1
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Weng M, Jauch R. Advancements in personalized stem cell models for aging-related neurodegenerative disorders. Neural Regen Res 2024; 19:2333-2334. [PMID: 38526261 PMCID: PMC11090431 DOI: 10.4103/nrr.nrr-d-23-01793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2023] [Revised: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/26/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Mingxi Weng
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
- Center for Translational Stem Cell Biology, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Ralf Jauch
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
- Center for Translational Stem Cell Biology, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
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2
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Spathopoulou A, Podlesnic M, De Gaetano L, Kirsch EM, Tisch M, Finotello F, Aigner L, Günther K, Edenhofer F. Single-cell Profiling of Reprogrammed Human Neural Stem Cells Unveils High Similarity to Neural Progenitors in the Developing Central Nervous System. Stem Cell Rev Rep 2024; 20:1325-1339. [PMID: 38519702 PMCID: PMC11222274 DOI: 10.1007/s12015-024-10698-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Similar to induced pluripotent cells (iPSCs), induced neural stem cells (iNSCs) can be directly converted from human somatic cells such as dermal fibroblasts and peripheral blood monocytes. While previous studies have demonstrated the resemblance of iNSCs to neural stem cells derived from primary sources and embryonic stem cells, respectively, a comprehensive analysis of the correlation between iNSCs and their physiological counterparts remained to be investigated. METHODS Nowadays, single-cell sequencing technologies provide unique opportunities for in-depth cellular benchmarking of complex cell populations. Our study involves the comprehensive profiling of converted human iNSCs at a single-cell transcriptomic level, alongside conventional methods, like flow cytometry and immunofluorescence stainings. RESULTS Our results show that the iNSC conversion yields a homogeneous cell population expressing bona fide neural stem cell markers. Extracting transcriptomic signatures from published single cell transcriptomic atlas data and comparison to the iNSC transcriptome reveals resemblance to embryonic neuroepithelial cells of early neurodevelopmental stages observed in vivo at 5 weeks of development. CONCLUSION Our data underscore the physiological relevance of directly converted iNSCs, making them a valuable in vitro system for modeling human central nervous system development and establishing translational applications in cell therapy and compound screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angeliki Spathopoulou
- Department of Molecular Biology & CMBI, Genomics, Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine Group, University of Innsbruck, Technikerstraße 25, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Martina Podlesnic
- Department of Molecular Biology & CMBI, Genomics, Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine Group, University of Innsbruck, Technikerstraße 25, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Laura De Gaetano
- Department of Molecular Biology & CMBI, Genomics, Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine Group, University of Innsbruck, Technikerstraße 25, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Elena Marie Kirsch
- Institute of Molecular Regenerative Medicine, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
- Center for Stroke Research, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Department of Experimental Neurology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Marcel Tisch
- Department of Molecular Biology & CMBI, Genomics, Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine Group, University of Innsbruck, Technikerstraße 25, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Francesca Finotello
- Department of Molecular Biology, Digital Science Center (DiSC), University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Ludwig Aigner
- Institute of Molecular Regenerative Medicine, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Katharina Günther
- Department of Molecular Biology & CMBI, Genomics, Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine Group, University of Innsbruck, Technikerstraße 25, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria
- Institute of Molecular Regenerative Medicine, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Frank Edenhofer
- Department of Molecular Biology & CMBI, Genomics, Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine Group, University of Innsbruck, Technikerstraße 25, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria.
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3
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Beirute-Herrera J, López-Amo Calvo B, Edenhofer F, Esk C. The promise of genetic screens in human in vitro brain models. Biol Chem 2024; 405:13-24. [PMID: 37697643 DOI: 10.1515/hsz-2023-0174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/13/2023]
Abstract
Advances of in vitro culture models have allowed unprecedented insights into human neurobiology. At the same time genetic screening has matured into a robust and accessible experimental strategy allowing for the simultaneous study of many genes in parallel. The combination of both technologies is a newly emerging tool for neuroscientists, opening the door to identifying causal cell- and tissue-specific developmental and disease mechanisms. However, with complex experimental genetic screening set-ups new challenges in data interpretation and experimental scope arise that require a deep understanding of the benefits and challenges of individual approaches. In this review, we summarize the literature that applies genetic screening to in vitro brain models, compare experimental strengths and weaknesses and point towards future directions of these promising approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julianne Beirute-Herrera
- Institute of Molecular Biology, University Innsbruck, Technikerstr. 25, A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria
- Center for Molecular Biosciences, University Innsbruck, Technikerstr. 25, A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Beatriz López-Amo Calvo
- Institute of Molecular Biology, University Innsbruck, Technikerstr. 25, A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria
- Center for Molecular Biosciences, University Innsbruck, Technikerstr. 25, A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Frank Edenhofer
- Institute of Molecular Biology, University Innsbruck, Technikerstr. 25, A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria
- Center for Molecular Biosciences, University Innsbruck, Technikerstr. 25, A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Christopher Esk
- Institute of Molecular Biology, University Innsbruck, Technikerstr. 25, A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria
- Center for Molecular Biosciences, University Innsbruck, Technikerstr. 25, A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria
- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology of the Austrian Academy of Science (IMBA), Vienna BioCenter (VBC), Dr. Bohr Gasse 3, 1030 Vienna, Austria
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4
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Benítez-Burraco A, Uriagereka J, Nataf S. The genomic landscape of mammal domestication might be orchestrated by selected transcription factors regulating brain and craniofacial development. Dev Genes Evol 2023; 233:123-135. [PMID: 37552321 PMCID: PMC10746608 DOI: 10.1007/s00427-023-00709-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2023]
Abstract
Domestication transforms once wild animals into tamed animals that can be then exploited by humans. The process entails modifications in the body, cognition, and behavior that are essentially driven by differences in gene expression patterns. Although genetic and epigenetic mechanisms were shown to underlie such differences, less is known about the role exerted by trans-regulatory molecules, notably transcription factors (TFs) in domestication. In this paper, we conducted extensive in silico analyses aimed to clarify the TF landscape of mammal domestication. We first searched the literature, so as to establish a large list of genes selected with domestication in mammals. From this list, we selected genes experimentally demonstrated to exhibit TF functions. We also considered TFs displaying a statistically significant number of targets among the entire list of (domestication) selected genes. This workflow allowed us to identify 5 candidate TFs (SOX2, KLF4, MITF, NR3C1, NR3C2) that were further assessed in terms of biochemical and functional properties. We found that such TFs-of-interest related to mammal domestication are all significantly involved in the development of the brain and the craniofacial region, as well as the immune response and lipid metabolism. A ranking strategy, essentially based on a survey of protein-protein interactions datasets, allowed us to identify SOX2 as the main candidate TF involved in domestication-associated evolutionary changes. These findings should help to clarify the molecular mechanics of domestication and are of interest for future studies aimed to understand the behavioral and cognitive changes associated to domestication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Benítez-Burraco
- Department of Spanish, Linguistics, and Theory of Literature (Linguistics), Faculty of Philology, University of Seville, Seville, Spain.
- Área de Lingüística General, Departamento de Lengua Española, Lingüística y Teoría de la Literatura, Facultad de Filología, Universidad de Sevilla, C/ Palos de la Frontera s/n., 41007-, Sevilla, España.
| | - Juan Uriagereka
- Department of Linguistics and School of Languages, Literatures & Cultures, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
| | - Serge Nataf
- Stem-cell and Brain Research Institute, 18 avenue de Doyen Lépine, F-69500, Bron, France
- University of Lyon 1, 43 Bd du 11 Novembre 1918, F-69100, Villeurbanne, France
- Bank of Tissues and Cells, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Hôpital Edouard Herriot, Place d'Arsonval, F-69003, Lyon, France
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5
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Hu H, Ho D, Tan DS, MacCarthy C, Yu CH, Weng M, Schöler H, Jauch R. Evaluation of the determinants for improved pluripotency induction and maintenance by engineered SOX17. Nucleic Acids Res 2023; 51:8934-8956. [PMID: 37607832 PMCID: PMC10516664 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkad597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2022] [Revised: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 08/24/2023] Open
Abstract
An engineered SOX17 variant with point mutations within its DNA binding domain termed SOX17FNV is a more potent pluripotency inducer than SOX2, yet the underlying mechanism remains unclear. Although wild-type SOX17 was incapable of inducing pluripotency, SOX17FNV outperformed SOX2 in mouse and human pluripotency reprogramming. In embryonic stem cells, SOX17FNV could replace SOX2 to maintain pluripotency despite considerable sequence differences and upregulated genes expressed in cleavage-stage embryos. Mechanistically, SOX17FNV co-bound OCT4 more cooperatively than SOX2 in the context of the canonical SoxOct DNA element. SOX2, SOX17, and SOX17FNV were all able to bind nucleosome core particles in vitro, which is a prerequisite for pioneer transcription factors. Experiments using purified proteins and in cellular contexts showed that SOX17 variants phase-separated more efficiently than SOX2, suggesting an enhanced ability to self-organise. Systematic deletion analyses showed that the N-terminus of SOX17FNV was dispensable for its reprogramming activity. However, the C-terminus encodes essential domains indicating multivalent interactions that drive transactivation and reprogramming. We defined a minimal SOX17FNV (miniSOX) that can support reprogramming with high activity, reducing the payload of reprogramming cassettes. This study uncovers the mechanisms behind SOX17FNV-induced pluripotency and establishes engineered SOX factors as powerful cell engineering tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haoqing Hu
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Derek Hoi Hang Ho
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Centre for Translational Stem Cell Biology, Hong Kong
| | - Daisylyn Senna Tan
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | | | - Cheng-han Yu
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Mingxi Weng
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Centre for Translational Stem Cell Biology, Hong Kong
| | | | - Ralf Jauch
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Centre for Translational Stem Cell Biology, Hong Kong
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6
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Weng M, Hu H, Graus MS, Tan DS, Gao Y, Ren S, Ho DHH, Langer J, Holzner M, Huang Y, Ling GS, Lai CSW, Francois M, Jauch R. An engineered Sox17 induces somatic to neural stem cell fate transitions independently from pluripotency reprogramming. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2023; 9:eadh2501. [PMID: 37611093 PMCID: PMC10446497 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adh2501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023]
Abstract
Advanced strategies to interconvert cell types provide promising avenues to model cellular pathologies and to develop therapies for neurological disorders. Yet, methods to directly transdifferentiate somatic cells into multipotent induced neural stem cells (iNSCs) are slow and inefficient, and it is unclear whether cells pass through a pluripotent state with full epigenetic reset. We report iNSC reprogramming from embryonic and aged mouse fibroblasts as well as from human blood using an engineered Sox17 (eSox17FNV). eSox17FNV efficiently drives iNSC reprogramming while Sox2 or Sox17 fail. eSox17FNV acquires the capacity to bind different protein partners on regulatory DNA to scan the genome more efficiently and has a more potent transactivation domain than Sox2. Lineage tracing and time-resolved transcriptomics show that emerging iNSCs do not transit through a pluripotent state. Our work distinguishes lineage from pluripotency reprogramming with the potential to generate more authentic cell models for aging-associated neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingxi Weng
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Center for Translational Stem Cell Biology, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Haoqing Hu
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Matthew S. Graus
- The David Richmond Laboratory for Cardiovascular Development: Gene Regulation and Editing Program, The Centenary Institute, Camperdown, NSW 2006, Australia
- Genome Imaging Centre, The Centenary Institute, Camperdown, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Daisylyn Senna Tan
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Ya Gao
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Shimiao Ren
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Derek Hoi Hang Ho
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Center for Translational Stem Cell Biology, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Jakob Langer
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Markus Holzner
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Yuhua Huang
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Guang Sheng Ling
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Cora Sau Wan Lai
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- State Key Laboratory of Cognitive and Brain Research, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Mathias Francois
- The David Richmond Laboratory for Cardiovascular Development: Gene Regulation and Editing Program, The Centenary Institute, Camperdown, NSW 2006, Australia
- Genome Imaging Centre, The Centenary Institute, Camperdown, NSW 2006, Australia
- The University of Sydney, School of Medical Sciences, Camperdown, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Ralf Jauch
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Center for Translational Stem Cell Biology, Hong Kong SAR, China
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7
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Zhai J, Xu Y, Wan H, Yan R, Guo J, Skory R, Yan L, Wu X, Sun F, Chen G, Zhao W, Yu K, Li W, Guo F, Plachta N, Wang H. Neurulation of the cynomolgus monkey embryo achieved from 3D blastocyst culture. Cell 2023; 186:2078-2091.e18. [PMID: 37172562 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2023.04.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Revised: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Neural tube (NT) defects arise from abnormal neurulation and result in the most common birth defects worldwide. Yet, mechanisms of primate neurulation remain largely unknown due to prohibitions on human embryo research and limitations of available model systems. Here, we establish a three-dimensional (3D) prolonged in vitro culture (pIVC) system supporting cynomolgus monkey embryo development from 7 to 25 days post-fertilization. Through single-cell multi-omics analyses, we demonstrate that pIVC embryos form three germ layers, including primordial germ cells, and establish proper DNA methylation and chromatin accessibility through advanced gastrulation stages. In addition, pIVC embryo immunofluorescence confirms neural crest formation, NT closure, and neural progenitor regionalization. Finally, we demonstrate that the transcriptional profiles and morphogenetics of pIVC embryos resemble key features of similarly staged in vivo cynomolgus and human embryos. This work therefore describes a system to study non-human primate embryogenesis through advanced gastrulation and early neurulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinglei Zhai
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Yanhong Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Haifeng Wan
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Rui Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Jing Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Robin Skory
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Long Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Xulun Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Fengyuan Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Gang Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Wentao Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Kunyuan Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Wei Li
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing 100101, China.
| | - Fan Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing 100101, China.
| | - Nicolas Plachta
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
| | - Hongmei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing 100101, China.
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8
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Röderer P, Belu A, Heidrich L, Siobal M, Isensee J, Prolingheuer J, Janocha E, Valdor M, Hagendorf S, Bahrenberg G, Opitz T, Segschneider M, Haupt S, Nitzsche A, Brüstle O, Hucho T. Emergence of nociceptive functionality and opioid signaling in human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived sensory neurons. Pain 2023:00006396-990000000-00249. [PMID: 36727909 DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000002860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) have enabled the generation of various difficult-to-access cell types such as human nociceptors. A key challenge associated with human iPSC-derived nociceptors (hiPSCdNs) is their prolonged functional maturation. While numerous studies have addressed the expression of classic neuronal markers and ion channels in hiPSCdNs, the temporal development of key signaling cascades regulating nociceptor activity has remained largely unexplored. In this study, we used an immunocytochemical high-content imaging approach alongside electrophysiological staging to assess metabotropic and ionotropic signaling of large scale-generated hiPSCdNs across 70 days of in vitro differentiation. During this period, the resting membrane potential became more hyperpolarized, while rheobase, action potential peak amplitude, and membrane capacitance increased. After 70 days, hiPSCdNs exhibited robust physiological responses induced by GABA, pH shift, ATP, and capsaicin. Direct activation of protein kinase A type II (PKA-II) through adenylyl cyclase stimulation with forskolin resulted in PKA-II activation at all time points. Depolarization-induced activation of PKA-II emerged after 35 days of differentiation. However, effective inhibition of forskolin-induced PKA-II activation by opioid receptor agonists required 70 days of in vitro differentiation. Our results identify a pronounced time difference between early expression of functionally important ion channels and emergence of regulatory metabotropic sensitizing and desensitizing signaling only at advanced stages of in vitro cultivation, suggesting an independent regulation of ionotropic and metabotropic signaling. These data are relevant for devising future studies into the development and regulation of human nociceptor function and for defining time windows suitable for hiPSCdN-based drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pascal Röderer
- Institute of Reconstructive Neurobiology, University of Bonn Medical Faculty and University Hospital Bonn, Bonn
- LIFE & BRAIN GmbH, Cellomics Unit, Bonn, Germany, Germany
| | - Andreea Belu
- Translational Pain Research, Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Luzia Heidrich
- Institute of Reconstructive Neurobiology, University of Bonn Medical Faculty and University Hospital Bonn, Bonn
- LIFE & BRAIN GmbH, Cellomics Unit, Bonn, Germany, Germany
| | - Maike Siobal
- Translational Pain Research, Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Jörg Isensee
- Translational Pain Research, Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Jonathan Prolingheuer
- Translational Pain Research, Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | | | | | | | | | - Thoralf Opitz
- Institute of Experimental Epileptology and Cognition Research, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Michaela Segschneider
- Institute of Reconstructive Neurobiology, University of Bonn Medical Faculty and University Hospital Bonn, Bonn
| | - Simone Haupt
- LIFE & BRAIN GmbH, Cellomics Unit, Bonn, Germany, Germany
| | - Anja Nitzsche
- Institute of Reconstructive Neurobiology, University of Bonn Medical Faculty and University Hospital Bonn, Bonn
- LIFE & BRAIN GmbH, Cellomics Unit, Bonn, Germany, Germany
| | - Oliver Brüstle
- Institute of Reconstructive Neurobiology, University of Bonn Medical Faculty and University Hospital Bonn, Bonn
- LIFE & BRAIN GmbH, Cellomics Unit, Bonn, Germany, Germany
| | - Tim Hucho
- Translational Pain Research, Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
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9
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Tan DS, Cheung SL, Gao Y, Weinbuch M, Hu H, Shi L, Ti SC, Hutchins AP, Cojocaru V, Jauch R. The homeodomain of Oct4 is a dimeric binder of methylated CpG elements. Nucleic Acids Res 2023; 51:1120-1138. [PMID: 36631980 PMCID: PMC9943670 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkac1262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Revised: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Oct4 is essential to maintain pluripotency and has a pivotal role in establishing the germline. Its DNA-binding POU domain was recently found to bind motifs with methylated CpG elements normally associated with epigenetic silencing. However, the mode of binding and the consequences of this capability has remained unclear. Here, we show that Oct4 binds to a compact palindromic DNA element with a methylated CpG core (CpGpal) in alternative states of pluripotency and during cellular reprogramming towards induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). During cellular reprogramming, typical Oct4 bound enhancers are uniformly demethylated, with the prominent exception of the CpGpal sites where DNA methylation is often maintained. We demonstrate that Oct4 cooperatively binds the CpGpal element as a homodimer, which contrasts with the ectoderm-expressed POU factor Brn2. Indeed, binding to CpGpal is Oct4-specific as other POU factors expressed in somatic cells avoid this element. Binding assays combined with structural analyses and molecular dynamic simulations show that dimeric Oct4-binding to CpGpal is driven by the POU-homeodomain whilst the POU-specific domain is detached from DNA. Collectively, we report that Oct4 exerts parts of its regulatory function in the context of methylated DNA through a DNA recognition mechanism that solely relies on its homeodomain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daisylyn Senna Tan
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Shun Lai Cheung
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Ya Gao
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Maike Weinbuch
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China,Institute for Molecular Medicine, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Haoqing Hu
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Liyang Shi
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Gene Regulation and Systems Biology, Department of Biology, School of Life Sciences, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Shih-Chieh Ti
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Andrew P Hutchins
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Gene Regulation and Systems Biology, Department of Biology, School of Life Sciences, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Vlad Cojocaru
- STAR-UBB Institute, Babeş-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, Romania,Computational Structural Biology Group, Utrecht University, The Netherlands,Max Planck Institute for Molecular Biomedicine, Münster, Germany
| | - Ralf Jauch
- To whom correspondence should be addressed. Tel: +852 3917 9511; Fax: +852 28559730;
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10
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Ducos B, Bensimon D, Scerbo P. Vertebrate Cell Differentiation, Evolution, and Diseases: The Vertebrate-Specific Developmental Potential Guardians VENTX/ NANOG and POU5/ OCT4 Enter the Stage. Cells 2022; 11:cells11152299. [PMID: 35892595 PMCID: PMC9331430 DOI: 10.3390/cells11152299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Revised: 07/09/2022] [Accepted: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
During vertebrate development, embryonic cells pass through a continuum of transitory pluripotent states that precede multi-lineage commitment and morphogenesis. Such states are referred to as “refractory/naïve” and “competent/formative” pluripotency. The molecular mechanisms maintaining refractory pluripotency or driving the transition to competent pluripotency, as well as the cues regulating multi-lineage commitment, are evolutionarily conserved. Vertebrate-specific “Developmental Potential Guardians” (vsDPGs; i.e., VENTX/NANOG, POU5/OCT4), together with MEK1 (MAP2K1), coordinate the pluripotency continuum, competence for multi-lineage commitment and morphogenesis in vivo. During neurulation, vsDPGs empower ectodermal cells of the neuro-epithelial border (NEB) with multipotency and ectomesenchyme potential through an “endogenous reprogramming” process, giving rise to the neural crest cells (NCCs). Furthermore, vsDPGs are expressed in undifferentiated-bipotent neuro-mesodermal progenitor cells (NMPs), which participate in posterior axis elongation and growth. Finally, vsDPGs are involved in carcinogenesis, whereby they confer selective advantage to cancer stem cells (CSCs) and therapeutic resistance. Intriguingly, the heterogenous distribution of vsDPGs in these cell types impact on cellular potential and features. Here, we summarize the findings about the role of vsDPGs during vertebrate development and their selective advantage in evolution. Our aim to present a holistic view regarding vsDPGs as facilitators of both cell plasticity/adaptability and morphological innovation/variation. Moreover, vsDPGs may also be at the heart of carcinogenesis by allowing malignant cells to escape from physiological constraints and surveillance mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bertrand Ducos
- LPENS, PSL, CNRS, 24 rue Lhomond, 75005 Paris, France
- IBENS, PSL, CNRS, 46 rue d’Ulm, 75005 Paris, France
- High Throughput qPCR Core Facility, ENS, PSL, 46 rue d’Ulm, 75005 Paris, France
- Correspondence: (B.D.); (D.B.); (P.S.)
| | - David Bensimon
- LPENS, PSL, CNRS, 24 rue Lhomond, 75005 Paris, France
- IBENS, PSL, CNRS, 46 rue d’Ulm, 75005 Paris, France
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90094, USA
- Correspondence: (B.D.); (D.B.); (P.S.)
| | - Pierluigi Scerbo
- LPENS, PSL, CNRS, 24 rue Lhomond, 75005 Paris, France
- IBENS, PSL, CNRS, 46 rue d’Ulm, 75005 Paris, France
- Correspondence: (B.D.); (D.B.); (P.S.)
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11
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Vinsland E, Linnarsson S. Single-cell RNA-sequencing of mammalian brain development: insights and future directions. Development 2022; 149:275457. [DOI: 10.1242/dev.200180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT
Understanding human brain development is of fundamental interest but is also very challenging. Single-cell RNA-sequencing studies in mammals have revealed that brain development is a highly dynamic process with tremendous, previously concealed, cellular heterogeneity. This Spotlight discusses key insights from these studies and their implications for experimental models. We survey published single-cell RNA-sequencing studies of mouse and human brain development, organized by anatomical regions and developmental time points. We highlight remaining gaps in the field, predominantly concerning human brain development. We propose future directions to fill the remaining gaps, and necessary complementary techniques to create an atlas integrated in space and time of human brain development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elin Vinsland
- Division of Molecular Neurobiology, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet, Solnavägen 9, 171 65 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Sten Linnarsson
- Division of Molecular Neurobiology, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet, Solnavägen 9, 171 65 Stockholm, Sweden
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12
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Ng N, Newbery M, Maksour S, Dottori M, Sluyter R, Ooi L. Transgene and Chemical Transdifferentiation of Somatic Cells for Rapid and Efficient Neurological Disease Cell Models. Front Cell Neurosci 2022; 16:858432. [PMID: 35634469 PMCID: PMC9130549 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2022.858432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
For neurological diseases, molecular and cellular research relies on the use of model systems to investigate disease processes and test potential therapeutics. The last decade has witnessed an increase in the number of studies using induced pluripotent stem cells to generate disease relevant cell types from patients. The reprogramming process permits the generation of a large number of cells but is potentially disadvantaged by introducing variability in clonal lines and the removal of phenotypes of aging, which are critical to understand neurodegenerative diseases. An under-utilized approach to disease modeling involves the transdifferentiation of aged cells from patients, such as fibroblasts or blood cells, into various neural cell types. In this review we discuss techniques used for rapid and efficient direct conversion to neural cell types. We examine the limitations and future perspectives of this rapidly advancing field that could improve neurological disease modeling and drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neville Ng
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience and Molecular Horizons, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
- *Correspondence: Neville Ng,
| | - Michelle Newbery
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience and Molecular Horizons, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - Simon Maksour
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
- School of Medical, Indigenous and Health Sciences, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - Mirella Dottori
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
- School of Medical, Indigenous and Health Sciences, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - Ronald Sluyter
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience and Molecular Horizons, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - Lezanne Ooi
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience and Molecular Horizons, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
- Lezanne Ooi,
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13
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Spathopoulou A, Edenhofer F, Fellner L. Targeting α-Synuclein in Parkinson's Disease by Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell Models. Front Neurol 2022; 12:786835. [PMID: 35145469 PMCID: PMC8821105 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2021.786835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive, neurodegenerative disorder characterized by motor and non-motor symptoms. To date, no specific treatment to halt disease progression is available, only medication to alleviate symptoms can be prescribed. The main pathological hallmark of PD is the development of neuronal inclusions, positive for α-synuclein (α-syn), which are termed Lewy bodies (LBs) or Lewy neurites. However, the cause of the inclusion formation and the loss of neurons remain largely elusive. Various genetic determinants were reported to be involved in PD etiology, including SNCA, DJ-1, PRKN, PINK1, LRRK2, and GBA. Comprehensive insights into pathophysiology of PD critically depend on appropriate models. However, conventional model organisms fall short to faithfully recapitulate some features of this complex disease and as a matter-of-fact access to physiological tissue is limiting. The development of disease models replicating PD that are close to human physiology and dynamic enough to analyze the underlying molecular mechanisms of disease initiation and progression, as well as the generation of new treatment options, is an important and overdue step. Recently, the establishment of induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived neural models, particularly from genetic PD-variants, developed into a promising strategy to investigate the molecular mechanisms regarding formation of inclusions and neurodegeneration. As these iPSC-derived neurons can be generated from accessible biopsied samples of PD patients, they carry pathological alterations and enable the possibility to analyze the differences compared to healthy neurons. This review focuses on iPSC models carrying genetic PD-variants of α-syn that will be especially helpful in elucidating the pathophysiological mechanisms of PD. Furthermore, we discuss how iPSC models can be instrumental in identifying cellular targets, potentially leading to the development of new therapeutic treatments. We will outline the enormous potential, but also discuss the limitations of iPSC-based α-syn models.
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14
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Chakritbudsabong W, Sariya L, Jantahiran P, Chaisilp N, Chaiwattanarungruengpaisan S, Rungsiwiwut R, Ferreira JN, Rungarunlert S. Generation of Porcine Induced Neural Stem Cells Using the Sendai Virus. Front Vet Sci 2022; 8:806785. [PMID: 35097051 PMCID: PMC8790232 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.806785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The reprogramming of cells into induced neural stem cells (iNSCs), which are faster and safer to generate than induced pluripotent stem cells, holds tremendous promise for fundamental and frontier research, as well as personalized cell-based therapies for neurological diseases. However, reprogramming cells with viral vectors increases the risk of tumor development due to vector and transgene integration in the host cell genome. To circumvent this issue, the Sendai virus (SeV) provides an alternative integration-free reprogramming method that removes the danger of genetic alterations and enhances the prospects of iNSCs from bench to bedside. Since pigs are among the most successful large animal models in biomedical research, porcine iNSCs (piNSCs) may serve as a disease model for both veterinary and human medicine. Here, we report the successful generation of piNSC lines from pig fibroblasts by employing the SeV. These piNSCs can be expanded for up to 40 passages in a monolayer culture and produce neurospheres in a suspension culture. These piNSCs express high levels of NSC markers (PAX6, SOX2, NESTIN, and VIMENTIN) and proliferation markers (KI67) using quantitative immunostaining and western blot analysis. Furthermore, piNSCs are multipotent, as they are capable of producing neurons and glia, as demonstrated by their expressions of TUJ1, MAP2, TH, MBP, and GFAP proteins. During the reprogramming of piNSCs with the SeV, no induced pluripotent stem cells developed, and the established piNSCs did not express OCT4, NANOG, and SSEA1. Hence, the use of the SeV can reprogram porcine somatic cells without first going through an intermediate pluripotent state. Our research produced piNSCs using SeV methods in novel, easily accessible large animal cell culture models for evaluating the efficacy of iNSC-based clinical translation in human medicine. Additionally, our piNSCs are potentially applicable in disease modeling in pigs and regenerative therapies in veterinary medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Warunya Chakritbudsabong
- Laboratory of Cellular Biomedicine and Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
- Department of Preclinic and Applied Animal Science, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
| | - Ladawan Sariya
- The Monitoring and Surveillance Center for Zoonotic Disease in Wildlife and Exotic Animals (MoZWE), Faculty of Veterinary Science, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
| | - Phakhin Jantahiran
- Laboratory of Cellular Biomedicine and Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
- Department of Preclinic and Applied Animal Science, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
| | - Nattarun Chaisilp
- The Monitoring and Surveillance Center for Zoonotic Disease in Wildlife and Exotic Animals (MoZWE), Faculty of Veterinary Science, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
| | - Somjit Chaiwattanarungruengpaisan
- The Monitoring and Surveillance Center for Zoonotic Disease in Wildlife and Exotic Animals (MoZWE), Faculty of Veterinary Science, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
| | - Ruttachuk Rungsiwiwut
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Srinakharinwirot University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Joao N. Ferreira
- Avatar Biotechnologies for Oral Health and Healthy Longevity Research Unit, Faculty of Dentistry, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Faculty of Dentistry, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Sasitorn Rungarunlert
- Laboratory of Cellular Biomedicine and Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
- Department of Preclinic and Applied Animal Science, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
- *Correspondence: Sasitorn Rungarunlert
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15
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Samoilova EM, Belopasov VV, Baklaushev VP. Transcription Factors of Direct Neuronal Reprogramming in Ontogenesis and Ex Vivo. Mol Biol 2021. [DOI: 10.1134/s0026893321040087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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16
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Fernandez-Muñoz B, Garcia-Delgado AB, Arribas-Arribas B, Sanchez-Pernaute R. Human Neural Stem Cells for Cell-Based Medicinal Products. Cells 2021; 10:2377. [PMID: 34572024 PMCID: PMC8469920 DOI: 10.3390/cells10092377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2021] [Revised: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 09/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Neural stem cells represent an attractive tool for the development of regenerative therapies and are being tested in clinical trials for several neurological disorders. Human neural stem cells can be isolated from the central nervous system or can be derived in vitro from pluripotent stem cells. Embryonic sources are ethically controversial and other sources are less well characterized and/or inefficient. Recently, isolation of NSC from the cerebrospinal fluid of patients with spina bifida and with intracerebroventricular hemorrhage has been reported. Direct reprogramming may become another alternative if genetic and phenotypic stability of the reprogrammed cells is ensured. Here, we discuss the advantages and disadvantages of available sources of neural stem cells for the production of cell-based therapies for clinical applications. We review available safety and efficacy clinical data and discuss scalability and quality control considerations for manufacturing clinical grade cell products for successful clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatriz Fernandez-Muñoz
- Cellular Reprogramming and Production Unit, Andalusian Network for the Design and Translation of Advanced Therapies, 41092 Sevilla, Spain; (A.B.G.-D.); (B.A.-A.)
| | - Ana Belen Garcia-Delgado
- Cellular Reprogramming and Production Unit, Andalusian Network for the Design and Translation of Advanced Therapies, 41092 Sevilla, Spain; (A.B.G.-D.); (B.A.-A.)
| | - Blanca Arribas-Arribas
- Cellular Reprogramming and Production Unit, Andalusian Network for the Design and Translation of Advanced Therapies, 41092 Sevilla, Spain; (A.B.G.-D.); (B.A.-A.)
- Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology, School of Pharmacy, University of Sevilla, 41012 Sevilla, Spain
| | - Rosario Sanchez-Pernaute
- Cellular Reprogramming and Production Unit, Andalusian Network for the Design and Translation of Advanced Therapies, 41092 Sevilla, Spain; (A.B.G.-D.); (B.A.-A.)
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17
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High Glycolytic Activity Enhances Stem Cell Reprogramming of Fahd1-KO Mouse Embryonic Fibroblasts. Cells 2021; 10:cells10082040. [PMID: 34440809 PMCID: PMC8392800 DOI: 10.3390/cells10082040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2021] [Revised: 08/04/2021] [Accepted: 08/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Mitochondria play a key role in metabolic transitions involved in the reprogramming of somatic cells into induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), but the underlying molecular mechanisms remain largely unexplored. To obtain new insight into the mechanisms of cellular reprogramming, we studied the role of FAH domain-containing protein 1 (FAHD1) in the reprogramming of murine embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) into iPSCs and their subsequent differentiation into neuronal cells. MEFs from wild type (WT) and Fahd1-knock-out (KO) mice were reprogrammed into iPSCs and characterized for alterations in metabolic parameters and the expression of marker genes indicating mitochondrial biogenesis. Fahd1-KO MEFs showed a higher reprogramming efficiency accompanied by a significant increase in glycolytic activity as compared to WT. We also observed a strong increase of mitochondrial DNA copy number and expression of biogenesis marker genes in Fahd1-KO iPSCs relative to WT. Neuronal differentiation of iPSCs was accompanied by increased expression of mitochondrial biogenesis genes in both WT and Fahd1-KO neurons with higher expression in Fahd1-KO neurons. Together these observations establish a role of FAHD1 as a potential negative regulator of reprogramming and add additional insight into mechanisms by which FAHD1 modulates mitochondrial functions.
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18
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Lu W, Chen Z, Wen J. RhoA/ROCK signaling pathway and astrocytes in ischemic stroke. Metab Brain Dis 2021; 36:1101-1108. [PMID: 33745103 DOI: 10.1007/s11011-021-00709-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2020] [Accepted: 02/25/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Ischemic stroke is one of the most common and undertreated cerebral diseases with high mortality and disability rate. Various intrinsic and extrinsic factors regulate the onset, severity, and progression of ischemic stroke. As an integral part of the neuronal glia system, astrocytes provide many housekeeping functions in nervous system, and perform multiple functions both beneficial and detrimental for neuronal survival after ischemic stroke. In addition, the small GTPase Rho and its downstream Rho kinase (ROCK) are associated with various neuronal functions such as dendrite development, migration and axonal extension, and numerous central nervous system (CNS) diseases. The aim of this review is to summarize the role of RhoA/ROCK signaling pathway and astrocytes on neurological function after ischemic stroke. We also discuss the interaction of RhoA/ROCK signaling pathway and astrocytes on the tissue repair after brain injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weizhuo Lu
- Medical School, Hefei Technology College, Hefei, China
| | - Zhiwu Chen
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.
| | - Jiyue Wen
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.
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19
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Kim KM, Thaqi M, Peterson DA, Marr RA. Induced Neurons for Disease Modeling and Repair: A Focus on Non-fibroblastic Cell Sources in Direct Reprogramming. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2021; 9:658498. [PMID: 33777923 PMCID: PMC7995206 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2021.658498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2021] [Accepted: 02/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Direct cellular reprogramming exhibits distinct advantages over reprogramming from an induced pluripotent stem cell intermediate. These include a reduced risk of tumorigenesis and the likely preservation of epigenetic data. In vitro direct reprogramming approaches primarily aim to model the pathophysiological development of neurological disease and identify therapeutic targets, while in vivo direct reprogramming aims to develop treatments for various neurological disorders, including cerebral injury and cancer. In both approaches, there is progress toward developing increased control of subtype-specific production of induced neurons. A majority of research primarily utilizes fibroblasts as the donor cells. However, there are a variety of other somatic cell types that have demonstrated the potential for reprogramming into induced neurons. This review highlights studies that utilize non-fibroblastic cell sources for reprogramming, such as astrocytes, olfactory ensheathing cells, peripheral blood cells, Müller glia, and more. We will examine benefits and obstructions for translation into therapeutics or disease modeling, as well as efficiency of the conversion. A summary of donor cells, induced neuron types, and methods of induction is also provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn M. Kim
- Center for Neurodegenerative Disease and Therapeutics, Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Mentor Thaqi
- Center for Neurodegenerative Disease and Therapeutics, Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL, United States
- Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Daniel A. Peterson
- Center for Neurodegenerative Disease and Therapeutics, Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Robert A. Marr
- Center for Neurodegenerative Disease and Therapeutics, Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL, United States
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW In hematopoiesis, rapid cell fate decisions are necessary for timely responses to environmental stimuli resulting in the production of diverse types of blood cells. Early studies have led to a hierarchical, tree-like view of hematopoiesis with hematopoietic stem cells residing at the apex and serially branching out to give rise to bipotential progenitors with increasingly restricted lineage potential. Recent single-cell studies have challenged some aspects of the classical model of hematopoiesis. Here, we review the latest articles on cell fate decision in hematopoietic progenitors, highlighting single-cell studies that have questioned previously established concepts and those that have reaffirmed them. RECENT FINDINGS The hierarchical organization of hematopoiesis and the importance of transcription factors have been largely validated at the single-cell level. In contrast, single-cell studies have shown that lineage commitment is progressive rather than switch-like as originally proposed. Furthermore, the reconstruction of cell fate paths suggested the existence of a gradient of hematopoietic progenitors that are in a continuum of changing fate probabilities rather than in a static bipotential state, leading us to reconsider the notion of bipotential progenitors. SUMMARY Single-cell transcriptomic and proteomic studies have transformed our view of lineage commitment and offer a drastically different perspective on hematopoiesis.
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21
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Brown CO, Uy J, Singh KK. A mini-review: Bridging the gap between autism spectrum disorder and pain comorbidities. CANADIAN JOURNAL OF PAIN-REVUE CANADIENNE DE LA DOULEUR 2020; 4:37-44. [PMID: 33987518 PMCID: PMC7942773 DOI: 10.1080/24740527.2020.1775486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Background Pain is a complex neurobiological response with a multitude of causes; however, patients with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often report chronic pain with no known etiology. Recent research has been aimed toward identifying the causal mechanisms of pain in mouse and human models of ASD. In recent years, efforts have been made to better document and explore secondary phenotypes observed in ASD patients in the clinic. As new sequencing studies have become more powered with larger cohorts within ASD, specific genes and their variants are often left uncharacterized or validated. In this review we highlight ASD risk genes often presented with pain comorbidities. Aims This mini-review bridges the gap between two fields of literature, neurodevelopmental disorders and pain research. We discuss the importance of the genetic landscape of ASD and its links to pain phenotypes. Results Among the numerous genes implicated in ASD, few have been implicated with varying severities of pain comorbidity. Mutations in these genes, such as SCN9A, SHANK3, and CNTNAP2, lead to altered neuronal function that produce different responses to pain, shown in both mouse and human models. Conclusion There is a necessity to use new technologies to advance the current understanding of ASD risk genes and their contributions to pain. Secondly, there is a need to power future ASD risk genes associated with pain with their own cohort, because a better understanding is needed of this subpopulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chad O Brown
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.,Stem Cell and Cancer Research Institute, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.,Michael G. DeGroote Institute for Pain Research and Care, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jarryll Uy
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.,Stem Cell and Cancer Research Institute, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Karun K Singh
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.,Stem Cell and Cancer Research Institute, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
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Xu Z, Su S, Zhou S, Yang W, Deng X, Sun Y, Li L, Li Y. How to reprogram human fibroblasts to neurons. Cell Biosci 2020; 10:116. [PMID: 33062254 PMCID: PMC7549215 DOI: 10.1186/s13578-020-00476-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2020] [Accepted: 09/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Destruction and death of neurons can lead to neurodegenerative diseases. One possible way to treat neurodegenerative diseases and damage of the nervous system is replacing damaged and dead neurons by cell transplantation. If new neurons can replace the lost neurons, patients may be able to regain the lost functions of memory, motor, and so on. Therefore, acquiring neurons conveniently and efficiently is vital to treat neurological diseases. In recent years, studies on reprogramming human fibroblasts into neurons have emerged one after another, and this paper summarizes all these studies. Scientists find small molecules and transcription factors playing a crucial role in reprogramming and inducing neuron production. At the same time, both the physiological microenvironment in vivo and the physical and chemical factors in vitro play an essential role in the induction of neurons. Therefore, this paper summarized and analyzed these relevant factors. In addition, due to the unique advantages of physical factors in the process of reprogramming human fibroblasts into neurons, such as safe and minimally invasive, it has a more promising application prospect. Therefore, this paper also summarizes some successful physical mechanisms of utilizing fibroblasts to acquire neurons, which will provide new ideas for somatic cell reprogramming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziran Xu
- The Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, 130021 People's Republic of China
| | - Shengnan Su
- The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Jilin, Changchun, 130041 China
| | - Siyan Zhou
- Department of Stomatology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130021 People's Republic of China
| | - Wentao Yang
- Norman Bethune College of Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, 130021 People's Republic of China
| | - Xin Deng
- Norman Bethune College of Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, 130021 People's Republic of China
| | - Yingying Sun
- The Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, 130021 People's Republic of China.,Department of Stomatology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130021 People's Republic of China
| | - Lisha Li
- The Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, 130021 People's Republic of China
| | - Yulin Li
- The Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, 130021 People's Republic of China
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23
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Kobayashi GS, Musso CM, Moreira DDP, Pontillo-Guimarães G, Hsia GSP, Caires-Júnior LC, Goulart E, Passos-Bueno MR. Recapitulation of Neural Crest Specification and EMT via Induction from Neural Plate Border-like Cells. Stem Cell Reports 2020; 15:776-788. [PMID: 32857981 PMCID: PMC7486307 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2020.07.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2019] [Revised: 07/27/2020] [Accepted: 07/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Neural crest cells (NCCs) contribute to several tissues during embryonic development. NCC formation depends on activation of tightly regulated molecular programs at the neural plate border (NPB) region, which initiate NCC specification and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Although several approaches to investigate NCCs have been devised, these early events of NCC formation remain largely unknown in humans, and currently available cellular models have not investigated EMT. Here, we report that the E6 neural induction protocol converts human induced pluripotent stem cells into NPB-like cells (NBCs), from which NCCs can be efficiently derived. NBC-to-NCC induction recapitulates gene expression dynamics associated with NCC specification and EMT, including downregulation of NPB factors and upregulation of NCC specifiers, coupled with other EMT-associated cell-state changes, such as cadherin modulation and activation of TWIST1 and other EMT inducers. This strategy will be useful in future basic or translational research focusing on these early steps of NCC formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerson Shigeru Kobayashi
- Centro de Pesquisa sobre o Genoma Humano e Células-Tronco, Departamento de Genética e Biologia Evolutiva, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
| | - Camila Manso Musso
- Centro de Pesquisa sobre o Genoma Humano e Células-Tronco, Departamento de Genética e Biologia Evolutiva, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Danielle de Paula Moreira
- Centro de Pesquisa sobre o Genoma Humano e Células-Tronco, Departamento de Genética e Biologia Evolutiva, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Giovanna Pontillo-Guimarães
- Centro de Pesquisa sobre o Genoma Humano e Células-Tronco, Departamento de Genética e Biologia Evolutiva, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Gabriella Shih Ping Hsia
- Centro de Pesquisa sobre o Genoma Humano e Células-Tronco, Departamento de Genética e Biologia Evolutiva, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Luiz Carlos Caires-Júnior
- Centro de Pesquisa sobre o Genoma Humano e Células-Tronco, Departamento de Genética e Biologia Evolutiva, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ernesto Goulart
- Centro de Pesquisa sobre o Genoma Humano e Células-Tronco, Departamento de Genética e Biologia Evolutiva, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Maria Rita Passos-Bueno
- Centro de Pesquisa sobre o Genoma Humano e Células-Tronco, Departamento de Genética e Biologia Evolutiva, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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24
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Braga A, Bandiera S, Verheyen J, Hamel R, Rutigliani C, Edenhofer F, Smith JA, Pluchino S. Combination of In Situ Lcn2 pRNA-RNAi Nanotherapeutics and iNSC Transplantation Ameliorates Experimental SCI in Mice. Mol Ther 2020; 28:2677-2690. [PMID: 32877696 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2020.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2020] [Revised: 06/05/2020] [Accepted: 08/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a debilitating neurological condition characterized by different cellular and molecular mechanisms that interplay in exacerbating the progression of the pathology. No fully restorative therapies are yet available, and it is thus becoming recognized that combinatorial approaches aimed at addressing different aspects of SCI will likely results in greater functional outcomes. Here we employed packaging RNA-mediated RNA interference (pRNA-RNAi) nanotherapeutics to downregulate in situ the expression of lipocalin 2 (Lcn2), a known mediator of neuroinflammation and autocrine mediator of reactive astrogliosis, and to create a more amenable niche for the subsequent transplantation of induced neural stem cells (iNSCs). To our knowledge, this is the first approach that takes advantage of the modular and multifunctional pRNA three-way junction platform in the SCI niche, while also exploiting the therapeutic potential of immune-compatible and feasible iNSC transplants. We show the combination of such treatments in a mouse model of contusion thoracic SCI leads to significant improvement of locomotor function, albeit not better than single pRNA-RNAi treatment, and results in synergistic histopathological effects, such as reduction of glial scar volume, diminished pro-inflammatory response, and promotion of neuronal survival. Our results provide evidence for a novel combinatorial approach for treating SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice Braga
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences and NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, University of Cambridge, CB2 0HA Cambridge, UK
| | - Sara Bandiera
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences and NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, University of Cambridge, CB2 0HA Cambridge, UK
| | - Jeroen Verheyen
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences and NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, University of Cambridge, CB2 0HA Cambridge, UK
| | - Regan Hamel
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences and NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, University of Cambridge, CB2 0HA Cambridge, UK
| | - Carola Rutigliani
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences and NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, University of Cambridge, CB2 0HA Cambridge, UK
| | - Frank Edenhofer
- Department of Molecular Biology & CMBI, Genomics, Stem Cell Biology & Regenerative Medicine, Leopold-Franzens-University Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Jayden Aaron Smith
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences and NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, University of Cambridge, CB2 0HA Cambridge, UK; Cambridge Innovation Technologies Consulting, Ltd., CB4 0WS Cambridge, UK.
| | - Stefano Pluchino
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences and NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, University of Cambridge, CB2 0HA Cambridge, UK.
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25
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Sullivan GM, Knutsen AK, Peruzzotti-Jametti L, Korotcov A, Bosomtwi A, Dardzinski BJ, Bernstock JD, Rizzi S, Edenhofer F, Pluchino S, Armstrong RC. Transplantation of induced neural stem cells (iNSCs) into chronically demyelinated corpus callosum ameliorates motor deficits. Acta Neuropathol Commun 2020; 8:84. [PMID: 32517808 PMCID: PMC7285785 DOI: 10.1186/s40478-020-00960-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2020] [Accepted: 05/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) causes neurologic disability due to inflammation, demyelination, and neurodegeneration. Immunosuppressive treatments can modify the disease course but do not effectively promote remyelination or prevent long term neurodegeneration. As a novel approach to mitigate chronic stage pathology, we tested transplantation of mouse induced neural stem cells (iNSCs) into the chronically demyelinated corpus callosum (CC) in adult mice. Male C57BL/6 mice fed 0.3% cuprizone for 12 weeks exhibited CC atrophy with chronic demyelination, astrogliosis, and microglial activation. Syngeneic iNSCs were transplanted into the CC after ending cuprizone and perfused for neuropathology 2 weeks later. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) sequences for magnetization transfer ratio (MTR), diffusion-weighted imaging (T2), and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) quantified CC pathology in live mice before and after iNSC transplantation. Each MRI technique detected progressive CC pathology. Mice that received iNSCs had normalized DTI radial diffusivity, and reduced astrogliosis post-imaging. A motor skill task that engages the CC is Miss-step wheel running, which demonstrated functional deficits from cuprizone demyelination. Transplantation of iNSCs resulted in marked recovery of running velocity. Neuropathology after wheel running showed that iNSC grafts significantly increased host oligodendrocytes and proliferating oligodendrocyte progenitors, while modulating axon damage. Transplanted iNSCs differentiated along astrocyte and oligodendrocyte lineages, without myelinating, and many remained neural stem cells. Our findings demonstrate the applicability of neuroimaging and functional assessments for pre-clinical interventional trials during chronic demyelination and detect improved function from iNSC transplantation. Directly reprogramming fibroblasts into iNSCs facilitates the future translation towards exogenous autologous cell therapies.
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26
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Revkova VA, Grebenik EA, Kalsin VA, Demina TS, Bardakova KN, Shavkuta BS, Melnikov PA, Samoilova EM, Konoplyannikov MA, Efremov YM, Zhang C, Akopova TA, Troitsky AV, Timashev PS, Baklaushev VP. Chitosan- g-oligo(L,L-lactide) Copolymer Hydrogel Potential for Neural Stem Cell Differentiation. Tissue Eng Part A 2020; 26:953-963. [PMID: 32159465 DOI: 10.1089/ten.tea.2019.0265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
We evaluated the applicability of chitosan-g-oligo(L,L-lactide) copolymer (CLC) hydrogel for central nervous system tissue engineering. The biomechanical properties of the CLC hydrogel were characterized and its biocompatibility was assessed with neural progenitor cells obtained from two different sources: H9-derived neural stem cells (H9D-NSCs) and directly reprogrammed neural precursor cells (drNPCs). Our study found that the optically transparent CLC hydrogel possessed biomechanical characteristics suitable for culturing human neural stem/precursor cells and was noncytotoxic. When seeded on films prepared from CLC copolymer hydrogel, both H9D-NSC and drNPC adhered well, expanded and exhibited signs of spontaneous differentiation. While H9D-NSC mainly preserved multipotency as shown by a high proportion of Nestin+ and Sox2+ cells and a comparatively lower expression of the neuronal markers βIII-tubulin and MAP2, drNPCs, obtained by direct reprogramming, differentiated more extensively along the neuronal lineage. Our study indicates that the CLC hydrogel may be considered as a substrate for tissue-engineered constructs, applicable for therapy of neurodegenerative diseases. Impact statement We synthetized a chitosan-g-oligo(L,L-lactide) hydrogel that sustained multipotency of embryonic-derived neural stem cells (NSCs) and supported differentiation of directly reprogrammed NSC predominantly along the neuronal lineage. The hydrogel exhibited no cytotoxicity in vitro, both in extraction and contact cytotoxicity tests. When seeded on the hydrogel, both types of NSCs adhered well, expanded, and exhibited signs of spontaneous differentiation. The biomechanical properties of the hydrogel were similar to that of human spinal cord with incised pia mater. These data pave the way for further investigations of the hydrogel toward its applicability in central nervous system tissue engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronica A Revkova
- Federal Research and Clinical Center of Specialized Medical Care and Medical Technologies FMBA of Russia, Moscow, Russia
| | - Ekaterina A Grebenik
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Vladimir A Kalsin
- Federal Research and Clinical Center of Specialized Medical Care and Medical Technologies FMBA of Russia, Moscow, Russia
| | - Tatiana S Demina
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia.,Enikolopov Institute of Synthetic Polymer Materials, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Kseniia N Bardakova
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia.,Institute of Photonic Technologies, Research Center "Crystallography and Photonics," Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Boris S Shavkuta
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia.,Institute of Photonic Technologies, Research Center "Crystallography and Photonics," Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Pavel A Melnikov
- Federal Research and Clinical Center of Specialized Medical Care and Medical Technologies FMBA of Russia, Moscow, Russia.,Serbsky National Medical Research Center for Psychiatry and Narcology, Moscow, Russia
| | - Ekaterina M Samoilova
- Federal Research and Clinical Center of Specialized Medical Care and Medical Technologies FMBA of Russia, Moscow, Russia
| | - Mikhail A Konoplyannikov
- Federal Research and Clinical Center of Specialized Medical Care and Medical Technologies FMBA of Russia, Moscow, Russia.,Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Yuri M Efremov
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Chao Zhang
- Department of Bone and Soft Tissue Tumors, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Tatiana A Akopova
- Enikolopov Institute of Synthetic Polymer Materials, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Alexandr V Troitsky
- Federal Research and Clinical Center of Specialized Medical Care and Medical Technologies FMBA of Russia, Moscow, Russia
| | - Peter S Timashev
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia.,Institute of Photonic Technologies, Research Center "Crystallography and Photonics," Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia.,N.N. Semenov Institute of Chemical Physics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Vladimir P Baklaushev
- Federal Research and Clinical Center of Specialized Medical Care and Medical Technologies FMBA of Russia, Moscow, Russia
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27
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HORISAWA K, SUZUKI A. Direct cell-fate conversion of somatic cells: Toward regenerative medicine and industries. PROCEEDINGS OF THE JAPAN ACADEMY. SERIES B, PHYSICAL AND BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES 2020; 96:131-158. [PMID: 32281550 PMCID: PMC7247973 DOI: 10.2183/pjab.96.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
Cells of multicellular organisms have diverse characteristics despite having the same genetic identity. The distinctive phenotype of each cell is determined by molecular mechanisms such as epigenetic changes that occur throughout the lifetime of an individual. Recently, technologies that enable modification of the fate of somatic cells have been developed, and the number of studies using these technologies has increased drastically in the last decade. Various cell types, including neuronal cells, cardiomyocytes, and hepatocytes, have been generated using these technologies. Although most direct reprogramming methods employ forced transduction of a defined sets of transcription factors to reprogram cells in a manner similar to induced pluripotent cell technology, many other strategies, such as methods utilizing chemical compounds and microRNAs to change the fate of somatic cells, have also been developed. In this review, we summarize transcription factor-based reprogramming and various other reprogramming methods. Additionally, we describe the various industrial applications of direct reprogramming technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenichi HORISAWA
- Division of Organogenesis and Regeneration, Medical Institute of Bioregulation, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
| | - Atsushi SUZUKI
- Division of Organogenesis and Regeneration, Medical Institute of Bioregulation, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
- Correspondence should be addressed: A. Suzuki, Division of Organogenesis and Regeneration, Medical Institute of Bioregulation, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan (e-mail: )
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28
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Pires CF, Rosa FF, Kurochkin I, Pereira CF. Understanding and Modulating Immunity With Cell Reprogramming. Front Immunol 2019; 10:2809. [PMID: 31921109 PMCID: PMC6917620 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.02809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2019] [Accepted: 11/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell reprogramming concepts have been classically developed in the fields of developmental and stem cell biology and are currently being explored for regenerative medicine, given its potential to generate desired cell types for replacement therapy. Cell fate can be experimentally reversed or modified by enforced expression of lineage specific transcription factors leading to pluripotency or attainment of another somatic cell type identity. The possibility to reprogram fibroblasts into induced dendritic cells (DC) competent for antigen presentation creates a paradigm shift for understanding and modulating the immune system with direct cell reprogramming. PU.1, IRF8, and BATF3 were identified as sufficient and necessary to impose DC fate in unrelated cell types, taking advantage of Clec9a, a C-type lectin receptor with restricted expression in conventional DC type 1. The identification of such minimal gene regulatory networks helps to elucidate the molecular mechanisms governing development and lineage heterogeneity along the hematopoietic hierarchy. Furthermore, the generation of patient-tailored reprogrammed immune cells provides new and exciting tools for the expanding field of cancer immunotherapy. Here, we summarize cell reprogramming concepts and experimental approaches, review current knowledge at the intersection of cell reprogramming with hematopoiesis, and propose how cell fate engineering can be merged to immunology, opening new opportunities to understand the immune system in health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristiana F. Pires
- Cell Reprogramming in Hematopoiesis and Immunity Laboratory, Lund Stem Cell Center, Molecular Medicine and Gene Therapy, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Wallenberg Center for Molecular Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Fábio F. Rosa
- Cell Reprogramming in Hematopoiesis and Immunity Laboratory, Lund Stem Cell Center, Molecular Medicine and Gene Therapy, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Wallenberg Center for Molecular Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Ilia Kurochkin
- Center for Neurobiology and Brain Restoration, Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology, Moscow, Russia
| | - Carlos-Filipe Pereira
- Cell Reprogramming in Hematopoiesis and Immunity Laboratory, Lund Stem Cell Center, Molecular Medicine and Gene Therapy, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Wallenberg Center for Molecular Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
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29
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Erharter A, Rizzi S, Mertens J, Edenhofer F. Take the shortcut - direct conversion of somatic cells into induced neural stem cells and their biomedical applications. FEBS Lett 2019; 593:3353-3369. [PMID: 31663609 PMCID: PMC6916337 DOI: 10.1002/1873-3468.13656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2019] [Revised: 10/12/2019] [Accepted: 10/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Second-generation reprogramming of somatic cells directly into the cell type of interest avoids induction of pluripotency and subsequent cumbersome differentiation procedures. Several recent studies have reported direct conversion of human somatic cells into stably proliferating induced neural stem cells (iNSCs). Importantly, iNSCs are easier, faster, and more cost-efficient to generate than induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), and also have a higher level of clinical safety. Stably, self-renewing iNSCs can be derived from different cellular sources, such as skin fibroblasts and peripheral blood mononuclear cells, and readily differentiate into neuronal and glial lineages that are indistinguishable from their iPSC-derived counterparts or from NSCs isolated from primary tissues. This review focuses on the derivation and characterization of iNSCs and their biomedical applications. We first outline different approaches to generate iNSCs and then discuss the underlying molecular mechanisms. Finally, we summarize the preclinical validation of iNSCs to highlight that these cells are promising targets for disease modeling, autologous cell therapy, and precision medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anita Erharter
- Department of Molecular Biology & CMBIGenomics, Stem Cell Biology & Regenerative MedicineLeopold‐Franzens‐University InnsbruckAustria
| | - Sandra Rizzi
- Department of Molecular Biology & CMBIGenomics, Stem Cell Biology & Regenerative MedicineLeopold‐Franzens‐University InnsbruckAustria
- Institute of PharmacologyMedical University InnsbruckAustria
| | - Jerome Mertens
- Department of Molecular Biology & CMBIGenomics, Stem Cell Biology & Regenerative MedicineLeopold‐Franzens‐University InnsbruckAustria
| | - Frank Edenhofer
- Department of Molecular Biology & CMBIGenomics, Stem Cell Biology & Regenerative MedicineLeopold‐Franzens‐University InnsbruckAustria
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30
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Chen Y, Yi Y, Xu J, Chan WK, Loh YH. Re-entering the pluripotent state from blood lineage: promises and pitfalls of blood reprogramming. FEBS Lett 2019; 593:3244-3252. [PMID: 31691960 DOI: 10.1002/1873-3468.13659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2019] [Revised: 10/27/2019] [Accepted: 11/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Blood reprogramming, in which induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) are derived from haematopoietic lineages, has rapidly advanced over the past decade. Since the first report using human blood, haematopoietic cell types from various sources, such as the peripheral bone marrow and cord blood, have been successfully reprogrammed. The volume of blood required has also decreased, from around tens of millilitres to a single finger-prick drop. Besides, while early studies were limited to reprogramming methods relying on viral integration, nonintegrating reprogramming systems for blood lineages have been subsequently established. Together, these improvements have made feasible the future clinical applications of blood-derived iPSCs. Here, we review the progress in blood reprogramming from various perspectives, including the starting materials and subsequent reprogramming strategies. We also discuss the downstream applications of blood-derived iPSCs, highlighting their clinical value in terms of disease modelling and therapeutic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Chen
- NUS Graduate School for Integrative Sciences and Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore.,Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore.,Epigenetics and Cell Fates Laboratory, Programme in Stem Cell, Regenerative Medicine and Aging, A*STAR Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Yao Yi
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore.,Epigenetics and Cell Fates Laboratory, Programme in Stem Cell, Regenerative Medicine and Aging, A*STAR Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Jian Xu
- Department of Biological Sciences and Centre for BioImaging Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Woon-Khiong Chan
- NUS Graduate School for Integrative Sciences and Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore.,Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Yuin-Han Loh
- NUS Graduate School for Integrative Sciences and Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore.,Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore.,Epigenetics and Cell Fates Laboratory, Programme in Stem Cell, Regenerative Medicine and Aging, A*STAR Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Singapore, Singapore.,Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
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31
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Flitsch LJ, Brüstle O. Evolving principles underlying neural lineage conversion and their relevance for biomedical translation. F1000Res 2019; 8. [PMID: 31559012 PMCID: PMC6743253 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.18926.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Scientific and technological advances of the past decade have shed light on the mechanisms underlying cell fate acquisition, including its transcriptional and epigenetic regulation during embryonic development. This knowledge has enabled us to purposefully engineer cell fates
in vitro by manipulating expression levels of lineage-instructing transcription factors. Here, we review the state of the art in the cell programming field with a focus on the derivation of neural cells. We reflect on what we know about the mechanisms underlying fate changes in general and on the degree of epigenetic remodeling conveyed by the distinct reprogramming and direct conversion strategies available. Moreover, we discuss the implications of residual epigenetic memory for biomedical applications such as disease modeling and neuroregeneration. Finally, we cover recent developments approaching cell fate conversion in the living brain and define questions which need to be addressed before cell programming can become an integral part of translational medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lea Jessica Flitsch
- Institute of Reconstructive Neurobiology, University of Bonn School of Medicine & University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, North Rhine Wesphalia, 53127, Germany
| | - Oliver Brüstle
- Institute of Reconstructive Neurobiology, University of Bonn School of Medicine & University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, North Rhine Wesphalia, 53127, Germany
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