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Wang A, Huang Y, Song X, Zeng J, Zhu L, Wang B, Wu Y, Xu Z, Zheng R, Qin Y, Wang J, Yao W, Wan X, Li H, Zhuang P, Jiao J, Zhang Y, Wu Y. Parental exposure to acrylamide disrupts sphingolipid metabolism and impairs transgenerational neurodevelopment in zebrafish (Danio rerio) offspring. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 950:175134. [PMID: 39084380 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.175134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2024] [Revised: 07/26/2024] [Accepted: 07/27/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024]
Abstract
Acrylamide exposure has become an emerging environmental and food safety issue, and its toxicity poses a potential threat to public health worldwide. However, limited studies have paid attention to the detrimental effects of parental exposure to acrylamide on the neurodevelopment in zebrafish offspring. In this study, the embryos were life-cycle exposed to acrylamide (0.125 and 0.25 mM) for 180 days. Subsequently, these zebrafish (F0) were allowed to mate, and their offspring (F1) were collected to culture in clean water from embryos to adults. We employed developmental and morphological observations, behavioral profiles, metabolomics analyses, and transcriptional level examinations to investigate the transgenerational neurotoxicity with parental exposure to acrylamide. Our results showed that parental exposure to acrylamide harms the birth, development, and behavior characterization of the F1 zebrafish larvae, including poor egg quality, increased mortality rates, abnormal heart rates, slowed swimming activity, and heightened anxiety behavior, and continuously disturbs mental health in F1 adult zebrafish. The transcriptional analysis showed that parental chronic exposure to acrylamide deteriorates the neurodevelopment in F1 larvae. In addition, metabolomics analyses revealed that sphingolipid metabolism disruption may be associated with the observed abnormal development and behavioral response in unexposed F1 offspring. Overall, the present study provides pioneer evidence that acrylamide induces transgenerational neurotoxicity via targeting and disrupting sphingolipid metabolism, which reveals intergenerational transmission of acrylamide exposure and unravels its spatiotemporal toxicological effect on neurodevelopment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anli Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Department of Food Science and Nutrition, College of Biosystems Engineering and Food Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yingyu Huang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Department of Food Science and Nutrition, College of Biosystems Engineering and Food Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xiaoran Song
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Department of Food Science and Nutrition, College of Biosystems Engineering and Food Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jia Zeng
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Department of Food Science and Nutrition, College of Biosystems Engineering and Food Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, Zhejiang, China
| | - Li Zhu
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Department of Food Science and Nutrition, College of Biosystems Engineering and Food Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, Zhejiang, China
| | - Binjie Wang
- Key Laboratory of Drug Prevention and Control Technology of Zhejiang Province, Department of Criminal Science and Technology, Zhejiang Police College, Hangzhou 310053, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yuanzhao Wu
- Key Laboratory of Drug Prevention and Control Technology of Zhejiang Province, Department of Criminal Science and Technology, Zhejiang Police College, Hangzhou 310053, Zhejiang, China
| | - Zhongshi Xu
- Key Laboratory of Drug Prevention and Control Technology of Zhejiang Province, Department of Criminal Science and Technology, Zhejiang Police College, Hangzhou 310053, Zhejiang, China
| | - Ruonan Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Drug Prevention and Control Technology of Zhejiang Province, Department of Criminal Science and Technology, Zhejiang Police College, Hangzhou 310053, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yazhou Qin
- Key Laboratory of Drug Prevention and Control Technology of Zhejiang Province, Department of Criminal Science and Technology, Zhejiang Police College, Hangzhou 310053, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jiye Wang
- Key Laboratory of Drug Prevention and Control Technology of Zhejiang Province, Department of Criminal Science and Technology, Zhejiang Police College, Hangzhou 310053, Zhejiang, China
| | - Weixuan Yao
- Key Laboratory of Drug Prevention and Control Technology of Zhejiang Province, Department of Criminal Science and Technology, Zhejiang Police College, Hangzhou 310053, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xuzhi Wan
- Department of Endocrinology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Department of Nutrition, School of Public Health, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, Zhejiang, China
| | - Haoyu Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Department of Food Science and Nutrition, College of Biosystems Engineering and Food Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, Zhejiang, China
| | - Pan Zhuang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Department of Food Science and Nutrition, College of Biosystems Engineering and Food Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jingjing Jiao
- Department of Endocrinology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Department of Nutrition, School of Public Health, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yu Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Department of Food Science and Nutrition, College of Biosystems Engineering and Food Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Yongning Wu
- NHC Key Laboratory of Food Safety Risk Assessment, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Research Unit (No. 2019RU014), China National Center for Food Safety Risk Assessment, Beijing 100021, China
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Huang T, Fakurazi S, Cheah PS, Ling KH. Chromosomal and cellular therapeutic approaches for Down syndrome: A research update. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2024; 735:150664. [PMID: 39260337 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2024.150664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2024] [Revised: 08/20/2024] [Accepted: 09/03/2024] [Indexed: 09/13/2024]
Abstract
In individuals with Down syndrome (DS), an additional HSA21 chromosome copy leads to the overexpression of a myriad of HSA21 genes, disrupting the transcription of the entire genome. This dysregulation in transcription and post-transcriptional modifications contributes to abnormal phenotypes across nearly all tissues and organs in DS individuals. The array of severe clinical symptoms associated with trisomy 21 poses a considerable challenge in the quest for a cure for DS. Fortunately, a wealth of research suggests that chromosome therapy, hinging on cutting-edge genome editing technologies, can potentially eliminate the extra copy of the human chromosome 21. Genome editing tools have demonstrated their efficacy in restoring trisomy to a normal diploid state in vitro DS cell models. Furthermore, we delve into the noteworthy findings in cellular therapy for DS, with recent studies showcasing the increasing feasibility of strategies involving stem cells and CAR T-cells to address corresponding clinical phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tan Huang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Sharida Fakurazi
- Department of Human Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Pike-See Cheah
- Department of Human Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia; Malaysian Research Institute on Ageing (MyAgeing(TM)), Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - King-Hwa Ling
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia; Malaysian Research Institute on Ageing (MyAgeing(TM)), Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia.
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Tang BL. Debates on humanization of human-animal brain chimeras - are we putting the cart before the horses? MEDICINE, HEALTH CARE, AND PHILOSOPHY 2024; 27:359-366. [PMID: 38797779 DOI: 10.1007/s11019-024-10209-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/04/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Research on human-animal chimeras have elicited alarms and prompted debates. Those involving the generation of chimeric brains, in which human brain cells become anatomically and functionally intertwined with their animal counterparts in varying ratios, either via xenografts or embryonic co-development, have been considered the most problematic. The moral issues stem from a potential for "humanization" of the animal brain, as well as speculative changes to the host animals' consciousness or sentience, with consequential alteration in the animal hosts' moral status. However, critical background knowledge appears to be missing to resolve these debates. Firstly, there is no consensus on animal sentience vis-à-vis that of humans, and no established methodology that would allow a wholesome and objective assessment of changes in animal sentience resulting from the introduction of human brain cells. Knowledge in interspecies comparative neuropsychology that could allow effective demarcation of a state of "humanization" is also lacking. Secondly, moral status as a philosophical construct has no scientific and objective points of reference. Either changes in sentience or humanization effects would remain unclear unless there are some neuroscientific research grounding. For a bioethical stance based on moral status of human-animal brain chimera to make meaningful contributions to regulatory policies, it might first need to be adequately informed by, and with its arguments constructed, in a manner that are factually in line with the science. In may be prudent for approved research projects involving the generation of human-animal brain chimera to have a mandatory component of assessing plausible changes in sentience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bor Luen Tang
- Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University Health System, National University of Singapore, 8 Medical Dr, Singapore, 117596, Singapore.
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Ji Y, McLean JL, Xu R. Emerging Human Pluripotent Stem Cell-Based Human-Animal Brain Chimeras for Advancing Disease Modeling and Cell Therapy for Neurological Disorders. Neurosci Bull 2024; 40:1315-1332. [PMID: 38466557 PMCID: PMC11365908 DOI: 10.1007/s12264-024-01189-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC) models provide unprecedented opportunities to study human neurological disorders by recapitulating human-specific disease mechanisms. In particular, hPSC-based human-animal brain chimeras enable the study of human cell pathophysiology in vivo. In chimeric brains, human neural and immune cells can maintain human-specific features, undergo maturation, and functionally integrate into host brains, allowing scientists to study how human cells impact neural circuits and animal behaviors. The emerging human-animal brain chimeras hold promise for modeling human brain cells and their interactions in health and disease, elucidating the disease mechanism from molecular and cellular to circuit and behavioral levels, and testing the efficacy of cell therapy interventions. Here, we discuss recent advances in the generation and applications of using human-animal chimeric brain models for the study of neurological disorders, including disease modeling and cell therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanru Ji
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
| | - Jenna Lillie McLean
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
| | - Ranjie Xu
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA.
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Zhao Y, Liu K, Wang Y, Ma Y, Guo W, Shi C. Human-mouse chimeric brain models constructed from iPSC-derived brain cells: Applications and challenges. Exp Neurol 2024; 379:114848. [PMID: 38857749 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2024.114848] [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: 03/08/2024] [Revised: 05/27/2024] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/12/2024]
Abstract
The establishment of reliable human brain models is pivotal for elucidating specific disease mechanisms and facilitating the discovery of novel therapeutic strategies for human brain disorders. Human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) exhibit remarkable self-renewal capabilities and can differentiate into specialized cell types. This makes them a valuable cell source for xenogeneic or allogeneic transplantation. Human-mouse chimeric brain models constructed from iPSC-derived brain cells have emerged as valuable tools for modeling human brain diseases and exploring potential therapeutic strategies for brain disorders. Moreover, the integration and functionality of grafted stem cells has been effectively assessed using these models. Therefore, this review provides a comprehensive overview of recent progress in differentiating human iPSC into various highly specialized types of brain cells. This review evaluates the characteristics and functions of the human-mouse chimeric brain model. We highlight its potential roles in brain function and its ability to reconstruct neural circuitry in vivo. Additionally, we elucidate factors that influence the integration and differentiation of human iPSC-derived brain cells in vivo. This review further sought to provide suitable research models for cell transplantation therapy. These research models provide new insights into neuropsychiatric disorders, infectious diseases, and brain injuries, thereby advancing related clinical and academic research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya Zhao
- Laboratory Animal Center, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710032, PR China
| | - Ke Liu
- Laboratory Animal Center, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710032, PR China; Gansu University of traditional Chinese medicine, Lanzhou 730030, PR China
| | - Yinghua Wang
- Medical College of Yan'an University, Yan'an 716000, PR China
| | - Yifan Ma
- Laboratory Animal Center, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710032, PR China; Gansu University of traditional Chinese medicine, Lanzhou 730030, PR China
| | - Wenwen Guo
- Laboratory Animal Center, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710032, PR China
| | - Changhong Shi
- Laboratory Animal Center, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710032, PR China.
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Chen C, Lan Z, Tang X, Chen W, Zhou X, Su H, Su R, Chen Z, Chen H, Guo Y, Deng W. Human-Derived Induced GABAergic Progenitor Cells Improve Cognitive Function in Mice and Inhibit Astrocyte Activation with Anti-Inflammatory Exosomes. Ann Neurol 2024; 96:488-507. [PMID: 38860520 DOI: 10.1002/ana.27001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2023] [Revised: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/12/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The role of gamma-aminobutyric acid-ergic (GABAergic) neuron impairment in Alzheimer's disease (AD), and if and how transplantation of healthy GABAergic neurons can improve AD, remain unknown. METHODS Human-derived medial ganglionic eminence progenitors (hiMGEs) differentiated from programmed induced neural precursor cells (hiNPCs) were injected into the dentate gyrus region of the hippocampus (HIP). RESULTS We showed that grafts migrate to the whole brain and form functional synaptic connections in amyloid precursor protein gene/ presenilin-1 (APP/PS1) chimeric mice. Following transplantation of hiMGEs, behavioral deficits and AD-related pathology were alleviated and defective neurons were repaired. Notably, exosomes secreted from hiMGEs, which are rich in anti-inflammatory miRNA, inhibited astrocyte activation invitro and in vivo, and the mechanism was related to regulation of CD4+ Th1 cells mediated tumor necrosis factor (TNF) pathway. INTERPRETATION Taken together, these findings support the hypothesis that hiMGEs transplantation is an alternative treatment for neuronal loss in AD and demonstrate that exosomes with anti-inflammatory activity derived from hiMGEs are important factors for graft survival. ANN NEUROL 2024;96:488-507.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunxia Chen
- Department of Pharmacy, The People's Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region & Guangxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Nanning, P. R. China
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, P. R. China
| | - Zhaohui Lan
- Center for Brain Health and Brain Technology, Global Institute of Future Technology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xihe Tang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Aviation General Hospital, Beijing, P. R. China
- Department of Neurosurgery, The People's Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region & Guangxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Nanning, P. R. China
| | - Wan Chen
- Department of Emergency, The People's Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region & Guangxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Nanning, P. R. China
| | - Xing Zhou
- Department of Pharmacy, The People's Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region & Guangxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Nanning, P. R. China
| | - Hua Su
- Department of Pharmacology, Guangxi Institute of Chinese Medicine & Pharmaceutical Science, Nanning, P. R. China
| | - Rixiang Su
- Department of Pharmacy, The People's Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region & Guangxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Nanning, P. R. China
| | - Zhaolin Chen
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, P. R. China
| | - Hongbo Chen
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, P. R. China
| | - Ying Guo
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, P. R. China
| | - Wenbin Deng
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, P. R. China
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Aili Y, Maimaitiming N, Wang Z, Wang Y. Brain organoids: A new tool for modelling of neurodevelopmental disorders. J Cell Mol Med 2024; 28:e18560. [PMID: 39258535 PMCID: PMC11388061 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.18560] [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: 04/01/2024] [Revised: 06/07/2024] [Accepted: 07/09/2024] [Indexed: 09/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Neurodevelopmental disorders are mostly studied using mice as models. However, the mouse brain lacks similar cell types and structures as those of the human brain. In recent years, emergence of three-dimensional brain organoids derived from human embryonic stem cells or induced pluripotent stem cells allows for controlled monitoring and evaluation of early neurodevelopmental processes and has opened a window for studying various aspects of human brain development. However, such organoids lack original anatomical structure of the brain during maturation, and neurodevelopmental maturation processes that rely on unique cellular interactions and neural network connections are limited. Consequently, organoids are difficult to be used extensively and effectively while modelling later stages of human brain development and disease progression. To address this problem, several methods and technologies have emerged that aim to enhance the sophisticated regulation of brain organoids developmental processes through bioengineering approaches, which may alleviate some of the current limitations. This review discusses recent advances and application areas of human brain organoid culture methods, aiming to generalize optimization strategies for organoid systems, improve the ability to mimic human brain development, and enhance the application value of organoids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yirizhati Aili
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Xinjiang, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Clinical Transformation of Nervous System Tumors, Xinjiang Medical University, Xinjiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Nuersimanguli Maimaitiming
- The Cancer Institute and Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Zengliang Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Xinjiang, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Clinical Transformation of Nervous System Tumors, Xinjiang Medical University, Xinjiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Yongxin Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Xinjiang, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Clinical Transformation of Nervous System Tumors, Xinjiang Medical University, Xinjiang, People's Republic of China
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8
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Shoji JY, Davis RP, Mummery CL, Krauss S. Global Literature Analysis of Organoid and Organ-on-Chip Research. Adv Healthc Mater 2024; 13:e2301067. [PMID: 37479227 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202301067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Revised: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/23/2023]
Abstract
Organoids and cells in organ-on-chip platforms replicate higher-level anatomical, physiological, or pathological states of tissues and organs. These technologies are widely regarded by academia, the pharmacological industry and regulators as key biomedical developments. To map advances in this emerging field, a literature analysis of 16,000 article metadata based on a quality-controlled text-mining algorithm is performed. The analysis covers titles, keywords, and abstracts of categorized academic publications in the literature and preprint databases published after 2010. The algorithm identifies and tracks 149 and 107 organs or organ substructures modeled as organoids and organ-on-chip, respectively, stem cell sources, as well as 130 diseases, and 16 groups of organisms other than human and mouse in which organoid/organ-on-chip technology is applied. The analysis illustrates changing diversity and focus in organoid/organ-on-chip research and captures its geographical distribution. The downloadable dataset provided is a robust framework for researchers to interrogate with their own questions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun-Ya Shoji
- Hybrid Technology Hub, Center of Excellence, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, 0372, Norway
| | - Richard P Davis
- Department of Anatomy & Embryology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, 2300RC, the Netherlands
- The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Stem Cell Medicine (reNEW), Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, 2300RC, the Netherlands
| | - Christine L Mummery
- Department of Anatomy & Embryology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, 2300RC, the Netherlands
- The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Stem Cell Medicine (reNEW), Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, 2300RC, the Netherlands
- Department of Applied Stem Cell Technologies, University of Twente, Enschede, 7522NB, the Netherlands
| | - Stefan Krauss
- Hybrid Technology Hub, Center of Excellence, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, 0372, Norway
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Pahlevan Kakhki M, Giordano A, Starvaggi Cucuzza C, Venkata S Badam T, Samudyata S, Lemée MV, Stridh P, Gkogka A, Shchetynsky K, Harroud A, Gyllenberg A, Liu Y, Boddul S, James T, Sorosina M, Filippi M, Esposito F, Wermeling F, Gustafsson M, Casaccia P, Hillert J, Olsson T, Kockum I, Sellgren CM, Golzio C, Kular L, Jagodic M. A genetic-epigenetic interplay at 1q21.1 locus underlies CHD1L-mediated vulnerability to primary progressive multiple sclerosis. Nat Commun 2024; 15:6419. [PMID: 39079955 PMCID: PMC11289459 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-50794-z] [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: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a heterogeneous inflammatory and neurodegenerative disease with an unpredictable course towards progressive disability. Treating progressive MS is challenging due to limited insights into the underlying mechanisms. We examined the molecular changes associated with primary progressive MS (PPMS) using a cross-tissue (blood and post-mortem brain) and multilayered data (genetic, epigenetic, transcriptomic) from independent cohorts. In PPMS, we found hypermethylation of the 1q21.1 locus, controlled by PPMS-specific genetic variations and influencing the expression of proximal genes (CHD1L, PRKAB2) in the brain. Evidence from reporter assay and CRISPR/dCas9 experiments supports a causal link between methylation and expression and correlation network analysis further implicates these genes in PPMS brain processes. Knock-down of CHD1L in human iPSC-derived neurons and knock-out of chd1l in zebrafish led to developmental and functional deficits of neurons. Thus, several lines of evidence suggest a distinct genetic-epigenetic-transcriptional interplay in the 1q21.1 locus potentially contributing to PPMS pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Majid Pahlevan Kakhki
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Antonino Giordano
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
- Neurology and Neurorehabilitation Units, IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, Milan, Italy
- Laboratory of Human Genetics of Neurological Disorders, Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
- Università Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Chiara Starvaggi Cucuzza
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
- Center for Neurology, Academic Specialist Center, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Tejaswi Venkata S Badam
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Bioinformatics, Institute for Physics chemistry and Biology (IFM), Linköping university, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Samudyata Samudyata
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Marianne Victoria Lemée
- Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Illkirch, France
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, UMR7104, Illkirch, France
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, U1258, Illkirch, France
- Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Pernilla Stridh
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Asimenia Gkogka
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Klementy Shchetynsky
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Adil Harroud
- The Neuro (Montreal Neurological Institute-Hospital), Montréal, QC, Canada
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Department of Human Genetics, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Alexandra Gyllenberg
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Yun Liu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Metabolism and Molecular Medicine, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences and Shanghai Xuhui Central Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Sanjaykumar Boddul
- Department of Medicine, Solna, Karolinska Institutet, Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Tojo James
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Melissa Sorosina
- Laboratory of Human Genetics of Neurological Disorders, Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Massimo Filippi
- Neurology and Neurorehabilitation Units, IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, Milan, Italy
- Università Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
- Neurophysiology Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, Milan, Italy
- Neuroimaging Research Unit, Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Federica Esposito
- Neurology and Neurorehabilitation Units, IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, Milan, Italy
- Laboratory of Human Genetics of Neurological Disorders, Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Fredrik Wermeling
- Department of Medicine, Solna, Karolinska Institutet, Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Mika Gustafsson
- Department of Bioinformatics, Institute for Physics chemistry and Biology (IFM), Linköping university, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Patrizia Casaccia
- Department of Neurology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, USA
| | - Jan Hillert
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Tomas Olsson
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ingrid Kockum
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Carl M Sellgren
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Center for Psychiatry Research, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Stockholm Health Care Services, Stockholm County Council, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Christelle Golzio
- Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Illkirch, France
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, UMR7104, Illkirch, France
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, U1258, Illkirch, France
- Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Lara Kular
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Maja Jagodic
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.
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10
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Borgognone A, Casadellà M, Martínez de Lagrán M, Paredes R, Clotet B, Dierssen M, Elizalde-Torrent A. Lamivudine modulates the expression of neurological impairment-related genes and LINE-1 retrotransposons in brain tissues of a Down syndrome mouse model. Front Aging Neurosci 2024; 16:1386944. [PMID: 39100749 PMCID: PMC11294114 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2024.1386944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 07/05/2024] [Indexed: 08/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Elevated activity of retrotransposons is increasingly recognized to be implicated in a wide range of neurodegenerative and neurodevelopmental diseases, including Down syndrome (DS), which is the most common chromosomal condition causing intellectual disability globally. Previous research by our group has revealed that treatment with lamivudine, a reverse transcriptase inhibitor, improved neurobehavioral phenotypes and completely rescued hippocampal-dependent recognition memory in a DS mouse model, Ts65Dn. We hypothesized that retrotransposition rates would increase in the Ts65Dn mouse model, and lamivudine could block retrotransposons. We analyzed the differentially expressed long interspersed element-1 (LINE-1 or L1) mapping on MMU16 and 17, and showed for the first time that retrotransposition could be associated with Ts65Dn's pathology, as misregulation of L1 was found in brain tissues associated with trisomy. In the cerebral cortex, 6 out of 26 upregulated L1s in trisomic treated mice were located in the telomeric region of MMU16 near Ttc3, Kcnj6, and Dscam genes. In the hippocampus, one upregulated L1 element in trisomic treated mice was located near the Fgd4 gene on MMU16. Moreover, two downregulated L1s rescued after treatment with lamivudine were located in the intronic region of Nrxn1 (MMU17) and Snhg14 (MMU7), implicated in a variety of neurodegenerative disorders. To gain further insight into the mechanism of this improvement, we here analyzed the gene expression profile in the hippocampus and cerebral cortex of trisomic mice treated and no-treated with lamivudine compared to their wild-type littermates. We found that treatment with lamivudine rescued the expression of 24% of trisomic genes in the cortex (located on mouse chromosome (MMU) 16 and 17) and 15% in the hippocampus (located in the human chromosome 21 orthologous regions), with important DS candidate genes such as App and Ets2, rescued in both regions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - María Martínez de Lagrán
- Center for Genomic Regulation, The Barcelona Institute for Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Roger Paredes
- IrsiCaixa, Badalona, Spain
- Department of Infeccious Diseases and Immunity, University of Vic-Central University of Catalonia (UVic-UCC), Vic, Spain
- CIBERINFEC, ISCIII, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Pathology, Center for Global Health and Diseases, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, United States
- Department of Infectious Diseases Service, Germans Trias i Pujol University Hospital, Badalona, Spain
- Fundació Lluita contra les Infeccions, Hospital Germans Trias i Pujol, Badalona, Spain
| | - Bonaventura Clotet
- IrsiCaixa, Badalona, Spain
- Department of Infeccious Diseases and Immunity, University of Vic-Central University of Catalonia (UVic-UCC), Vic, Spain
- CIBERINFEC, ISCIII, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Infectious Diseases Service, Germans Trias i Pujol University Hospital, Badalona, Spain
- Fundació Lluita contra les Infeccions, Hospital Germans Trias i Pujol, Badalona, Spain
| | - Mara Dierssen
- Center for Genomic Regulation, The Barcelona Institute for Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Medicine and Life Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Barcelona, Spain
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11
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Jin M, Ma Z, Zhang H, Papetti AV, Dang R, Stillitano AC, Goldman SA, Jiang P. Co-Transplantation-Based Human-Mouse Chimeric Brain Models to Study Human Glial-Glial and Glial-Neuronal Interactions. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.07.03.601990. [PMID: 39005270 PMCID: PMC11244967 DOI: 10.1101/2024.07.03.601990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/16/2024]
Abstract
Human-mouse chimeric brain models, generated by transplanting human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-derived neural cells, are valuable for studying the development and function of human neural cells in vivo. Understanding glial-glial and glial-neuronal interactions is essential for unraveling the complexities of brain function and developing treatments for neurological disorders. To explore these interactions between human neural cells within an intact brain environment, we employe a co-transplantation strategy involving the engraftment of hiPSC-derived neural progenitor cells along with primitive macrophage progenitors into the neonatal mouse brain. This approach creates human-mouse chimeric brains containing human microglia, macroglia (astroglia and oligodendroglia), and neurons. Using super-resolution imaging and 3D reconstruction techniques, we examine the dynamics between human neurons and glia, unveiling human microglia engulfing immature human neurons, microglia pruning synapses of human neurons, and significant interactions between human oligodendrocytes and neurons. Single-cell RNA sequencing analysis of the chimeric brain uncovers a close recapitulation of the human glial progenitor cell population, along with a dynamic stage in astroglial development that mirrors the processes found in the human brain. Furthermore, cell-cell communication analysis highlights significant neuronal-glial and glial-glial interactions, especially the interaction between adhesion molecules neurexins and neuroligins. This innovative co-transplantation model opens up new avenues for exploring the complex pathophysiological mechanisms underlying human neurological diseases. It holds particular promise for studying disorders where glial-neuronal interactions and non-cell-autonomous effects play crucial roles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengmeng Jin
- Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
- These authors contributed equally
| | - Ziyuan Ma
- Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
- These authors contributed equally
| | - Haiwei Zhang
- Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
- These authors contributed equally
| | - Ava V. Papetti
- Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Rui Dang
- Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | | | - Steven A. Goldman
- Center for Translational Neuromedicine, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA
- Center for Translational Neuromedicine, University of Copenhagen Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Peng Jiang
- Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
- Lead Contact
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12
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Herrera ML, Paraíso-Luna J, Bustos-Martínez I, Barco Á. Targeting epigenetic dysregulation in autism spectrum disorders. Trends Mol Med 2024:S1471-4914(24)00162-X. [PMID: 38971705 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2024.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2024] [Revised: 06/08/2024] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/08/2024]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) comprise a range of neurodevelopmental pathologies characterized by deficits in social interaction and repetitive behaviors, collectively affecting almost 1% of the worldwide population. Deciphering the etiology of ASD has proven challenging due to the intricate interplay of genetic and environmental factors and the variety of molecular pathways affected. Epigenomic alterations have emerged as key players in ASD etiology. Their research has led to the identification of biomarkers for diagnosis and pinpointed specific gene targets for therapeutic interventions. This review examines the role of epigenetic alterations, resulting from both genetic and environmental influences, as a central causative factor in ASD, delving into its contribution to pathogenesis and treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Macarena L Herrera
- Instituto de Neurociencias (Universidad Miguel Hernández - Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas), Av. Santiago Ramón y Cajal s/n, Sant Joan d'Alacant, 03550 Alicante, Spain
| | - Juan Paraíso-Luna
- Instituto de Neurociencias (Universidad Miguel Hernández - Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas), Av. Santiago Ramón y Cajal s/n, Sant Joan d'Alacant, 03550 Alicante, Spain
| | - Isabel Bustos-Martínez
- Instituto de Neurociencias (Universidad Miguel Hernández - Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas), Av. Santiago Ramón y Cajal s/n, Sant Joan d'Alacant, 03550 Alicante, Spain
| | - Ángel Barco
- Instituto de Neurociencias (Universidad Miguel Hernández - Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas), Av. Santiago Ramón y Cajal s/n, Sant Joan d'Alacant, 03550 Alicante, Spain.
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13
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Pereira MF, Shyti R, Testa G. In and out: Benchmarking in vitro, in vivo, ex vivo, and xenografting approaches for an integrative brain disease modeling pipeline. Stem Cell Reports 2024; 19:767-795. [PMID: 38865969 PMCID: PMC11390705 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2024.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2022] [Revised: 05/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/11/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Human cellular models and their neuronal derivatives have afforded unprecedented advances in elucidating pathogenic mechanisms of neuropsychiatric diseases. Notwithstanding their indispensable contribution, animal models remain the benchmark in neurobiological research. In an attempt to harness the best of both worlds, researchers have increasingly relied on human/animal chimeras by xenografting human cells into the animal brain. Despite the unparalleled potential of xenografting approaches in the study of the human brain, literature resources that systematically examine their significance and advantages are surprisingly lacking. We fill this gap by providing a comprehensive account of brain diseases that were thus far subjected to all three modeling approaches (transgenic rodents, in vitro human lineages, human-animal xenografting) and provide a critical appraisal of the impact of xenografting approaches for advancing our understanding of those diseases and brain development. Next, we give our perspective on integrating xenografting modeling pipeline with recent cutting-edge technological advancements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marlene F Pereira
- Department of Experimental Oncology, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Via Adamello 16, 20139 Milan, Italy; Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, Via Santa Sofia 9, 20122 Milan, Italy; Neurogenomics Centre, Human Technopole, Viale Rita Levi-Montalcini 1, 20157 Milan, Italy.
| | - Reinald Shyti
- Department of Experimental Oncology, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Via Adamello 16, 20139 Milan, Italy; Neurogenomics Centre, Human Technopole, Viale Rita Levi-Montalcini 1, 20157 Milan, Italy.
| | - Giuseppe Testa
- Department of Experimental Oncology, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Via Adamello 16, 20139 Milan, Italy; Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, Via Santa Sofia 9, 20122 Milan, Italy; Neurogenomics Centre, Human Technopole, Viale Rita Levi-Montalcini 1, 20157 Milan, Italy.
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14
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Sandoval SO, Cappuccio G, Kruth K, Osenberg S, Khalil SM, Méndez-Albelo NM, Padmanabhan K, Wang D, Niciu MJ, Bhattacharyya A, Stein JL, Sousa AMM, Waxman EA, Buttermore ED, Whye D, Sirois CL, Williams A, Maletic-Savatic M, Zhao X. Rigor and reproducibility in human brain organoid research: Where we are and where we need to go. Stem Cell Reports 2024; 19:796-816. [PMID: 38759644 PMCID: PMC11297560 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2024.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2024] [Revised: 04/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Human brain organoid models have emerged as a promising tool for studying human brain development and function. These models preserve human genetics and recapitulate some aspects of human brain development, while facilitating manipulation in an in vitro setting. Despite their potential to transform biology and medicine, concerns persist about their fidelity. To fully harness their potential, it is imperative to establish reliable analytic methods, ensuring rigor and reproducibility. Here, we review current analytical platforms used to characterize human forebrain cortical organoids, highlight challenges, and propose recommendations for future studies to achieve greater precision and uniformity across laboratories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soraya O Sandoval
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA; Department of Neuroscience, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA; Neuroscience Training Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Gerarda Cappuccio
- Department of Pediatrics-Neurology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA; Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Karina Kruth
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Iowa Health Care, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA; Iowa Neuroscience Institute, University of Iowa Health Care, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Sivan Osenberg
- Department of Pediatrics-Neurology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA; Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Saleh M Khalil
- Department of Pediatrics-Neurology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA; Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Natasha M Méndez-Albelo
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA; Department of Neuroscience, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA; Molecular Cellular Pharmacology Training Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Krishnan Padmanabhan
- Department of Neuroscience, Center for Visual Science, Del Monte Institute for Neuroscience, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester NY 14642, USA
| | - Daifeng Wang
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA; Departments of Biostatistics and Medical Informatics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Mark J Niciu
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Iowa Health Care, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA; Iowa Neuroscience Institute, University of Iowa Health Care, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Anita Bhattacharyya
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA; Department of Cell and Regenerative Biology, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Jason L Stein
- Department of Genetics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; Neuroscience Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - André M M Sousa
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA; Department of Neuroscience, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Elisa A Waxman
- Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Center for Epilepsy and NeuroDevelopmental Disorders (ENDD), The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Elizabeth D Buttermore
- Human Neuron Core, Rosamund Stone Zander Translational Neuroscience Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Department, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Dosh Whye
- Human Neuron Core, Rosamund Stone Zander Translational Neuroscience Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Department, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Carissa L Sirois
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA; Department of Neuroscience, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Aislinn Williams
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Iowa Health Care, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA; Iowa Neuroscience Institute, University of Iowa Health Care, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA.
| | - Mirjana Maletic-Savatic
- Department of Pediatrics-Neurology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA; Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, USA; Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA; Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.
| | - Xinyu Zhao
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA; Department of Neuroscience, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA.
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15
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Shaker MR, Slonchak A, Al-Mhanawi B, Morrison SD, Sng JDJ, Cooper-White J, Khromykh AA, Wolvetang EJ. Choroid plexus defects in Down syndrome brain organoids enhance neurotropism of SARS-CoV-2. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2024; 10:eadj4735. [PMID: 38838150 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adj4735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024]
Abstract
Why individuals with Down syndrome (DS) are more susceptible to SARS-CoV-2-induced neuropathology remains elusive. Choroid plexus (ChP) plays critical roles in barrier function and immune response modulation and expresses the ACE2 receptor and the chromosome 21-encoded TMPRSS2 protease, suggesting its substantial role in establishing SARS-CoV-2 infection in the brain. To explore this, we established brain organoids from DS and isogenic euploid iPSC that consist of a core of functional cortical neurons surrounded by a functional ChP-like epithelium (ChPCOs). DS-ChPCOs recapitulated abnormal DS cortical development and revealed defects in ciliogenesis and epithelial cell polarity in ChP-like epithelium. We then demonstrated that the ChP-like epithelium facilitates infection and replication of SARS-CoV-2 in cortical neurons and that this is increased in DS. Inhibiting TMPRSS2 and furin activity reduced viral replication in DS-ChPCOs to euploid levels. This model enables dissection of the role of ChP in neurotropic virus infection and euploid forebrain development and permits screening of therapeutics for SARS-CoV-2-induced neuropathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed R Shaker
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
- UQ Centre in Stem Cell Engineering and Regenerative Engineering (UQ StemCARE), The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Andrii Slonchak
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Bahaa Al-Mhanawi
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Sean D Morrison
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Julian D J Sng
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Justin Cooper-White
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
- UQ Centre in Stem Cell Engineering and Regenerative Engineering (UQ StemCARE), The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
- School of Chemical Engineering, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Alexander A Khromykh
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
- GVN Centre of Excellence, Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Ernst J Wolvetang
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
- UQ Centre in Stem Cell Engineering and Regenerative Engineering (UQ StemCARE), The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
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16
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Wang L, Mirabella VR, Dai R, Su X, Xu R, Jadali A, Bernabucci M, Singh I, Chen Y, Tian J, Jiang P, Kwan KY, Pak C, Liu C, Comoletti D, Hart RP, Chen C, Südhof TC, Pang ZP. Analyses of the autism-associated neuroligin-3 R451C mutation in human neurons reveal a gain-of-function synaptic mechanism. Mol Psychiatry 2024; 29:1620-1635. [PMID: 36280753 PMCID: PMC10123180 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-022-01834-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2021] [Revised: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Mutations in many synaptic genes are associated with autism spectrum disorders (ASD), suggesting that synaptic dysfunction is a key driver of ASD pathogenesis. Among these mutations, the R451C substitution in the NLGN3 gene that encodes the postsynaptic adhesion molecule Neuroligin-3 is noteworthy because it was the first specific mutation linked to ASDs. In mice, the corresponding Nlgn3 R451C-knockin mutation recapitulates social interaction deficits of ASD patients and produces synaptic abnormalities, but the impact of the NLGN3 R451C mutation on human neurons has not been investigated. Here, we generated human knockin neurons with the NLGN3 R451C and NLGN3 null mutations. Strikingly, analyses of NLGN3 R451C-mutant neurons revealed that the R451C mutation decreased NLGN3 protein levels but enhanced the strength of excitatory synapses without affecting inhibitory synapses; meanwhile NLGN3 knockout neurons showed reduction in excitatory synaptic strengths. Moreover, overexpression of NLGN3 R451C recapitulated the synaptic enhancement in human neurons. Notably, the augmentation of excitatory transmission was confirmed in vivo with human neurons transplanted into mouse forebrain. Using single-cell RNA-seq experiments with co-cultured excitatory and inhibitory NLGN3 R451C-mutant neurons, we identified differentially expressed genes in relatively mature human neurons corresponding to synaptic gene expression networks. Moreover, gene ontology and enrichment analyses revealed convergent gene networks associated with ASDs and other mental disorders. Our findings suggest that the NLGN3 R451C mutation induces a gain-of-function enhancement in excitatory synaptic transmission that may contribute to the pathophysiology of ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Le Wang
- Child Health Institute of New Jersey and Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, 08901, USA
- Center for Medical Genetics & Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, and Department of Psychiatry, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 410008, Changsha, China
| | - Vincent R Mirabella
- Child Health Institute of New Jersey and Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, 08901, USA
- Department of Molecular & Cellular Physiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Rujia Dai
- Department of Psychiatry, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, 13210, USA
| | - Xiao Su
- Child Health Institute of New Jersey and Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, 08901, USA
| | - Ranjie Xu
- Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA
| | - Azadeh Jadali
- Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA
| | - Matteo Bernabucci
- Child Health Institute of New Jersey and Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, 08901, USA
| | - Ishnoor Singh
- Child Health Institute of New Jersey and Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, 08901, USA
| | - Yu Chen
- Center for Medical Genetics & Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, and Department of Psychiatry, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 410008, Changsha, China
| | - Jianghua Tian
- Center for Medical Genetics & Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, and Department of Psychiatry, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 410008, Changsha, China
| | - Peng Jiang
- Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA
| | - Kevin Y Kwan
- Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA
| | - ChangHui Pak
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, 01003, USA
| | - Chunyu Liu
- Center for Medical Genetics & Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, and Department of Psychiatry, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 410008, Changsha, China
- Department of Psychiatry, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, 13210, USA
- School of Psychology, Shaanxi Normal University, 710000, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Davide Comoletti
- Child Health Institute of New Jersey and Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, 08901, USA
- School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, 6012, New Zealand
| | - Ronald P Hart
- Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA
| | - Chao Chen
- Center for Medical Genetics & Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, and Department of Psychiatry, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 410008, Changsha, China.
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 410008, Changsha, Hunan, China.
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Animal Models for Human Diseases, Central South University, 410008, Changsha, Hunan, China.
| | - Thomas C Südhof
- Department of Molecular & Cellular Physiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA.
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA.
| | - Zhiping P Pang
- Child Health Institute of New Jersey and Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, 08901, USA.
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17
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Kwak T, Park SH, Lee S, Shin Y, Yoon KJ, Cho SW, Park JC, Yang SH, Cho H, Im HI, Ahn SJ, Sun W, Yang JH. Guidelines for Manufacturing and Application of Organoids: Brain. Int J Stem Cells 2024; 17:158-181. [PMID: 38777830 PMCID: PMC11170118 DOI: 10.15283/ijsc24056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2024] [Revised: 05/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
This study offers a comprehensive overview of brain organoids for researchers. It combines expert opinions with technical summaries on organoid definitions, characteristics, culture methods, and quality control. This approach aims to enhance the utilization of brain organoids in research. Brain organoids, as three-dimensional human cell models mimicking the nervous system, hold immense promise for studying the human brain. They offer advantages over traditional methods, replicating anatomical structures, physiological features, and complex neuronal networks. Additionally, brain organoids can model nervous system development and interactions between cell types and the microenvironment. By providing a foundation for utilizing the most human-relevant tissue models, this work empowers researchers to overcome limitations of two-dimensional cultures and conduct advanced disease modeling research.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Si-Hyung Park
- Department of Anatomy, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | | | | | - Ki-Jun Yoon
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, Korea
- Organoid Standards Initiative
| | - Seung-Woo Cho
- Organoid Standards Initiative
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Science and Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jong-Chan Park
- Organoid Standards Initiative
- Department of Biophysics, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, Korea
| | - Seung-Ho Yang
- Organoid Standards Initiative
- Department of Neurosurgery, St. Vincent’s Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Suwon, Korea
| | - Heeyeong Cho
- Organoid Standards Initiative
- Center for Rare Disease Therapeutic Technology, Therapeutics & Biotechnology Division, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology, Daejeon, Korea
| | - Heh-In Im
- Organoid Standards Initiative
- Behavioral and Molecular Neuroscience, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul, Korea
| | - Sun-Ju Ahn
- Organoid Standards Initiative
- Department of Biophysics, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, Korea
- Institute of Quantum Biophysics, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, Korea
| | - Woong Sun
- Department of Anatomy, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- Organoid Standards Initiative
| | - Ji Hun Yang
- Next & Bio Inc., Seoul, Korea
- Organoid Standards Initiative
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18
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Cerneckis J, Cai H, Shi Y. Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs): molecular mechanisms of induction and applications. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2024; 9:112. [PMID: 38670977 PMCID: PMC11053163 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-024-01809-0] [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: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 03/09/2024] [Accepted: 03/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technology has transformed in vitro research and holds great promise to advance regenerative medicine. iPSCs have the capacity for an almost unlimited expansion, are amenable to genetic engineering, and can be differentiated into most somatic cell types. iPSCs have been widely applied to model human development and diseases, perform drug screening, and develop cell therapies. In this review, we outline key developments in the iPSC field and highlight the immense versatility of the iPSC technology for in vitro modeling and therapeutic applications. We begin by discussing the pivotal discoveries that revealed the potential of a somatic cell nucleus for reprogramming and led to successful generation of iPSCs. We consider the molecular mechanisms and dynamics of somatic cell reprogramming as well as the numerous methods available to induce pluripotency. Subsequently, we discuss various iPSC-based cellular models, from mono-cultures of a single cell type to complex three-dimensional organoids, and how these models can be applied to elucidate the mechanisms of human development and diseases. We use examples of neurological disorders, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), and cancer to highlight the diversity of disease-specific phenotypes that can be modeled using iPSC-derived cells. We also consider how iPSC-derived cellular models can be used in high-throughput drug screening and drug toxicity studies. Finally, we discuss the process of developing autologous and allogeneic iPSC-based cell therapies and their potential to alleviate human diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonas Cerneckis
- Department of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Duarte, CA, 91010, USA
- Irell & Manella Graduate School of Biological Sciences, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Duarte, CA, 91010, USA
| | - Hongxia Cai
- Department of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Duarte, CA, 91010, USA
| | - Yanhong Shi
- Department of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Duarte, CA, 91010, USA.
- Irell & Manella Graduate School of Biological Sciences, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Duarte, CA, 91010, USA.
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19
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D'Incal C, Van Dijck A, Ibrahim J, De Man K, Bastini L, Konings A, Elinck E, Gozes L, Marusic Z, Anicic M, Vukovic J, Van der Aa N, Mateiu L, Vanden Berghe W, Kooy RF. ADNP dysregulates methylation and mitochondrial gene expression in the cerebellum of a Helsmoortel-Van der Aa syndrome autopsy case. Acta Neuropathol Commun 2024; 12:62. [PMID: 38637827 PMCID: PMC11027339 DOI: 10.1186/s40478-024-01743-w] [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: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Helsmoortel-Van der Aa syndrome is a neurodevelopmental disorder in which patients present with autism, intellectual disability, and frequent extra-neurological features such as feeding and gastrointestinal problems, visual impairments, and cardiac abnormalities. All patients exhibit heterozygous de novo nonsense or frameshift stop mutations in the Activity-Dependent Neuroprotective Protein (ADNP) gene, accounting for a prevalence of 0.2% of all autism cases worldwide. ADNP fulfills an essential chromatin remodeling function during brain development. In this study, we investigated the cerebellum of a died 6-year-old male patient with the c.1676dupA/p.His559Glnfs*3 ADNP mutation. RESULTS The clinical presentation of the patient was representative of the Helsmoortel-Van der Aa syndrome. During his lifespan, he underwent two liver transplantations after which the child died because of multiple organ failure. An autopsy was performed, and various tissue samples were taken for further analysis. We performed a molecular characterization of the cerebellum, a brain region involved in motor coordination, known for its highest ADNP expression and compared it to an age-matched control subject. Importantly, epigenome-wide analysis of the ADNP cerebellum identified CpG methylation differences and expression of multiple pathways causing neurodevelopmental delay. Interestingly, transcription factor motif enrichment analysis of differentially methylated genes showed that the ADNP binding motif was the most significantly enriched. RNA sequencing of the autopsy brain further identified downregulation of the WNT signaling pathway and autophagy defects as possible causes of neurodevelopmental delay. Ultimately, label-free quantification mass spectrometry identified differentially expressed proteins involved in mitochondrial stress and sirtuin signaling pathways amongst others. Protein-protein interaction analysis further revealed a network including chromatin remodelers (ADNP, SMARCC2, HDAC2 and YY1), autophagy-related proteins (LAMP1, BECN1 and LC3) as well as a key histone deacetylating enzyme SIRT1, involved in mitochondrial energy metabolism. The protein interaction of ADNP with SIRT1 was further biochemically validated through the microtubule-end binding proteins EB1/EB3 by direct co-immunoprecipitation in mouse cerebellum, suggesting important mito-epigenetic crosstalk between chromatin remodeling and mitochondrial energy metabolism linked to autophagy stress responses. This is further supported by mitochondrial activity assays and stainings in patient-derived fibroblasts which suggest mitochondrial dysfunctions in the ADNP deficient human brain. CONCLUSION This study forms the baseline clinical and molecular characterization of an ADNP autopsy cerebellum, providing novel insights in the disease mechanisms of the Helsmoortel-Van der Aa syndrome. By combining multi-omic and biochemical approaches, we identified a novel SIRT1-EB1/EB3-ADNP protein complex which may contribute to autophagic flux alterations and impaired mitochondrial metabolism in the Helsmoortel-Van der Aa syndrome and holds promise as a new therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudio D'Incal
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Antwerp, Prins Boudewijnlaan 43/6, 2650, Edegem, Antwerp, Belgium
- Protein Chemistry, Proteomics and Epigenetic Signaling (PPES), Epigenetic Signaling lab (PPES), Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610, Wilrijk, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Anke Van Dijck
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Antwerp, Prins Boudewijnlaan 43/6, 2650, Edegem, Antwerp, Belgium
- Family Medicine and Population Health (FAMPOP), Department of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Joe Ibrahim
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Antwerp, Prins Boudewijnlaan 43/6, 2650, Edegem, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Kevin De Man
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Antwerp, Prins Boudewijnlaan 43/6, 2650, Edegem, Antwerp, Belgium
- Protein Chemistry, Proteomics and Epigenetic Signaling (PPES), Epigenetic Signaling lab (PPES), Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610, Wilrijk, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Lina Bastini
- Protein Chemistry, Proteomics and Epigenetic Signaling (PPES), Epigenetic Signaling lab (PPES), Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610, Wilrijk, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Anthony Konings
- Protein Chemistry, Proteomics and Epigenetic Signaling (PPES), Epigenetic Signaling lab (PPES), Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610, Wilrijk, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Ellen Elinck
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Antwerp, Prins Boudewijnlaan 43/6, 2650, Edegem, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Lllana Gozes
- The Elton Laboratory for Molecular Neuroendocrinology, Department of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Adams Super Center for Brain Studies and Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Zlatko Marusic
- Clinical Department of Pathology and Cytology, University Hospital Centre Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Mirna Anicic
- Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University Hospital Centre Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Jurica Vukovic
- Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University Hospital Centre Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Nathalie Van der Aa
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Antwerp, Prins Boudewijnlaan 43/6, 2650, Edegem, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Ligia Mateiu
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Antwerp, Prins Boudewijnlaan 43/6, 2650, Edegem, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Wim Vanden Berghe
- Protein Chemistry, Proteomics and Epigenetic Signaling (PPES), Epigenetic Signaling lab (PPES), Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610, Wilrijk, Antwerp, Belgium.
| | - R Frank Kooy
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Antwerp, Prins Boudewijnlaan 43/6, 2650, Edegem, Antwerp, Belgium.
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20
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Giorgi C, Castelli V, d’Angelo M, Cimini A. Organoids Modeling Stroke in a Petri Dish. Biomedicines 2024; 12:877. [PMID: 38672231 PMCID: PMC11048104 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12040877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2024] [Revised: 04/10/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Stroke is a common neurological disorder, the second leading cause of death, and the third leading cause of disability. Unfortunately, the only approved drug for it is tissue plasminogen, but the therapeutic window is limited. In this context, preclinical studies are relevant to better dissect the underlying mechanisms of stroke and for the drug screening of potential therapies. Brain organoids could be relevant in this setting. They are derived from pluripotent stem cells or isolated organ progenitors that differentiate to form an organ-like tissue, exhibiting multiple cell types that self-organize to form a structure not unlike the organ in vivo. Brain organoids mimic many key features of early human brain development at molecular, cellular, structural, and functional levels and have emerged as novel model systems that can be used to investigate human brain diseases including stroke. Brain organoids are a promising and powerful tool for ischemic stroke studies; however, there are a few concerns that need to be addressed, including the lack of vascularization and the many cell types that are typically present in the human brain. The aim of this review is to discuss the potential of brain organoids as a novel model system for studying ischemic stroke, highlighting both the advantages and disadvantages in the use of this technology.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Michele d’Angelo
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (C.G.); (V.C.)
| | - Annamaria Cimini
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (C.G.); (V.C.)
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21
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Giorgi C, Lombardozzi G, Ammannito F, Scenna MS, Maceroni E, Quintiliani M, d’Angelo M, Cimini A, Castelli V. Brain Organoids: A Game-Changer for Drug Testing. Pharmaceutics 2024; 16:443. [PMID: 38675104 PMCID: PMC11054008 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics16040443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2024] [Revised: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Neurological disorders are the second cause of death and the leading cause of disability worldwide. Unfortunately, no cure exists for these disorders, but the actual therapies are only able to ameliorate people's quality of life. Thus, there is an urgent need to test potential therapeutic approaches. Brain organoids are a possible valuable tool in the study of the brain, due to their ability to reproduce different brain regions and maturation stages; they can be used also as a tool for disease modelling and target identification of neurological disorders. Recently, brain organoids have been used in drug-screening processes, even if there are several limitations to overcome. This review focuses on the description of brain organoid development and drug-screening processes, discussing the advantages, challenges, and limitations of the use of organoids in modeling neurological diseases. We also highlighted the potential of testing novel therapeutic approaches. Finally, we examine the challenges and future directions to improve the drug-screening process.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Annamaria Cimini
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Science, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (C.G.); (G.L.); (F.A.); (M.S.S.); (E.M.); (M.Q.); (M.d.)
| | - Vanessa Castelli
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Science, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (C.G.); (G.L.); (F.A.); (M.S.S.); (E.M.); (M.Q.); (M.d.)
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22
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Jin M, Ma Z, Dang R, Zhang H, Kim R, Xue H, Pascual J, Finkbeiner S, Head E, Liu Y, Jiang P. A Trisomy 21-linked Hematopoietic Gene Variant in Microglia Confers Resilience in Human iPSC Models of Alzheimer's Disease. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.03.12.584646. [PMID: 38559257 PMCID: PMC10979994 DOI: 10.1101/2024.03.12.584646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
While challenging, identifying individuals displaying resilience to Alzheimer's disease (AD) and understanding the underlying mechanism holds great promise for the development of new therapeutic interventions to effectively treat AD. Down syndrome (DS), or trisomy 21, is the most common genetic cause of AD. Interestingly, some people with DS, despite developing AD neuropathology, show resilience to cognitive decline. Furthermore, DS individuals are at an increased risk of myeloid leukemia due to somatic mutations in hematopoietic cells. Recent studies indicate that somatic mutations in hematopoietic cells may lead to resilience to neurodegeneration. Microglia, derived from hematopoietic lineages, play a central role in AD etiology. We therefore hypothesize that microglia carrying the somatic mutations associated with DS myeloid leukemia may impart resilience to AD. Using CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing, we introduce a trisomy 21-linked hotspot CSF2RB A455D mutation into human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC) lines derived from both DS and healthy individuals. Employing hPSC-based in vitro microglia culture and in vivo human microglia chimeric mouse brain models, we show that in response to pathological tau, the CSF2RB A455D mutation suppresses microglial type-1 interferon signaling, independent of trisomy 21 genetic background. This mutation reduces neuroinflammation and enhances phagocytic and autophagic functions, thereby ameliorating senescent and dystrophic phenotypes in human microglia. Moreover, the CSF2RB A455D mutation promotes the development of a unique microglia subcluster with tissue repair properties. Importantly, human microglia carrying CSF2RB A455D provide protection to neuronal function, such as neurogenesis and synaptic plasticity in chimeric mouse brains where human microglia largely repopulate the hippocampus. When co-transplanted into the same mouse brains, human microglia with CSF2RB A455D mutation phagocytize and replace human microglia carrying the wildtype CSF2RB gene following pathological tau treatment. Our findings suggest that hPSC-derived CSF2RB A455D microglia could be employed to develop effective microglial replacement therapy for AD and other age-related neurodegenerative diseases, even without the need to deplete endogenous diseased microglia prior to cell transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengmeng Jin
- Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Rutgers University New Brunswick, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Ziyuan Ma
- Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Rutgers University New Brunswick, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Rui Dang
- Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Rutgers University New Brunswick, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Haiwei Zhang
- Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Rutgers University New Brunswick, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Rachael Kim
- Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Rutgers University New Brunswick, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Haipeng Xue
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Robert Stempel College of Public Health and Social Work, Center for Translational Science, Florida International University, Port St. Lucie, FL 34987, USA
| | - Jesse Pascual
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Department of Neurology, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Steven Finkbeiner
- Ceter for Systems and Therapeutics and the Taube/Koret Center for Neurodegenerative Disease, Gladstone Institutes; University of California, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
- Departments of Neurology and Physiology, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Elizabeth Head
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Department of Neurology, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Ying Liu
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Robert Stempel College of Public Health and Social Work, Center for Translational Science, Florida International University, Port St. Lucie, FL 34987, USA
| | - Peng Jiang
- Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Rutgers University New Brunswick, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
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23
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Ma Y, Liu X, Zhou M, Sun W, Jiang B, Liu Q, Wang M, Zou Y, Liu Q, Gong Y, Sun G. CUL4B mutations impair human cortical neurogenesis through PP2A-dependent inhibition of AKT and ERK. Cell Death Dis 2024; 15:121. [PMID: 38331954 PMCID: PMC10853546 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-024-06501-3] [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] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024]
Abstract
Mutation in CUL4B gene is one of the most common causes for X-linked intellectual disability (XLID). CUL4B is the scaffold protein in CUL4B-RING ubiquitin ligase (CRL4B) complex. While the roles of CUL4B in cancer progression and some developmental processes like adipogenesis, osteogenesis, and spermatogenesis have been studied, the mechanisms underlying the neurological disorders in patients with CUL4B mutations are poorly understood. Here, using 2D neuronal culture and cerebral organoids generated from the patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells and their isogenic controls, we demonstrate that CUL4B is required to prevent premature cell cycle exit and precocious neuronal differentiation of neural progenitor cells. Moreover, loss-of-function mutations of CUL4B lead to increased synapse formation and enhanced neuronal excitability. Mechanistically, CRL4B complex represses transcription of PPP2R2B and PPP2R2C genes, which encode two isoforms of the regulatory subunit of protein phosphatase 2 A (PP2A) complex, through catalyzing monoubiquitination of H2AK119 in their promoter regions. CUL4B mutations result in upregulated PP2A activity, which causes inhibition of AKT and ERK, leading to premature cell cycle exit. Activation of AKT and ERK or inhibition of PP2A activity in CUL4B mutant organoids rescues the neurogenesis defect. Our work unveils an essential role of CUL4B in human cortical development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanyan Ma
- Key Laboratory of Experimental Teratology, Ministry of Education, Institute of Molecular Medicine and Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
| | - Xiaolin Liu
- Key Laboratory of Experimental Teratology, Ministry of Education, Institute of Molecular Medicine and Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
| | - Min Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Experimental Teratology, Ministry of Education, Institute of Molecular Medicine and Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
| | - Wenjie Sun
- Key Laboratory of Experimental Teratology, Ministry of Education, Institute of Molecular Medicine and Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
| | - Baichun Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Experimental Teratology, Ministry of Education, Institute of Molecular Medicine and Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
| | - Qiao Liu
- Key Laboratory of Experimental Teratology, Ministry of Education, Institute of Molecular Medicine and Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
| | - Molin Wang
- Key Laboratory of Experimental Teratology, Ministry of Education, Institute of Molecular Medicine and Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
| | - Yongxin Zou
- Key Laboratory of Experimental Teratology, Ministry of Education, Institute of Molecular Medicine and Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
| | - Qiji Liu
- Key Laboratory of Experimental Teratology, Ministry of Education, Institute of Molecular Medicine and Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
| | - Yaoqin Gong
- Key Laboratory of Experimental Teratology, Ministry of Education, Institute of Molecular Medicine and Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China.
| | - Gongping Sun
- Key Laboratory of Experimental Teratology, Ministry of Education, Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China.
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24
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Sun J, Noss S, Banerjee D, Das M, Girirajan S. Strategies for dissecting the complexity of neurodevelopmental disorders. Trends Genet 2024; 40:187-202. [PMID: 37949722 PMCID: PMC10872993 DOI: 10.1016/j.tig.2023.10.009] [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: 05/27/2023] [Revised: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
Neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) are associated with a wide range of clinical features, affecting multiple pathways involved in brain development and function. Recent advances in high-throughput sequencing have unveiled numerous genetic variants associated with NDDs, which further contribute to disease complexity and make it challenging to infer disease causation and underlying mechanisms. Herein, we review current strategies for dissecting the complexity of NDDs using model organisms, induced pluripotent stem cells, single-cell sequencing technologies, and massively parallel reporter assays. We further highlight single-cell CRISPR-based screening techniques that allow genomic investigation of cellular transcriptomes with high efficiency, accuracy, and throughput. Overall, we provide an integrated review of experimental approaches that can be applicable for investigating a broad range of complex disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiawan Sun
- Molecular, Cellular, and Integrative Biosciences Graduate Program, The Huck Institutes of Life Sciences, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Serena Noss
- Molecular, Cellular, and Integrative Biosciences Graduate Program, The Huck Institutes of Life Sciences, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Deepro Banerjee
- Bioinformatics and Genomics Graduate Program, The Huck Institutes of Life Sciences, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Maitreya Das
- Molecular, Cellular, and Integrative Biosciences Graduate Program, The Huck Institutes of Life Sciences, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Santhosh Girirajan
- Molecular, Cellular, and Integrative Biosciences Graduate Program, The Huck Institutes of Life Sciences, University Park, PA 16802, USA; Bioinformatics and Genomics Graduate Program, The Huck Institutes of Life Sciences, University Park, PA 16802, USA; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA; Department of Anthropology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA.
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25
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Abstract
Brain development in humans is achieved through precise spatiotemporal genetic control, the mechanisms of which remain largely elusive. Recently, integration of technological advances in human stem cell-based modelling with genome editing has emerged as a powerful platform to establish causative links between genotypes and phenotypes directly in the human system. Here, we review our current knowledge of complex genetic regulation of each key step of human brain development through the lens of evolutionary specialization and neurodevelopmental disorders and highlight the use of human stem cell-derived 2D cultures and 3D brain organoids to investigate human-enriched features and disease mechanisms. We also discuss opportunities and challenges of integrating new technologies to reveal the genetic architecture of human brain development and disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Zhou
- Department of Neuroscience and Mahoney Institute for Neurosciences, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Hongjun Song
- Department of Neuroscience and Mahoney Institute for Neurosciences, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- The Epigenetics Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Guo-Li Ming
- Department of Neuroscience and Mahoney Institute for Neurosciences, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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26
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Ni P, Fan L, Jiang Y, Zhou C, Chung S. From cells to insights: the power of human pluripotent stem cell-derived cortical interneurons in psychiatric disorder modeling. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1336085. [PMID: 38188058 PMCID: PMC10768008 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1336085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Psychiatric disorders, such as schizophrenia (SCZ) and autism spectrum disorders (ASD), represent a global health challenge with their poorly understood and complex etiologies. Cortical interneurons (cINs) are the primary inhibitory neurons in the cortex and their subtypes, especially those that are generated from the medial ganglionic emission (MGE) region, have been shown to play an important role in the pathogenesis of these psychiatric disorders. Recent advances in induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technologies provide exciting opportunities to model and study these disorders using human iPSC-derived cINs. In this review, we present a comprehensive overview of various methods employed to generate MGE-type cINs from human iPSCs, which are mainly categorized into induction by signaling molecules vs. direct genetic manipulation. We discuss their advantages, limitations, and potential applications in psychiatric disorder modeling to aid researchers in choosing the appropriate methods based on their research goals. We also provide examples of how these methods have been applied to study the pathogenesis of psychiatric disorders. In addition, we discuss ongoing challenges and future directions in the field. Overall, iPSC-derived cINs provide a powerful tool to model the developmental pathogenesis of psychiatric disorders, thus aiding in uncovering disease mechanisms and potential therapeutic targets. This review article will provide valuable resources for researchers seeking to navigate the complexities of cIN generation methods and their applications in the study of psychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peiyan Ni
- Department of Neurobiology, Affiliated Mental Health Center and Hangzhou Seventh People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Liangzhu Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Brain-Machine Intelligence, MOE Frontier Science Center for Brain Science and Brain-Machine Integration, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- NHC and CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Lingyi Fan
- The Mental Health Center and Psychiatric Laboratory, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Youhui Jiang
- The Mental Health Center and Psychiatric Laboratory, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Chuqing Zhou
- The Mental Health Center and Psychiatric Laboratory, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Sangmi Chung
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, United States
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27
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Li Y, Zeng PM, Wu J, Luo ZG. Advances and Applications of Brain Organoids. Neurosci Bull 2023; 39:1703-1716. [PMID: 37222855 PMCID: PMC10603019 DOI: 10.1007/s12264-023-01065-2] [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: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 04/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Understanding the fundamental processes of human brain development and diseases is of great importance for our health. However, existing research models such as non-human primate and mouse models remain limited due to their developmental discrepancies compared with humans. Over the past years, an emerging model, the "brain organoid" integrated from human pluripotent stem cells, has been developed to mimic developmental processes of the human brain and disease-associated phenotypes to some extent, making it possible to better understand the complex structures and functions of the human brain. In this review, we summarize recent advances in brain organoid technologies and their applications in brain development and diseases, including neurodevelopmental, neurodegenerative, psychiatric diseases, and brain tumors. Finally, we also discuss current limitations and the potential of brain organoids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Li
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Peng-Ming Zeng
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Jian Wu
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Zhen-Ge Luo
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China.
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Tang X, Wang Z, Khutsishvili D, Cheng Y, Wang J, Tang J, Ma S. Volumetric compression by heterogeneous scaffold embedding promotes cerebral organoid maturation and does not impede growth. Cell Syst 2023; 14:872-882.e3. [PMID: 37820730 DOI: 10.1016/j.cels.2023.09.004] [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: 01/06/2023] [Revised: 05/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
Although biochemical regulation has been extensively studied in organoid modeling protocols, the role of mechanoregulation in directing stem cell fate and organoid development has been relatively unexplored. To accurately replicate the dynamic organoid development observed in nature, in this study, we present a method of heterogeneous embedding using an alginate-shell-Matrigel-core system. This approach allows for cell-Matrigel remodeling by the inner layer and provides short-term moderate-normal compression through the soft alginate outer layer. Our results show that the time-limited confinement contributes to increased expression of neuronal markers such as neurofilament (NF) and microtubule-associated protein 2 (MAP2). Compared with non-alginate embedding and alginate compression groups, volume growth remains unimpeded. Our findings demonstrate the temporary mechanical regulation of cerebral organoid growth, which exhibits a regular growth profile with enhanced maturation. These results highlight the importance and potential practical applications of mechanoregulation in the establishment of brain organoids. A record of this paper's transparent peer review process is included in the supplemental information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaowei Tang
- Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School (SIGS), Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518055, China; Tsinghua-Berkeley Shenzhen Institute, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Zitian Wang
- Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School (SIGS), Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518055, China; Tsinghua-Berkeley Shenzhen Institute, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Davit Khutsishvili
- Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School (SIGS), Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518055, China; Tsinghua-Berkeley Shenzhen Institute, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Yifan Cheng
- Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School (SIGS), Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518055, China; Tsinghua-Berkeley Shenzhen Institute, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Jiaqi Wang
- Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School (SIGS), Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518055, China; Tsinghua-Berkeley Shenzhen Institute, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Jiyuan Tang
- Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School (SIGS), Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518055, China; Tsinghua-Berkeley Shenzhen Institute, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Shaohua Ma
- Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School (SIGS), Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518055, China; Tsinghua-Berkeley Shenzhen Institute, Shenzhen 518055, China.
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29
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Chen C, Tang X, Lan Z, Chen W, Su H, Li W, Li Y, Zhou X, Gao H, Feng X, Guo Y, Yao M, Deng W. GABAergic signaling abnormalities in a novel CLU mutation Alzheimer's disease mouse model. Transl Res 2023; 260:32-45. [PMID: 37211336 DOI: 10.1016/j.trsl.2023.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2023] [Revised: 05/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
The CLU rs11136000C mutation (CLUC) is the third most common risk factor for Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, the mechanism by which CLUC leads to abnormal GABAergic signaling in AD is unclear. To address this question, this study establishes the first chimeric mouse model of CLUC AD. Examination of grafted CLUC medial ganglionic eminence progenitors (CLUC hiMGEs) revealed increased GAD65/67 and a high frequency of spontaneous releasing events. CLUC hiMGEs also impaired cognition in chimeric mice and caused AD-related pathologies. The expression of GABA A receptor, subunit alpha 2 (Gabrα2) was higher in chimeric mice. Interestingly, cognitive impairment in chimeric mice was reversed by treatment with pentylenetetrazole, which is a GABA A receptor inhibitor. Taken together, these findings shed light on the pathogenesis of CLUC AD using a novel humanized animal model and suggest sphingolipid signaling over-activation as a potential mechanism of GABAergic signaling disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunxia Chen
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong P. R. China; Department of pharmacy, The People's Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region & Guangxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Nanning, Guangxi P. R. China
| | - Xihe Tang
- Department of neurosurgery, The People's Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region & Guangxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Nanning, Guangxi P. R. China; Department of neurosurgery, Aviation General Hospital, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Zhaohui Lan
- Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Development and Neuropsychiatric Disorders (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Key Laboratory of Psychotic Disorders, and Brain Science and Technology Research Center, Bio-X Institutes, Institute of Psychology and Behavioral Sciences, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, P. R. China
| | - Wan Chen
- Department of Emergency, The People's Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region & Guangxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Nanning, Guangxi, P. R. China
| | - Hua Su
- Department of Pharmacology, Guangxi Institute of Chinese Medicine & Pharmaceutical Science, Nanning, P. R. China
| | - Weidong Li
- Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Development and Neuropsychiatric Disorders (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Key Laboratory of Psychotic Disorders, and Brain Science and Technology Research Center, Bio-X Institutes, Institute of Psychology and Behavioral Sciences, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, P. R. China
| | - Yaoxuan Li
- Department of Neurology, The People's Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region & Guangxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Nanning, Guangxi, P. R. China
| | - Xing Zhou
- Department of pharmacy, The People's Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region & Guangxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Nanning, Guangxi P. R. China
| | - Hong Gao
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong P. R. China
| | - Xinwei Feng
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong P. R. China
| | - Ying Guo
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong P. R. China
| | - Meicun Yao
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong P. R. China
| | - Wenbin Deng
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong P. R. China.
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Kafai NM, Janova H, Cain MD, Alippe Y, Muraro S, Sariol A, Elam-Noll M, Klein RS, Diamond MS. Entry receptor LDLRAD3 is required for Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus peripheral infection and neurotropism leading to pathogenesis in mice. Cell Rep 2023; 42:112946. [PMID: 37556325 PMCID: PMC10529316 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.112946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2023] [Revised: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (VEEV) is an encephalitic alphavirus responsible for epidemics of neurological disease across the Americas. Low-density lipoprotein receptor class A domain-containing 3 (LDLRAD3) is a recently reported entry receptor for VEEV. Here, using wild-type and Ldlrad3-deficient mice, we define a critical role for LDLRAD3 in controlling steps in VEEV infection, pathogenesis, and neurotropism. Our analysis shows that LDLRAD3 is required for efficient VEEV infection and pathogenesis prior to and after central nervous system invasion. Ldlrad3-deficient mice survive intranasal and intracranial VEEV inoculation and show reduced infection of neurons in different brain regions. As LDLRAD3 is a determinant of pathogenesis and an entry receptor required for VEEV infection of neurons of the brain, receptor-targeted therapies may hold promise as countermeasures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natasha M Kafai
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Hana Janova
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Matthew D Cain
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Yael Alippe
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Stefanie Muraro
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Alan Sariol
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Michelle Elam-Noll
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Robyn S Klein
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; Department of Neuroscience, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Michael S Diamond
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; The Andrew M. and Jane M. Bursky Center for Human Immunology and Immunotherapy Programs, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA.
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31
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Rusu B, Kukreja B, Wu T, Dan SJ, Feng MY, Kalish BT. Single-Nucleus Profiling Identifies Accelerated Oligodendrocyte Precursor Cell Senescence in a Mouse Model of Down Syndrome. eNeuro 2023; 10:ENEURO.0147-23.2023. [PMID: 37491366 PMCID: PMC10449487 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0147-23.2023] [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: 05/03/2023] [Revised: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Down syndrome (DS), the most common genetic cause of intellectual disability, is associated with lifelong cognitive deficits. However, the mechanisms by which triplication of chromosome 21 genes drive neuroinflammation and cognitive dysfunction are poorly understood. Here, using the Ts65Dn mouse model of DS, we performed an integrated single-nucleus ATAC and RNA-sequencing (snATAC-seq and snRNA-seq) analysis of the adult cortex. We identified cell type-specific transcriptional and chromatin-associated changes in the Ts65Dn cortex, including regulators of neuroinflammation, transcription and translation, myelination, and mitochondrial function. We discovered enrichment of a senescence-associated transcriptional signature in Ts65Dn oligodendrocyte (OL) precursor cells (OPCs) and epigenetic changes consistent with a loss of heterochromatin. We found that senescence is restricted to a subset of OPCs concentrated in deep cortical layers. Treatment of Ts65Dn mice with a senescence-reducing flavonoid rescued cortical OPC proliferation, restored microglial homeostasis, and improved contextual fear memory. Together, these findings suggest that cortical OPC senescence may be an important driver of neuropathology in DS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bianca Rusu
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1A8, Canada
- Program in Neuroscience and Mental Health, SickKids Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1L7, Canada
| | - Bharti Kukreja
- Program in Neuroscience and Mental Health, SickKids Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1L7, Canada
| | - Taiyi Wu
- Program in Neuroscience and Mental Health, SickKids Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1L7, Canada
| | - Sophie J Dan
- Program in Neuroscience and Mental Health, SickKids Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1L7, Canada
- Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1A8, Canada
- Department of Immunology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1A8, Canada
| | - Min Yi Feng
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1A8, Canada
- Program in Neuroscience and Mental Health, SickKids Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1L7, Canada
| | - Brian T Kalish
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1A8, Canada
- Program in Neuroscience and Mental Health, SickKids Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1L7, Canada
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Paediatrics, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1L7, Canada
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Chi C, Knight WE, Riching AS, Zhang Z, Tatavosian R, Zhuang Y, Moldovan R, Rachubinski AL, Gao D, Xu H, Espinosa JM, Song K. Interferon hyperactivity impairs cardiogenesis in Down syndrome via downregulation of canonical Wnt signaling. iScience 2023; 26:107012. [PMID: 37360690 PMCID: PMC10285545 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.107012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Revised: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Congenital heart defects (CHDs) are frequent in children with Down syndrome (DS), caused by trisomy of chromosome 21. However, the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. Here, using a human-induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-based model and the Dp(16)1Yey/+ (Dp16) mouse model of DS, we identified downregulation of canonical Wnt signaling downstream of increased dosage of interferon (IFN) receptors (IFNRs) genes on chromosome 21 as a causative factor of cardiogenic dysregulation in DS. We differentiated human iPSCs derived from individuals with DS and CHDs, and healthy euploid controls into cardiac cells. We observed that T21 upregulates IFN signaling, downregulates the canonical WNT pathway, and impairs cardiac differentiation. Furthermore, genetic and pharmacological normalization of IFN signaling restored canonical WNT signaling and rescued defects in cardiogenesis in DS in vitro and in vivo. Our findings provide insights into mechanisms underlying abnormal cardiogenesis in DS, ultimately aiding the development of therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Congwu Chi
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus; Aurora, CO 80045, USA
- Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus; Aurora, CO 80045, USA
- Gates Center for Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Biology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus; Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Walter E. Knight
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus; Aurora, CO 80045, USA
- Consortium for Fibrosis Research & Translation, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus; Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Andrew S. Riching
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus; Aurora, CO 80045, USA
- Consortium for Fibrosis Research & Translation, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus; Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Zhen Zhang
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus; Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Roubina Tatavosian
- Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus; Aurora, CO 80045, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus; Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Yonghua Zhuang
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus; Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Radu Moldovan
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus; Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Angela L. Rachubinski
- Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus; Aurora, CO 80045, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus; Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Dexiang Gao
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus; Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Hongyan Xu
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University; Augusta, GA 30912, USA
| | - Joaquin M. Espinosa
- Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus; Aurora, CO 80045, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus; Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Kunhua Song
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus; Aurora, CO 80045, USA
- Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus; Aurora, CO 80045, USA
- Gates Center for Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Biology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus; Aurora, CO 80045, USA
- Consortium for Fibrosis Research & Translation, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus; Aurora, CO 80045, USA
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33
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Adlakha YK. Human 3D brain organoids: steering the demolecularization of brain and neurological diseases. Cell Death Discov 2023; 9:221. [PMID: 37400464 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-023-01523-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2023] [Revised: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Understanding of human brain development, dysfunction and neurological diseases has remained limited and challenging due to inability to recapitulate human brain-specific features in animal models. Though the anatomy and physiology of the human brain has been understood in a remarkable way using post-mortem, pathological samples of human and animal models, however, modeling of human brain development and neurological diseases remains a challenge owing to distinct complexity of human brain. In this perspective, three-dimensional (3D) brain organoids have shown a beam of light. Tremendous growth in stem cell technologies has permitted the differentiation of pluripotent stem cells under 3D culture conditions into brain organoids, which recapitulate the unique features of human brain in many ways and also offer the detailed investigation of brain development, dysfunction and neurological diseases. Their translational value has also emerged and will benefit the society once the protocols for the upscaling of brain organoids are in place. Here, we summarize new advancements in methods for generation of more complex brain organoids including vascularized and mixed lineage tissue from PSCs. How synthetic biomaterials and microfluidic technology is boosting brain organoid development, has also been highlighted. We discuss the applications of brain organoids in studying preterm birth associated brain dysfunction; viral infections mediated neuroinflammation, neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative diseases. We also highlight the translational value of brain organoids and current challenges that the field is experiencing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yogita K Adlakha
- Amity Institute of Molecular Medicine and Stem Cell Research, Amity University, Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India.
- Maternal and Child Health Domain, Translational Health Science and Technology Institute (THSTI), Faridabad, Haryana, India.
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34
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Wang W, Li X, Qian Q, Yan J, Huang H, Wang X, Wang H. Mechanistic exploration on neurodevelopmental toxicity induced by upregulation of alkbh5 targeted by triclosan exposure to larval zebrafish. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 457:131831. [PMID: 37320907 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.131831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Revised: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Because triclosan (TCS) has been confirmed to cause severe neurotoxicity, it is urgent to disclose the underlying toxicity mechanisms at varying levels. TCS exposure resulted in a series of malformations in larval zebrafish, including reduced neurons, blood-vessel ablation and abnormal neurobehavior. Apoptosis staining and the upregulated expression of proapoptotic genes demonstrated that TCS induced neuronal apoptosis and neurotransmitter disorders. By integrating RT-qPCR analysis with the effects of pathway inhibitors and agonists, we found that TCS triggered abnormal regulation of neuron development-related functional genes, and suppressed the BDNF/TrkB signaling pathway. TCS inhibited total m6A-RNA modification level by activating the demethylase ALKBH5, and induced neurodevelopmental toxicity based on the knockdown experiments of alkbh5 and molecular docking. The main novelties of this study lies in: (1) based on specific staining and transgenic lines, the differential neurotoxicity effects of TCS were unravelled at individual, physiological, biochemical and molecular levels in vivo; (2) from a epigenetics viewpoint, the decreasing m6A methylation level was confirmed to be mediated by alkbh5 upregulation; and (3) both homology modeling and molecular docking evidenced the targeting action of TCS on ALKBH5 enzyme. These findings open a novel avene for TCS's risk assessment and early intervention of the contaminant-sourcing diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiwei Wang
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine, Ministry of Education, China, School of Laboratory Medicine and Life Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China; School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Suzhou University of Science and Technology, Suzhou 215009, China
| | - Xin Li
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine, Ministry of Education, China, School of Laboratory Medicine and Life Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Qiuhui Qian
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Suzhou University of Science and Technology, Suzhou 215009, China
| | - Jin Yan
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Suzhou University of Science and Technology, Suzhou 215009, China
| | - Haishan Huang
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine, Ministry of Education, China, School of Laboratory Medicine and Life Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Xuedong Wang
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Suzhou University of Science and Technology, Suzhou 215009, China.
| | - Huili Wang
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine, Ministry of Education, China, School of Laboratory Medicine and Life Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China; School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Suzhou University of Science and Technology, Suzhou 215009, China.
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35
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Li Y, Lim C, Dismuke T, Malawsky DS, Oasa S, Bruce ZC, Offenhäuser C, Baumgartner U, D’Souza RCJ, Edwards SL, French JD, Ock LS, Nair S, Sivakumaran H, Harris L, Tikunov AP, Hwang D, Del Mar Alicea Pauneto C, Maybury M, Hassall T, Wainwright B, Kesari S, Stein G, Piper M, Johns TG, Sokolsky-Papkov M, Terenius L, Vukojević V, Gershon TR, Day BW. Preventing recurrence in Sonic Hedgehog Subgroup Medulloblastoma using the OLIG2 inhibitor CT-179. RESEARCH SQUARE 2023:rs.3.rs-2949436. [PMID: 37333134 PMCID: PMC10275055 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-2949436/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/20/2023]
Abstract
Recurrence is the primary life-threatening complication for medulloblastoma (MB). In Sonic Hedgehog (SHH)-subgroup MB, OLIG2-expressing tumor stem cells drive recurrence. We investigated the anti-tumor potential of the small-molecule OLIG2 inhibitor CT-179, using SHH-MB patient-derived organoids, patient-derived xenograft (PDX) tumors and mice genetically-engineered to develop SHH-MB. CT-179 disrupted OLIG2 dimerization, DNA binding and phosphorylation and altered tumor cell cycle kinetics in vitro and in vivo, increasing differentiation and apoptosis. CT-179 increased survival time in GEMM and PDX models of SHH-MB, and potentiated radiotherapy in both organoid and mouse models, delaying post-radiation recurrence. Single cell transcriptomic studies (scRNA-seq) confirmed that CT-179 increased differentiation and showed that tumors up-regulated Cdk4 post-treatment. Consistent with increased CDK4 mediating CT-179 resistance, CT-179 combined with CDK4/6 inhibitor palbociclib delayed recurrence compared to either single-agent. These data show that targeting treatment-resistant MB stem cell populations by adding the OLIG2 inhibitor CT-179 to initial MB treatment can reduce recurrence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuchen Li
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, 4006, Australia
- These authors contributed equally
- The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Chaemin Lim
- These authors contributed equally
- Center for Nanotechnology in Drug Delivery and Division of Pharmacoengineering and Molecular Pharmaceutics, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
- College of Pharmacy, Chung-Ang University, 221 Heukseok-dong, Dongiak-gu, Seoul 06974, Republic of Korea
| | - Taylor Dismuke
- These authors contributed equally
- Department of Neurology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Daniel S. Malawsky
- Department of Neurology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Hinxton, Cambridgeshire, UK
| | - Sho Oasa
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Center for Molecular Medicine (CMM), Karolinska Institutet, 17176 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Zara C. Bruce
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, 4006, Australia
| | | | - Ulrich Baumgartner
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, 4006, Australia
- The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Rochelle C. J. D’Souza
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, 4006, Australia
- The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Stacey L. Edwards
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, 4006, Australia
| | - Juliet D. French
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, 4006, Australia
| | - Lucy S.H. Ock
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, 4006, Australia
| | - Sneha Nair
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, 4006, Australia
| | - Haran Sivakumaran
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, 4006, Australia
| | - Lachlan Harris
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, 4006, Australia
- The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Andrey P. Tikunov
- Department of Neurology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30323, USA
| | - Duhyeong Hwang
- Center for Nanotechnology in Drug Delivery and Division of Pharmacoengineering and Molecular Pharmaceutics, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
- Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering, Dankook University, 119 Dandae-ro, Dongnam-gu, Cheonan 31116, Republic of Korea
| | - Coral Del Mar Alicea Pauneto
- Department of Neurology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Mellissa Maybury
- Child Health Research Centre, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4101, Australia
| | - Timothy Hassall
- The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia
- Oncology Service, Queensland Children’s Hospital, Children’s Health Queensland Hospital & Health Service, Brisbane, QLD, 4101, Australia
| | | | - Santosh Kesari
- Curtana Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Austin, TX 78756, United States
| | | | - Michael Piper
- The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | | | - Marina Sokolsky-Papkov
- Center for Nanotechnology in Drug Delivery and Division of Pharmacoengineering and Molecular Pharmaceutics, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Lars Terenius
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Center for Molecular Medicine (CMM), Karolinska Institutet, 17176 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Vladana Vukojević
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Center for Molecular Medicine (CMM), Karolinska Institutet, 17176 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Timothy R. Gershon
- Department of Neurology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30323, USA
| | - Bryan W. Day
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, 4006, Australia
- The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia
- Lead contact
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36
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Watson LA, Meharena HS. From neurodevelopment to neurodegeneration: utilizing human stem cell models to gain insight into Down syndrome. Front Genet 2023; 14:1198129. [PMID: 37323671 PMCID: PMC10267712 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2023.1198129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Down syndrome (DS), caused by triplication of chromosome 21, is the most frequent aneuploidy observed in the human population and represents the most common genetic form of intellectual disability and early-onset Alzheimer's disease (AD). Individuals with DS exhibit a wide spectrum of clinical presentation, with a number of organs implicated including the neurological, immune, musculoskeletal, cardiac, and gastrointestinal systems. Decades of DS research have illuminated our understanding of the disorder, however many of the features that limit quality of life and independence of individuals with DS, including intellectual disability and early-onset dementia, remain poorly understood. This lack of knowledge of the cellular and molecular mechanisms leading to neurological features of DS has caused significant roadblocks in developing effective therapeutic strategies to improve quality of life for individuals with DS. Recent technological advances in human stem cell culture methods, genome editing approaches, and single-cell transcriptomics have provided paradigm-shifting insights into complex neurological diseases such as DS. Here, we review novel neurological disease modeling approaches, how they have been used to study DS, and what questions might be addressed in the future using these innovative tools.
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Teles E Silva AL, Yokota BY, Sertié AL, Zampieri BL. Generation of Urine-Derived Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells and Cerebral Organoids for Modeling Down Syndrome. Stem Cell Rev Rep 2023; 19:1116-1123. [PMID: 36652145 DOI: 10.1007/s12015-022-10497-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Down syndrome (DS, or trisomy 21, T21), is the most common genetic cause of intellectual disability. Alterations in the complex process of cerebral cortex development contribute to the neurological deficits in DS, although the underlying molecular and cellular mechanisms are not completely understood. Human cerebral organoids (COs) derived from three-dimensional (3D) cultures of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) provide a new avenue for gaining a better understanding of DS neuropathology. In this study, we aimed to generate iPSCs from individuals with DS (T21-iPSCs) and euploid controls using urine-derived cells, which can be easily and noninvasively obtained from most individuals, and examine their ability to differentiate into neurons and astrocytes grown in monolayer cultures, as well as into 3D COs. We employed nonintegrating episomal vectors to generate urine-derived iPSC lines, and a simple-to-use system to produce COs with forebrain identity. We observed that both T21 and control urine-derived iPSC lines successfully differentiate into neurons and astrocytes in monolayer, as well as into COs that recapitulate early features of human cortical development, including organization of neural progenitor zones, programmed differentiation of excitatory and inhibitory neurons, and upper-and deep-layer cortical neurons as well as astrocytes. Our findings demonstrate for the first time the suitability of using urine-derived iPSC lines to produce COs for modeling DS.
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38
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Seah C, Huckins LM, Brennand KJ. Stem Cell Models for Context-Specific Modeling in Psychiatric Disorders. Biol Psychiatry 2023; 93:642-650. [PMID: 36658083 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2022.09.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2022] [Revised: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Genome-wide association studies reveal the complex polygenic architecture underlying psychiatric disorder risk, but there is an unmet need to validate causal variants, resolve their target genes(s), and explore their functional impacts on disorder-related mechanisms. Disorder-associated loci regulate transcription of target genes in a cell type- and context-specific manner, which can be measured through expression quantitative trait loci. In this review, we discuss methods and insights from context-specific modeling of genetically and environmentally regulated expression. Human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cell type and organoid models have uncovered context-specific psychiatric disorder associations by investigating tissue-, cell type-, sex-, age-, and stressor-specific genetic regulation of expression. Techniques such as massively parallel reporter assays and pooled CRISPR (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats) screens make it possible to functionally fine-map genome-wide association study loci and validate their target genes at scale. Integration of disorder-associated contexts with these patient-specific human induced pluripotent stem cell models makes it possible to uncover gene by environment interactions that mediate disorder risk, which will ultimately improve our ability to diagnose and treat psychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carina Seah
- Pamela Sklar Division of Psychiatric Genomics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York; Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York; Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York
| | - Laura M Huckins
- Pamela Sklar Division of Psychiatric Genomics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York; Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York; Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York; Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York; Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut.
| | - Kristen J Brennand
- Pamela Sklar Division of Psychiatric Genomics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York; Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York; Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York; Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York; Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut.
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39
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Kim H, Jang EJ, Sankpal NV, Patel M, Patel R. Recent Development of Brain Organoids for Biomedical Application. Macromol Biosci 2023; 23:e2200346. [PMID: 36469016 DOI: 10.1002/mabi.202200346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2022] [Revised: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Over the years, scientists have studied the behavior and anatomy of many animals to understand the own species. However, despite the continuous efforts, it is often difficult to know for certain how the brain works due to the differences between the brains of animals and the human brain. While the use of animal models for research continues, the origin of human cognition and neurological disorders needs further elucidation. To that end, in vitro organoids that exhibit in vivo characteristics of the human brain have been recently developed. These brain-like organoids enable researchers to dive deeper into understanding the human brain, its neurological structures, and the causes of neurological pathologies. This paper reviews the recent developments in the regeneration of brain-like organoids using Matrigel and other alternatives. Further, gel-free methods that may enhance the regeneration process of organoids are discussed. Finally, the vascularized brain organoid growth and development in both in vitro and in vivo conditions are detailed.
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Affiliation(s)
- HanSol Kim
- Bio-Convergence (BC), Integrated Science and Engineering Division (ISED), Underwood International College, Yonsei University, 85 Songdogwahak-ro, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon, 21983, South Korea
| | - Eun Jo Jang
- Nano Science and Engineering, Integrated Science and Engineering Division (ISED), Underwood International College, Yonsei University, Songdogwahak-ro, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon, 21983, South Korea
| | - Narendra V Sankpal
- Norton Thoracic Institute St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center, Phoenix, AZ, 85013, USA
| | - Madhumita Patel
- Department of Chemistry and Nanoscience, Ewha Womans University, 52 Ewhayeodae-gil, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, 03760, South Korea
| | - Rajkumar Patel
- Energy & Environmental Science and Engineering (EESE), Integrated Science and Engineering Division (ISED), Underwood International College, Yonsei University, 85 Songdogwahak-ro, Yeonsugu, Incheon, 21938, South Korea
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Fan C, Kim D, An H, Park Y. Identifying an oligodendrocyte enhancer that regulates Olig2 expression. Hum Mol Genet 2023; 32:835-846. [PMID: 36193754 PMCID: PMC9941837 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddac249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2022] [Revised: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Olig2 is a basic helix-loop-helix transcription factor that plays a critical role in the central nervous system. It directs the specification of motor neurons and oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs) from neural progenitors and the subsequent maturation of OPCs into myelin-forming oligodendrocytes (OLs). It is also required for the development of astrocytes. Despite a decade-long search, enhancers that regulate the expression of Olig2 remain elusive. We have recently developed an innovative method that maps promoter-distal enhancers to genes in a principled manner. Here, we applied it to Olig2 in the context of OL lineage cells, uncovering an OL enhancer for it (termed Olig2-E1). Silencing Olig2-E1 by CRISPRi epigenome editing significantly downregulated Olig2 expression. Luciferase assay and ATAC-seq and ChIP-seq data show that Olig2-E1 is an OL-specific enhancer that is conserved across human, mouse and rat. Hi-C data reveal that Olig2-E1 physically interacts with OLIG2 and suggest that this interaction is specific to OL lineage cells. In sum, Olig2-E1 is an evolutionarily conserved OL-specific enhancer that drives the expression of Olig2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuandong Fan
- Institute for Myelin and Glia Exploration, Department of Biochemistry, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14203, USA
| | - Dongkyeong Kim
- Institute for Myelin and Glia Exploration, Department of Biochemistry, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14203, USA.,Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
| | | | - Yungki Park
- Institute for Myelin and Glia Exploration, Department of Biochemistry, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14203, USA
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41
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Transition from Animal-Based to Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (iPSCs)-Based Models of Neurodevelopmental Disorders: Opportunities and Challenges. Cells 2023; 12:cells12040538. [PMID: 36831205 PMCID: PMC9954744 DOI: 10.3390/cells12040538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2022] [Revised: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) arise from the disruption of highly coordinated mechanisms underlying brain development, which results in impaired sensory, motor and/or cognitive functions. Although rodent models have offered very relevant insights to the field, the translation of findings to clinics, particularly regarding therapeutic approaches for these diseases, remains challenging. Part of the explanation for this failure may be the genetic differences-some targets not being conserved between species-and, most importantly, the differences in regulation of gene expression. This prompts the use of human-derived models to study NDDS. The generation of human induced pluripotent stem cells (hIPSCs) added a new suitable alternative to overcome species limitations, allowing for the study of human neuronal development while maintaining the genetic background of the donor patient. Several hIPSC models of NDDs already proved their worth by mimicking several pathological phenotypes found in humans. In this review, we highlight the utility of hIPSCs to pave new paths for NDD research and development of new therapeutic tools, summarize the challenges and advances of hIPSC-culture and neuronal differentiation protocols and discuss the best way to take advantage of these models, illustrating this with examples of success for some NDDs.
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Czerminski JT, King OD, Lawrence JB. Large-scale organoid study suggests effects of trisomy 21 on early fetal neurodevelopment are more subtle than variability between isogenic lines and experiments. Front Neurosci 2023; 16:972201. [PMID: 36817096 PMCID: PMC9935940 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.972201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
This study examines cortical organoids generated from a panel of isogenic trisomic and disomic iPSC lines (subclones) as a model of early fetal brain development in Down syndrome (DS). An initial experiment comparing organoids from one trisomic and one disomic line showed many genome-wide transcriptomic differences and modest differences in cell-type proportions, suggesting there may be a neurodevelopmental phenotype that is due to trisomy of chr21. To better control for multiple sources of variation, we undertook a highly robust study of ∼1,200 organoids using an expanded panel of six all-isogenic lines, three disomic, and three trisomic. The power of this experimental design was indicated by strong detection of the ∼1.5-fold difference in chr21 genes. However, the numerous expression differences in non-chr21 genes seen in the smaller experiment fell away, and the differences in cell-type representation between lines did not correlate with trisomy 21. Results suggest that the initial smaller experiment picked up differences between small organoid samples and individual isogenic lines, which "averaged out" in the larger panel of isogenic lines. Our results indicate that even when organoid and batch variability are better controlled for, variation between isogenic cell lines (even subclones) may obscure, or be conflated with, subtle neurodevelopmental phenotypes that may be present in ∼2nd trimester DS brain development. Interestingly, despite this variability between organoid batches and lines, and the "fetal stage" of these organoids, an increase in secreted Aβ40 peptide levels-an Alzheimer-related cellular phenotype-was more strongly associated with trisomy 21 status than were neurodevelopmental shifts in cell-type composition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan T. Czerminski
- Medical Scientist Training Program, Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States
| | - Oliver D. King
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States
| | - Jeanne B. Lawrence
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States,Department of Pediatrics, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States,*Correspondence: Jeanne B. Lawrence,
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43
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Goldrick C, Guri I, Herrera-Oropeza G, O’Brien-Gore C, Roy E, Wojtynska M, Spagnoli FM. 3D multicellular systems in disease modelling: From organoids to organ-on-chip. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1083175. [PMID: 36819106 PMCID: PMC9933985 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1083175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Cell-cell interactions underlay organ formation and function during homeostasis. Changes in communication between cells and their surrounding microenvironment are a feature of numerous human diseases, including metabolic disease and neurological disorders. In the past decade, cross-disciplinary research has been conducted to engineer novel synthetic multicellular organ systems in 3D, including organoids, assembloids, and organ-on-chip models. These model systems, composed of distinct cell types, satisfy the need for a better understanding of complex biological interactions and mechanisms underpinning diseases. In this review, we discuss the emerging field of building 3D multicellular systems and their application for modelling the cellular interactions at play in diseases. We report recent experimental and computational approaches for capturing cell-cell interactions as well as progress in bioengineering approaches for recapitulating these complexities ex vivo. Finally, we explore the value of developing such multicellular systems for modelling metabolic, intestinal, and neurological disorders as major examples of multisystemic diseases, we discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the different approaches and provide some recommendations for further advancing the field.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Francesca M. Spagnoli
- Faculty of Life Sciences, Centre for Gene Therapy and Regenerative Medicine, Guy’s Campus, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
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Krzisch MA, Wu H, Yuan B, Whitfield TW, Liu XS, Fu D, Garrett-Engele CM, Khalil AS, Lungjangwa T, Shih J, Chang AN, Warren S, Cacace A, Andrykovich KR, Rietjens RGJ, Wallace O, Sur M, Jain B, Jaenisch R. Fragile X Syndrome Patient-Derived Neurons Developing in the Mouse Brain Show FMR1-Dependent Phenotypes. Biol Psychiatry 2023; 93:71-81. [PMID: 36372569 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2022.08.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Revised: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is characterized by physical abnormalities, anxiety, intellectual disability, hyperactivity, autistic behaviors, and seizures. Abnormal neuronal development in FXS is poorly understood. Data on patients with FXS remain scarce, and FXS animal models have failed to yield successful therapies. In vitro models do not fully recapitulate the morphology and function of human neurons. METHODS To mimic human neuron development in vivo, we coinjected neural precursor cells derived from FXS patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells and neural precursor cells derived from corrected isogenic control induced pluripotent stem cells into the brain of neonatal immune-deprived mice. RESULTS The transplanted cells populated the brain and a proportion differentiated into neurons and glial cells. Immunofluorescence and single and bulk RNA sequencing analyses showed accelerated maturation of FXS neurons after an initial delay. Additionally, we found increased percentages of Arc- and Egr-1-positive FXS neurons and wider dendritic protrusions of mature FXS striatal medium spiny neurons. CONCLUSIONS This transplantation approach provides new insights into the alterations of neuronal development in FXS by facilitating physiological development of cells in a 3-dimensional context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marine A Krzisch
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, Massachusetts.
| | - Hao Wu
- Full Circles Therapeutics, Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Bingbing Yuan
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Troy W Whitfield
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - X Shawn Liu
- Department of Physiology and Cellular Biophysics, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York
| | - Dongdong Fu
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | | | - Andrew S Khalil
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Tenzin Lungjangwa
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Jennifer Shih
- Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | | | - Stephen Warren
- Departments of Human Genetics, Biochemistry, and Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
| | | | | | | | | | - Mriganka Sur
- Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Bhav Jain
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Rudolf Jaenisch
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, Massachusetts; Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts.
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45
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Zhu W, Xu L, Li X, Hu H, Lou S, Liu Y. iPSCs-Derived Neurons and Brain Organoids from Patients. Handb Exp Pharmacol 2023; 281:59-81. [PMID: 37306818 DOI: 10.1007/164_2023_657] [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] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) can be differentiated into specific neurons and brain organoids by adding induction factors and small molecules in vitro, which carry human genetic information and recapitulate the development process of human brain as well as physiological, pathological, and pharmacological characteristics. Hence, iPSC-derived neurons and organoids hold great promise for studying human brain development and related nervous system diseases in vitro, and provide a platform for drug screening. In this chapter, we summarize the development of the differentiation techniques for neurons and brain organoids from iPSCs, and their applications in studying brain disease, drug screening, and transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wanying Zhu
- School of Pharmacy, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Disease Translational Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Lei Xu
- School of Pharmacy, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Disease Translational Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xinrui Li
- School of Pharmacy, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Disease Translational Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Hao Hu
- School of Pharmacy, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Disease Translational Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Shuning Lou
- School of Pharmacy, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Disease Translational Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yan Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Disease Translational Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.
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46
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Gabriel R, Boreland AJ, Pang ZP. Whole Cell Patch Clamp Electrophysiology in Human Neuronal Cells. Methods Mol Biol 2023; 2683:259-273. [PMID: 37300782 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3287-1_21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Whole cell patch clamp recording techniques are commonly used to assay membrane excitability, ion channel function, and synaptic activity in neurons. However, assaying these functional properties of human neurons remains difficult because of the difficulty in obtaining human neuronal cells. Recent advents in stem cell biology, especially the development of the induced pluripotent stem cells, made it possible to generate human neuronal cells in both 2-dimensional (2D) monolayer cultures and 3D brain-organoid cultures. Here, we describe the whole cell patch clamp methods of recording neuronal physiology from human neuronal cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael Gabriel
- Child Health Institute of New Jersey, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - Andrew J Boreland
- Child Health Institute of New Jersey, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
- Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Zhiping P Pang
- Child Health Institute of New Jersey, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ, USA.
- Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Piscataway, NJ, USA.
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47
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Ganguly BB, Kadam NN. Therapeutics for mitochondrial dysfunction-linked diseases in Down syndrome. Mitochondrion 2023; 68:25-43. [PMID: 36371073 DOI: 10.1016/j.mito.2022.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Revised: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Genome-wide deregulation contributes to mitochondrial dysfunction and impairment in oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) mechanism resulting in oxidative stress, increased production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and cell death in individuals with Down syndrome (DS). The cells, which require more energy, such as muscles, brain and heart are greatly affected. Impairment in mitochondrial network has a direct link with patho-mechanism at cellular and systemic levels at the backdrop of generalized metabolic perturbations in individuals with DS. Myriads of clinico-phenotypic features, including intellectual disability, early aging and neurodegeneration, and Alzheimer disease (AD)-related dementia are inevitable in DS-population where mitochondrial dysfunctions play the central role. Collectively, the mitochondrial abnormalities and altered energy metabolism perturbs several signaling pathways, particularly related to neurogenesis, which are directly associated with cognitive development and early onset of AD in individuals with DS. Therefore, therapeutic challenges for amelioration of the mitochondrial defects were perceived to improve the quality of life of the DS population. A number of pharmacologically active natural compounds such as polyphenols, antioxidants and flavonoids have shown convincing outcome for reversal of the dysfunctional mitochondrial network and oxidative metabolism, and improvement in intellectual skill in mouse models of DS and humans with DS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bani Bandana Ganguly
- MGM New Bombay Hospital and MGM Institute of Health Sciences, Navi Mumbai, India.
| | - Nitin N Kadam
- MGM New Bombay Hospital and MGM Institute of Health Sciences, Navi Mumbai, India
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48
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A Comprehensive Update of Cerebral Organoids between Applications and Challenges. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2022; 2022:7264649. [DOI: 10.1155/2022/7264649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2022] [Revised: 10/30/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The basic technology of stem cells has been developed and created organoids, which have established a strong interest in regenerative medicine. Different cell types have been used to generate cerebral organoids, which include interneurons and oligodendrocytes (OLs). OLs are fundamental for brain development. Abundant studies have displayed that brain organoids can recapitulate fundamental and vital features of the human brain, such as cellular regulation and distribution, neuronal networks, electrical activities, and physiological structure. The organoids contain essential ventral brain domains and functional cortical interneurons, which are similar to the developing cortex and medial ganglionic eminence (MGE). So, brain organoids have provided a singular model to study and investigate neurological disorder mechanisms and therapeutics. Furthermore, the blood brain barrier (BBB) organoids modeling contributes to accelerate therapeutic discovery for the treatment of several neuropathologies. In this review, we summarized the advances of the brain organoids applications to investigate neurological disorder mechanisms such as neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders, mental disorders, brain cancer, and cerebral viral infections. We discussed brain organoids’ therapeutic application as a potential therapeutic unique method and highlighted in detail the challenges and hurdles of organoid models.
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49
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Farley SJ, Grishok A, Zeldich E. Shaking up the silence: consequences of HMGN1 antagonizing PRC2 in the Down syndrome brain. Epigenetics Chromatin 2022; 15:39. [PMID: 36463299 PMCID: PMC9719135 DOI: 10.1186/s13072-022-00471-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Intellectual disability is a well-known hallmark of Down Syndrome (DS) that results from the triplication of the critical region of human chromosome 21 (HSA21). Major studies were conducted in recent years to gain an understanding about the contribution of individual triplicated genes to DS-related brain pathology. Global transcriptomic alterations and widespread changes in the establishment of neural lineages, as well as their differentiation and functional maturity, suggest genome-wide chromatin organization alterations in trisomy. High Mobility Group Nucleosome Binding Domain 1 (HMGN1), expressed from HSA21, is a chromatin remodeling protein that facilitates chromatin decompaction and is associated with acetylated lysine 27 on histone H3 (H3K27ac), a mark correlated with active transcription. Recent studies causatively linked overexpression of HMGN1 in trisomy and the development of DS-associated B cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL). HMGN1 has been shown to antagonize the activity of the Polycomb Repressive Complex 2 (PRC2) and prevent the deposition of histone H3 lysine 27 trimethylation mark (H3K27me3), which is associated with transcriptional repression and gene silencing. However, the possible ramifications of the increased levels of HMGN1 through the derepression of PRC2 target genes on brain cell pathology have not gained attention. In this review, we discuss the functional significance of HMGN1 in brain development and summarize accumulating reports about the essential role of PRC2 in the development of the neural system. Mechanistic understanding of how overexpression of HMGN1 may contribute to aberrant brain cell phenotypes in DS, such as altered proliferation of neural progenitors, abnormal cortical architecture, diminished myelination, neurodegeneration, and Alzheimer's disease-related pathology in trisomy 21, will facilitate the development of DS therapeutic approaches targeting chromatin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean J. Farley
- grid.189504.10000 0004 1936 7558Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA USA
| | - Alla Grishok
- grid.189504.10000 0004 1936 7558Department of Biochemistry, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA USA ,grid.189504.10000 0004 1936 7558Boston University Genome Science Institute, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA USA
| | - Ella Zeldich
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA.
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Liu C, Helsper S, Marzano M, Chen X, Muok L, Esmonde C, Zeng C, Sun L, Grant SC, Li Y. Human Forebrain Organoid-Derived Extracellular Vesicle Labeling with Iron Oxides for In Vitro Magnetic Resonance Imaging. Biomedicines 2022; 10:3060. [PMID: 36551816 PMCID: PMC9775717 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10123060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Revised: 11/20/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The significant roles of extracellular vesicles (EVs) as intracellular mediators, disease biomarkers, and therapeutic agents, make them a scientific hotspot. In particular, EVs secreted by human stem cells show significance in treating neurological disorders, such as Alzheimer’s disease and ischemic stroke. However, the clinical applications of EVs are limited due to their poor targeting capabilities and low therapeutic efficacies after intravenous administration. Superparamagnetic iron oxide (SPIO) nanoparticles are biocompatible and have been shown to improve the targeting ability of EVs. In particular, ultrasmall SPIO (USPIO, <50 nm) are more suitable for labeling nanoscale EVs due to their small size. In this study, induced forebrain neural progenitor cortical organoids (iNPCo) were differentiated from human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), and the iNPCo expressed FOXG1, Nkx2.1, α-catenin, as well as β-tubulin III. EVs were isolated from iNPCo media, then loaded with USPIOs by sonication. Size and concentration of EV particles were measured by nanoparticle tracking analysis, and no significant changes were observed in size distribution before and after sonication, but the concentration decreased after labeling. miR-21 and miR-133b decreased after sonication. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) demonstrated contrast visualized for the USPIO labeled EVs embedded in agarose gel phantoms. Upon calculation, USPIO labeled EVs exhibited considerably shorter relaxation times, quantified as T2 and T2* values, reducing the signal intensity and generating higher MRI contrast compared to unlabeled EVs and gel only. Our study demonstrated that USPIO labeling was a feasible approach for in vitro tracking of brain organoid-derived EVs, which paves the way for further in vivo examination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang Liu
- Department of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, FAMU-FSU College of Engineering, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32310, USA
| | - Shannon Helsper
- Department of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, FAMU-FSU College of Engineering, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32310, USA
- The National High Magnetic Field Laboratory, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32310, USA
| | - Mark Marzano
- Department of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, FAMU-FSU College of Engineering, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32310, USA
| | - Xingchi Chen
- Department of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, FAMU-FSU College of Engineering, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32310, USA
- High Performance Materials Institute, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32310, USA
| | - Laureana Muok
- Department of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, FAMU-FSU College of Engineering, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32310, USA
| | - Colin Esmonde
- Department of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, FAMU-FSU College of Engineering, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32310, USA
| | - Changchun Zeng
- High Performance Materials Institute, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32310, USA
- Department of Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering, FAMU-FSU College of Engineering, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32310, USA
| | - Li Sun
- Department of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, FAMU-FSU College of Engineering, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32310, USA
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32310, USA
| | - Samuel C. Grant
- Department of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, FAMU-FSU College of Engineering, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32310, USA
- The National High Magnetic Field Laboratory, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32310, USA
| | - Yan Li
- Department of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, FAMU-FSU College of Engineering, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32310, USA
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