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Chen J, Huang L, Yang Y, Xu W, Qin Q, Qin R, Liang X, Lai X, Huang X, Xie M, Chen L. Somatic Cell Reprogramming for Nervous System Diseases: Techniques, Mechanisms, Potential Applications, and Challenges. Brain Sci 2023; 13:brainsci13030524. [PMID: 36979334 PMCID: PMC10046178 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13030524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Nervous system diseases present significant challenges to the neuroscience community due to ethical and practical constraints that limit access to appropriate research materials. Somatic cell reprogramming has been proposed as a novel way to obtain neurons. Various emerging techniques have been used to reprogram mature and differentiated cells into neurons. This review provides an overview of somatic cell reprogramming for neurological research and therapy, focusing on neural reprogramming and generating different neural cell types. We examine the mechanisms involved in reprogramming and the challenges that arise. We herein summarize cell reprogramming strategies to generate neurons, including transcription factors, small molecules, and microRNAs, with a focus on different types of cells.. While reprogramming somatic cells into neurons holds the potential for understanding neurological diseases and developing therapeutic applications, its limitations and risks must be carefully considered. Here, we highlight the potential benefits of somatic cell reprogramming for neurological disease research and therapy. This review contributes to the field by providing a comprehensive overview of the various techniques used to generate neurons by cellular reprogramming and discussing their potential applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiafeng Chen
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China
| | - Lijuan Huang
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China
| | - Yue Yang
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China
| | - Wei Xu
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China
| | - Qingchun Qin
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China
| | - Rongxing Qin
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China
| | - Xiaojun Liang
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China
| | - Xinyu Lai
- Key Laboratory of Longevity and Aging-Related Diseases of Chinese Ministry of Education, Nanning 530021, China
| | - Xiaoying Huang
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China
| | - Minshan Xie
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China
| | - Li Chen
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China
- Key Laboratory of Longevity and Aging-Related Diseases of Chinese Ministry of Education, Nanning 530021, China
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Abstract
The midbrain dopamine (mDA) system is composed of molecularly and functionally distinct neuron subtypes that mediate specific behaviours and are linked to various brain diseases. Considerable progress has been made in identifying mDA neuron subtypes, and recent work has begun to unveil how these neuronal subtypes develop and organize into functional brain structures. This progress is important for further understanding the disparate physiological functions of mDA neurons and their selective vulnerability in disease, and will ultimately accelerate therapy development. This Review discusses recent advances in our understanding of molecularly defined mDA neuron subtypes and their circuits, ranging from early developmental events, such as neuron migration and axon guidance, to their wiring and function, and future implications for therapeutic strategies.
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Prakash N. Developmental pathways linked to the vulnerability of adult midbrain dopaminergic neurons to neurodegeneration. Front Mol Neurosci 2022; 15:1071731. [PMID: 36618829 PMCID: PMC9815185 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.1071731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The degeneration of dopaminergic and other neurons in the aging brain is considered a process starting well beyond the infantile and juvenile period. In contrast to other dopamine-associated neuropsychiatric disorders, such as schizophrenia and drug addiction, typically diagnosed during adolescence or young adulthood and, thus, thought to be rooted in the developing brain, Parkinson's Disease (PD) is rarely viewed as such. However, evidences have accumulated suggesting that several factors might contribute to an increased vulnerability to death of the dopaminergic neurons at an already very early (developmental) phase in life. Despite the remarkable ability of the brain to compensate such dopamine deficits, the early loss or dysfunction of these neurons might predispose an individual to suffer from PD because the critical threshold of dopamine function will be reached much earlier in life, even if the time-course and strength of naturally occurring and age-dependent dopaminergic cell death is not markedly altered in this individual. Several signaling and transcriptional pathways required for the proper embryonic development of the midbrain dopaminergic neurons, which are the most affected in PD, either continue to be active in the adult mammalian midbrain or are reactivated at the transition to adulthood and under neurotoxic conditions. The persistent activity of these pathways often has neuroprotective functions in adult midbrain dopaminergic neurons, whereas the reactivation of silenced pathways under pathological conditions can promote the survival and even regeneration of these neurons in the lesioned or aging brain. This article summarizes our current knowledge about signaling and transcription factors involved in midbrain dopaminergic neuron development, whose reduced gene dosage or signaling activity are implicated in a lower survival rate of these neurons in the postnatal or aging brain. It also discusses the evidences supporting the neuroprotection of the midbrain dopaminergic system after the external supply or ectopic expression of some of these secreted and nuclear factors in the adult and aging brain. Altogether, the timely monitoring and/or correction of these signaling and transcriptional pathways might be a promising approach to a much earlier diagnosis and/or prevention of PD.
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Javadi S, Li Y, Sheng J, Zhao L, Fu Y, Wang D, Zhao X. Sustained correction of hippocampal neurogenic and cognitive deficits after a brief treatment by Nutlin-3 in a mouse model of fragile X syndrome. BMC Med 2022; 20:163. [PMID: 35549943 PMCID: PMC9103116 DOI: 10.1186/s12916-022-02370-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2022] [Accepted: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fragile X syndrome (FXS), the most prevalent inherited intellectual disability and one of the most common monogenic forms of autism, is caused by a loss of fragile X messenger ribonucleoprotein 1 (FMR1). We have previously shown that FMR1 represses the levels and activities of ubiquitin ligase MDM2 in young adult FMR1-deficient mice, and treatment by a MDM2 inhibitor Nutlin-3 rescues both hippocampal neurogenic and cognitive deficits in FMR1-deficient mice when analyzed shortly after the administration. However, it is unknown whether Nutlin-3 treatment can have long-lasting therapeutic effects. METHODS We treated 2-month-old young adult FMR1-deficient mice with Nutlin-3 for 10 days and then assessed the persistent effect of Nutlin-3 on both cognitive functions and adult neurogenesis when mice were 6-month-old mature adults. To investigate the mechanisms underlying the persistent effects of Nutlin-3, we analyzed the proliferation and differentiation of neural stem/progenitor cells isolated from these mice and assessed the transcriptome of the hippocampal tissues of treated mice. RESULTS We found that transient treatment with Nutlin-3 of 2-month-old young adult FMR1-deficient mice prevents the emergence of neurogenic and cognitive deficits in mature adult FXS mice at 6 months of age. We further found that the long-lasting restoration of neurogenesis and cognitive function might not be mediated by changing intrinsic properties of adult neural stem cells. Transcriptomic analysis of the hippocampal tissue demonstrated that transient Nultin-3 treatment leads to significant expression changes in genes related to the extracellular matrix, secreted factors, and cell membrane proteins in the FMR1-deficient hippocampus. CONCLUSIONS Our data indicates that transient Nutlin-3 treatment in young adults leads to long-lasting neurogenic and behavioral changes likely through modulating adult neurogenic niche that impact adult neural stem cells. Our results demonstrate that cognitive impairments in FXS may be prevented by an early intervention through Nutlin-3 treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sahar Javadi
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53705, USA.,Department of Animal Sciences, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53705, USA
| | - Yue Li
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53705, USA.,Present address: Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 301617, China
| | - Jie Sheng
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53705, USA
| | - Lucy Zhao
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53705, USA
| | - Yao Fu
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53705, USA
| | - Daifeng Wang
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53705, USA.,Department of Biostatistics and Medical Informatics, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53705, USA
| | - Xinyu Zhao
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53705, USA. .,Department of Neuroscience, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53705, USA.
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Xia N, Cabin DE, Fang F, Reijo Pera RA. Parkinson's Disease: Overview of Transcription Factor Regulation, Genetics, and Cellular and Animal Models. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:894620. [PMID: 35600613 PMCID: PMC9115107 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.894620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is one of the most common neurodegenerative disorders, affecting nearly 7-10 million people worldwide. Over the last decade, there has been considerable progress in our understanding of the genetic basis of PD, in the development of stem cell-based and animal models of PD, and in management of some clinical features. However, there remains little ability to change the trajectory of PD and limited knowledge of the underlying etiology of PD. The role of genetics versus environment and the underlying physiology that determines the trajectory of the disease are still debated. Moreover, even though protein aggregates such as Lewy bodies and Lewy neurites may provide diagnostic value, their physiological role remains to be fully elucidated. Finally, limitations to the model systems for probing the genetics, etiology and biology of Parkinson's disease have historically been a challenge. Here, we review highlights of the genetics of PD, advances in understanding molecular pathways and physiology, especially transcriptional factor (TF) regulators, and the development of model systems to probe etiology and potential therapeutic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ninuo Xia
- Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Deborah E. Cabin
- McLaughlin Research Institute for Biomedical Sciences, Inc., Great Falls, MT, United States
| | - Fang Fang
- Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Renee A. Reijo Pera
- McLaughlin Research Institute for Biomedical Sciences, Inc., Great Falls, MT, United States
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Oosterveen T, Garção P, Moles-Garcia E, Soleilhavoup C, Travaglio M, Sheraz S, Peltrini R, Patrick K, Labas V, Combes-Soia L, Marklund U, Hohenstein P, Panman L. Pluripotent stem cell derived dopaminergic subpopulations model the selective neuron degeneration in Parkinson's disease. Stem Cell Reports 2021; 16:2718-2735. [PMID: 34678205 PMCID: PMC8581055 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2021.09.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2020] [Revised: 09/20/2021] [Accepted: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
In Parkinson’s disease (PD), substantia nigra (SN) dopaminergic (DA) neurons degenerate, while related ventral tegmental area (VTA) DA neurons remain relatively unaffected. Here, we present a methodology that directs the differentiation of mouse and human pluripotent stem cells toward either SN- or VTA-like DA lineage and models their distinct vulnerabilities. We show that the level of WNT activity is critical for the induction of the SN- and VTA-lineage transcription factors Sox6 and Otx2, respectively. Both WNT signaling modulation and forced expression of these transcription factors can drive DA neurons toward the SN- or VTA-like fate. Importantly, the SN-like lineage enriched DA cultures recapitulate the selective sensitivity to mitochondrial toxins as observed in PD, while VTA-like neuron-enriched cultures are more resistant. Furthermore, a proteomics approach led to the identification of compounds that alter SN neuronal survival, demonstrating the utility of our strategy for disease modeling and drug discovery. Derivation of distinct dopaminergic subpopulations from pluripotent stem cells Wnt signaling inhibitors promote SN dopaminergic neuron specification Modeling selective vulnerability of SN dopaminergic neurons in vitro Proteomics reveals pathways that promote SN dopaminergic neuron survival
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Affiliation(s)
- Tony Oosterveen
- MRC Toxicology Unit, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge CB2 1QR, UK
| | - Pedro Garção
- MRC Toxicology Unit, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge CB2 1QR, UK
| | - Emma Moles-Garcia
- MRC Toxicology Unit, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge CB2 1QR, UK
| | - Clement Soleilhavoup
- MRC Toxicology Unit, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge CB2 1QR, UK
| | - Marco Travaglio
- MRC Toxicology Unit, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge CB2 1QR, UK
| | - Shahida Sheraz
- Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Rosa Peltrini
- MRC Toxicology Unit, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge CB2 1QR, UK
| | - Kieran Patrick
- MRC Toxicology Unit, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge CB2 1QR, UK
| | - Valerie Labas
- PRC, INRA, CNRS, University of Tours, IFCE, Nouzilly, France
| | | | - Ulrika Marklund
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - Lia Panman
- MRC Toxicology Unit, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge CB2 1QR, UK.
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7
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Wang Y, Wang Y, Ci X, Choi SYC, Crea F, Lin D, Wang Y. Molecular events in neuroendocrine prostate cancer development. Nat Rev Urol 2021; 18:581-596. [PMID: 34290447 PMCID: PMC10802813 DOI: 10.1038/s41585-021-00490-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/07/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Neuroendocrine prostate cancer (NEPC) is a lethal subtype of prostate cancer. NEPC arises de novo only rarely; the disease predominantly develops from adenocarcinoma in response to drug-induced androgen receptor signalling inhibition, although the mechanisms behind this transdifferentiation are a subject of debate. The survival of patients with NEPC is poor, and few effective treatment options are available. To improve clinical outcomes, understanding of the biology and molecular mechanisms regulating NEPC development is crucial. Various NEPC molecular drivers make temporal contributions during NEPC development, and despite the limited treatment options available, several novel targeted therapeutics are currently under research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Wang
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Department of Urologic Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Department of Urology, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Yu Wang
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Department of Urologic Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, BC Cancer Agency, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Xinpei Ci
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Department of Urologic Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, BC Cancer Agency, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Stephen Y C Choi
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Department of Urologic Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, BC Cancer Agency, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Francesco Crea
- School of Life Health and Chemical Sciences, The Open University, Milton Keynes, UK
| | - Dong Lin
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
- Department of Urologic Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, BC Cancer Agency, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
| | - Yuzhuo Wang
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
- Department of Urologic Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, BC Cancer Agency, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
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8
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Di Lascio S, Benfante R, Cardani S, Fornasari D. Research Advances on Therapeutic Approaches to Congenital Central Hypoventilation Syndrome (CCHS). Front Neurosci 2021; 14:615666. [PMID: 33510615 PMCID: PMC7835644 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2020.615666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2020] [Accepted: 12/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Congenital central hypoventilation syndrome (CCHS) is a genetic disorder of neurodevelopment, with an autosomal dominant transmission, caused by heterozygous mutations in the PHOX2B gene. CCHS is a rare disorder characterized by hypoventilation due to the failure of autonomic control of breathing. Until now no curative treatment has been found. PHOX2B is a transcription factor that plays a crucial role in the development (and maintenance) of the autonomic nervous system, and in particular the neuronal structures involved in respiratory reflexes. The underlying pathogenetic mechanism is still unclear, although studies in vivo and in CCHS patients indicate that some neuronal structures may be damaged. Moreover, in vitro experimental data suggest that transcriptional dysregulation and protein misfolding may be key pathogenic mechanisms. This review summarizes latest researches that improved the comprehension of the molecular pathogenetic mechanisms responsible for CCHS and discusses the search for therapeutic intervention in light of the current knowledge about PHOX2B function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Di Lascio
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine (BIOMETRA), Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Roberta Benfante
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine (BIOMETRA), Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy.,CNR-Institute of Neuroscience, Milan, Italy.,NeuroMi-Milan Center for Neuroscience, University of Milano Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Silvia Cardani
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine (BIOMETRA), Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Diego Fornasari
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine (BIOMETRA), Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy.,CNR-Institute of Neuroscience, Milan, Italy
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9
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Morarach K, Mikhailova A, Knoflach V, Memic F, Kumar R, Li W, Ernfors P, Marklund U. Diversification of molecularly defined myenteric neuron classes revealed by single-cell RNA sequencing. Nat Neurosci 2020; 24:34-46. [PMID: 33288908 PMCID: PMC7610403 DOI: 10.1038/s41593-020-00736-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 129] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2020] [Accepted: 10/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Autonomous regulation of the intestine requires the combined activity of functionally distinct neurons of the enteric nervous system (ENS). However, the variety of enteric neuron types and how they emerge during development remain largely unknown. Here, we define a molecular taxonomy of twelve enteric neuron classes within the myenteric plexus of the mouse small intestine using single cell RNA-sequencing. We present cell-cell communication features, histochemical markers for motor, sensory, and interneurons together with transgenic tools for class-specific targeting. Transcriptome analysis of embryonic ENS uncovers a novel principle of neuronal diversification, where two neuron classes arise through a binary neurogenic branching, and all other identities emerge through subsequent post-mitotic differentiation. We identify generic and class-specific transcriptional regulators and functionally connect Pbx3 to a post-mitotic fate transition. Our results offer a conceptual and molecular resource for dissecting ENS circuits, and predicting key regulators for directed differentiation of distinct enteric neuron classes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khomgrit Morarach
- Division of Molecular Neurobiology, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Anastassia Mikhailova
- Division of Molecular Neurobiology, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Viktoria Knoflach
- Division of Molecular Neurobiology, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Fatima Memic
- Division of Molecular Neurobiology, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Rakesh Kumar
- Division of Molecular Neurobiology, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,Zoology Department, Ravenshaw University, Cuttack, India
| | - Wei Li
- Division of Molecular Neurobiology, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Patrik Ernfors
- Division of Molecular Neurobiology, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ulrika Marklund
- Division of Molecular Neurobiology, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
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10
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Abstract
Cortical interneurons display striking differences in shape, physiology, and other attributes, challenging us to appropriately classify them. We previously suggested that interneuron types should be defined by their role in cortical processing. Here, we revisit the question of how to codify their diversity based upon their division of labor and function as controllers of cortical information flow. We suggest that developmental trajectories provide a guide for appreciating interneuron diversity and argue that subtype identity is generated using a configurational (rather than combinatorial) code of transcription factors that produce attractor states in the underlying gene regulatory network. We present our updated three-stage model for interneuron specification: an initial cardinal step, allocating interneurons into a few major classes, followed by definitive refinement, creating subclasses upon settling within the cortex, and lastly, state determination, reflecting the incorporation of interneurons into functional circuit ensembles. We close by discussing findings indicating that major interneuron classes are both evolutionarily ancient and conserved. We propose that the complexity of cortical circuits is generated by phylogenetically old interneuron types, complemented by an evolutionary increase in principal neuron diversity. This suggests that a natural neurobiological definition of interneuron types might be derived from a match between their developmental origin and computational function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gord Fishell
- Department of Neurobiology, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA;
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, USA
- Center for Genomics and Systems Biology, New York University Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Adam Kepecs
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, New York 11724, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri 63130, USA;
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11
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Flitsch LJ, Laupman KE, Brüstle O. Transcription Factor-Based Fate Specification and Forward Programming for Neural Regeneration. Front Cell Neurosci 2020; 14:121. [PMID: 32508594 PMCID: PMC7251072 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2020.00121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2019] [Accepted: 04/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Traditionally, in vitro generation of donor cells for brain repair has been dominated by the application of extrinsic growth factors and morphogens. Recent advances in cell engineering strategies such as reprogramming of somatic cells into induced pluripotent stem cells and direct cell fate conversion have impressively demonstrated the feasibility to manipulate cell identities by the overexpression of cell fate-determining transcription factors. These strategies are now increasingly implemented for transcription factor-guided differentiation of neural precursors and forward programming of pluripotent stem cells toward specific neural subtypes. This review covers major achievements, pros and cons, as well as future prospects of transcription factor-based cell fate specification and the applicability of these approaches for the generation of donor cells for brain repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lea J Flitsch
- Institute of Reconstructive Neurobiology, Life & Brain Center, University of Bonn Medical Faculty and University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Karen E Laupman
- Institute of Reconstructive Neurobiology, Life & Brain Center, University of Bonn Medical Faculty and University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Oliver Brüstle
- Institute of Reconstructive Neurobiology, Life & Brain Center, University of Bonn Medical Faculty and University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
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12
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Kwak S, Kim TW, Kang BH, Kim JH, Lee JS, Lee HT, Hwang IY, Shin J, Lee JH, Cho EJ, Youn HD. Zinc finger proteins orchestrate active gene silencing during embryonic stem cell differentiation. Nucleic Acids Res 2019; 46:6592-6607. [PMID: 29846698 PMCID: PMC6061687 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gky454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2017] [Accepted: 05/11/2018] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Transcription factors and chromatin remodeling proteins control the transcriptional variability for ESC lineage commitment. During ESC differentiation, chromatin modifiers are recruited to the regulatory regions by transcription factors, thereby activating the lineage-specific genes or silencing the transcription of active ESC genes. However, the underlying mechanisms that link transcription factors to exit from pluripotency are yet to be identified. In this study, we show that the Ctbp2-interacting zinc finger proteins, Zfp217 and Zfp516, function as linkers for the chromatin regulators during ESC differentiation. CRISPR-Cas9-mediated knock-outs of both Zfp217 and Zfp516 in ESCs prevent the exit from pluripotency. Both zinc finger proteins regulate the Ctbp2-mediated recruitment of the NuRD complex and polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2) to active ESC genes, subsequently switching the H3K27ac to H3K27me3 during ESC differentiation for active gene silencing. We therefore suggest that some zinc finger proteins orchestrate to control the concise epigenetic states on active ESC genes during differentiation, resulting in natural lineage commitment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sojung Kwak
- National Creative Research Center for Epigenome Reprogramming Network, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ischemic/Hypoxic Disease Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Republic of Korea
| | - Tae Wan Kim
- National Creative Research Center for Epigenome Reprogramming Network, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ischemic/Hypoxic Disease Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Republic of Korea
| | - Byung-Hee Kang
- National Creative Research Center for Epigenome Reprogramming Network, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ischemic/Hypoxic Disease Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae-Hwan Kim
- National Creative Research Center for Epigenome Reprogramming Network, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ischemic/Hypoxic Disease Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Republic of Korea
| | - Jang-Seok Lee
- National Creative Research Center for Epigenome Reprogramming Network, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ischemic/Hypoxic Disease Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Republic of Korea
| | - Han-Teo Lee
- Department of Molecular Medicine & Biopharmaceutical Sciences, Graduate School of Convergence Science, Seoul National University, Seoul 03080, Republic of Korea
| | - In-Young Hwang
- National Creative Research Center for Epigenome Reprogramming Network, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ischemic/Hypoxic Disease Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Republic of Korea
| | - Jihoon Shin
- National Creative Research Center for Epigenome Reprogramming Network, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ischemic/Hypoxic Disease Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Republic of Korea
| | - Jong-Hyuk Lee
- National Creative Research Center for Epigenome Reprogramming Network, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ischemic/Hypoxic Disease Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun-Jung Cho
- College of Pharmacy, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Hong-Duk Youn
- National Creative Research Center for Epigenome Reprogramming Network, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ischemic/Hypoxic Disease Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Republic of Korea.,Department of Molecular Medicine & Biopharmaceutical Sciences, Graduate School of Convergence Science, Seoul National University, Seoul 03080, Republic of Korea
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13
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Yu C, Xia K, Gong Z, Ying L, Shu J, Zhang F, Chen Q, Li F, Liang C. The Application of Neural Stem/Progenitor Cells for Regenerative Therapy of Spinal Cord Injury. Curr Stem Cell Res Ther 2019; 14:495-503. [PMID: 30924422 DOI: 10.2174/1574888x14666190329095638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2018] [Revised: 02/11/2019] [Accepted: 03/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a devastating event, and there are still no effective therapies currently
available. Neural stem cells (NSCs) have gained increasing attention as promising regenerative
therapy of SCI. NSCs based therapies of various neural diseases in animal models and clinical trials
have been widely investigated. In this review we aim to summarize the development and recent progress
in the application of NSCs in cell transplantation therapy for SCI. After brief introduction on
sequential genetic steps regulating spinal cord development in vivo, we describe current experimental
approaches for neural induction of NSCs in vitro. In particular, we focus on NSCs induced from pluripotent
stem cells (PSCs). Finally, we highlight recent progress on the NSCs, which show great promise
in the application to regeneration therapy for SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Yu
- Department of Orthopedics, 2nd Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, #88 Jie Fang Road, Hangzhou 310009, Zhejiang, China
| | - Kaishun Xia
- Department of Orthopedics, 2nd Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, #88 Jie Fang Road, Hangzhou 310009, Zhejiang, China
| | - Zhe Gong
- Department of Orthopedics, 2nd Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, #88 Jie Fang Road, Hangzhou 310009, Zhejiang, China
| | - Liwei Ying
- Department of Orthopedics, 2nd Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, #88 Jie Fang Road, Hangzhou 310009, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jiawei Shu
- Department of Orthopedics, 2nd Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, #88 Jie Fang Road, Hangzhou 310009, Zhejiang, China
| | - Feng Zhang
- Department of Orthopedics, 2nd Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, #88 Jie Fang Road, Hangzhou 310009, Zhejiang, China
| | - Qixin Chen
- Department of Orthopedics, 2nd Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, #88 Jie Fang Road, Hangzhou 310009, Zhejiang, China
| | - Fangcai Li
- Department of Orthopedics, 2nd Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, #88 Jie Fang Road, Hangzhou 310009, Zhejiang, China
| | - Chengzhen Liang
- Department of Orthopedics, 2nd Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, #88 Jie Fang Road, Hangzhou 310009, Zhejiang, China
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14
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Czeisler CM, Silva TM, Fair SR, Liu J, Tupal S, Kaya B, Cowgill A, Mahajan S, Silva PE, Wang Y, Blissett AR, Göksel M, Borniger JC, Zhang N, Fernandes‐Junior SA, Catacutan F, Alves MJ, Nelson RJ, Sundaresean V, Rekling J, Takakura AC, Moreira TS, Otero JJ. The role of PHOX2B-derived astrocytes in chemosensory control of breathing and sleep homeostasis. J Physiol 2019; 597:2225-2251. [PMID: 30707772 PMCID: PMC6462490 DOI: 10.1113/jp277082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2018] [Accepted: 01/28/2019] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
KEY POINTS The embryonic PHOX2B-progenitor domain generates neuronal and glial cells which together are involved in chemosensory control of breathing and sleep homeostasis. Ablating PHOX2B-derived astrocytes significantly contributes to secondary hypoxic respiratory depression as well as abnormalities in sleep homeostasis. PHOX2B-derived astrocyte ablation results in axonal pathologies in the retrotrapezoid nucleus. ABSTRACT We identify in mice a population of ∼800 retrotrapezoid nucleus (RTN) astrocytes derived from PHOX2B-positive, OLIG3-negative progenitor cells, that interact with PHOX2B-expressing RTN chemosensory neurons. PHOX2B-derived astrocyte ablation during early life results in adult-onset O2 chemoreflex deficiency. These animals also display changes in sleep homeostasis, including fragmented sleep and disturbances in delta power after sleep deprivation, all without observable changes in anxiety or social behaviours. Ultrastructural evaluation of the RTN demonstrates that PHOX2B-derived astrocyte ablation results in features characteristic of degenerative neuro-axonal dystrophy, including abnormally dilated axon terminals and increased amounts of synapses containing autophagic vacuoles/phagosomes. We conclude that PHOX2B-derived astrocytes are necessary for maintaining a functional O2 chemosensory reflex in the adult, modulate sleep homeostasis, and are key regulators of synaptic integrity in the RTN region, which is necessary for the chemosensory control of breathing. These data also highlight how defects in embryonic development may manifest as neurodegenerative pathology in an adult.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Talita M. Silva
- Department of Physiology and BiophysicsInstitute of Biomedical ScienceUniversity of Sao PauloSao PauloBrazil
| | - Summer R. Fair
- Department of PathologyThe Ohio State University College of MedicineColumbusOHUSA
| | - Jillian Liu
- Department of PathologyThe Ohio State University College of MedicineColumbusOHUSA
| | - Srinivasan Tupal
- Department of PathologyThe Ohio State University College of MedicineColumbusOHUSA
| | - Behiye Kaya
- Department of PathologyThe Ohio State University College of MedicineColumbusOHUSA
| | - Aaron Cowgill
- Department of PathologyThe Ohio State University College of MedicineColumbusOHUSA
| | - Salil Mahajan
- Department of PathologyThe Ohio State University College of MedicineColumbusOHUSA
| | - Phelipe E. Silva
- Department of Physiology and BiophysicsInstitute of Biomedical ScienceUniversity of Sao PauloSao PauloBrazil
| | - Yangyang Wang
- Department of NeuroscienceThe Ohio State University College of MedicineColumbusOHUSA
- The Ohio State University Mathematical Biosciences InstituteColumbusOHUSA
| | - Angela R. Blissett
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace EngineeringThe Ohio State University College of EngineeringColumbusOHUSA
| | - Mustafa Göksel
- Department of PathologyThe Ohio State University College of MedicineColumbusOHUSA
| | - Jeremy C. Borniger
- Department of NeuroscienceThe Ohio State University College of MedicineColumbusOHUSA
| | - Ning Zhang
- Department of NeuroscienceWest Virginia UniversityWVUSA
| | - Silvio A. Fernandes‐Junior
- The Ohio State University Campus Microscopy and Imaging FacilityColumbusOHUSA
- Department of PharmacologyInstitute of Biomedical ScienceUniversity of São PauloSao PauloBrazil
| | - Fay Catacutan
- Department of PathologyThe Ohio State University College of MedicineColumbusOHUSA
| | - Michele J. Alves
- Department of PathologyThe Ohio State University College of MedicineColumbusOHUSA
| | | | - Vishnu Sundaresean
- Department of PathologyThe Ohio State University College of MedicineColumbusOHUSA
| | - Jens Rekling
- Department of NeuroscienceUniversity of CopenhagenCopenhagenDenmark
| | - Ana C. Takakura
- Department of PharmacologyInstitute of Biomedical ScienceUniversity of São PauloSao PauloBrazil
| | - Thiago S. Moreira
- Department of Physiology and BiophysicsInstitute of Biomedical ScienceUniversity of Sao PauloSao PauloBrazil
| | - José J. Otero
- Department of PathologyThe Ohio State University College of MedicineColumbusOHUSA
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15
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Ma K, Deng X, Xia X, Fan Z, Qi X, Wang Y, Li Y, Ma Y, Chen Q, Peng H, Ding J, Li C, Huang Y, Tian C, Zheng JC. Direct conversion of mouse astrocytes into neural progenitor cells and specific lineages of neurons. Transl Neurodegener 2018; 7:29. [PMID: 30410751 PMCID: PMC6217767 DOI: 10.1186/s40035-018-0132-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2018] [Accepted: 10/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Cell replacement therapy has been envisioned as a promising treatment for neurodegenerative diseases. Due to the ethical concerns of ESCs-derived neural progenitor cells (NPCs) and tumorigenic potential of iPSCs, reprogramming of somatic cells directly into multipotent NPCs has emerged as a preferred approach for cell transplantation. Methods Mouse astrocytes were reprogrammed into NPCs by the overexpression of transcription factors (TFs) Foxg1, Sox2, and Brn2. The generation of subtypes of neurons was directed by the force expression of cell-type specific TFs Lhx8 or Foxa2/Lmx1a. Results Astrocyte-derived induced NPCs (AiNPCs) share high similarities, including the expression of NPC-specific genes, DNA methylation patterns, the ability to proliferate and differentiate, with the wild type NPCs. The AiNPCs are committed to the forebrain identity and predominantly differentiated into glutamatergic and GABAergic neuronal subtypes. Interestingly, additional overexpression of TFs Lhx8 and Foxa2/Lmx1a in AiNPCs promoted cholinergic and dopaminergic neuronal differentiation, respectively. Conclusions Our studies suggest that astrocytes can be converted into AiNPCs and lineage-committed AiNPCs can acquire differentiation potential of other lineages through forced expression of specific TFs. Understanding the impact of the TF sets on the reprogramming and differentiation into specific lineages of neurons will provide valuable strategies for astrocyte-based cell therapy in neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kangmu Ma
- 1Center for Translational Neurodegeneration and Regenerative Therapy, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital affiliated to Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200072 China.,3Departments of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-5930 USA
| | - Xiaobei Deng
- 1Center for Translational Neurodegeneration and Regenerative Therapy, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital affiliated to Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200072 China
| | - Xiaohuan Xia
- 1Center for Translational Neurodegeneration and Regenerative Therapy, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital affiliated to Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200072 China
| | - Zhaohuan Fan
- 1Center for Translational Neurodegeneration and Regenerative Therapy, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital affiliated to Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200072 China
| | - Xinrui Qi
- 1Center for Translational Neurodegeneration and Regenerative Therapy, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital affiliated to Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200072 China
| | - Yongxiang Wang
- 1Center for Translational Neurodegeneration and Regenerative Therapy, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital affiliated to Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200072 China.,3Departments of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-5930 USA
| | - Yuju Li
- 1Center for Translational Neurodegeneration and Regenerative Therapy, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital affiliated to Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200072 China.,3Departments of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-5930 USA
| | - Yizhao Ma
- 1Center for Translational Neurodegeneration and Regenerative Therapy, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital affiliated to Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200072 China
| | - Qiang Chen
- 1Center for Translational Neurodegeneration and Regenerative Therapy, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital affiliated to Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200072 China.,3Departments of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-5930 USA
| | - Hui Peng
- 3Departments of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-5930 USA
| | - Jianqing Ding
- 4Department of Neurology & Institute of Neurology, Ruijin Hospital affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025 China
| | - Chunhong Li
- 1Center for Translational Neurodegeneration and Regenerative Therapy, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital affiliated to Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200072 China
| | - Yunlong Huang
- 1Center for Translational Neurodegeneration and Regenerative Therapy, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital affiliated to Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200072 China.,3Departments of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-5930 USA
| | - Changhai Tian
- 1Center for Translational Neurodegeneration and Regenerative Therapy, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital affiliated to Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200072 China.,3Departments of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-5930 USA
| | - Jialin C Zheng
- 1Center for Translational Neurodegeneration and Regenerative Therapy, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital affiliated to Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200072 China.,2Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092 China.,3Departments of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-5930 USA.,5Department of Pathology and Microbiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-5930 USA
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16
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Allbee AW, Rincon-Limas DE, Biteau B. Lmx1a is required for the development of the ovarian stem cell niche in Drosophila. Development 2018; 145:dev.163394. [PMID: 29615466 DOI: 10.1242/dev.163394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2018] [Accepted: 03/26/2018] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
The Drosophila ovary serves as a model for pioneering studies of stem cell niches, with defined cell types and signaling pathways supporting both germline and somatic stem cells. The establishment of the niche units begins during larval stages with the formation of terminal filament-cap structures; however, the genetics underlying their development remains largely unknown. Here, we show that the transcription factor Lmx1a is required for ovary morphogenesis. We found that Lmx1a is expressed in early ovarian somatic lineages and becomes progressively restricted to terminal filaments and cap cells. We show that Lmx1a is required for the formation of terminal filaments, during the larval-pupal transition. Finally, our data demonstrate that Lmx1a functions genetically downstream of Bric-à-Brac, and is crucial for the expression of key components of several conserved pathways essential to ovarian stem cell niche development. Importantly, expression of chicken Lmx1b is sufficient to rescue the null Lmx1a phenotype, indicating functional conservation across the animal kingdom. These results significantly expand our understanding of the mechanisms controlling stem cell niche development in the fly ovary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew W Allbee
- Department of Biomedical Genetics, University of Rochester Medical Center, 601 Elmwood Avenue, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
| | - Diego E Rincon-Limas
- Department of Neurology, McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, 1149 Newell Drive, FL 32611, USA
| | - Benoît Biteau
- Department of Biomedical Genetics, University of Rochester Medical Center, 601 Elmwood Avenue, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
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17
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Repici M, Hassanjani M, Maddison DC, Garção P, Cimini S, Patel B, Szegö ÉM, Straatman KR, Lilley KS, Borsello T, Outeiro TF, Panman L, Giorgini F. The Parkinson's Disease-Linked Protein DJ-1 Associates with Cytoplasmic mRNP Granules During Stress and Neurodegeneration. Mol Neurobiol 2018; 56:61-77. [PMID: 29675578 PMCID: PMC6334738 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-018-1084-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2018] [Accepted: 04/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Mutations in the gene encoding DJ-1 are associated with autosomal recessive forms of Parkinson’s disease (PD). DJ-1 plays a role in protection from oxidative stress, but how it functions as an “upstream” oxidative stress sensor and whether this relates to PD is still unclear. Intriguingly, DJ-1 may act as an RNA binding protein associating with specific mRNA transcripts in the human brain. Moreover, we previously reported that the yeast DJ-1 homolog Hsp31 localizes to stress granules (SGs) after glucose starvation, suggesting a role for DJ-1 in RNA dynamics. Here, we report that DJ-1 interacts with several SG components in mammalian cells and localizes to SGs, as well as P-bodies, upon induction of either osmotic or oxidative stress. By purifying the mRNA associated with DJ-1 in mammalian cells, we detected several transcripts and found that subpopulations of these localize to SGs after stress, suggesting that DJ-1 may target specific mRNAs to mRNP granules. Notably, we find that DJ-1 associates with SGs arising from N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) excitotoxicity in primary neurons and parkinsonism-inducing toxins in dopaminergic cell cultures. Thus, our results indicate that DJ-1 is associated with cytoplasmic RNA granules arising during stress and neurodegeneration, providing a possible link between DJ-1 and RNA dynamics which may be relevant for PD pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariaelena Repici
- Department of Genetics and Genome Biology, University of Leicester, Leicester, LE1 7RH, UK
| | - Mahdieh Hassanjani
- Department of Genetics and Genome Biology, University of Leicester, Leicester, LE1 7RH, UK
| | - Daniel C Maddison
- Department of Genetics and Genome Biology, University of Leicester, Leicester, LE1 7RH, UK
| | | | - Sara Cimini
- Neuroscience Department, IRCCS-Istituto Di Ricerche Farmacologiche "Mario Negri", Milan, Italy
| | - Bhavini Patel
- Department of Genetics and Genome Biology, University of Leicester, Leicester, LE1 7RH, UK
| | - Éva M Szegö
- Department of Experimental Neurodegeneration, Center for Nanoscale Microscopy and Molecular Physiology of the Brain (CNMPB), Center for Biostructural Imaging of Neurodegeneration (BIN), University Medical Center Göttingen, Waldweg 33, 37073, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Kornelis R Straatman
- Centre for Core Biotechnology Services, University of Leicester, Leicester, LE1 7RH, UK
| | - Kathryn S Lilley
- Cambridge Centre for Proteomics, Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Tiziana Borsello
- Neuroscience Department, IRCCS-Istituto Di Ricerche Farmacologiche "Mario Negri", Milan, Italy.,Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Tiago F Outeiro
- Department of Experimental Neurodegeneration, Center for Nanoscale Microscopy and Molecular Physiology of the Brain (CNMPB), Center for Biostructural Imaging of Neurodegeneration (BIN), University Medical Center Göttingen, Waldweg 33, 37073, Göttingen, Germany.,Max Planck Institute for Experimental Medicine, Göttingen, Germany.,Institute of Neuroscience, The Medical School, Newcastle University, Framlington Place, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE2 4HH, UK
| | - Lia Panman
- MRC Toxicology Unit, Leicester, LE1 9HN, UK
| | - Flaviano Giorgini
- Department of Genetics and Genome Biology, University of Leicester, Leicester, LE1 7RH, UK.
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18
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Liao Y, Zhuang X, Huang X, Peng Y, Ma X, Huang ZX, Liu F, Xu J, Wang Y, Chen WM, Ye WC, Shi L. A Bivalent Securinine Compound SN3-L6 Induces Neuronal Differentiation via Translational Upregulation of Neurogenic Transcription Factors. Front Pharmacol 2018; 9:290. [PMID: 29674963 PMCID: PMC5895701 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2018.00290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2017] [Accepted: 03/13/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Developing therapeutic approaches that target neuronal differentiation will be greatly beneficial for the regeneration of neurons and synaptic networks in neurological diseases. Protein synthesis (mRNA translation) has recently been shown to regulate neurogenesis of neural stem/progenitor cells (NSPCs). However, it has remained unknown whether engineering translational machinery is a valid approach for manipulating neuronal differentiation. The present study identifies that a bivalent securinine compound SN3-L6, previously designed and synthesized by our group, induces potent neuronal differentiation through a novel translation-dependent mechanism. An isobaric tag for relative and absolute quantitation (iTRAQ)-based proteomic analysis in Neuro-2a progenitor cells revealed that SN3-L6 upregulated a group of neurogenic transcription regulators, and also upregulated proteins involved in RNA processing, translation, and protein metabolism. Notably, puromycylation and metabolic labeling of newly synthesized proteins demonstrated that SN3-L6 induced rapid and robust activation of general mRNA translation. Importantly, mRNAs of the proneural transcription factors Foxp1, Foxp4, Hsf1, and Erf were among the targets that were translationally upregulated by SN3-L6. Either inhibition of translation or knockdown of these transcription factors blocked SN3-L6 activity. We finally confirmed that protein synthesis of a same set of transcription factors was upregulated in primary cortical NPCs. These findings together identify a new compound for translational activation and neuronal differentiation, and provide compelling evidence that reprogramming transcriptional regulation network at translational levels is a promising strategy for engineering NSPCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yumei Liao
- JNU-HKUST Joint Laboratory for Neuroscience and Innovative Drug Research, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China.,College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoji Zhuang
- JNU-HKUST Joint Laboratory for Neuroscience and Innovative Drug Research, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China.,College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaojie Huang
- JNU-HKUST Joint Laboratory for Neuroscience and Innovative Drug Research, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China.,College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yinghui Peng
- JNU-HKUST Joint Laboratory for Neuroscience and Innovative Drug Research, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China.,College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xuanyue Ma
- JNU-HKUST Joint Laboratory for Neuroscience and Innovative Drug Research, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China.,College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | | | - Feng Liu
- Key Laboratory of Gene Engineering of the Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Junyu Xu
- Department of Neurobiology, Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology of Ministry of Health of China, Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Neurobiology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ying Wang
- JNU-HKUST Joint Laboratory for Neuroscience and Innovative Drug Research, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China.,College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wei-Min Chen
- College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wen-Cai Ye
- JNU-HKUST Joint Laboratory for Neuroscience and Innovative Drug Research, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China.,College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lei Shi
- JNU-HKUST Joint Laboratory for Neuroscience and Innovative Drug Research, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China.,College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
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19
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Qin W, Chen S, Yang S, Xu Q, Xu C, Cai J. The Effect of Traditional Chinese Medicine on Neural Stem Cell Proliferation and Differentiation. Aging Dis 2017; 8:792-811. [PMID: 29344417 PMCID: PMC5758352 DOI: 10.14336/ad.2017.0428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2016] [Accepted: 04/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Neural stem cells (NSCs) are special types of cells with the potential for self-renewal and multi-directional differentiation. NSCs are regulated by multiple pathways and pathway related transcription factors during the process of proliferation and differentiation. Numerous studies have shown that the compound medicinal preparations, single herbs, and herb extracts in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) have specific roles in regulating the proliferation and differentiation of NSCs. In this study, we investigate the markers of NSCs in various stages of differentiation, the related pathways regulating the proliferation and differentiation, and the corresponding transcription factors in the pathways. We also review the influence of TCM on NSC proliferation and differentiation, to facilitate the development of TCM in neural regeneration and neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Qin
- 1Academy of Integrative Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou 350122, China
| | - Shiya Chen
- 1Academy of Integrative Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou 350122, China
| | - Shasha Yang
- 1Academy of Integrative Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou 350122, China
| | - Qian Xu
- 2College of Integrative Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou 350122, China
| | - Chuanshan Xu
- 3School of Chinese Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong
| | - Jing Cai
- 2College of Integrative Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou 350122, China
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20
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Smidt MP. Molecular Programming of Mesodiencephalic Dopaminergic Neuronal Subsets. Front Neuroanat 2017; 11:59. [PMID: 28769772 PMCID: PMC5515899 DOI: 10.3389/fnana.2017.00059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2017] [Accepted: 07/05/2017] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Dopamine neurons of the substantia nigra compacta (SNc) and ventral tegmental area (VTA) are critical components of the neuronal machinery to control emotion and movement in mammals. The slow and gradual death of these neurons as seen in Parkinson's disease has triggered a large investment in research toward unraveling the molecular determinants that are used to generate these neurons and to get an insight in their apparent selective vulnerability. Here, I set out to summarize the current view on the molecular distinctions that exist within this mesodiencephalic dopamine (mdDA) system and elaborate on the molecular programming that is responsible for creating such diversity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marten P Smidt
- Molecular NeuroScience, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of AmsterdamAmsterdam, Netherlands
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21
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ISL1-based LIM complexes control Slit2 transcription in developing cranial motor neurons. Sci Rep 2016; 6:36491. [PMID: 27819291 PMCID: PMC5098159 DOI: 10.1038/srep36491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2016] [Accepted: 10/17/2016] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
LIM-homeodomain (HD) transcription factors form a multimeric complex and assign neuronal subtype identities, as demonstrated by the hexameric ISL1-LHX3 complex which gives rise to somatic motor (SM) neurons. However, the roles of combinatorial LIM code in motor neuron diversification and their subsequent differentiation is much less well understood. In the present study, we demonstrate that the ISL1 controls postmitotic cranial branchiomotor (BM) neurons including the positioning of the cell bodies and peripheral axon pathfinding. Unlike SM neurons, which transform into interneurons, BM neurons are normal in number and in marker expression in Isl1 mutant mice. Nevertheless, the movement of trigeminal and facial BM somata is stalled, and their peripheral axons are fewer or misrouted, with ectopic branches. Among genes whose expression level changes in previous ChIP-seq and microarray analyses in Isl1-deficient cell lines, we found that Slit2 transcript was almost absent from BM neurons of Isl1 mutants. Both ISL1-LHX3 and ISL1-LHX4 bound to the Slit2 enhancer and drove endogenous Slit2 expression in SM and BM neurons. Our findings suggest that combinations of ISL1 and LHX factors establish cell-type specificity and functional diversity in terms of motor neuron identities and/or axon development.
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22
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Midbrain Gene Screening Identifies a New Mesoaccumbal Glutamatergic Pathway and a Marker for Dopamine Cells Neuroprotected in Parkinson's Disease. Sci Rep 2016; 6:35203. [PMID: 27762319 PMCID: PMC5071886 DOI: 10.1038/srep35203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2016] [Accepted: 09/26/2016] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
The ventral tegmental area (VTA) and substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc) of the midbrain are associated with Parkinson’s disease (PD), schizophrenia, mood disorders and addiction. Based on the recently unraveled heterogeneity within the VTA and SNc, where glutamate, GABA and co-releasing neurons have been found to co-exist with the classical dopamine neurons, there is a compelling need for identification of gene expression patterns that represent this heterogeneity and that are of value for development of human therapies. Here, several unique gene expression patterns were identified in the mouse midbrain of which NeuroD6 and Grp were expressed within different dopaminergic subpopulations of the VTA, and TrpV1 within a small heterogeneous population. Optogenetics-coupled in vivo amperometry revealed a previously unknown glutamatergic mesoaccumbal pathway characterized by TrpV1-Cre-expression. Human GRP was strongly detected in non-melanized dopaminergic neurons within the SNc of both control and PD brains, suggesting GRP as a marker for neuroprotected neurons in PD. This study thus unravels markers for distinct subpopulations of neurons within the mouse and human midbrain, defines unique anatomical subregions within the VTA and exposes an entirely new glutamatergic pathway. Finally, both TRPV1 and GRP are implied in midbrain physiology of importance to neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders.
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23
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Maduro V, Pusey BN, Cherukuri PF, Atkins P, du Souich C, Rupps R, Limbos M, Adams DR, Bhatt SS, Eydoux P, Links AE, Lehman A, Malicdan MC, Mason CE, Morimoto M, Mullikin JC, Sear A, Van Karnebeek C, Stankiewicz P, Gahl WA, Toro C, Boerkoel CF. Complex translocation disrupting TCF4 and altering TCF4 isoform expression segregates as mild autosomal dominant intellectual disability. Orphanet J Rare Dis 2016; 11:62. [PMID: 27179618 PMCID: PMC4868023 DOI: 10.1186/s13023-016-0439-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2016] [Accepted: 04/25/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mutations of TCF4, which encodes a basic helix-loop-helix transcription factor, cause Pitt-Hopkins syndrome (PTHS) via multiple genetic mechanisms. TCF4 is a complex locus expressing multiple transcripts by alternative splicing and use of multiple promoters. To address the relationship between mutation of these transcripts and phenotype, we report a three-generation family segregating mild intellectual disability with a chromosomal translocation disrupting TCF4. RESULTS Using whole genome sequencing, we detected a complex unbalanced karyotype disrupting TCF4 (46,XY,del(14)(q23.3q23.3)del(18)(q21.2q21.2)del(18)(q21.2q21.2)inv(18)(q21.2q21.2)t(14;18)(q23.3;q21.2)(14pter®14q23.3::18q21.2®18q21.2::18q21.1®18qter;18pter®18q21.2::14q23.3®14qter). Subsequent transcriptome sequencing, qRT-PCR and nCounter analyses revealed that cultured skin fibroblasts and peripheral blood had normal expression of genes along chromosomes 14 or 18 and no marked changes in expression of genes other than TCF4. Affected individuals had 12-33 fold higher mRNA levels of TCF4 than did unaffected controls or individuals with PTHS. Although the derivative chromosome generated a PLEKHG3-TCF4 fusion transcript, the increased levels of TCF4 mRNA arose from transcript variants originating distal to the translocation breakpoint, not from the fusion transcript. CONCLUSIONS Although validation in additional patients is required, our findings suggest that the dysmorphic features and severe intellectual disability characteristic of PTHS are partially rescued by overexpression of those short TCF4 transcripts encoding a nuclear localization signal, a transcription activation domain, and the basic helix-loop-helix domain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valerie Maduro
- NIH Undiagnosed Diseases Program, Common Fund, Office of the Director, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Barbara N Pusey
- NIH Undiagnosed Diseases Program, Common Fund, Office of the Director, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Praveen F Cherukuri
- NIH Undiagnosed Diseases Program, Common Fund, Office of the Director, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Paul Atkins
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Children's and Women's Health Centre of BC, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Child and Family Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Christèle du Souich
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Children's and Women's Health Centre of BC, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Child and Family Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Rosemarie Rupps
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Children's and Women's Health Centre of BC, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Child and Family Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | | | - David R Adams
- NIH Undiagnosed Diseases Program, Common Fund, Office of the Director, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Samarth S Bhatt
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Patrice Eydoux
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Amanda E Links
- NIH Undiagnosed Diseases Program, Common Fund, Office of the Director, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Anna Lehman
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Children's and Women's Health Centre of BC, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Child and Family Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - May C Malicdan
- NIH Undiagnosed Diseases Program, Common Fund, Office of the Director, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Christopher E Mason
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA
- The HRH Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Bin Abdulaziz Alsaud Institute for Computational Biomedicine, New York, NY, USA
- The Feil Family Brain and Mind Research Institute (BMRI), New York, NY, USA
| | - Marie Morimoto
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Children's and Women's Health Centre of BC, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Child and Family Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - James C Mullikin
- NIH Intramural Sequencing Center, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Andrew Sear
- Department of General Practice, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Clara Van Karnebeek
- Child and Family Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Pawel Stankiewicz
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - William A Gahl
- NIH Undiagnosed Diseases Program, Common Fund, Office of the Director, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
- NHGRI, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Camilo Toro
- NIH Undiagnosed Diseases Program, Common Fund, Office of the Director, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Cornelius F Boerkoel
- NIH Undiagnosed Diseases Program, Common Fund, Office of the Director, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Children's and Women's Health Centre of BC, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
- Child and Family Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
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24
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Goganau I, Blesch A. Gene Therapy for Spinal Cord Injury. Transl Neurosci 2016. [DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4899-7654-3_8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
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25
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Borodinsky LN, Belgacem YH. Crosstalk among electrical activity, trophic factors and morphogenetic proteins in the regulation of neurotransmitter phenotype specification. J Chem Neuroanat 2015; 73:3-8. [PMID: 26686293 DOI: 10.1016/j.jchemneu.2015.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2015] [Revised: 11/29/2015] [Accepted: 12/02/2015] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Morphogenetic proteins are responsible for patterning the embryonic nervous system by enabling cell proliferation that will populate all the neural structures and by specifying neural progenitors that imprint different identities in differentiating neurons. The adoption of specific neurotransmitter phenotypes is crucial for the progression of neuronal differentiation, enabling neurons to connect with each other and with target tissues. Preliminary neurotransmitter specification originates from morphogen-driven neural progenitor specification through the combinatorial expression of transcription factors according to morphogen concentration gradients, which progressively restrict the identity that born neurons adopt. However, neurotransmitter phenotype is not immutable, instead trophic factors released from target tissues and environmental stimuli change expression of neurotransmitter-synthesizing enzymes and specific vesicular transporters modifying neuronal neurotransmitter identity. Here we review studies identifying the mechanisms of catecholaminergic, GABAergic, glutamatergic, cholinergic and serotonergic early specification and of the plasticity of these neurotransmitter phenotypes during development and in the adult nervous system. The emergence of spontaneous electrical activity in developing neurons recruits morphogenetic proteins in the process of neurotransmitter phenotype plasticity, which ultimately equips the nervous system and the whole organism with adaptability for optimal performance in a changing environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura N Borodinsky
- Department of Physiology & Membrane Biology and Institute for Pediatric Regenerative Medicine, Shriners Hospital for Children, University of California Davis School of Medicine, 2425 Stockton Blvd, Sacramento, CA 95817, United States.
| | - Yesser H Belgacem
- Department of Physiology & Membrane Biology and Institute for Pediatric Regenerative Medicine, Shriners Hospital for Children, University of California Davis School of Medicine, 2425 Stockton Blvd, Sacramento, CA 95817, United States
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26
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Cre-driven optogenetics in the heterogeneous genetic panorama of the VTA. Trends Neurosci 2015; 38:375-86. [PMID: 25962754 DOI: 10.1016/j.tins.2015.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2015] [Revised: 04/08/2015] [Accepted: 04/10/2015] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The selectivity of optogenetics commonly relies on genetic promoters to manipulate specific populations of neurons through the use of Cre-driver lines. All studies performed in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) so far have utilized promoters present in groups of cells that release dopamine (DA), GABA, or glutamate. However, neurons that co-release neurotransmitters and variabilities within groups of neurons that release the same neurotransmitter present challenges when evaluating the results. Further complexity is introduced by ectopic expression patterns often occurring in transgenic Cre-drivers. New perspectives could be unfolded by identifying and selecting different types of promoter for driving the Cre recombinase. Here, we discuss some promising candidates and highlight the advantages or disadvantages of different methods for creating novel transgenic lines.
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27
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Nityanandam A, Baldwin KK. Advances in reprogramming-based study of neurologic disorders. Stem Cells Dev 2015; 24:1265-83. [PMID: 25749371 DOI: 10.1089/scd.2015.0044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The technology to convert adult human non-neural cells into neural lineages, through induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), somatic cell nuclear transfer, and direct lineage reprogramming or transdifferentiation has progressed tremendously in recent years. Reprogramming-based approaches aimed at manipulating cellular identity have enormous potential for disease modeling, high-throughput drug screening, cell therapy, and personalized medicine. Human iPSC (hiPSC)-based cellular disease models have provided proof of principle evidence of the validity of this system. However, several challenges remain before patient-specific neurons produced by reprogramming can provide reliable insights into disease mechanisms or be efficiently applied to drug discovery and transplantation therapy. This review will first discuss limitations of currently available reprogramming-based methods in faithfully and reproducibly recapitulating disease pathology. Specifically, we will address issues such as culture heterogeneity, interline and inter-individual variability, and limitations of two-dimensional differentiation paradigms. Second, we will assess recent progress and the future prospects of reprogramming-based neurologic disease modeling. This includes three-dimensional disease modeling, advances in reprogramming technology, prescreening of hiPSCs and creating isogenic disease models using gene editing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anjana Nityanandam
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California
| | - Kristin K Baldwin
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California
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28
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Mirakhori F, Zeynali B, Rassouli H, Hosseini Salekdeh G, Baharvand H. Direct conversion of human fibroblasts into dopaminergic neural progenitor-like cells using TAT-mediated protein transduction of recombinant factors. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2015; 459:655-61. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2015.02.166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2015] [Accepted: 02/14/2015] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
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29
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Differentiation of human epidermal neural crest stem cells (hEPI-NCSC) into virtually homogenous populations of dopaminergic neurons. Stem Cell Rev Rep 2014; 10:316-26. [PMID: 24399192 PMCID: PMC3969515 DOI: 10.1007/s12015-013-9493-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Here we provide a protocol for the directed differentiation of hEPI-NCSC into midbrain dopaminergic neurons, which degenerate in Parkinson's disease. hEPI-NCSC are neural crest-derived multipotent stem cells that persist into adulthood in the bulge of hair follicles. The experimental design is distinctly different from conventional protocols for embryonic stem cells and induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells. It includes pre-differentiation of the multipotent hEPI-NCSC into neural stem cell-like cells, followed by ventralizing, patterning, continued exposure to the TGFβ receptor inhibitor, SB431542, and at later stages of differentiation the presence of the WNT inhibitor, IWP-4. All cells expressed A9 midbrain dopaminergic neuron progenitor markers with gene expression levels comparable to those in normal human substantia nigra. The current study shows for the first time that virtually homogeneous populations of dopaminergic neurons can be derived ex vivo from somatic stem cells without the need for purification, with useful timeliness and high efficacy. This novel development is an important first step towards the establishment of fully functional dopaminergic neurons from an ontologically relevant stem cell type, hEPI-NCSC.
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30
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Dias J, Alekseenko Z, Applequist J, Ericson J. Tgfβ Signaling Regulates Temporal Neurogenesis and Potency of Neural Stem Cells in the CNS. Neuron 2014; 84:927-39. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2014.10.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/15/2014] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
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31
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Mong J, Panman L, Alekseenko Z, Kee N, Stanton LW, Ericson J, Perlmann T. Transcription factor-induced lineage programming of noradrenaline and motor neurons from embryonic stem cells. Stem Cells 2014; 32:609-22. [PMID: 24549637 DOI: 10.1002/stem.1585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2013] [Accepted: 09/20/2013] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
An important goal in stem cell biology is to develop methods for efficient generation of clinically interesting cell types from relevant stem cell populations. This is particularly challenging for different types of neurons of the central nervous system where hundreds of distinct neuronal cell types are generated during embryonic development. We previously used a strategy based on forced transcription factor expression in embryonic stem cell-derived neural progenitors to generate specific types of neurons, including dopamine and serotonin neurons. Here, we extend these studies and show that noradrenergic neurons can also be generated from pluripotent embryonic stem cells by forced expression of the homeobox transcription factor Phox2b under the signaling influence of fibroblast growth factor 8 (FGF8) and bone morphogenetic proteins. In neural progenitors exposed to FGF8 and sonic hedgehog both Phox2b and the related Phox2a instead promoted the generation of neurons with the characteristics of mid- and hindbrain motor neurons. The efficient generation of these neuron types enabled a comprehensive genome-wide gene expression analysis that provided further validation of the identity of generated cells. Moreover, we also demonstrate that the generated cell types are amenable to drug testing in vitro and we show that variants of the differentiation protocols can be applied to cultures of human pluripotent stem cells for the generation of human noradrenergic and visceral motor neurons. Thus, these studies provide a basis for characterization of yet an additional highly clinically relevant neuronal cell type.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamie Mong
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Ltd., Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Stem Cell and Developmental Biology, Genome Institute of Singapore, Singapore
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32
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Panman L, Papathanou M, Laguna A, Oosterveen T, Volakakis N, Acampora D, Kurtsdotter I, Yoshitake T, Kehr J, Joodmardi E, Muhr J, Simeone A, Ericson J, Perlmann T. Sox6 and Otx2 control the specification of substantia nigra and ventral tegmental area dopamine neurons. Cell Rep 2014; 8:1018-25. [PMID: 25127144 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2014.07.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 110] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2013] [Revised: 06/24/2014] [Accepted: 07/14/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Distinct midbrain dopamine (mDA) neuron subtypes are found in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc) and the ventral tegmental area (VTA), but it is mainly SNc neurons that degenerate in Parkinson's disease. Interest in how mDA neurons develop has been stimulated by the potential use of stem cells in therapy or disease modeling. However, very little is known about how specific dopaminergic subtypes are generated. Here, we show that the expression profiles of the transcription factors Sox6, Otx2, and Nolz1 define subpopulations of mDA neurons already at the neural progenitor cell stage. After cell-cycle exit, Sox6 selectively localizes to SNc neurons, while Otx2 and Nolz1 are expressed in a subset of VTA neurons. Importantly, Sox6 ablation leads to decreased expression of SNc markers and a corresponding increase in VTA markers, while Otx2 ablation has the opposite effect. Moreover, deletion of Sox6 affects striatal innervation and dopamine levels. We also find reduced Sox6 levels in Parkinson's disease patients. These findings identify Sox6 as a determinant of SNc neuron development and should facilitate the engineering of relevant mDA neurons for cell therapy and disease modeling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lia Panman
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, 17177 Stockholm, Sweden; MRC Toxicology Unit, Leicester LE1 9HN, UK.
| | | | - Ariadna Laguna
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, 17177 Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Karolinska Institutet, 17177 Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | | | - Dario Acampora
- Institute of Genetics and Biophysics "A. Buzzati-Traverso," CNR, 80131 Naples, Italy; IRCCS Neuromed, Pozzilli IS 86077, Italy
| | - Idha Kurtsdotter
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, 17177 Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Karolinska Institutet, 17177 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Takashi Yoshitake
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, 17177 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jan Kehr
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, 17177 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Eliza Joodmardi
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, 17177 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jonas Muhr
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, 17177 Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Karolinska Institutet, 17177 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Antonio Simeone
- Institute of Genetics and Biophysics "A. Buzzati-Traverso," CNR, 80131 Naples, Italy; IRCCS Neuromed, Pozzilli IS 86077, Italy
| | - Johan Ericson
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Karolinska Institutet, 17177 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Thomas Perlmann
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, 17177 Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Karolinska Institutet, 17177 Stockholm, Sweden.
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33
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Gouti M, Tsakiridis A, Wymeersch FJ, Huang Y, Kleinjung J, Wilson V, Briscoe J. In vitro generation of neuromesodermal progenitors reveals distinct roles for wnt signalling in the specification of spinal cord and paraxial mesoderm identity. PLoS Biol 2014; 12:e1001937. [PMID: 25157815 PMCID: PMC4144800 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.1001937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 235] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2014] [Accepted: 07/21/2014] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Cells of the spinal cord and somites arise from shared, dual-fated precursors, located towards the posterior of the elongating embryo. Here we show that these neuromesodermal progenitors (NMPs) can readily be generated in vitro from mouse and human pluripotent stem cells by activating Wnt and Fgf signalling, timed to emulate in vivo development. Similar to NMPs in vivo, these cells co-express the neural factor Sox2 and the mesodermal factor Brachyury and differentiate into neural and paraxial mesoderm in vitro and in vivo. The neural cells produced by NMPs have spinal cord but not anterior neural identity and can differentiate into spinal cord motor neurons. This is consistent with the shared origin of spinal cord and somites and the distinct ontogeny of the anterior and posterior nervous system. Systematic analysis of the transcriptome during differentiation identifies the molecular correlates of each of the cell identities and the routes by which they are obtained. Moreover, we take advantage of the system to provide evidence that Brachyury represses neural differentiation and that signals from mesoderm are not necessary to induce the posterior identity of spinal cord cells. This indicates that the mesoderm inducing and posteriorising functions of Wnt signalling represent two molecularly separate activities. Together the data illustrate how reverse engineering normal developmental mechanisms allows the differentiation of specific cell types in vitro and the analysis of previous difficult to access aspects of embryo development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mina Gouti
- MRC-National Institute for Medical Research, London, United Kingdom
| | - Anestis Tsakiridis
- MRC Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Stem Cell Research, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Filip J. Wymeersch
- MRC Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Stem Cell Research, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Yali Huang
- MRC Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Stem Cell Research, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Jens Kleinjung
- MRC-National Institute for Medical Research, London, United Kingdom
| | - Valerie Wilson
- MRC Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Stem Cell Research, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - James Briscoe
- MRC-National Institute for Medical Research, London, United Kingdom
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Hao H, Li Y, Tzatzalos E, Gilbert J, Zala D, Bhaumik M, Cai L. Identification of a transient Sox5 expressing progenitor population in the neonatal ventral forebrain by a novel cis-regulatory element. Dev Biol 2014; 393:183-93. [PMID: 24954155 PMCID: PMC4167819 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2014.06.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2014] [Revised: 06/09/2014] [Accepted: 06/12/2014] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Precise control of lineage-specific gene expression in the neural stem/progenitor cells is crucial for generation of the diversity of neuronal and glial cell types in the central nervous system (CNS). The mechanism underlying such gene regulation, however, is not fully elucidated. Here, we report that a 377 bp evolutionarily conserved DNA fragment (CR5), located approximately 32 kbp upstream of Olig2 transcription start site, acts as a cis-regulator for gene expression in the development of the neonatal forebrain. CR5 is active in a time-specific and brain region-restricted manner. CR5 activity is not detected in the embryonic stage, but it is exclusively in a subset of Sox5+ cells in the neonatal ventral forebrain. Furthermore, we show that Sox5 binding motif in CR5 is important for this cell-specific gene regulatory activity; mutation of Sox5 binding motif in CR5 alters reporter gene expression with different cellular composition. Together, our study provides new insights into the regulation of cell-specific gene expression during CNS development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hailing Hao
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rutgers University, 599 Taylor Road, Piscataway, NJ 08854, United States
| | - Ying Li
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rutgers University, 599 Taylor Road, Piscataway, NJ 08854, United States
| | - Evangeline Tzatzalos
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rutgers University, 599 Taylor Road, Piscataway, NJ 08854, United States
| | - Jordana Gilbert
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rutgers University, 599 Taylor Road, Piscataway, NJ 08854, United States
| | - Dhara Zala
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rutgers University, 599 Taylor Road, Piscataway, NJ 08854, United States
| | - Mantu Bhaumik
- The Child Health Institute of New Jersey, 89 French Street, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, United States
| | - Li Cai
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rutgers University, 599 Taylor Road, Piscataway, NJ 08854, United States.
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35
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Allodi I, Hedlund E. Directed midbrain and spinal cord neurogenesis from pluripotent stem cells to model development and disease in a dish. Front Neurosci 2014; 8:109. [PMID: 24904255 PMCID: PMC4033221 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2014.00109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2014] [Accepted: 04/28/2014] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Induction of specific neuronal fates is restricted in time and space in the developing CNS through integration of extrinsic morphogen signals and intrinsic determinants. Morphogens impose regional characteristics on neural progenitors and establish distinct progenitor domains. Such domains are defined by unique expression patterns of fate determining transcription factors. These processes of neuronal fate specification can be recapitulated in vitro using pluripotent stem cells. In this review, we focus on the generation of dopamine neurons and motor neurons, which are induced at ventral positions of the neural tube through Sonic hedgehog (Shh) signaling, and defined at anteroposterior positions by fibroblast growth factor (Fgf) 8, Wnt1, and retinoic acid (RA). In vitro utilization of these morphogenic signals typically results in the generation of multiple neuronal cell types, which are defined at the intersection of these signals. If the purpose of in vitro neurogenesis is to generate one cell type only, further lineage restriction can be accomplished by forced expression of specific transcription factors in a permissive environment. Alternatively, cell-sorting strategies allow for selection of neuronal progenitors or mature neurons. However, modeling development, disease and prospective therapies in a dish could benefit from structured heterogeneity, where desired neurons are appropriately synaptically connected and thus better reflect the three-dimensional structure of that region. By modulating the extrinsic environment to direct sequential generation of neural progenitors within a domain, followed by self-organization and synaptic establishment, a reductionist model of that brain region could be created. Here we review recent advances in neuronal fate induction in vitro, with a focus on the interplay between cell intrinsic and extrinsic factors, and discuss the implications for studying development and disease in a dish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilary Allodi
- Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Eva Hedlund
- Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet Stockholm, Sweden
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36
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A modular gain-of-function approach to generate cortical interneuron subtypes from ES cells. Neuron 2014; 80:1145-58. [PMID: 24314726 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2013.09.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/11/2013] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Whereas past work indicates that cortical interneurons (cINs) can be generically produced from stem cells, generating large numbers of specific subtypes of this population has remained elusive. This reflects an information gap in our understanding of the transcriptional programs required for different interneuron subtypes. Here, we have utilized the directed differentiation of stem cells into specific subpopulations of cortical interneurons as a means to identify some of these missing factors. To establish this approach, we utilized two factors known to be required for the generation of cINs, Nkx2-1 and Dlx2. As predicted, their regulated transient expression greatly improved the differentiation efficiency and specificity over baseline. We extended upon this "cIN-primed" model in order to establish a modular system whereby a third transcription factor could be systematically introduced. Using this approach, we identified Lmo3 and Pou3f4 as genes that can augment the differentiation and/or subtype specificity of cINs in vitro.
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37
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Hnisz D, Abraham BJ, Lee TI, Lau A, Saint-André V, Sigova AA, Hoke H, Young RA. Super-enhancers in the control of cell identity and disease. Cell 2013; 155:934-47. [PMID: 24119843 PMCID: PMC3841062 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2013.09.053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2485] [Impact Index Per Article: 225.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2013] [Revised: 09/27/2013] [Accepted: 09/30/2013] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Super-enhancers are large clusters of transcriptional enhancers that drive expression of genes that define cell identity. Improved understanding of the roles that super-enhancers play in biology would be afforded by knowing the constellation of factors that constitute these domains and by identifying super-enhancers across the spectrum of human cell types. We describe here the population of transcription factors, cofactors, chromatin regulators, and transcription apparatus occupying super-enhancers in embryonic stem cells and evidence that super-enhancers are highly transcribed. We produce a catalog of super-enhancers in a broad range of human cell types and find that super-enhancers associate with genes that control and define the biology of these cells. Interestingly, disease-associated variation is especially enriched in the super-enhancers of disease-relevant cell types. Furthermore, we find that cancer cells generate super-enhancers at oncogenes and other genes important in tumor pathogenesis. Thus, super-enhancers play key roles in human cell identity in health and in disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denes Hnisz
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, 9 Cambridge Center, Cambridge, MA 02142
| | - Brian J. Abraham
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, 9 Cambridge Center, Cambridge, MA 02142
| | - Tong Ihn Lee
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, 9 Cambridge Center, Cambridge, MA 02142
| | - Ashley Lau
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, 9 Cambridge Center, Cambridge, MA 02142
- Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139
| | - Violaine Saint-André
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, 9 Cambridge Center, Cambridge, MA 02142
| | - Alla A. Sigova
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, 9 Cambridge Center, Cambridge, MA 02142
| | - Heather Hoke
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, 9 Cambridge Center, Cambridge, MA 02142
- Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139
| | - Richard A. Young
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, 9 Cambridge Center, Cambridge, MA 02142
- Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139
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38
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Hunt CP, Fabb SA, Pouton CW, Haynes JM. DNA-dependent protein kinase is a context dependent regulator of Lmx1a and midbrain specification. PLoS One 2013; 8:e78759. [PMID: 24194952 PMCID: PMC3806860 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0078759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2013] [Accepted: 09/18/2013] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The identification of small molecules capable of directing pluripotent cell differentiation towards specific lineages is highly desirable to both reduce cost, and increase efficiency. Within neural progenitors, LIM homeobox transcription factor 1 alpha (Lmx1a) is required for proper development of roof plate and cortical hem structures of the forebrain, as well as the development of floor plate and midbrain dopaminergic neurons. In this study we generated homologous recombinant cell lines expressing either luciferase or β-lactamase under the control of the Lmx1a promoter, and used these cell lines to investigate kinase-mediated regulation of Lmx1a activity during neuronal differentiation. A screen of 143 small molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitors yielded 16 compounds that positively or negatively modulated Lmx1a activity. Inhibition of EGF, VEGF and DNA-dependent protein kinase (DNA-PK) signaling significantly upregulated Lmx1a activity whereas MEK inhibition strongly downregulated its activity. Quantitative FACS analysis revealed that the DNA-PK inhibitor significantly increased the number of Lmx1a+ progenitors while subsequent qPCR showed an upregulation of Notch effectors, the basic helix-loop-helix genes, Hes5 and Hey1. FACS further revealed that DNA-PK-mediated regulation of Lmx1a+ cells is dependent on the rapamycin-sensitive complex, mTORC1. Interestingly, this DNA-PK inhibitor effect was preserved in a co-culture differentiation protocol. Terminal differentiation assays showed that DNA-PK inhibition shifted development of neurons from forebrain toward midbrain character as assessed by Pitx3/TH immunolabeling and corresponding upregulation of midbrain (En1), but not forebrain (FoxG1) transcripts. These studies show that Lmx1a signaling in mouse embryonic stem cells contributes to a molecular cascade establishing neuronal specification. The data presented here identifies a novel regulatory pathway where signaling from DNA-PK appears to suppress midbrain-specific Lmx1a expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cameron P. Hunt
- Drug Discovery Biology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University (Parkville), Melbourne, Australia
| | - Stewart A. Fabb
- Drug Discovery Biology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University (Parkville), Melbourne, Australia
| | - Colin W. Pouton
- Drug Discovery Biology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University (Parkville), Melbourne, Australia
- * E-mail: (JMH); (CWP)
| | - John M. Haynes
- Drug Discovery Biology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University (Parkville), Melbourne, Australia
- * E-mail: (JMH); (CWP)
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39
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Marklund U, Alekseenko Z, Andersson E, Falci S, Westgren M, Perlmann T, Graham A, Sundström E, Ericson J. Detailed expression analysis of regulatory genes in the early developing human neural tube. Stem Cells Dev 2013; 23:5-15. [PMID: 24007338 DOI: 10.1089/scd.2013.0309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Studies in model organisms constitute the basis of our understanding of the principal molecular mechanisms of cell fate determination in the developing central nervous system. Considering the emergent applications in stem cell-based regenerative medicine, it is important to demonstrate conservation of subtype specific gene expression programs in human as compared to model vertebrates. We have examined the expression patterns of key regulatory genes in neural progenitor cells and their neuronal and glial descendants in the developing human spinal cord, hindbrain, and midbrain, and compared these with developing mouse and chicken embryos. As anticipated, gene expression patterns are highly conserved between these vertebrate species, but there are also features that appear unique to human development. In particular, we find that neither tyrosine hydroxylase nor Nurr1 are specific markers for mesencephalic dopamine neurons, as these genes also are expressed in other neuronal subtypes in the human ventral midbrain and in human embryonic stem cell cultures directed to differentiate towards a ventral mesencephalic identity. Moreover, somatic motor neurons in the ventral spinal cord appear to be produced by two molecularly distinct ventral progenitor populations in the human, raising the possibility that the acquisition of unique ventral progenitor identities may have contributed to the emergence of neural subtypes in higher vertebrates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ulrika Marklund
- 1 Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Karolinska Institutet , Stockholm, Sweden
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40
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Bai R, Gao G, Xing Y, Xue H. Two outward potassium current types are expressed during the neural differentiation of neural stem cells. Neural Regen Res 2013; 8:2656-65. [PMID: 25206577 PMCID: PMC4146027 DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1673-5374.2013.28.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2013] [Accepted: 06/08/2013] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The electrophysiological properties of potassium ion channels are regarded as a basic index for determining the functional differentiation of neural stem cells. In this study, neural stem cells from the hippocampus of newborn rats were induced to differentiate with neurotrophic growth factor, and the electrophysiological properties of the voltage-gated potassium ion channels were observed. Immunofluorescence staining showed that the rapidly proliferating neural stem cells formed spheres in vitro that expressed high levels of nestin. The differentiated neurons were shown to express neuron-specific enolase. Flow cytometric analysis revealed that the neural stem cells were actively dividing and the percentage of cells in the S + G2/M phase was high. However, the ratio of cells in the S + G2/M phase decreased obviously as differentiation proceeded. Whole-cell patch-clamp recordings revealed apparent changes in potassium ion currents as the neurons differentiated. The potassium ion currents consisted of one transient outward potassium ion current and one delayed rectifier potassium ion current, which were blocked by 4-aminopyridine and tetraethylammonium, respectively. The experimental findings indicate that neural stem cells from newborn rat campus could be cultured and induced to differentiate into functional neurons under defined conditions in vitro. The differentiated neurons expressed two types of outward potassium ion currents similar to those of mature neurons in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruiying Bai
- Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang 453003, Henan Province, China
| | - Guowei Gao
- Department of Radiotherapy, Center Hospital of Xinxiang, Xinxiang 453003, Henan Province, China
| | - Ying Xing
- Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang 453003, Henan Province, China ; Stem Cell Research Center, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, Henan Province, China
| | - Hong Xue
- Basic Medical Sciences of Henan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou 450008, Henan Province, China
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41
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Navarrete K, Pedroso I, De Jong S, Stefansson H, Steinberg S, Stefansson K, Ophoff RA, Schalkwyk LC, Collier DA. TCF4 (e2-2; ITF2): a schizophrenia-associated gene with pleiotropic effects on human disease. Am J Med Genet B Neuropsychiatr Genet 2013; 162B:1-16. [PMID: 23129290 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.b.32109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2012] [Accepted: 09/27/2012] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Common SNPs in the transcription factor 4 (TCF4; ITF2, E2-2, SEF-2) gene, which encodes a basic Helix-Loop-Helix (bHLH) transcription factor, are associated with schizophrenia, conferring a small increase in risk. Other common SNPs in the gene are associated with the common eye disorder Fuch's corneal dystrophy, while rare, mostly de novo inactivating mutations cause Pitt-Hopkins syndrome. In this review, we present a systematic bioinformatics and literature review of the genomics, biological function and interactome of TCF4 in the context of schizophrenia. The TCF4 gene is present in all vertebrates, and although protein length varies, there is high conservation of primary sequence, including the DNA binding domain. Humans have a unique leucine-rich nuclear export signal. There are two main isoforms (A and B), as well as complex splicing generating many possible N-terminal amino acid sequences. TCF4 is highly expressed in the brain, where plays a role in neurodevelopment, interacting with class II bHLH transcription factors Math1, HASH1, and neuroD2. The Ca(2+) sensor protein calmodulin interacts with the DNA binding domain of TCF4, inhibiting transcriptional activation. It is also the target of microRNAs, including mir137, which is implicated in schizophrenia. The schizophrenia-associated SNPs are in linkage disequilibrium with common variants within putative DNA regulatory elements, suggesting that regulation of expression may underlie association with schizophrenia. Combined gene co-expression analyses and curated protein-protein interaction data provide a network involving TCF4 and other putative schizophrenia susceptibility genes. These findings suggest new opportunities for understanding the molecular basis of schizophrenia and other mental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherinne Navarrete
- Social, Genetic and Developmental Psychiatry Centre, King's College London, Institute of Psychiatry, London, UK
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42
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Kozlova EN, Berens C. Guiding Differentiation of Stem Cells in Vivo by Tetracycline-Controlled Expression of Key Transcription Factors. Cell Transplant 2012; 21:2537-54. [DOI: 10.3727/096368911x637407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Transplantation of stem or progenitor cells is an attractive strategy for cell replacement therapy. However, poor long-term survival and insufficiently reproducible differentiation to functionally appropriate cells in vivo still present major obstacles for translation of this methodology to clinical applications. Numerous experimental studies have revealed that the expression of just a few transcription factors can be sufficient to drive stem cell differentiation toward a specific cell type, to transdifferentiate cells from one fate to another, or to dedifferentiate mature cells to pluripotent stem/progenitor cells (iPSCs). We thus propose here to apply the strategy of expressing the relevant key transcription factors to guide the differentiation of transplanted cells to the desired cell fate in vivo. To achieve this requires tools allowing us to control the expression of these genes in the transplant. Here, we describe drug-inducible systems that allow us to sequentially and timely activate gene expression from the outside, with a particular emphasis on the Tet system, which has been widely and successfully used in stem cells. These regulatory systems offer a tool for strictly limiting gene expression to the respective optimal stage after transplantation. This approach will direct the differentiation of the immature stem/progenitor cells in vivo to the desired cell type.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena N Kozlova
- Department of Neuroscience, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.
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43
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Cellular programming and reprogramming: sculpting cell fate for the production of dopamine neurons for cell therapy. Stem Cells Int 2012; 2012:412040. [PMID: 22988464 PMCID: PMC3441013 DOI: 10.1155/2012/412040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2012] [Accepted: 07/05/2012] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Pluripotent stem cells are regarded as a promising cell source to obtain human dopamine neurons in sufficient amounts and purity for cell replacement therapy. Importantly, the success of clinical applications depends on our ability to steer pluripotent stem cells towards the right neuronal identity. In Parkinson disease, the loss of dopamine neurons is more pronounced in the ventrolateral population that projects to the sensorimotor striatum. Because synapses are highly specific, only neurons with this precise identity will contribute, upon transplantation, to the synaptic reconstruction of the dorsal striatum. Thus, understanding the developmental cell program of the mesostriatal dopamine neurons is critical for the identification of the extrinsic signals and cell-intrinsic factors that instruct and, ultimately, determine cell identity. Here, we review how extrinsic signals and transcription factors act together during development to shape midbrain cell fates. Further, we discuss how these same factors can be applied in vitro to induce, select, and reprogram cells to the mesostriatal dopamine fate.
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44
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Ganat YM, Calder EL, Kriks S, Nelander J, Tu EY, Jia F, Battista D, Harrison N, Parmar M, Tomishima MJ, Rutishauser U, Studer L. Identification of embryonic stem cell-derived midbrain dopaminergic neurons for engraftment. J Clin Invest 2012; 122:2928-39. [PMID: 22751106 DOI: 10.1172/jci58767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 114] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2011] [Accepted: 05/16/2012] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Embryonic stem cells (ESCs) represent a promising source of midbrain dopaminergic (DA) neurons for applications in Parkinson disease. However, ESC-based transplantation paradigms carry a risk of introducing inappropriate or tumorigenic cells. Cell purification before transplantation may alleviate these concerns and enable identification of the specific DA neuron stage most suitable for cell therapy. Here, we used 3 transgenic mouse ESC reporter lines to mark DA neurons at 3 stages of differentiation (early, middle, and late) following induction of differentiation using Hes5::GFP, Nurr1::GFP, and Pitx3::YFP transgenes, respectively. Transplantation of FACS-purified cells from each line resulted in DA neuron engraftment, with the mid-stage and late-stage neuron grafts being composed almost exclusively of midbrain DA neurons. Mid-stage neuron cell grafts had the greatest amount of DA neuron survival and robustly induced recovery of motor deficits in hemiparkinsonian mice. Our data suggest that the Nurr1+ stage (middle stage) of neuronal differentiation is particularly suitable for grafting ESC-derived DA neurons. Moreover, global transcriptome analysis of progeny from each of the ESC reporter lines revealed expression of known midbrain DA neuron genes and also uncovered previously uncharacterized midbrain genes. These data demonstrate remarkable fate specificity of ESC-derived DA neurons and outline a sequential stage-specific ESC reporter line paradigm for in vivo gene discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yosif M Ganat
- Center for Stem Cell Biology, Sloan-Kettering Institute for Cancer Research, New York, NY, USA
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45
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Nefzger CM, Su CT, Fabb SA, Hartley BJ, Beh SJ, Zeng WR, Haynes JM, Pouton CW. Lmx1a Allows Context-Specific Isolation of Progenitors of GABAergic or Dopaminergic Neurons During Neural Differentiation of Embryonic Stem Cells. Stem Cells 2012; 30:1349-61. [DOI: 10.1002/stem.1105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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46
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Ring KL, Tong LM, Balestra ME, Javier R, Andrews-Zwilling Y, Li G, Walker D, Zhang WR, Kreitzer AC, Huang Y. Direct reprogramming of mouse and human fibroblasts into multipotent neural stem cells with a single factor. Cell Stem Cell 2012; 11:100-9. [PMID: 22683203 DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2012.05.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 408] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2012] [Revised: 04/25/2012] [Accepted: 05/15/2012] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
The generation of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and induced neuronal cells (iNCs) from somatic cells provides new avenues for basic research and potential transplantation therapies for neurological diseases. However, clinical applications must consider the risk of tumor formation by iPSCs and the inability of iNCs to self-renew in culture. Here we report the generation of induced neural stem cells (iNSCs) from mouse and human fibroblasts by direct reprogramming with a single factor, Sox2. iNSCs express NSC markers and resemble wild-type NSCs in their morphology, self-renewal, ability to form neurospheres, and gene expression profiles. Cloned iNSCs differentiate into several types of mature neurons, as well as astrocytes and oligodendrocytes, indicating multipotency. Implanted iNSCs can survive and integrate in mouse brains and, unlike iPSC-derived NSCs, do not generate tumors. Thus, self-renewable and multipotent iNSCs without tumorigenic potential can be generated directly from fibroblasts by reprogramming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen L Ring
- Gladstone Institute of Neurological Disease, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
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47
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Abstract
Various studies have demonstrated that somatic differentiated cells can be reprogrammed into other differentiated states or into pluripotency, thus showing that the differentiated cellular state is not irreversible. These findings have generated intense interest in the process of reprogramming and in mechanisms that govern the pluripotent state. However, the realization that differentiated cells can be triggered to switch to considerably different lineages also emphasizes that we need to understand how the identity of mature cells is normally maintained. Here we review recent studies on how the differentiated state is controlled at the transcriptional level and discuss how new insights have begun to elucidate mechanisms underlying the stable maintenance of mature cell identities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johan Holmberg
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research Ltd, BOX 240, Karolinska Institutet, S-171 77 Stockholm, Sweden.
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48
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW We identify the major recent advances in sourcing, preparation and delivery of primary and stem cell transplants into the brain, the preclinical studies in animal models and preliminary results on feasibility, safety and efficacy in an increasing range of human neurodegenerative diseases. RECENT FINDINGS After a decade of debate concerning the reliability and safety of foetal cell transplantation in Parkinson's and Huntington's diseases, the conditions for eliminating side-effects and achieving more consistent efficacy are being implemented in renewed trials. In parallel, rapid advances are being made in identifying alternative sources of stem cells for transplantation, establishing the protocols for their reliable differentiation into specific neuronal phenotypes and translating these novel sources to cell therapy for patients in new clinical trials. Objective assessment of efficacy in patients does not always reveal outcomes that are as impressive as claimed - either in the preclinical animal models or by many commercial stem cell clinics - and even when stem cell therapies do appear to have been validated, the mechanisms are not always clear. SUMMARY In spite of rapid progress, the conditions for reliable, well tolerated and effective cell therapies in brain disease are not yet fully established.
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Abstract
Midbrain dopamine neurons play a critical role in motor function and in reward-related motivational behaviors. The goal of developing a renewable source of human midbrain dopamine neurons was prompted by the pioneering studies on the use of human fetal dopamine neurons as an experimental therapy for the treatment of Parkinson's disease. More recently, dopamine neurons have also turned into an important tool for modeling of Parkinson's disease in patient-specific induced pluripotent stem cell lines. Protocols for the directed differentiation of mouse ESCs into midbrain dopamine neurons have been developed more than a decade ago and the successful derivation of human midbrain dopamine neurons was reported soon after. However, the initial human ESC reports were unable to demonstrate efficient in vivo dopamine neuron engraftment. Only very recently, those challenges have been overcome by using an alternative differentiation strategy that is based on deriving midbrain dopamine neurons via a distinct midbrain floor plate intermediate. With those novel tools in hand, it should now become possible to test the full potential of midbrain dopamine neurons in regenerative medicine and human disease modeling. However, several challenges remain such as the need to develop strategies that can enrich for selective subtypes of midbrain dopamine neurons, techniques to control postmitotic dopamine neuron maturation, and finally, clinical grade differentiation protocols that enable the production dopamine neurons suitable for human cell therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- 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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50
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Translating stem cell research to the clinic: A constant crosstalk between basic and applied research. Transl Neurosci 2012. [DOI: 10.2478/s13380-012-0016-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractPluripotent stem cells hold great promise for the generation of patient-specific cells for disease modeling and regenerative medicine. Focusing on a recent study reporting the successful generation of midbrain dopaminergic neurons and their efficient grafting in animal models of Parkinson’s disease, I discuss how crosstalk between basic and applied stem cell research more generally paves the road toward clinical translation.
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