem Cell Derived Neural Tissues Using a Novel Fibrin Bioink Containing Drug Releasing Microspheres. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2020; 8:57. [PMID: 32117936 PMCID: PMC7026266 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2020.00057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2019] [Accepted: 01/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
3D bioprinting combines cells with a supportive bioink to fabricate multiscale, multi-cellular structures that imitate native tissues. Here, we demonstrate how our novel fibrin-based bioink formulation combined with drug releasing microspheres can serve as a tool for bioprinting tissues using human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-derived neural progenitor cells (NPCs). Microspheres, small spherical particles that generate controlled drug release, promote hiPSC differentiation into dopaminergic neurons when used to deliver small molecules like guggulsterone. We used the microfluidics based RX1 bioprinter to generate domes with a 1 cm diameter consisting of our novel fibrin-based bioink containing guggulsterone microspheres and hiPSC-derived NPCs. The resulting tissues exhibited over 90% cellular viability 1 day post printing that then increased to 95% 7 days post printing. The bioprinted tissues expressed the early neuronal marker, TUJ1 and the early midbrain marker, Forkhead Box A2 (FOXA2) after 15 days of culture. These bioprinted neural tissues expressed TUJ1 (15 ± 1.3%), the dopamine marker, tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) (8 ± 1%) and other glial markers such as glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) (15 ± 4%) and oligodendrocyte progenitor marker (O4) (4 ± 1%) after 30 days. Also, quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) analysis showed these bioprinted tissues expressed TUJ1, NURR1 (gene expressed in midbrain dopaminergic neurons), LMX1B, TH, and PAX6 after 30 days. In conclusion, we have demonstrated that using a microsphere-laden bioink to bioprint hiPSC-derived NPCs can promote the differentiation of neural tissue.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ruchi Sharma
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
| | - Imke P. M. Smits
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, Netherlands
| | - Laura De La Vega
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
| | - Christopher Lee
- Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Stephanie M. Willerth
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, Netherlands
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Direct neuronal reprogramming of olfactory ensheathing cells for CNS repair. Cell Death Dis 2019; 10:646. [PMID: 31501413 PMCID: PMC6733847 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-019-1887-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2018] [Revised: 07/26/2019] [Accepted: 08/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Direct conversion of readily available non-neural cells from patients into induced neurons holds great promise for neurological disease modeling and cell-based therapy. Olfactory ensheathing cells (OECs) is a unique population of glia in olfactory nervous system. Based on the regeneration-promoting properties and the relative clinical accessibility, OECs are attracting increasing attention from neuroscientists as potential therapeutic agents for use in neural repair. Here, we report that OECs can be directly, rapidly and efficiently reprogrammed into neuronal cells by the single transcription factor Neurogenin 2 (NGN2). These induced cells exhibit typical neuronal morphologies, express multiple neuron-specific markers, produce action potentials, and form functional synapses. Genome-wide RNA-sequencing analysis shows that the transcriptome profile of OECs is effectively reprogrammed towards that of neuronal lineage. Importantly, these OEC-derived induced neurons survive and mature after transplantation into adult mouse spinal cords. Taken together, our study provides a direct and efficient strategy to quickly obtain neuronal cells from adult OECs, suggestive of promising potential for personalized disease modeling and cell replacement-mediated therapeutic approaches to neurological disorders.
Collapse
|
19
|
Liang S, Yin N, Faiola F. Human Pluripotent Stem Cells as Tools for Predicting Developmental Neural Toxicity of Chemicals: Strategies, Applications, and Challenges. Stem Cells Dev 2019; 28:755-768. [PMID: 30990109 DOI: 10.1089/scd.2019.0007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The human central nervous system (CNS) is very sensitive to perturbations, since it performs sophisticated biological processes and requires cooperation from multiple neural cell types. Subtle interference from exogenous chemicals, such as environmental pollutants, industrial chemicals, drug components, food additives, and cosmetic constituents, may initiate severe developmental neural toxicity (DNT). Human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC)-based neural differentiation assays provide effective and promising tools to help evaluate potential DNT caused by those toxicants. In fact, the specification of neural lineages in vitro recapitulates critical CNS developmental processes, such as patterning, differentiation, neurite outgrowth, synaptogenesis, and myelination. Hence, the established protocols to generate a repertoire of neural derivatives from hPSCs greatly benefit the in vitro evaluation of DNT. In this review, we first dissect the various differentiation protocols inducing neural cells from hPSCs, with an emphasis on the signaling pathways and endpoint markers defining each differentiation stage. We then highlight the studies with hPSC-based protocols predicting developmental neural toxicants, and discuss remaining challenges. We hope this review can provide insights for the further progress of DNT studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shengxian Liang
- 1 State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,2 College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Nuoya Yin
- 1 State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,2 College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Francesco Faiola
- 1 State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,2 College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Ebrahimi A, Keske E, Mehdipour A, Ebrahimi-Kalan A, Ghorbani M. Somatic cell reprogramming as a tool for neurodegenerative diseases. Biomed Pharmacother 2019; 112:108663. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2019.108663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2018] [Revised: 01/23/2019] [Accepted: 02/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
|
21
|
Marques BL, Carvalho GA, Freitas EMM, Chiareli RA, Barbosa TG, Di Araújo AGP, Nogueira YL, Ribeiro RI, Parreira RC, Vieira MS, Resende RR, Gomez RS, Oliveira-Lima OC, Pinto MCX. The role of neurogenesis in neurorepair after ischemic stroke. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2019; 95:98-110. [PMID: 30550812 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2018.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2018] [Revised: 12/05/2018] [Accepted: 12/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Stroke consists of an abrupt reduction of cerebral blood flow resulting in hypoxia that triggers an excitotoxicity, oxidative stress, and neuroinflammation. After the ischemic process, neural precursor cells present in the subventricular zone of the lateral ventricle and subgranular zone of the dentate gyrus proliferate and migrate towards the lesion, contributing to the brain repair. The neurogenesis is induced by signal transduction pathways, growth factors, attractive factors for neuroblasts, transcription factors, pro and anti-inflammatory mediators and specific neurotransmissions. However, this endogenous neurogenesis occurs slowly and does not allow a complete restoration of brain function. Despite that, understanding the mechanisms of neurogenesis could improve the therapeutic strategies for brain repair. This review presents the current knowledge about brain repair process after stroke and the perspectives regarding the development of promising therapies that aim to improve neurogenesis and its potential to form new neural networks.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bruno L Marques
- Departamento de Farmacologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, Brazil
| | - Gustavo A Carvalho
- Departamento de Farmacologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, Brazil
| | - Elis M M Freitas
- Departamento de Farmacologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, Brazil
| | - Raphaela A Chiareli
- Departamento de Farmacologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, Brazil
| | - Thiago G Barbosa
- Departamento de Farmacologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, Brazil
| | - Armani G P Di Araújo
- Departamento de Farmacologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, Brazil
| | - Yanley L Nogueira
- Departamento de Farmacologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, Brazil
| | - Raul I Ribeiro
- Departamento de Farmacologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, Brazil
| | - Ricardo C Parreira
- Departamento de Farmacologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, Brazil
| | - Mariana S Vieira
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo R Resende
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Renato S Gomez
- Departamento de Cirurgia, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Onésia C Oliveira-Lima
- Departamento de Farmacologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, Brazil
| | - Mauro C X Pinto
- Departamento de Farmacologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Qi Z, Huang Z, Xie F, Chen L. Dynamin-related protein 1: A critical protein in the pathogenesis of neural system dysfunctions and neurodegenerative diseases. J Cell Physiol 2018; 234:10032-10046. [PMID: 30515821 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.27866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2018] [Accepted: 11/14/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Mitochondria play a key role in the maintenance of neuronal function by continuously providing energy. Here, we will give a detailed review about the recent developments in regards to dynamin-related protein 1 (Drp1) induced unbalanced mitochondrial dynamics, excessive mitochondrial division, and neuronal injury in neural system dysfunctions and neurodegenerative diseases, including the Drp1 knockout induced mice embryonic death, the dysfunction of the Drp1-dependent mitochondrial division induced neuronal cell apoptosis and impaired neuronal axonal transportation, the abnormal interaction between Drp1 and amyloid β (Aβ) in Alzheimer's disease (AD), the mutant Huntingtin (Htt) in Huntington's disease (HD), and the Drp1-associated pathogenesis of other neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's disease (PD) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Drp1 is required for mitochondrial division determining the size, shape, distribution, and remodeling as well as maintaining of mitochondrial integrity in mammalian cells. In addition, increasing reports indicate that the Drp1 is involved in some cellular events of neuronal cells causing some neural system dysfunctions and neurodegenerative diseases, including impaired mitochondrial dynamics, apoptosis, and several posttranslational modification induced increased mitochondrial divisions. Recent studies also revealed that the Drp1 can interact with Aβ, phosphorylated τ, and mutant Htt affecting the mitochondrial shape, size, distribution, axonal transportation, and energy production in the AD and HD neuronal cells. These changes can affect the health of mitochondria and the function of synapses causing neuronal injury and eventually leading to the dysfunction of memory, cognitive impairment, resting tremor, posture instability, involuntary movements, and progressive muscle atrophy and paralysis in patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhihao Qi
- Learning Key Laboratory for Pharmacoproteomics, Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, Institute of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Zhen Huang
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Feng Xie
- Learning Key Laboratory for Pharmacoproteomics, Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, Institute of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Linxi Chen
- Learning Key Laboratory for Pharmacoproteomics, Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, Institute of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Cell cycle-dependent phosphorylation and regulation of cellular differentiation. Biochem Soc Trans 2018; 46:1083-1091. [PMID: 30242121 DOI: 10.1042/bst20180276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2018] [Revised: 08/02/2018] [Accepted: 08/03/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Embryogenesis requires an exquisite regulation of cell proliferation, cell cycle withdrawal and differentiation into a massively diverse range of cells at the correct time and place. Stem cells also remain to varying extents in different adult tissues, acting in tissue homeostasis and repair. Therefore, regulated proliferation and subsequent differentiation of stem and progenitor cells remains pivotal throughout life. Recent advances have characterised the cell cycle dynamics, epigenetics, transcriptome and proteome accompanying the transition from proliferation to differentiation, revealing multiple bidirectional interactions between the cell cycle machinery and factors driving differentiation. Here, we focus on a direct mechanistic link involving phosphorylation of differentiation-associated transcription factors by cell cycle-associated Cyclin-dependent kinases. We discuss examples from the three embryonic germ layers to illustrate this regulatory mechanism that co-ordinates the balance between cell proliferation and differentiation.
Collapse
|
24
|
Patel R, Muir M, Cvetkovic C, Krencik R. Concepts toward directing human astroplasticity to promote neuroregeneration. Dev Dyn 2018; 248:21-33. [DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.24655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2018] [Revised: 06/19/2018] [Accepted: 06/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Caroline Cvetkovic
- Center for Neuroregeneration, Department of Neurosurgery; Houston Methodist Research Institute; Houston Texas
| | - Robert Krencik
- Center for Neuroregeneration, Department of Neurosurgery; Houston Methodist Research Institute; Houston Texas
| |
Collapse
|