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Qian X, Coleman K, Jiang S, Kriz AJ, Marciano JH, Luo C, Cai C, Manam MD, Caglayan E, Otani A, Ghosh U, Shao DD, Andersen RE, Neil JE, Johnson R, LeFevre A, Hecht JL, Miller MB, Sun L, Stringer C, Li M, Walsh CA. Spatial Single-cell Analysis Decodes Cortical Layer and Area Specification. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.06.05.597673. [PMID: 38915567 PMCID: PMC11195106 DOI: 10.1101/2024.06.05.597673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/26/2024]
Abstract
The human cerebral cortex, pivotal for advanced cognitive functions, is composed of six distinct layers and dozens of functionally specialized areas1,2. The layers and areas are distinguished both molecularly, by diverse neuronal and glial cell subtypes, and structurally, through intricate spatial organization3,4. While single-cell transcriptomics studies have advanced molecular characterization of human cortical development, a critical gap exists due to the loss of spatial context during cell dissociation5,6,7,8. Here, we utilized multiplexed error-robust fluorescence in situ hybridization (MERFISH)9, augmented with deep-learning-based cell segmentation, to examine the molecular, cellular, and cytoarchitectural development of human fetal cortex with spatially resolved single-cell resolution. Our extensive spatial atlas, encompassing 16 million single cells, spans eight cortical areas across four time points in the second and third trimesters. We uncovered an early establishment of the six-layer structure, identifiable in the laminar distribution of excitatory neuronal subtypes by mid-gestation, long before the emergence of cytoarchitectural layers. Notably, while anterior-posterior gradients of neuronal subtypes were generally observed in most cortical areas, a striking exception was the sharp molecular border between primary (V1) and secondary visual cortices (V2) at gestational week 20. Here we discovered an abrupt binary shift in neuronal subtype specification at the earliest stages, challenging the notion that continuous morphogen gradients dictate mid-gestation cortical arealization6,10. Moreover, integrating single-nuclei RNA-sequencing and in situ whole transcriptomics revealed an early upregulation of synaptogenesis in V1-specific Layer 4 neurons, suggesting a role of synaptogenesis in this discrete border formation. Collectively, our findings underscore the crucial role of spatial relationships in determining the molecular specification of cortical layers and areas. This work not only provides a valuable resource for the field, but also establishes a spatially resolved single-cell analysis paradigm that paves the way for a comprehensive developmental atlas of the human brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuyu Qian
- Division of Genetics and Genomics, Department of Pediatrics, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- These authors contributed equally: Xuyu Qian, Kyle Coleman, Shunzhou Jiang
| | - Kyle Coleman
- Statistical Center for Single-Cell and Spatial Genomics, Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Informatics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- These authors contributed equally: Xuyu Qian, Kyle Coleman, Shunzhou Jiang
| | - Shunzhou Jiang
- Statistical Center for Single-Cell and Spatial Genomics, Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Informatics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- These authors contributed equally: Xuyu Qian, Kyle Coleman, Shunzhou Jiang
| | - Andrea J. Kriz
- Division of Genetics and Genomics, Department of Pediatrics, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jack H. Marciano
- Division of Genetics and Genomics, Department of Pediatrics, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Chunyu Luo
- Statistical Center for Single-Cell and Spatial Genomics, Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Informatics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Chunhui Cai
- Research Computing, Department of Information Technology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Monica Devi Manam
- Division of Genetics and Genomics, Department of Pediatrics, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Emre Caglayan
- Division of Genetics and Genomics, Department of Pediatrics, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Aoi Otani
- Division of Genetics and Genomics, Department of Pediatrics, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Urmi Ghosh
- Division of Genetics and Genomics, Department of Pediatrics, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Diane D. Shao
- Division of Genetics and Genomics, Department of Pediatrics, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Neurology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Rebecca E. Andersen
- Division of Genetics and Genomics, Department of Pediatrics, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jennifer E. Neil
- Division of Genetics and Genomics, Department of Pediatrics, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Robert Johnson
- University of Maryland Brain and Tissue Bank, Department of Pediatrics, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Alexandra LeFevre
- University of Maryland Brain and Tissue Bank, Department of Pediatrics, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Jonathan L. Hecht
- Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Michael B. Miller
- Division of Genetics and Genomics, Department of Pediatrics, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
- Division of Neuropathology, Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Liang Sun
- Research Computing, Department of Information Technology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Carsen Stringer
- Janelia Research Campus, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Ashburn, Virginia, USA
| | - Mingyao Li
- Statistical Center for Single-Cell and Spatial Genomics, Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Informatics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Christopher A. Walsh
- Division of Genetics and Genomics, Department of Pediatrics, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Neurology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
- Departments of Pediatrics and Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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2
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Zhang S, Zhang T, Cao G, Zhou J, He Z, Li X, Ren Y, Liu T, Jiang X, Guo L, Han J, Liu T. Species -shared and -unique gyral peaks on human and macaque brains. eLife 2024; 12:RP90182. [PMID: 38635322 PMCID: PMC11026093 DOI: 10.7554/elife.90182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Cortical folding is an important feature of primate brains that plays a crucial role in various cognitive and behavioral processes. Extensive research has revealed both similarities and differences in folding morphology and brain function among primates including macaque and human. The folding morphology is the basis of brain function, making cross-species studies on folding morphology important for understanding brain function and species evolution. However, prior studies on cross-species folding morphology mainly focused on partial regions of the cortex instead of the entire brain. Previously, our research defined a whole-brain landmark based on folding morphology: the gyral peak. It was found to exist stably across individuals and ages in both human and macaque brains. Shared and unique gyral peaks in human and macaque are identified in this study, and their similarities and differences in spatial distribution, anatomical morphology, and functional connectivity were also dicussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Songyao Zhang
- School of Automation, Northwestern Polytechnical UniversityXi’anChina
| | - Tuo Zhang
- School of Automation, Northwestern Polytechnical UniversityXi’anChina
| | - Guannan Cao
- School of Automation, Northwestern Polytechnical UniversityXi’anChina
| | - Jingchao Zhou
- School of Life Science and Technology, MOE Key Lab for Neuroinformation, University of Electronic Science and Technology of ChinaChengduChina
| | - Zhibin He
- School of Automation, Northwestern Polytechnical UniversityXi’anChina
| | - Xiao Li
- School of Information Technology, Northwest UniversityXi'anChina
| | - Yudan Ren
- School of Information Technology, Northwest UniversityXi'anChina
| | - Tao Liu
- College of Science, North China University of Science and TechnologyTangshanChina
| | - Xi Jiang
- School of Life Science and Technology, MOE Key Lab for Neuroinformation, University of Electronic Science and Technology of ChinaChengduChina
| | - Lei Guo
- School of Automation, Northwestern Polytechnical UniversityXi’anChina
| | - Junwei Han
- School of Automation, Northwestern Polytechnical UniversityXi’anChina
| | - Tianming Liu
- Cortical Architecture Imaging and Discovery Lab, Department of Computer Science and Bioimaging Research Center, University of GeorgiaAthensUnited States
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Micali N, Ma S, Li M, Kim SK, Mato-Blanco X, Sindhu SK, Arellano JI, Gao T, Shibata M, Gobeske KT, Duque A, Santpere G, Sestan N, Rakic P. Molecular programs of regional specification and neural stem cell fate progression in macaque telencephalon. Science 2023; 382:eadf3786. [PMID: 37824652 PMCID: PMC10705812 DOI: 10.1126/science.adf3786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 07/30/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023]
Abstract
During early telencephalic development, intricate processes of regional patterning and neural stem cell (NSC) fate specification take place. However, our understanding of these processes in primates, including both conserved and species-specific features, remains limited. Here, we profiled 761,529 single-cell transcriptomes from multiple regions of the prenatal macaque telencephalon. We deciphered the molecular programs of the early organizing centers and their cross-talk with NSCs, revealing primate-biased galanin-like peptide (GALP) signaling in the anteroventral telencephalon. Regional transcriptomic variations were observed along the frontotemporal axis during early stages of neocortical NSC progression and in neurons and astrocytes. Additionally, we found that genes associated with neuropsychiatric disorders and brain cancer risk might play critical roles in the early telencephalic organizers and during NSC progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Micali
- Department of Neuroscience, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Shaojie Ma
- Department of Neuroscience, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Mingfeng Li
- Department of Neuroscience, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 430030, Wuhan, China
| | - Suel-Kee Kim
- Department of Neuroscience, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Xoel Mato-Blanco
- Hospital del Mar Research Institute, Parc de Recerca Biomèdica de Barcelona (PRBB), 08003 Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | | | - Jon I. Arellano
- Department of Neuroscience, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Tianliuyun Gao
- Department of Neuroscience, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Mikihito Shibata
- Department of Neuroscience, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Kevin T. Gobeske
- Department of Neuroscience, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Alvaro Duque
- Department of Neuroscience, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Gabriel Santpere
- Hospital del Mar Research Institute, Parc de Recerca Biomèdica de Barcelona (PRBB), 08003 Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Nenad Sestan
- Department of Neuroscience, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
- Departments of Psychiatry, Genetics and Comparative Medicine, Wu Tsai Institute, Program in Cellular Neuroscience, Neurodegeneration and Repair, and Yale Child Study Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
- Kavli Institute for Neuroscience, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Pasko Rakic
- Department of Neuroscience, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
- Kavli Institute for Neuroscience, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
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4
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Junaković A, Kopić J, Duque A, Rakic P, Krsnik Ž, Kostović I. Laminar dynamics of deep projection neurons and mode of subplate formation are hallmarks of histogenetic subdivisions of the human cingulate cortex before onset of arealization. Brain Struct Funct 2023; 228:613-633. [PMID: 36592215 PMCID: PMC9944618 DOI: 10.1007/s00429-022-02606-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
The cingulate gyrus, as a prominent part of the human limbic lobe, is involved in the integration and regulation of complex emotional, executive, motivational, and cognitive functions, attributed to several functional regions along the anteroposterior axis. In contrast to increasing knowledge of cingulate function in the adult brain, our knowledge of cingulate development is based primarily on classical neuroembryological studies. We aimed to reveal the laminar and cellular development of the various cingulate regions during the critical period from 7.5 to 15 postconceptional weeks (PCW) before the formation of Brodmann type arealization, employing diverse molecular markers on serial histological sections of postmortem human fetal brains. The study was performed by analysis of: (1) deep projection neuron (DPN) markers laminar dynamics, (2) all transient laminar compartments, and (3) characteristic subplate (SP) formation-expansion phase. We found that DPN markers labeling an incipient cortical plate (CP) were the first sign of regional differentiation of the dorsal isocortical and ventral mesocortical belt. Remarkably, increased width of the fibrillar marginal zone (MZ) towards the limbus, in parallel with the narrowing of CP containing DPN, as well as the diminishment of subventricular zone (SVZ) were reliable landmarks of early mesocortical differentiation. Finally, the SP formation pattern was shown to be a crucial event in the isocortical cingulate portion, given that the mesocortical belt is characterized by an incomplete CP delamination and absence of SP expansion. In conclusion, laminar DPN markers dynamics, together with the SVZ size and mode of SP formation indicate regional belt-like cingulate cortex differentiation before the corpus callosum expansion and several months before Brodmann type arealization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alisa Junaković
- School of Medicine, Croatian Institute for Brain Research, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Janja Kopić
- School of Medicine, Croatian Institute for Brain Research, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Alvaro Duque
- School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA
| | - Pasko Rakic
- School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA
| | - Željka Krsnik
- School of Medicine, Croatian Institute for Brain Research, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Ivica Kostović
- School of Medicine, Croatian Institute for Brain Research, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia.
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5
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Nano PR, Bhaduri A. Evaluation of advances in cortical development using model systems. Dev Neurobiol 2022; 82:408-427. [PMID: 35644985 PMCID: PMC10924780 DOI: 10.1002/dneu.22879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2022] [Revised: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 04/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Compared with that of even the closest primates, the human cortex displays a high degree of specialization and expansion that largely emerges developmentally. Although decades of research in the mouse and other model systems has revealed core tenets of cortical development that are well preserved across mammalian species, small deviations in transcription factor expression, novel cell types in primates and/or humans, and unique cortical architecture distinguish the human cortex. Importantly, many of the genes and signaling pathways thought to drive human-specific cortical expansion also leave the brain vulnerable to disease, as the misregulation of these factors is highly correlated with neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric disorders. However, creating a comprehensive understanding of human-specific cognition and disease remains challenging. Here, we review key stages of cortical development and highlight known or possible differences between model systems and the developing human brain. By identifying the developmental trajectories that may facilitate uniquely human traits, we highlight open questions in need of approaches to examine these processes in a human context and reveal translatable insights into human developmental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia R Nano
- Department of Biological Chemistry, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Aparna Bhaduri
- Department of Biological Chemistry, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
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6
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Alzu'bi A, Sankar N, Crosier M, Kerwin J, Clowry GJ. Tyramide signal amplification coupled with multiple immunolabeling and RNAScope in situ hybridization in formaldehyde-fixed paraffin-embedded human fetal brain. J Anat 2022; 241:33-41. [PMID: 35224745 PMCID: PMC9178390 DOI: 10.1111/joa.13644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2021] [Revised: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Several strategies have been recently introduced to improve the practicality of multiple immunolabeling and RNA in situ hybridization protocols. Tyramide signal amplification (TSA) is a powerful method used to improve the detection sensitivity of immunohistochemistry. RNAScope is a novel commercially available in situ hybridization assay for the detection of RNA expression. In this work, we describe the use of TSA and RNAScope in situ hybridization as extremely sensitive and specific methods for the evaluation of protein and RNA expression in formaldehyde-fixed paraffin-embedded human fetal brain sections. These two techniques, when properly optimized, were highly compatible with routine formaldehyde-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue that preserves the best morphological characteristics of delicate fetal brain samples, enabling an unparalleled ability to simultaneously visualize the expression of multiple protein and mRNA of genes that are sparsely expressed in the human fetal telencephalon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayman Alzu'bi
- Biosciences InstituteNewcastle UniversityNewcastle upon TyneUK
- Department of Basic Medical SciencesYarmouk UniversityIrbidJordan
| | - Niveditha Sankar
- Biosciences InstituteNewcastle UniversityNewcastle upon TyneUK
- Present address:
Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of MedicineUniversity of North DakotaGrand ForksNorth DakotaUSA
| | - Moira Crosier
- Biosciences InstituteNewcastle UniversityNewcastle upon TyneUK
- Human Developmental Biology ResourceNewcastle UniversityNewcastle upon TyneUK
| | - Janet Kerwin
- Biosciences InstituteNewcastle UniversityNewcastle upon TyneUK
- Human Developmental Biology ResourceNewcastle UniversityNewcastle upon TyneUK
| | - Gavin J. Clowry
- Biosciences InstituteNewcastle UniversityNewcastle upon TyneUK
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7
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Ochi S, Manabe S, Kikkawa T, Osumi N. Thirty Years' History since the Discovery of Pax6: From Central Nervous System Development to Neurodevelopmental Disorders. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:6115. [PMID: 35682795 PMCID: PMC9181425 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23116115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2022] [Revised: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Pax6 is a sequence-specific DNA binding transcription factor that positively and negatively regulates transcription and is expressed in multiple cell types in the developing and adult central nervous system (CNS). As indicated by the morphological and functional abnormalities in spontaneous Pax6 mutant rodents, Pax6 plays pivotal roles in various biological processes in the CNS. At the initial stage of CNS development, Pax6 is responsible for brain patterning along the anteroposterior and dorsoventral axes of the telencephalon. Regarding the anteroposterior axis, Pax6 is expressed inversely to Emx2 and Coup-TF1, and Pax6 mutant mice exhibit a rostral shift, resulting in an alteration of the size of certain cortical areas. Pax6 and its downstream genes play important roles in balancing the proliferation and differentiation of neural stem cells. The Pax6 gene was originally identified in mice and humans 30 years ago via genetic analyses of the eye phenotypes. The human PAX6 gene was discovered in patients who suffer from WAGR syndrome (i.e., Wilms tumor, aniridia, genital ridge defects, mental retardation). Mutations of the human PAX6 gene have also been reported to be associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and intellectual disability. Rodents that lack the Pax6 gene exhibit diverse neural phenotypes, which might lead to a better understanding of human pathology and neurodevelopmental disorders. This review describes the expression and function of Pax6 during brain development, and their implications for neuropathology.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Noriko Osumi
- Department of Developmental Neuroscience, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai 980-8575, Japan; (S.O.); (S.M.); (T.K.)
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Schembs L, Willems A, Hasenpusch-Theil K, Cooper JD, Whiting K, Burr K, Bøstrand SMK, Selvaraj BT, Chandran S, Theil T. The ciliary gene INPP5E confers dorsal telencephalic identity to human cortical organoids by negatively regulating Sonic hedgehog signaling. Cell Rep 2022; 39:110811. [PMID: 35584663 PMCID: PMC9620745 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2022.110811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2021] [Revised: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Defects in primary cilia, cellular antennas that control multiple intracellular signaling pathways, underlie several neurodevelopmental disorders, but it remains unknown how cilia control essential steps in human brain formation. Here, we show that cilia are present on the apical surface of radial glial cells in human fetal forebrain. Interfering with cilia signaling in human organoids by mutating the INPP5E gene leads to the formation of ventral telencephalic cell types instead of cortical progenitors and neurons. INPP5E mutant organoids also show increased Sonic hedgehog (SHH) signaling, and cyclopamine treatment partially rescues this ventralization. In addition, ciliary expression of SMO, GLI2, GPR161, and several intraflagellar transport (IFT) proteins is increased. Overall, these findings establish the importance of primary cilia for dorsal and ventral patterning in human corticogenesis, indicate a tissue-specific role of INPP5E as a negative regulator of SHH signaling, and have implications for the emerging roles of cilia in the pathogenesis of neurodevelopmental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leah Schembs
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, Hugh Robson Building, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9XD, UK
| | - Ariane Willems
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK; UK Dementia Research Institute at University of Edinburgh, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK; Simons Initiative for the Developing Brain, University of Edinburgh, Hugh Robson Building, Edinburgh EH8 9XD, UK
| | - Kerstin Hasenpusch-Theil
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, Hugh Robson Building, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9XD, UK; Simons Initiative for the Developing Brain, University of Edinburgh, Hugh Robson Building, Edinburgh EH8 9XD, UK
| | - James D Cooper
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK; UK Dementia Research Institute at University of Edinburgh, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK
| | - Katie Whiting
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, Hugh Robson Building, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9XD, UK
| | - Karen Burr
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK; UK Dementia Research Institute at University of Edinburgh, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK
| | - Sunniva M K Bøstrand
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, Hugh Robson Building, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9XD, UK
| | - Bhuvaneish T Selvaraj
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK; UK Dementia Research Institute at University of Edinburgh, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK; Anne Rowling Regenerative Neurology Clinic, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK
| | - Siddharthan Chandran
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK; UK Dementia Research Institute at University of Edinburgh, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK; Simons Initiative for the Developing Brain, University of Edinburgh, Hugh Robson Building, Edinburgh EH8 9XD, UK; Anne Rowling Regenerative Neurology Clinic, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK
| | - Thomas Theil
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, Hugh Robson Building, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9XD, UK; Simons Initiative for the Developing Brain, University of Edinburgh, Hugh Robson Building, Edinburgh EH8 9XD, UK.
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9
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Tocco C, Bertacchi M, Studer M. Structural and Functional Aspects of the Neurodevelopmental Gene NR2F1: From Animal Models to Human Pathology. Front Mol Neurosci 2022; 14:767965. [PMID: 34975398 PMCID: PMC8715095 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2021.767965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The assembly and maturation of the mammalian brain result from an intricate cascade of highly coordinated developmental events, such as cell proliferation, migration, and differentiation. Any impairment of this delicate multi-factorial process can lead to complex neurodevelopmental diseases, sharing common pathogenic mechanisms and molecular pathways resulting in multiple clinical signs. A recently described monogenic neurodevelopmental syndrome named Bosch-Boonstra-Schaaf Optic Atrophy Syndrome (BBSOAS) is caused by NR2F1 haploinsufficiency. The NR2F1 gene, coding for a transcriptional regulator belonging to the steroid/thyroid hormone receptor superfamily, is known to play key roles in several brain developmental processes, from proliferation and differentiation of neural progenitors to migration and identity acquisition of neocortical neurons. In a clinical context, the disruption of these cellular processes could underlie the pathogenesis of several symptoms affecting BBSOAS patients, such as intellectual disability, visual impairment, epilepsy, and autistic traits. In this review, we will introduce NR2F1 protein structure, molecular functioning, and expression profile in the developing mouse brain. Then, we will focus on Nr2f1 several functions during cortical development, from neocortical area and cell-type specification to maturation of network activity, hippocampal development governing learning behaviors, assembly of the visual system, and finally establishment of cortico-spinal descending tracts regulating motor execution. Whenever possible, we will link experimental findings in animal or cellular models to corresponding features of the human pathology. Finally, we will highlight some of the unresolved questions on the diverse functions played by Nr2f1 during brain development, in order to propose future research directions. All in all, we believe that understanding BBSOAS mechanisms will contribute to further unveiling pathophysiological mechanisms shared by several neurodevelopmental disorders and eventually lead to effective treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Tocco
- Université Côte d'Azur, CNRS, Inserm, iBV, Nice, France
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10
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Qin J, Wang M, Zhao T, Xiao X, Li X, Yang J, Yi L, Goffinet AM, Qu Y, Zhou L. Early Forebrain Neurons and Scaffold Fibers in Human Embryos. Cereb Cortex 2021; 30:913-928. [PMID: 31298263 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhz136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2019] [Revised: 05/21/2019] [Accepted: 05/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Neural progenitor proliferation, neuronal migration, areal organization, and pioneer axon wiring are critical events during early forebrain development, yet remain incompletely understood, especially in human. Here, we studied forebrain development in human embryos aged 5 to 8 postconceptional weeks (WPC5-8), stages that correspond to the neuroepithelium/early marginal zone (WPC5), telencephalic preplate (WPC6 & 7), and incipient cortical plate (WPC8). We show that early telencephalic neurons are formed at the neuroepithelial stage; the most precocious ones originate from local telencephalic neuroepithelium and possibly from the olfactory placode. At the preplate stage, forebrain organization is quite similar in human and mouse in terms of areal organization and of differentiation of Cajal-Retzius cells, pioneer neurons, and axons. Like in mice, axons from pioneer neurons in prethalamus, ventral telencephalon, and cortical preplate cross the diencephalon-telencephalon junction and the pallial-subpallial boundary, forming scaffolds that could guide thalamic and cortical axons at later stages. In accord with this model, at the early cortical plate stage, corticofugal axons run in ventral telencephalon in close contact with scaffold neurons, which express CELSR3 and FZD3, two molecules that regulates formation of similar scaffolds in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingwen Qin
- Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Ministry of Education CNS Regeneration Collaborative Joint Laboratory Jinan University Guangzhou, P R China
| | - Meizhi Wang
- Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Ministry of Education CNS Regeneration Collaborative Joint Laboratory Jinan University Guangzhou, P R China
| | - Tianyun Zhao
- Department of Anesthesiology, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center Guangzhou Medical University Guangzhou, P R China
| | - Xue Xiao
- Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Ministry of Education CNS Regeneration Collaborative Joint Laboratory Jinan University Guangzhou, P R China
| | - Xuejun Li
- Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Ministry of Education CNS Regeneration Collaborative Joint Laboratory Jinan University Guangzhou, P R China
| | - Jieping Yang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center Guangzhou Medical University Guangzhou, P R China
| | - Lisha Yi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center Guangzhou Medical University Guangzhou, P R China
| | - Andre M Goffinet
- Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Ministry of Education CNS Regeneration Collaborative Joint Laboratory Jinan University Guangzhou, P R China
| | - Yibo Qu
- Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Ministry of Education CNS Regeneration Collaborative Joint Laboratory Jinan University Guangzhou, P R China.,Guangzhou Regenerative Medicine and Health Guangdong Laboratory Guangzhou, P R China
| | - Libing Zhou
- Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Ministry of Education CNS Regeneration Collaborative Joint Laboratory Jinan University Guangzhou, P R China.,Guangzhou Regenerative Medicine and Health Guangdong Laboratory Guangzhou, P R China.,Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, School of Basic Medical Sciences; Institute of Neuroscience, The Second Affiliated Hospital Guangzhou Medical University Guangzhou, P R China
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11
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Foglio B, Rossini L, Garbelli R, Regondi MC, Mercurio S, Bertacchi M, Avagliano L, Bulfamante G, Coras R, Maiorana A, Nicolis S, Studer M, Frassoni C. Dynamic expression of NR2F1 and SOX2 in developing and adult human cortex: comparison with cortical malformations. Brain Struct Funct 2021; 226:1303-1322. [PMID: 33661352 DOI: 10.1007/s00429-021-02242-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2020] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The neocortex, the most recently evolved brain region in mammals, is characterized by its unique areal and laminar organization. Distinct cortical layers and areas can be identified by the presence of graded expression of transcription factors and molecular determinants defining neuronal identity. However, little is known about the expression of key master genes orchestrating human cortical development. In this study, we explored the expression dynamics of NR2F1 and SOX2, key cortical genes whose mutations in human patients cause severe neurodevelopmental syndromes. We focused on physiological conditions, spanning from mid-late gestational ages to adulthood in unaffected specimens, but also investigated gene expression in a pathological context, a developmental cortical malformation termed focal cortical dysplasia (FCD). We found that NR2F1 follows an antero-dorsallow to postero-ventralhigh gradient as in the murine cortex, suggesting high evolutionary conservation. While SOX2 is mainly expressed in neural progenitors next to the ventricular surface, NR2F1 is found in both mitotic progenitors and post-mitotic neurons at GW18. Interestingly, both proteins are highly co-expressed in basal radial glia progenitors of the outer sub-ventricular zone (OSVZ), a proliferative region known to contribute to cortical expansion and complexity in humans. Later on, SOX2 becomes largely restricted to astrocytes and oligodendrocytes although it is also detected in scattered mature interneurons. Differently, NR2F1 maintains its distinct neuronal expression during the whole process of cortical development. Notably, we report here high levels of NR2F1 in dysmorphic neurons and NR2F1 and SOX2 in balloon cells of surgical samples from patients with FCD, suggesting their potential use in the histopathological characterization of this dysplasia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benedetta Foglio
- Clinical and Experimental Epileptology Unit, C/O AmadeoLab, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Via Amadeo 42, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Laura Rossini
- Clinical and Experimental Epileptology Unit, C/O AmadeoLab, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Via Amadeo 42, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Rita Garbelli
- Clinical and Experimental Epileptology Unit, C/O AmadeoLab, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Via Amadeo 42, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Maria Cristina Regondi
- Clinical and Experimental Epileptology Unit, C/O AmadeoLab, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Via Amadeo 42, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Sara Mercurio
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioscience, University of Milan-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Michele Bertacchi
- Clinical and Experimental Epileptology Unit, C/O AmadeoLab, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Via Amadeo 42, 20133, Milan, Italy.,Université Côte d'Azur, CNRS, Inserm, iBV, Nice, France
| | - Laura Avagliano
- Departement of Health Sciences, San Paolo Hospital Medical School University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Gaetano Bulfamante
- Departement of Health Sciences, San Paolo Hospital Medical School University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Roland Coras
- Department of Neuropathology, University Hospital Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Antonino Maiorana
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Institute of Pathology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Silvia Nicolis
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioscience, University of Milan-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Carolina Frassoni
- Clinical and Experimental Epileptology Unit, C/O AmadeoLab, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Via Amadeo 42, 20133, Milan, Italy.
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12
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Sidhaye J, Knoblich JA. Brain organoids: an ensemble of bioassays to investigate human neurodevelopment and disease. Cell Death Differ 2021; 28:52-67. [PMID: 32483384 PMCID: PMC7853143 DOI: 10.1038/s41418-020-0566-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2020] [Revised: 05/07/2020] [Accepted: 05/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Understanding etiology of human neurological and psychiatric diseases is challenging. Genomic changes, protracted development, and histological features unique to human brain development limit the disease aspects that can be investigated using model organisms. Hence, in order to study phenotypes associated with human brain development, function, and disease, it is necessary to use alternative experimental systems that are accessible, ethically justified, and replicate human context. Human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC)-derived brain organoids offer such a system, which recapitulates features of early human neurodevelopment in vitro, including the generation, proliferation, and differentiation of neural progenitors into neurons and glial cells and the complex interactions among the diverse, emergent cell types of the developing brain in three-dimensions (3-D). In recent years, numerous brain organoid protocols and related techniques have been developed to recapitulate aspects of embryonic and fetal brain development in a reproducible and predictable manner. Altogether, these different organoid technologies provide distinct bioassays to unravel novel, disease-associated phenotypes and mechanisms. In this review, we summarize how the diverse brain organoid methods can be utilized to enhance our understanding of brain disorders. FACTS: Brain organoids offer an in vitro approach to study aspects of human brain development and disease. Diverse brain organoid techniques offer bioassays to investigate new phenotypes associated with human brain disorders that are difficult to study in monolayer cultures. Brain organoids have been particularly useful to study phenomena and diseases associated with neural progenitor morphology, survival, proliferation, and differentiation. OPEN QUESTION: Future brain organoid research needs to aim at later stages of neurodevelopment, linked with neuronal activity and connections, to unravel further disease-associated phenotypes. Continued improvement of existing organoid protocols is required to generate standardized methods that recapitulate in vivo-like spatial diversity and complexity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaydeep Sidhaye
- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology of Austrian academy of sciences (IMBA), Vienna BioCenter (VBC), Dr. Bohr-Gasse 3, 1030, Vienna, Austria
| | - Jürgen A Knoblich
- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology of Austrian academy of sciences (IMBA), Vienna BioCenter (VBC), Dr. Bohr-Gasse 3, 1030, Vienna, Austria.
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13
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Alzu'bi A, Clowry GJ. Multiple Origins of Secretagogin Expressing Cortical GABAergic Neuron Precursors in the Early Human Fetal Telencephalon. Front Neuroanat 2020; 14:61. [PMID: 32982702 PMCID: PMC7492523 DOI: 10.3389/fnana.2020.00061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2020] [Accepted: 08/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Secretagogin (SCGN) which acts as a calcium signaling sensor, has previously been shown to be expressed by a substantial population of cortical GABAergic neurons at mid-gestation in humans but not in mice. The present study traced SCGN expression in cortical GABAergic neurons in human fetal forebrain from earlier stages than previously studied. Multiple potential origins of SCGN-expressing neurons were identified in the caudal ganglionic eminence (CGE) lateral ganglionic eminence (LGE) septum and preoptic area; these cells largely co-expressed SP8 but not the medial ganglionic eminence marker LHX6. They followed various migration routes to reach their target regions in the neocortex, insular and olfactory cortex (OC) and olfactory bulbs. A robust increase in the number of SCGN-expressing GABAergic cortical neurons was observed in the midgestational period; 58% of DLX2+ neurons expressed SCGN in the cortical wall at 19 post-conceptional weeks (PCW), a higher proportion than expressed calretinin, a marker for GABAergic neurons of LGE/CGE origin. Furthermore, although most SCGN+ neurons co-expressed calretinin in the cortical plate (CP) and deeper layers, in the marginal zone (MZ) SCGN+ and calretinin+ cells formed separate populations. In the adult mouse, it has previously been shown that in the rostral migratory stream (RMS), SCGN, annexin V (ANXA5), and matrix metalloprotease 2 (MMP2) are co-expressed forming a functioning complex that exocytoses MMP2 in response to calcium. In the present study, ANXA5 showed widespread expression throughout the cortical wall, although MMP2 expression was very largely limited to the CP. We found co-expression of these proteins in some SCGN+ neurons in the subventricular zones (SVZ) suggesting a limited role for these cells in remodeling the extracellular matrix, perhaps during cell migration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayman Alzu'bi
- Biosciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom.,Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Yarmouk University, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Gavin J Clowry
- Biosciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
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14
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Chen A, Guo Z, Fang L, Bian S. Application of Fused Organoid Models to Study Human Brain Development and Neural Disorders. Front Cell Neurosci 2020; 14:133. [PMID: 32670022 PMCID: PMC7326106 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2020.00133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2020] [Accepted: 04/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Human brain organoids cultured from human pluripotent stem cells provide a promising platform to recapitulate histological features of the human brain and model neural disorders. However, unlike animal models, brain organoids lack a reproducible topographic organization, which limits their application in modeling intricate biology, such as the interaction between different brain regions. To overcome these drawbacks, brain organoids have been pre-patterned into specific brain regions and fused to form an assembloid that represents reproducible models recapitulating more complex biological processes of human brain development and neurological diseases. This approach has been applied to model interneuron migration, neuronal projections, tumor invasion, oligodendrogenesis, forebrain axis establishment, and brain vascularization. In this review article, we will summarize the usage of this technology to understand the fundamental biology underpinning human brain development and disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Augustin Chen
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China.,Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, Tongji University, Shanghai, China.,Molecular Physiology, Center for Integrative Physiology and Molecular Medicine (CIPMM), University of Saarland, Homburg, Germany
| | - Zhenming Guo
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China.,Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, Tongji University, Shanghai, China.,Bio-X Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lipao Fang
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China.,Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, Tongji University, Shanghai, China.,Molecular Physiology, Center for Integrative Physiology and Molecular Medicine (CIPMM), University of Saarland, Homburg, Germany
| | - Shan Bian
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China.,Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
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15
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Molnár Z, Clowry GJ, Šestan N, Alzu'bi A, Bakken T, Hevner RF, Hüppi PS, Kostović I, Rakic P, Anton ES, Edwards D, Garcez P, Hoerder‐Suabedissen A, Kriegstein A. New insights into the development of the human cerebral cortex. J Anat 2019; 235:432-451. [PMID: 31373394 PMCID: PMC6704245 DOI: 10.1111/joa.13055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 199] [Impact Index Per Article: 39.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The cerebral cortex constitutes more than half the volume of the human brain and is presumed to be responsible for the neuronal computations underlying complex phenomena, such as perception, thought, language, attention, episodic memory and voluntary movement. Rodent models are extremely valuable for the investigation of brain development, but cannot provide insight into aspects that are unique or highly derived in humans. Many human psychiatric and neurological conditions have developmental origins but cannot be studied adequately in animal models. The human cerebral cortex has some unique genetic, molecular, cellular and anatomical features, which need to be further explored. The Anatomical Society devoted its summer meeting to the topic of Human Brain Development in June 2018 to tackle these important issues. The meeting was organized by Gavin Clowry (Newcastle University) and Zoltán Molnár (University of Oxford), and held at St John's College, Oxford. The participants provided a broad overview of the structure of the human brain in the context of scaling relationships across the brains of mammals, conserved principles and recent changes in the human lineage. Speakers considered how neuronal progenitors diversified in human to generate an increasing variety of cortical neurons. The formation of the earliest cortical circuits of the earliest generated neurons in the subplate was discussed together with their involvement in neurodevelopmental pathologies. Gene expression networks and susceptibility genes associated to neurodevelopmental diseases were discussed and compared with the networks that can be identified in organoids developed from induced pluripotent stem cells that recapitulate some aspects of in vivo development. New views were discussed on the specification of glutamatergic pyramidal and γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA)ergic interneurons. With the advancement of various in vivo imaging methods, the histopathological observations can be now linked to in vivo normal conditions and to various diseases. Our review gives a general evaluation of the exciting new developments in these areas. The human cortex has a much enlarged association cortex with greater interconnectivity of cortical areas with each other and with an expanded thalamus. The human cortex has relative enlargement of the upper layers, enhanced diversity and function of inhibitory interneurons and a highly expanded transient subplate layer during development. Here we highlight recent studies that address how these differences emerge during development focusing on diverse facets of our evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zoltán Molnár
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and GeneticsUniversity of OxfordOxfordUK
| | - Gavin J. Clowry
- Institute of NeuroscienceNewcastle UniversityNewcastle upon TyneUK
| | - Nenad Šestan
- Department of Neuroscience, Yale University School of MedicineNew HavenCTUSA
| | - Ayman Alzu'bi
- Department of Basic Medical SciencesFaculty of MedicineYarmouk UniversityIrbidJordan
| | | | | | - Petra S. Hüppi
- Dept. de l'enfant et de l'adolescentHôpitaux Universitaires de GenèveGenèveSwitzerland
| | - Ivica Kostović
- Croatian Institute for Brain ResearchSchool of MedicineUniversity of ZagrebZagrebCroatia
| | - Pasko Rakic
- Department of Neuroscience, Yale University School of MedicineNew HavenCTUSA
| | - E. S. Anton
- UNC Neuroscience CenterDepartment of Cell and Molecular PhysiologyThe University of North Carolina School of MedicineChapel HillNCUSA
| | - David Edwards
- Centre for the Developing BrainBiomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences,King's College LondonLondonUK
| | - Patricia Garcez
- Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, UFRJInstitute of Biomedical SciencesRio de JaneiroBrazil
| | | | - Arnold Kriegstein
- Department of NeurologyUniversity of California, San Francisco (UCSF)San FranciscoCAUSA
- The Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell ResearchUCSFSan FranciscoCAUSA
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16
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Alzu’bi A, Homman-Ludiye J, Bourne JA, Clowry GJ. Thalamocortical Afferents Innervate the Cortical Subplate much Earlier in Development in Primate than in Rodent. Cereb Cortex 2019; 29:1706-1718. [PMID: 30668846 PMCID: PMC6418397 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhy327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2018] [Revised: 10/16/2018] [Accepted: 11/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The current model, based on rodent data, proposes that thalamocortical afferents (TCA) innervate the subplate towards the end of cortical neurogenesis. This implies that the laminar identity of cortical neurons is specified by intrinsic instructions rather than information of thalamic origin. In order to determine whether this mechanism is conserved in the primates, we examined the growth of thalamocortical (TCA) and corticofugal afferents in early human and monkey fetal development. In the human, TCA, identified by secretagogin, calbindin, and ROBO1 immunoreactivity, were observed in the internal capsule of the ventral telencephalon as early as 7-7.5 PCW, crossing the pallial/subpallial boundary (PSB) by 8 PCW before the calretinin immunoreactive corticofugal fibers do. Furthermore, TCA were observed to be passing through the intermediate zone and innervating the presubplate of the dorsolateral cortex, and already by 10-12 PCW TCAs were occupying much of the cortex. Observations at equivalent stages in the marmoset confirmed that this pattern is conserved across primates. Therefore, our results demonstrate that in primates, TCAs innervate the cortical presubplate at earlier stages than previously demonstrated by acetylcholinesterase histochemistry, suggesting that pioneer thalamic afferents may contribute to early cortical circuitry that can participate in defining cortical neuron phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayman Alzu’bi
- Institute of Neuroscience, Newcastle University, Framlington Place, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
- Institute of Genetic Medicine, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Yarmouk University, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Jihane Homman-Ludiye
- Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - James A Bourne
- Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Gavin J Clowry
- Institute of Neuroscience, Newcastle University, Framlington Place, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
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17
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Antón-Bolaños N, Espinosa A, López-Bendito G. Developmental interactions between thalamus and cortex: a true love reciprocal story. Curr Opin Neurobiol 2018; 52:33-41. [PMID: 29704748 DOI: 10.1016/j.conb.2018.04.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2018] [Accepted: 04/13/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The developmental programs that control the specification of cortical and thalamic territories are maintained largely as independent processes. However, bulk of evidence demonstrates the requirement of the reciprocal interactions between cortical and thalamic neurons as key for the correct development of functional thalamocortical circuits. This reciprocal loop of connections is essential for sensory processing as well as for the execution of complex sensory-motor tasks. Here, we review recent advances in our understanding of how mutual collaborations between both brain regions define area patterning and cell differentiation in the thalamus and cortex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noelia Antón-Bolaños
- Instituto de Neurociencias de Alicante, Universidad Miguel Hernández-Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (UMH-CSIC), Sant Joan d'Alacant 03550, Spain
| | - Ana Espinosa
- Instituto de Neurociencias de Alicante, Universidad Miguel Hernández-Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (UMH-CSIC), Sant Joan d'Alacant 03550, Spain
| | - Guillermina López-Bendito
- Instituto de Neurociencias de Alicante, Universidad Miguel Hernández-Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (UMH-CSIC), Sant Joan d'Alacant 03550, Spain.
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