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Yeon GB, Jeon BM, Yoo SH, Kim D, Oh SS, Park S, Shin WH, Kim HW, Na D, Kim DW, Kim DS. Differentiation of astrocytes with characteristics of ventral midbrain from human embryonic stem cells. Stem Cell Rev Rep 2023; 19:1890-1906. [PMID: 37067644 DOI: 10.1007/s12015-023-10536-y] [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] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 04/18/2023]
Abstract
Molecular and functional diversity among region-specific astrocytes is of great interest in basic neuroscience and the study of neurological diseases. In this study, we present the generation and characterization of astrocytes from human embryonic stem cells with the characteristics of the ventral midbrain (VM). Fine modulation of WNT and SHH signaling during neural differentiation induced neural precursor cells (NPCs) with high expression of EN1 and NKX6.1, but less expression of FOXA2. Overexpression of nuclear factor IB in NPCs induced astrocytes, thereby maintaining the expression of region-specific genes acquired in the NPC stage. When cocultured with dopaminergic (DA) precursors or DA neurons, astrocytes with VM characteristics (VM-iASTs) promoted the differentiation and survival of DA neurons better than those that were not regionally specified. Transcriptomic analysis showed that VM-iASTs were more closely related to human primary midbrain astrocytes than to cortical astrocytes, and revealed the upregulation of WNT1 and WNT5A, which supports their VM identity and explains their superior activity in DA neurons. Taken together, we hope that VM-iASTs can serve to improve ongoing DA precursor transplantation for Parkinson's disease, and that their transcriptomic data provide a valuable resource for investigating regional diversity in human astrocyte populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gyu-Bum Yeon
- Department of Biotechnology, Korea University, 145 Anam-Ro, Seongbuk-Gu, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea
- Institute of Animal Molecular Biotechnology, Korea University, 145 Anam-Ro, Seongbuk-Gu, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Byeong-Min Jeon
- Department of Biotechnology, Korea University, 145 Anam-Ro, Seongbuk-Gu, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea
- Institute of Animal Molecular Biotechnology, Korea University, 145 Anam-Ro, Seongbuk-Gu, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Seo Hyun Yoo
- Department of Biotechnology, Korea University, 145 Anam-Ro, Seongbuk-Gu, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea
- Institute of Animal Molecular Biotechnology, Korea University, 145 Anam-Ro, Seongbuk-Gu, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Dongyun Kim
- Department of Biotechnology, Korea University, 145 Anam-Ro, Seongbuk-Gu, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea
- Institute of Animal Molecular Biotechnology, Korea University, 145 Anam-Ro, Seongbuk-Gu, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung Soo Oh
- Department of Biotechnology, Korea University, 145 Anam-Ro, Seongbuk-Gu, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea
- Institute of Animal Molecular Biotechnology, Korea University, 145 Anam-Ro, Seongbuk-Gu, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Sanghyun Park
- Department of Physiology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 50-1 Yonsei-Ro, Seodaemun-Gu, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Won-Ho Shin
- Department of Predictive Toxicology, Korea Institute of Toxicology, 141 Gajeong-Ro, Yuseong-Gu, Daejeon, 34114, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyung Wook Kim
- Department of Bio-Integrated Science and Technology, College of Life Sciences, Sejong University, 209 Neungdong-Ro, Gwangjin-Gu, Seoul, 05006, Republic of Korea
| | - Dokyun Na
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Chung-Ang University, 84 Heukseok-Ro, Dongjak-Gu, Seoul, 06974, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong-Wook Kim
- Department of Physiology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 50-1 Yonsei-Ro, Seodaemun-Gu, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea.
- Brain Korea 21 PLUS Program for Medical Science, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 50-1 Yonsei-Ro, Seodaemun-Gu, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea.
- Severance Biomedical Research Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 50-1 Yonsei-Ro, Seodaemun-Gu, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea.
| | - Dae-Sung Kim
- Department of Biotechnology, Korea University, 145 Anam-Ro, Seongbuk-Gu, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea.
- Institute of Animal Molecular Biotechnology, Korea University, 145 Anam-Ro, Seongbuk-Gu, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea.
- Department of Pediatrics, Korea University College of Medicine, Guro Hospital, 97 Gurodong-Gil, Guro-Gu, Seoul, 08308, Republic of Korea.
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2
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Jia Y, Wang A, Zhao B, Wang C, Su R, Zhang B, Fan Z, Zeng Q, He L, Pei X, Yue W. An optimized method for obtaining clinical-grade specific cell subpopulations from human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells. Cell Prolif 2022; 55:e13300. [PMID: 35768999 PMCID: PMC9528761 DOI: 10.1111/cpr.13300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2022] [Revised: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are heterogeneous populations with broad application prospects in cell therapy, and using specific subpopulations of MSCs can enhance their particular capability under certain conditions and achieve better therapeutic effects. However, no studies have reported how to obtain high‐quality specific MSC subpopulations in vitro culture. Here, for the first time, we established a general operation process for obtaining high‐quality clinical‐grade cell subpopulations from human umbilical cord MSCs (hUC‐MSCs) based on particular markers. We used the MSC‐CD106+ subpopulations, whose biological function has been well documented, as an example to explore and optimize the crucial links of primary preparation, pre‐treatment, antibody incubation, flow sorting, quality and function test. After comprehensively evaluating the quality and function of the acquired MSC‐CD106+ subpopulations, including in vitro cell viability, apoptosis, proliferation, marker stability, adhesion ability, migration ability, tubule formation ability, immunomodulatory function and in vivo wound healing ability and proangiogenic activity, we defined an important pre‐treatment scheme which might effectively improve the therapeutic efficiency of MSC‐CD106+ subpopulations in two critical clinical application scenarios—direct injection after cell sorting and post‐culture injection into bodies. Based on the above, we tried to establish a general five‐step operation procedure for acquiring high‐quality clinical‐grade MSC subpopulations based on specific markers, which cannot only improve their enrichment efficiency and the reliability of preclinical studies, but also provide valuable methodological guidance for the rapid clinical transformation of specific MSC subpopulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yali Jia
- Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Lab, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, China.,South China Institute of Biomedicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ailin Wang
- Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Lab, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, China.,Institute of Health Service and Transfusion Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Bichun Zhao
- Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Lab, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Chao Wang
- Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Lab, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Ruyu Su
- South China Institute of Biomedicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Biao Zhang
- Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Lab, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Zeng Fan
- South China Institute of Biomedicine, Guangzhou, China.,Institute of Health Service and Transfusion Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Quan Zeng
- Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Lab, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, China.,South China Institute of Biomedicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lijuan He
- South China Institute of Biomedicine, Guangzhou, China.,Institute of Health Service and Transfusion Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Xuetao Pei
- Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Lab, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, China.,South China Institute of Biomedicine, Guangzhou, China.,Institute of Health Service and Transfusion Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Wen Yue
- Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Lab, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, China.,South China Institute of Biomedicine, Guangzhou, China
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Generation of Human iPSC-Derived Astrocytes with a mature star-shaped phenotype for CNS modeling. Stem Cell Rev Rep 2022; 18:2494-2512. [PMID: 35488987 PMCID: PMC9489586 DOI: 10.1007/s12015-022-10376-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The generation of astrocytes from human induced pluripotent stem cells has been hampered by either prolonged differentiation—spanning over two months—or by shorter protocols that generate immature astrocytes, devoid of salient mature astrocytic traits pivotal for central nervous system (CNS) modeling. We directed stable hiPSC-derived neuroepithelial stem cells to human iPSC-derived Astrocytes (hiAstrocytes) with a high percentage of star-shaped cells by orchestrating an astrocytic-tuned culturing environment in 28 days. We employed RT-qPCR and ICC to validate the astrocytic commitment of the neuroepithelial stem cells. To evaluate the inflammatory phenotype, we challenged the hiAstrocytes with the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-1β (interleukin 1 beta) and quantitatively assessed the secretion profile of astrocyte-associated cytokines and the expression of intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1). Finally, we quantitatively assessed the capacity of hiAstrocytes to synthesize and export the antioxidant glutathione. In under 28 days, the generated cells express canonical and mature astrocytic markers, denoted by the expression of GFAP, AQP4 and ALDH1L1. In addition, the notion of a mature phenotype is reinforced by the expression of both astrocytic glutamate transporters EAAT1 and EAAT2. Thus, hiAstrocytes have a mature phenotype that encompasses traits critical in CNS modeling, including glutathione synthesis and secretion, upregulation of ICAM-1 and a cytokine secretion profile on a par with human fetal astrocytes. This protocol generates a multifaceted astrocytic model suitable for in vitro CNS disease modeling and personalized medicine.
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Giacomelli E, Vahsen BF, Calder EL, Xu Y, Scaber J, Gray E, Dafinca R, Talbot K, Studer L. Human stem cell models of neurodegeneration: From basic science of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis to clinical translation. Cell Stem Cell 2022; 29:11-35. [PMID: 34995492 PMCID: PMC8785905 DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2021.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases are characterized by progressive cell loss leading to disruption of the structure and function of the central nervous system. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) was among the first of these disorders modeled in patient-specific iPSCs, and recent findings have translated into some of the earliest iPSC-inspired clinical trials. Focusing on ALS as an example, we evaluate the status of modeling neurodegenerative diseases using iPSCs, including methods for deriving and using disease-relevant neuronal and glial lineages. We further highlight the remaining challenges in exploiting the full potential of iPSC technology for understanding and potentially treating neurodegenerative diseases such as ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Giacomelli
- The Center for Stem Cell Biology, Developmental Biology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute for Cancer Research, New York, NY, USA
| | - Björn F Vahsen
- Oxford Motor Neuron Disease Centre, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Elizabeth L Calder
- The Center for Stem Cell Biology, Developmental Biology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute for Cancer Research, New York, NY, USA
| | - Yinyan Xu
- Oxford Motor Neuron Disease Centre, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK; Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (CAMS), CAMS Oxford Institute (COI), Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7FZ, UK
| | - Jakub Scaber
- Oxford Motor Neuron Disease Centre, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Elizabeth Gray
- Oxford Motor Neuron Disease Centre, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Ruxandra Dafinca
- Oxford Motor Neuron Disease Centre, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Kevin Talbot
- Oxford Motor Neuron Disease Centre, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK.
| | - Lorenz Studer
- The Center for Stem Cell Biology, Developmental Biology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute for Cancer Research, New York, NY, USA.
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5
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Lanciotti A, Brignone MS, Macioce P, Visentin S, Ambrosini E. Human iPSC-Derived Astrocytes: A Powerful Tool to Study Primary Astrocyte Dysfunction in the Pathogenesis of Rare Leukodystrophies. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 23:ijms23010274. [PMID: 35008700 PMCID: PMC8745131 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23010274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2021] [Revised: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes are very versatile cells, endowed with multitasking capacities to ensure brain homeostasis maintenance from brain development to adult life. It has become increasingly evident that astrocytes play a central role in many central nervous system pathologies, not only as regulators of defensive responses against brain insults but also as primary culprits of the disease onset and progression. This is particularly evident in some rare leukodystrophies (LDs) where white matter/myelin deterioration is due to primary astrocyte dysfunctions. Understanding the molecular defects causing these LDs may help clarify astrocyte contribution to myelin formation/maintenance and favor the identification of possible therapeutic targets for LDs and other CNS demyelinating diseases. To date, the pathogenic mechanisms of these LDs are poorly known due to the rarity of the pathological tissue and the failure of the animal models to fully recapitulate the human diseases. Thus, the development of human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSC) from patient fibroblasts and their differentiation into astrocytes is a promising approach to overcome these issues. In this review, we discuss the primary role of astrocytes in LD pathogenesis, the experimental models currently available and the advantages, future evolutions, perspectives, and limitations of hiPSC to study pathologies implying astrocyte dysfunctions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Lanciotti
- Department of Neuroscience, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00169 Rome, Italy; (A.L.); (M.S.B.); (P.M.)
| | - Maria Stefania Brignone
- Department of Neuroscience, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00169 Rome, Italy; (A.L.); (M.S.B.); (P.M.)
| | - Pompeo Macioce
- Department of Neuroscience, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00169 Rome, Italy; (A.L.); (M.S.B.); (P.M.)
| | - Sergio Visentin
- National Center for Research and Preclinical and Clinical Evaluation of Drugs, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00169 Rome, Italy;
| | - Elena Ambrosini
- Department of Neuroscience, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00169 Rome, Italy; (A.L.); (M.S.B.); (P.M.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-064-990-2037
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6
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TNF-α and α-synuclein fibrils differently regulate human astrocyte immune reactivity and impair mitochondrial respiration. Cell Rep 2021; 34:108895. [PMID: 33761362 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2021.108895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2019] [Revised: 12/23/2020] [Accepted: 03/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Here, we examine the cellular changes triggered by tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and different alpha-synuclein (αSYN) species in astrocytes derived from induced pluripotent stem cells. Human astrocytes treated with TNF-α display a strong reactive pro-inflammatory phenotype with upregulation of pro-inflammatory gene networks, activation of the nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) pathway, and release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, whereas those treated with high-molecular-weight αSYN fibrils acquire a reactive antigen (cross)-presenting phenotype with upregulation of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) genes and increased human leukocyte antigen (HLA) molecules at the cell surface. Surprisingly, the cell surface location of MHC proteins is abrogated by larger F110 fibrillar polymorphs, despite the upregulation of MHC genes. Interestingly, TNF-α and αSYN fibrils compete to drive the astrocyte immune reactive response. The astrocyte immune responses are accompanied by an impaired mitochondrial respiration, which is exacerbated in Parkinson's disease (PD) astrocytes. Our data provide evidence for astrocytic involvement in PD pathogenesis and reveal their complex immune reactive responses to exogenous stressors.
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Generation of the Human Pluripotent Stem-Cell-Derived Astrocyte Model with Forebrain Identity. Brain Sci 2021; 11:brainsci11020209. [PMID: 33572154 PMCID: PMC7914711 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci11020209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2021] [Revised: 02/04/2021] [Accepted: 02/06/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes form functionally and morphologically distinct populations of cells with brain-region-specific properties. Human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) offer possibilities to generate astroglia for studies investigating mechanisms governing the emergence of astrocytic diversity. We established a method to generate human astrocytes from hPSCs with forebrain patterning and final specification with ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF). Transcriptome profiling and gene enrichment analysis monitored the sequential expression of genes determining astrocyte differentiation and confirmed activation of forebrain differentiation pathways at Day 30 (D30) and D60 of differentiation in vitro. More than 90% of astrocytes aged D95 in vitro co-expressed the astrocytic markers glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and S100β. Intracellular calcium responses to ATP indicated differentiation of the functional astrocyte population with constitutive monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1/CCL2) and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-2 (TIMP-2) expression. The method was reproducible across several hPSC lines, and the data demonstrated the usefulness of forebrain astrocyte modeling in research investigating forebrain pathology.
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Rostami J, Fotaki G, Sirois J, Mzezewa R, Bergström J, Essand M, Healy L, Erlandsson A. Astrocytes have the capacity to act as antigen-presenting cells in the Parkinson's disease brain. J Neuroinflammation 2020; 17:119. [PMID: 32299492 PMCID: PMC7164247 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-020-01776-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2019] [Accepted: 03/17/2020] [Indexed: 02/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Many lines of evidence suggest that accumulation of aggregated alpha-synuclein (αSYN) in the Parkinson’s disease (PD) brain causes infiltration of T cells. However, in which ways the stationary brain cells interact with the T cells remain elusive. Here, we identify astrocytes as potential antigen-presenting cells capable of activating T cells in the PD brain. Astrocytes are a major component of the nervous system, and accumulating data indicate that astrocytes can play a central role during PD progression. Methods To investigate the role of astrocytes in antigen presentation and T-cell activation in the PD brain, we analyzed post mortem brain tissue from PD patients and controls. Moreover, we studied the capacity of cultured human astrocytes and adult human microglia to act as professional antigen-presenting cells following exposure to preformed αSYN fibrils. Results Our analysis of post mortem brain tissue demonstrated that PD patients express high levels of MHC-II, which correlated with the load of pathological, phosphorylated αSYN. Interestingly, a very high proportion of the MHC-II co-localized with astrocytic markers. Importantly, we found both perivascular and infiltrated CD4+ T cells to be surrounded by MHC-II expressing astrocytes, confirming an astrocyte T cell cross-talk in the PD brain. Moreover, we showed that αSYN accumulation in cultured human astrocytes triggered surface expression of co-stimulatory molecules critical for T-cell activation, while cultured human microglia displayed very poor antigen presentation capacity. Notably, intercellular transfer of αSYN/MHC-II deposits occurred between astrocytes via tunneling nanotubes, indicating spreading of inflammation in addition to toxic protein aggregates. Conclusions In conclusion, our data from histology and cell culture studies suggest an important role for astrocytes in antigen presentation and T-cell activation in the PD brain, highlighting astrocytes as a promising therapeutic target in the context of chronic inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinar Rostami
- Molecular Geriatrics, Department of Public Health and Caring Sciences/Molecular Geriatrics, Rudbeck Laboratory, Uppsala University, SE-751 85, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Grammatiki Fotaki
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, SE-751 85, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Julien Sirois
- Neuroimmunology Unit, department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University, Montreal, 3801, Canada
| | - Ropafadzo Mzezewa
- Molecular Geriatrics, Department of Public Health and Caring Sciences/Molecular Geriatrics, Rudbeck Laboratory, Uppsala University, SE-751 85, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Joakim Bergström
- Molecular Geriatrics, Department of Public Health and Caring Sciences/Molecular Geriatrics, Rudbeck Laboratory, Uppsala University, SE-751 85, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Magnus Essand
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, SE-751 85, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Luke Healy
- Neuroimmunology Unit, department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University, Montreal, 3801, Canada
| | - Anna Erlandsson
- Molecular Geriatrics, Department of Public Health and Caring Sciences/Molecular Geriatrics, Rudbeck Laboratory, Uppsala University, SE-751 85, Uppsala, Sweden.
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Chumarina M, Russ K, Azevedo C, Heuer A, Pihl M, Collin A, Frostner EÅ, Elmer E, Hyttel P, Cappelletti G, Zini M, Goldwurm S, Roybon L. Cellular alterations identified in pluripotent stem cell-derived midbrain spheroids generated from a female patient with progressive external ophthalmoplegia and parkinsonism who carries a novel variation (p.Q811R) in the POLG1 gene. Acta Neuropathol Commun 2019; 7:208. [PMID: 31843010 PMCID: PMC6916051 DOI: 10.1186/s40478-019-0863-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2019] [Accepted: 12/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Variations in the POLG1 gene encoding the catalytic subunit of the mitochondrial DNA polymerase gamma, have recently been associated with Parkinson's disease (PD), especially in patients diagnosed with progressive external ophthalmoplegia (PEO). However, the majority of the studies reporting this association mainly focused on the genetic identification of the variation in POLG1 in PD patient primary cells, and determination of mitochondrial DNA copy number, providing little information about the cellular alterations existing in patient brain cells, in particular dopaminergic neurons. Therefore, through the use of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), we assessed cellular alterations in novel p.Q811R POLG1 (POLG1Q811R) variant midbrain dopaminergic neuron-containing spheroids (MDNS) from a female patient who developed early-onset PD, and compared them to cultures derived from a healthy control of the same gender. Both POLG1 variant and control MDNS contained functional midbrain regionalized TH/FOXA2-positive dopaminergic neurons, capable of releasing dopamine. Western blot analysis identified the presence of high molecular weight oligomeric alpha-synuclein in POLG1Q811R MDNS compared to control cultures. In order to assess POLG1Q811R-related cellular alterations within the MDNS, we applied mass-spectrometry based quantitative proteomic analysis. In total, 6749 proteins were identified, with 61 significantly differentially expressed between POLG1Q811R and control samples. Pro- and anti-inflammatory signaling and pathways involved in energy metabolism were altered. Notably, increased glycolysis in POLG1Q811R MDNS was suggested by the increase in PFKM and LDHA levels and confirmed using functional analysis of glycolytic rate and oxygen consumption levels. Our results validate the use of iPSCs to assess cellular alterations in relation to PD pathogenesis, in a unique PD patient carrying a novel p.Q811R variation in POLG1, and identify several altered pathways that may be relevant to PD pathogenesis.
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Isolation of LMX1a Ventral Midbrain Progenitors Improves the Safety and Predictability of Human Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Neural Transplants in Parkinsonian Disease. J Neurosci 2019; 39:9521-9531. [PMID: 31641054 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1160-19.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2019] [Revised: 09/29/2019] [Accepted: 10/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) are a promising resource for the replacement of degenerated ventral midbrain dopaminergic (vmDA) neurons in Parkinson's disease. Despite recent advances in protocols for the in vitro generation of vmDA neurons, the asynchronous and heterogeneous nature of the differentiations results in transplants of surprisingly low vmDA neuron purity. As the field advances toward the clinic, it will be optimal, if not essential, to remove poorly specified and potentially proliferative cells from donor preparations to ensure safety and predictable efficacy. Here, we use two novel hPSC knock-in reporter lines expressing GFP under the LMX1A and PITX3 promoters, to selectively isolate vm progenitors and DA precursors, respectively. For each cell line, unsorted, GFP+, and GFP- cells were transplanted into male or female Parkinsonian rodents. Only rats receiving unsorted cells, LMX1A-eGFP+, or PITX3-eGFP- cell grafts showed improved motor function over 6 months. Postmortem analysis revealed small grafts from PITX3-eGFP+ cells, suggesting that these DA precursors were not compatible with cell survival and integration. In contrast, LMX1A-eGFP+ grafts were highly enriched for vmDA neurons, and importantly excluded expansive proliferative populations and serotonergic neurons. These LMX1A-eGFP+ progenitor grafts accelerated behavioral recovery and innervated developmentally appropriate forebrain targets, whereas LMX1A-eGFP- cell grafts failed to restore motor deficits, supported by increased fiber growth into nondopaminergic target nuclei. This is the first study to use an hPSC-derived reporter line to purify vm progenitors, resulting in improved safety, predictability of the graft composition, and enhanced motor function.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Clinical trials have shown functional integration of transplanted fetal-derived dopamine progenitors in Parkinson's disease. Human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC)-derived midbrain progenitors are now being tested as an alternative cell source; however, despite current differentiation protocols generating >80% correctly specified cells for implantation, resultant grafts contain a small fraction of dopamine neurons. Cell-sorting approaches, to select for correctly patterned cells before implantation, are being explored yet have been suboptimal to date. This study provides the first evidence of using 2 hPSC reporter lines (LMX1A-GFP and PITX3-GFP) to isolate correctly specified cells for transplantation. We show LMX1A-GFP+, but not PITX3-GFP+, cell grafts are more predictable, with smaller grafts, enriched in dopamine neurons, showing appropriate integration and accelerated functional recovery in Parkinsonian rats.
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11
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Suga M, Kondo T, Inoue H. Modeling Neurological Disorders with Human Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Astrocytes. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:E3862. [PMID: 31398826 PMCID: PMC6720891 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20163862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2019] [Revised: 07/30/2019] [Accepted: 07/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes play vital roles in neurological disorders. The use of human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived astrocytes provides a chance to explore the contributions of astrocytes in human diseases. Here we review human iPSC-based models for neurological disorders associated with human astrocytes and discuss the points of each model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mika Suga
- iPSC-based Drug Discovery and Development Team, RIKEN BioResource Research Center (BRC), Kyoto 619-0237, Japan
- Center for iPS Cell Research and Application (CiRA), Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
| | - Takayuki Kondo
- iPSC-based Drug Discovery and Development Team, RIKEN BioResource Research Center (BRC), Kyoto 619-0237, Japan
- Center for iPS Cell Research and Application (CiRA), Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
- Medical-risk Avoidance based on iPS Cells Team, RIKEN Center for Advanced Intelligence Project (AIP), Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
| | - Haruhisa Inoue
- iPSC-based Drug Discovery and Development Team, RIKEN BioResource Research Center (BRC), Kyoto 619-0237, Japan.
- Center for iPS Cell Research and Application (CiRA), Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan.
- Medical-risk Avoidance based on iPS Cells Team, RIKEN Center for Advanced Intelligence Project (AIP), Kyoto 606-8507, Japan.
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12
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Savchenko E, Teku GN, Boza-Serrano A, Russ K, Berns M, Deierborg T, Lamas NJ, Wichterle H, Rothstein J, Henderson CE, Vihinen M, Roybon L. FGF family members differentially regulate maturation and proliferation of stem cell-derived astrocytes. Sci Rep 2019; 9:9610. [PMID: 31270389 PMCID: PMC6610107 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-46110-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2019] [Accepted: 06/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The glutamate transporter 1 (GLT1) is upregulated during astrocyte development and maturation in vivo and is vital for astrocyte function. Yet it is expressed at low levels by most cultured astrocytes. We previously showed that maturation of human and mouse stem cell-derived astrocytes – including functional glutamate uptake – could be enhanced by fibroblast growth factor (FGF)1 or FGF2. Here, we examined the specificity and mechanism of action of FGF2 and other FGF family members, as well as neurotrophic and differentiation factors, on mouse embryonic stem cell-derived astrocytes. We found that some FGFs – including FGF2, strongly increased GLT1 expression and enhanced astrocyte proliferation, while others (FGF16 and FGF18) mainly affected maturation. Interestingly, BMP4 increased astrocytic GFAP expression, and BMP4-treated astrocytes failed to promote the survival of motor neurons in vitro. Whole transcriptome analysis showed that FGF2 treatment regulated multiple genes linked to cell division, and that the mRNA encoding GLT1 was one of the most strongly upregulated of all astrocyte canonical markers. Since GLT1 is expressed at reduced levels in many neurodegenerative diseases, activation of this pathway is of potential therapeutic interest. Furthermore, treatment with FGFs provides a robust means for expansion of functionally mature stem cell-derived astrocytes for preclinical investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ekaterina Savchenko
- Department of Experimental Medical Science, BMC D10, Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, SE-22184, Lund, Sweden.,MultiPark and Lund Stem Cell Center, Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, SE-22184, Lund, Sweden
| | - Gabriel N Teku
- Department of Experimental Medical Science, Faculty of Medicine, BMC B13, Lund University, SE-22184, Lund, Sweden
| | - Antonio Boza-Serrano
- Department of Experimental Medical Science, Faculty of Medicine, BMC B11, Lund University, SE-22184, Lund, Sweden
| | - Kaspar Russ
- Department of Experimental Medical Science, BMC D10, Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, SE-22184, Lund, Sweden.,MultiPark and Lund Stem Cell Center, Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, SE-22184, Lund, Sweden
| | - Manon Berns
- Department of Experimental Medical Science, BMC D10, Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, SE-22184, Lund, Sweden.,MultiPark and Lund Stem Cell Center, Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, SE-22184, Lund, Sweden
| | - Tomas Deierborg
- Department of Experimental Medical Science, Faculty of Medicine, BMC B11, Lund University, SE-22184, Lund, Sweden
| | - Nuno J Lamas
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal, and ICVS/3B's, PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal.,Anatomic Pathology Service, Pathology Department, Hospital and University Center of Porto, Largo Professor Abel Salazar, 4099-001, Porto, Portugal
| | - Hynek Wichterle
- Center for Motor Neuron Biology and Disease, Columbia Stem Cell Initiative, Columbia Translational Neuroscience Initiative, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10032, USA.,Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Neurology, and Neuroscience, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10032, USA.,Project A.L.S./Jenifer Estess Laboratory for Stem Cell Research, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Jeffrey Rothstein
- Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA.,Brain Science Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA.,Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA.,Program in Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Christopher E Henderson
- Center for Motor Neuron Biology and Disease, Columbia Stem Cell Initiative, Columbia Translational Neuroscience Initiative, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10032, USA.,Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Neurology, and Neuroscience, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10032, USA.,Project A.L.S./Jenifer Estess Laboratory for Stem Cell Research, New York, NY, 10032, USA.,Department of Rehabilitation and Regenerative Medicine, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10032, USA.,Target ALS Foundation, New York, NY, 10032, USA.,Biogen Inc., Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA
| | - Mauno Vihinen
- Department of Experimental Medical Science, Faculty of Medicine, BMC B13, Lund University, SE-22184, Lund, Sweden
| | - Laurent Roybon
- Department of Experimental Medical Science, BMC D10, Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, SE-22184, Lund, Sweden. .,MultiPark and Lund Stem Cell Center, Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, SE-22184, Lund, Sweden.
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13
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NFIA is a gliogenic switch enabling rapid derivation of functional human astrocytes from pluripotent stem cells. Nat Biotechnol 2019; 37:267-275. [PMID: 30804533 PMCID: PMC6591152 DOI: 10.1038/s41587-019-0035-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 121] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2018] [Accepted: 01/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The mechanistic basis of gliogenesis, which occurs late in human development, is poorly understood. Here we identify nuclear factor IA (NFIA) as a molecular switch for inducing human glial competency. Transient expression of NFIA is sufficient to trigger glial competency of human pluripotent stem cell-derived neural stem cells within 5 days and to convert these cells into astrocytes in the presence of glial-promoting factors, compared to 3–6 months using current protocols. NFIA-induced astrocytes promote synaptogenesis, exhibit neuroprotective properties, display calcium transients in response to appropriate stimuli, and engraft in the adult mouse brain. Differentiation involves rapid but reversible chromatin remodeling, GFAP promoter demethylation, and a striking lengthening of the G1 cell cycle phase. Genetic or pharmacological manipulation of G1 length partially mimics NFIA function. We use the approach to generate astrocytes with region-specific or reactive features. Our study defines key mechanisms of the gliogenic switch and enables the rapid production of human astrocytes for disease modeling and regenerative medicine.
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14
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Apáti Á, Varga N, Berecz T, Erdei Z, Homolya L, Sarkadi B. Application of human pluripotent stem cells and pluripotent stem cell-derived cellular models for assessing drug toxicity. Expert Opin Drug Metab Toxicol 2018; 15:61-75. [PMID: 30526128 DOI: 10.1080/17425255.2019.1558207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) are capable of differentiating into all types of cells in the body and so provide suitable toxicology screening systems even for hard-to-obtain human tissues. Since hPSCs can also be generated from differentiated cells and current gene editing technologies allow targeted genome modifications, hPSCs can be applied for drug toxicity screening both in normal and disease-specific models. Targeted hPSC differentiation is still a challenge but cardiac, neuronal or liver cells, and complex cellular models are already available for practical applications. Areas covered: The authors review new gene-editing and cell-biology technologies to generate sensitive toxicity screening systems based on hPSCs. Then the authors present the use of undifferentiated hPSCs for examining embryonic toxicity and discuss drug screening possibilities in hPSC-derived models. The authors focus on the application of human cardiomyocytes, hepatocytes, and neural cultures in toxicity testing, and discuss the recent possibilities for drug screening in a 'body-on-a-chip' model system. Expert opinion: hPSCs and their genetically engineered derivatives provide new possibilities to investigate drug toxicity in human tissues. The key issues in this regard are still the selection and generation of proper model systems, and the interpretation of the results in understanding in vivo drug effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ágota Apáti
- a Institute of Enzymology , Research Centre for Natural Sciences , Budapest , Hungary
| | - Nóra Varga
- a Institute of Enzymology , Research Centre for Natural Sciences , Budapest , Hungary
| | - Tünde Berecz
- a Institute of Enzymology , Research Centre for Natural Sciences , Budapest , Hungary
| | - Zsuzsa Erdei
- a Institute of Enzymology , Research Centre for Natural Sciences , Budapest , Hungary
| | - László Homolya
- a Institute of Enzymology , Research Centre for Natural Sciences , Budapest , Hungary
| | - Balázs Sarkadi
- a Institute of Enzymology , Research Centre for Natural Sciences , Budapest , Hungary
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15
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Santos R, Vadodaria KC, Jaeger BN, Mei A, Lefcochilos-Fogelquist S, Mendes APD, Erikson G, Shokhirev M, Randolph-Moore L, Fredlender C, Dave S, Oefner R, Fitzpatrick C, Pena M, Barron JJ, Ku M, Denli AM, Kerman BE, Charnay P, Kelsoe JR, Marchetto MC, Gage FH. Differentiation of Inflammation-Responsive Astrocytes from Glial Progenitors Generated from Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells. Stem Cell Reports 2018; 8:1757-1769. [PMID: 28591655 PMCID: PMC5470172 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2017.05.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2017] [Revised: 05/09/2017] [Accepted: 05/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Astrocyte dysfunction and neuroinflammation are detrimental features in multiple pathologies of the CNS. Therefore, the development of methods that produce functional human astrocytes represents an advance in the study of neurological diseases. Here we report an efficient method for inflammation-responsive astrocyte generation from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and embryonic stem cells. This protocol uses an intermediate glial progenitor stage and generates functional astrocytes that show levels of glutamate uptake and calcium activation comparable with those observed in human primary astrocytes. Stimulation of stem cell-derived astrocytes with interleukin-1β or tumor necrosis factor α elicits a strong and rapid pro-inflammatory response. RNA-sequencing transcriptome profiling confirmed that similar gene expression changes occurred in iPSC-derived and primary astrocytes upon stimulation with interleukin-1β. This protocol represents an important tool for modeling in-a-dish neurological diseases with an inflammatory component, allowing for the investigation of the role of diseased astrocytes in neuronal degeneration. Reliable method for generation of astrocytes from human iPSCs and ESCs Generated astrocytes are functional and inflammation-responsive Generated astrocytes share properties with primary astrocytes in vitro This method is a valuable tool for disease modeling of neuroinflammation
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Affiliation(s)
- Renata Santos
- Laboratory of Genetics, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, 10010 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA; Ecole Normale Supérieure, PSL Research University, CNRS, Inserm, Institut de Biologie de l'Ecole Normale Supérieure (IBENS), 46 rue d'Ulm, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Krishna C Vadodaria
- Laboratory of Genetics, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, 10010 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Baptiste N Jaeger
- Laboratory of Genetics, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, 10010 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Arianna Mei
- Laboratory of Genetics, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, 10010 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Sabrina Lefcochilos-Fogelquist
- Laboratory of Genetics, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, 10010 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Ana P D Mendes
- Laboratory of Genetics, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, 10010 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Galina Erikson
- The Razavi Newman Integrative Genomics and Bioinformatics Core Facility, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, 10010 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Maxim Shokhirev
- The Razavi Newman Integrative Genomics and Bioinformatics Core Facility, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, 10010 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Lynne Randolph-Moore
- Laboratory of Genetics, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, 10010 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Callie Fredlender
- Laboratory of Genetics, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, 10010 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Sonia Dave
- Laboratory of Genetics, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, 10010 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Ruth Oefner
- Laboratory of Genetics, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, 10010 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Conor Fitzpatrick
- Flow Cytometry Core Facility, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, 10010 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Monique Pena
- Laboratory of Genetics, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, 10010 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Jerika J Barron
- Laboratory of Genetics, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, 10010 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Manching Ku
- The Razavi Newman Integrative Genomics and Bioinformatics Core Facility, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, 10010 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Ahmet M Denli
- Laboratory of Genetics, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, 10010 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Bilal E Kerman
- Laboratory of Genetics, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, 10010 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Patrick Charnay
- Ecole Normale Supérieure, PSL Research University, CNRS, Inserm, Institut de Biologie de l'Ecole Normale Supérieure (IBENS), 46 rue d'Ulm, 75005 Paris, France
| | - John R Kelsoe
- Department of Psychiatry, VA San Diego Healthcare System, La Jolla, CA 92151, USA; Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Maria C Marchetto
- Laboratory of Genetics, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, 10010 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Fred H Gage
- Laboratory of Genetics, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, 10010 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA.
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16
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Human Astrocytes Transfer Aggregated Alpha-Synuclein via Tunneling Nanotubes. J Neurosci 2017; 37:11835-11853. [PMID: 29089438 PMCID: PMC5719970 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0983-17.2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 160] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2017] [Revised: 09/20/2017] [Accepted: 10/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Many lines of evidence suggest that the Parkinson's disease (PD)-related protein α-synuclein (α-SYN) can propagate from cell to cell in a prion-like manner. However, the cellular mechanisms behind the spreading remain elusive. Here, we show that human astrocytes derived from embryonic stem cells actively transfer aggregated α-SYN to nearby astrocytes via direct contact and tunneling nanotubes (TNTs). Failure in the astrocytes' lysosomal digestion of excess α-SYN oligomers results in α-SYN deposits in the trans-Golgi network followed by endoplasmic reticulum swelling and mitochondrial disturbances. The stressed astrocytes respond by conspicuously sending out TNTs, enabling intercellular transfer of α-SYN to healthy astrocytes, which in return deliver mitochondria, indicating a TNT-mediated rescue mechanism. Using a pharmacological approach to inhibit TNT formation, we abolished the transfer of both α-SYN and mitochondria. Together, our results highlight the role of astrocytes in α-SYN cell-to-cell transfer, identifying possible pathophysiological events in the PD brain that could be of therapeutic relevance. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Astrocytes are the major cell type in the brain, yet their role in Parkinson's disease progression remains elusive. Here, we show that human astrocytes actively transfer aggregated α-synuclein (α-SYN) to healthy astrocytes via direct contact and tunneling nanotubes (TNTs), rather than degrade it. The astrocytes engulf large amounts of oligomeric α-SYN that are subsequently stored in the trans-Golgi network region. The accumulation of α-SYN in the astrocytes affects their lysosomal machinery and induces mitochondrial damage. The stressed astrocytes respond by sending out TNTs, enabling intercellular transfer of α-SYN to healthy astrocytes. Our findings highlight an unexpected role of astrocytes in the propagation of α-SYN pathology via TNTs, revealing astrocytes as a potential target for therapeutic intervention.
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17
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Hung SSC, Khan S, Lo CY, Hewitt AW, Wong RCB. Drug discovery using induced pluripotent stem cell models of neurodegenerative and ocular diseases. Pharmacol Ther 2017; 177:32-43. [PMID: 28223228 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2017.02.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The revolution of induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technology provides a platform for development of cell therapy, disease modeling and drug discovery. Recent technological advances now allow us to reprogram a patient's somatic cells into induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). Together with methods to differentiate these iPSCs into disease-relevant cell types, we are now able to model disease in vitro using iPSCs. Importantly, this represents a robust in vitro platform using patient-specific cells, providing opportunity for personalized precision medicine. Here we provide a review of advances using iPSC for drug development, and discuss the potential and limitations of iPSCs for drug discovery in neurodegenerative and ocular diseases. Emerging technologies that can facilitate the search for new drugs by assessment using in vitro disease models will also be discussed, including organoid differentiation, organ-on-chip, direct reprogramming and humanized animal models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandy S C Hung
- Centre for Eye Research Australia & Ophthalmology, Department of Surgery, University of Melbourne, Australia
| | - Shahnaz Khan
- Centre for Eye Research Australia & Ophthalmology, Department of Surgery, University of Melbourne, Australia
| | - Camden Y Lo
- Monash Micro Imaging, Monash University, Australia
| | - Alex W Hewitt
- Centre for Eye Research Australia & Ophthalmology, Department of Surgery, University of Melbourne, Australia; Menzies Institute for Medical Research, School of Medicine, University of Tasmania, Australia
| | - Raymond C B Wong
- Centre for Eye Research Australia & Ophthalmology, Department of Surgery, University of Melbourne, Australia.
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18
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Engel M, Do-Ha D, Muñoz SS, Ooi L. Common pitfalls of stem cell differentiation: a guide to improving protocols for neurodegenerative disease models and research. Cell Mol Life Sci 2016; 73:3693-709. [PMID: 27154043 PMCID: PMC5002043 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-016-2265-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2016] [Revised: 04/05/2016] [Accepted: 05/03/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Induced pluripotent stem cells and embryonic stem cells have revolutionized cellular neuroscience, providing the opportunity to model neurological diseases and test potential therapeutics in a pre-clinical setting. The power of these models has been widely discussed, but the potential pitfalls of stem cell differentiation in this research are less well described. We have analyzed the literature that describes differentiation of human pluripotent stem cells into three neural cell types that are commonly used to study diseases, including forebrain cholinergic neurons for Alzheimer's disease, midbrain dopaminergic neurons for Parkinson's disease and cortical astrocytes for neurodegenerative and psychiatric disorders. Published protocols for differentiation vary widely in the reported efficiency of target cell generation. Additionally, characterization of the cells by expression profile and functionality differs between studies and is often insufficient, leading to highly variable protocol outcomes. We have synthesized this information into a simple methodology that can be followed when performing or assessing differentiation techniques. Finally we propose three considerations for future research, including the use of physiological O2 conditions, three-dimensional co-culture systems and microfluidics to control feeding cycles and growth factor gradients. Following these guidelines will help researchers to ensure that robust and meaningful data is generated, enabling the full potential of stem cell differentiation for disease modeling and regenerative medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Engel
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - Dzung Do-Ha
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - Sonia Sanz Muñoz
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - Lezanne Ooi
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia.
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19
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Abstract
Astrocytes abound in the human central nervous system (CNS) and play a multitude of indispensable roles in neuronal homeostasis and regulation of synaptic plasticity. While traditionally considered to be merely ancillary supportive cells, their complex yet fundamental relevance to brain physiology and pathology have only become apparent in recent times. Beyond their myriad canonical functions, previously unrecognised region-specific functional heterogeneity of astrocytes is emerging as an important attribute and challenges the traditional perspective of CNS-wide astrocyte homogeneity. Animal models have undeniably provided crucial insights into astrocyte biology, yet interspecies differences may limit the translational yield of such studies. Indeed, experimental systems aiming to understand the function of human astrocytes in health and disease have been hampered by accessibility to enriched cultures. Human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) now offer an unparalleled model system to interrogate the role of astrocytes in neurodegenerative disorders. By virtue of their ability to convey mutations at pathophysiological levels in a human system, hiPSCs may serve as an ideal pre-clinical platform for both resolution of pathogenic mechanisms and drug discovery. Here, we review astrocyte specification from hiPSCs and discuss their role in modelling human neurological diseases.
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20
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Holmqvist S, Lehtonen Š, Chumarina M, Puttonen KA, Azevedo C, Lebedeva O, Ruponen M, Oksanen M, Djelloul M, Collin A, Goldwurm S, Meyer M, Lagarkova M, Kiselev S, Koistinaho J, Roybon L. Creation of a library of induced pluripotent stem cells from Parkinsonian patients. NPJ Parkinsons Dis 2016; 2:16009. [PMID: 28725696 PMCID: PMC5516589 DOI: 10.1038/npjparkd.2016.9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2015] [Revised: 04/01/2016] [Accepted: 04/11/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) are becoming an important source of pre-clinical models for research focusing on neurodegeneration. They offer the possibility for better understanding of common and divergent pathogenic mechanisms of brain diseases. Moreover, iPSCs provide a unique opportunity to develop personalized therapeutic strategies, as well as explore early pathogenic mechanisms, since they rely on the use of patients' own cells that are otherwise accessible only post-mortem, when neuronal death-related cellular pathways and processes are advanced and adaptive. Neurodegenerative diseases are in majority of unknown cause, but mutations in specific genes can lead to familial forms of these diseases. For example, mutations in the superoxide dismutase 1 gene lead to the motor neuron disease amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), while mutations in the SNCA gene encoding for alpha-synuclein protein lead to familial Parkinson's disease (PD). The generations of libraries of familial human ALS iPSC lines have been described, and the iPSCs rapidly became useful models for studying cell autonomous and non-cell autonomous mechanisms of the disease. Here we report the generation of a comprehensive library of iPSC lines of familial PD and an associated synucleinopathy, multiple system atrophy (MSA). In addition, we provide examples of relevant neural cell types these iPSC can be differentiated into, and which could be used to further explore early disease mechanisms. These human cellular models will be a valuable resource for identifying common and divergent mechanisms leading to neurodegeneration in PD and MSA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Staffan Holmqvist
- Stem Cell Laboratory for CNS Disease Modeling, Wallenberg Neuroscience Center, Department of Experimental Medical Science, BMC A10, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Strategic Research Area MultiPark, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Lund Stem Cell Center, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Šárka Lehtonen
- Stem Cell Laboratory of Molecular Brain Research Group, Department of Neurobiology, A.I. Virtanen Institute, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Margarita Chumarina
- Stem Cell Laboratory for CNS Disease Modeling, Wallenberg Neuroscience Center, Department of Experimental Medical Science, BMC A10, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Strategic Research Area MultiPark, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Lund Stem Cell Center, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Katja A Puttonen
- Stem Cell Laboratory of Molecular Brain Research Group, Department of Neurobiology, A.I. Virtanen Institute, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Carla Azevedo
- Stem Cell Laboratory for CNS Disease Modeling, Wallenberg Neuroscience Center, Department of Experimental Medical Science, BMC A10, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Strategic Research Area MultiPark, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Lund Stem Cell Center, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Olga Lebedeva
- Russian Academy of Sciences, Vavilov Institute of General Genetics, Moscow, Russia
| | - Marika Ruponen
- Stem Cell Laboratory of Molecular Brain Research Group, Department of Neurobiology, A.I. Virtanen Institute, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Minna Oksanen
- Stem Cell Laboratory of Molecular Brain Research Group, Department of Neurobiology, A.I. Virtanen Institute, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Mehdi Djelloul
- Stem Cell Laboratory for CNS Disease Modeling, Wallenberg Neuroscience Center, Department of Experimental Medical Science, BMC A10, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Strategic Research Area MultiPark, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Lund Stem Cell Center, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Anna Collin
- Department of Clinical Genetics and Biobanks, Office for Medical Services, Division of Laboratory Medicine, Lund, Sweden
| | - Stefano Goldwurm
- Parkinson Institute, Istituti Clinici di Perfezionamento, Milan, Italy
| | - Morten Meyer
- Department of Neurobiology Research, Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Maria Lagarkova
- Russian Academy of Sciences, Vavilov Institute of General Genetics, Moscow, Russia
| | - Sergei Kiselev
- Russian Academy of Sciences, Vavilov Institute of General Genetics, Moscow, Russia
| | - Jari Koistinaho
- Stem Cell Laboratory of Molecular Brain Research Group, Department of Neurobiology, A.I. Virtanen Institute, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
- ()
| | - Laurent Roybon
- Stem Cell Laboratory for CNS Disease Modeling, Wallenberg Neuroscience Center, Department of Experimental Medical Science, BMC A10, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Strategic Research Area MultiPark, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Lund Stem Cell Center, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- ()
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21
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Zhang PW, Haidet-Phillips AM, Pham JT, Lee Y, Huo Y, Tienari PJ, Maragakis NJ, Sattler R, Rothstein JD. Generation of GFAP::GFP astrocyte reporter lines from human adult fibroblast-derived iPS cells using zinc-finger nuclease technology. Glia 2015; 64:63-75. [PMID: 26295203 DOI: 10.1002/glia.22903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2014] [Revised: 06/30/2015] [Accepted: 07/31/2015] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Astrocytes are instrumental to major brain functions, including metabolic support, extracellular ion regulation, the shaping of excitatory signaling events and maintenance of synaptic glutamate homeostasis. Astrocyte dysfunction contributes to numerous developmental, psychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders. The generation of adult human fibroblast-derived induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) has provided novel opportunities to study mechanisms of astrocyte dysfunction in human-derived cells. To overcome the difficulties of cell type heterogeneity during the differentiation process from iPSCs to astroglial cells (iPS astrocytes), we generated homogenous populations of iPS astrocytes using zinc-finger nuclease (ZFN) technology. Enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP) driven by the astrocyte-specific glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) promoter was inserted into the safe harbor adeno-associated virus integration site 1 (AAVS1) locus in disease and control-derived iPSCs. Astrocyte populations were enriched using Fluorescence Activated Cell Sorting (FACS) and after enrichment more than 99% of iPS astrocytes expressed mature astrocyte markers including GFAP, S100β, NFIA and ALDH1L1. In addition, mature pure GFP-iPS astrocytes exhibited a well-described functional astrocytic activity in vitro characterized by neuron-dependent regulation of glutamate transporters to regulate extracellular glutamate concentrations. Engraftment of GFP-iPS astrocytes into rat spinal cord grey matter confirmed in vivo cell survival and continued astrocytic maturation. In conclusion, the generation of GFAP::GFP-iPS astrocytes provides a powerful in vitro and in vivo tool for studying astrocyte biology and astrocyte-driven disease pathogenesis and therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping-Wu Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University, Rangos 2-248, Baltimore, Maryland
| | | | - Jacqueline T Pham
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University, Rangos 2-248, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Youngjin Lee
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University, Rangos 2-248, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Yuqing Huo
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University, Rangos 2-248, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Pentti J Tienari
- Biomedicum, Research Program Unit, Molecular Neurology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki University Central Hospital, Haartmaninkatu 8, Helsinki, FIN-00290, Finland
| | - Nicholas J Maragakis
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University, Rangos 2-248, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Rita Sattler
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University, Rangos 2-248, Baltimore, Maryland.,Brain Science Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Rangos 2-270, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Jeffrey D Rothstein
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University, Rangos 2-248, Baltimore, Maryland.,Brain Science Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Rangos 2-270, Baltimore, Maryland.,Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University, Rangos 2-270, Baltimore, Maryland
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