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Patton MH, Thomas KT, Bayazitov IT, Newman KD, Kurtz NB, Robinson CG, Ramirez CA, Trevisan AJ, Bikoff JB, Peters ST, Pruett-Miller SM, Jiang Y, Schild AB, Nityanandam A, Zakharenko SS. Synaptic plasticity in human thalamocortical assembloids. Cell Rep 2024; 43:114503. [PMID: 39018245 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.114503] [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: 03/11/2024] [Revised: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 06/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Synaptic plasticities, such as long-term potentiation (LTP) and depression (LTD), tune synaptic efficacy and are essential for learning and memory. Current studies of synaptic plasticity in humans are limited by a lack of adequate human models. Here, we modeled the thalamocortical system by fusing human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived thalamic and cortical organoids. Single-nucleus RNA sequencing revealed that >80% of cells in thalamic organoids were glutamatergic neurons. When fused to form thalamocortical assembloids, thalamic and cortical organoids formed reciprocal long-range axonal projections and reciprocal synapses detectable by light and electron microscopy, respectively. Using whole-cell patch-clamp electrophysiology and two-photon imaging, we characterized glutamatergic synaptic transmission. Thalamocortical and corticothalamic synapses displayed short-term plasticity analogous to that in animal models. LTP and LTD were reliably induced at both synapses; however, their mechanisms differed from those previously described in rodents. Thus, thalamocortical assembloids provide a model system for exploring synaptic plasticity in human circuits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary H Patton
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Kristen T Thomas
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Ildar T Bayazitov
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Kyle D Newman
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Nathaniel B Kurtz
- Cell and Tissue Imaging Center, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Camenzind G Robinson
- Cell and Tissue Imaging Center, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Cody A Ramirez
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Alexandra J Trevisan
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Jay B Bikoff
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Samuel T Peters
- Center for Advanced Genome Engineering, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Shondra M Pruett-Miller
- Center for Advanced Genome Engineering, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA; Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Yanbo Jiang
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Andrew B Schild
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Anjana Nityanandam
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Stanislav S Zakharenko
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA.
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2
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Bock M, Hong SJ, Zhang S, Yu Y, Lee S, Shin H, Choi BH, Han I. Morphogenetic Designs, and Disease Models in Central Nervous System Organoids. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:7750. [PMID: 39062993 PMCID: PMC11276855 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25147750] [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: 06/24/2024] [Revised: 07/11/2024] [Accepted: 07/12/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Since the emergence of the first cerebral organoid (CO) in 2013, advancements have transformed central nervous system (CNS) research. Initial efforts focused on studying the morphogenesis of COs and creating reproducible models. Numerous methodologies have been proposed, enabling the design of the brain organoid to represent specific regions and spinal cord structures. CNS organoids now facilitate the study of a wide range of CNS diseases, from infections to tumors, which were previously difficult to investigate. We summarize the major advancements in CNS organoids, concerning morphogenetic designs and disease models. We examine the development of fabrication procedures and how these advancements have enabled the generation of region-specific brain organoids and spinal cord models. We highlight the application of these organoids in studying various CNS diseases, demonstrating the versatility and potential of organoid models in advancing our understanding of complex conditions. We discuss the current challenges in the field, including issues related to reproducibility, scalability, and the accurate recapitulation of the in vivo environment. We provide an outlook on prospective studies and future directions. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the state-of-the-art CNS organoid research, highlighting key developments, current challenges, and prospects in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minsung Bock
- Department of Neurosurgery, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University, Seongnam-si 13496, Republic of Korea; (M.B.); (S.Z.); (Y.Y.); (S.L.); (H.S.)
| | - Sung Jun Hong
- Research Competency Milestones Program, School of Medicine, CHA University, Seongnam-si 13488, Republic of Korea;
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, CHA University, Seongnam-si 13496, Republic of Korea
| | - Songzi Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University, Seongnam-si 13496, Republic of Korea; (M.B.); (S.Z.); (Y.Y.); (S.L.); (H.S.)
| | - Yerin Yu
- Department of Neurosurgery, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University, Seongnam-si 13496, Republic of Korea; (M.B.); (S.Z.); (Y.Y.); (S.L.); (H.S.)
| | - Somin Lee
- Department of Neurosurgery, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University, Seongnam-si 13496, Republic of Korea; (M.B.); (S.Z.); (Y.Y.); (S.L.); (H.S.)
| | - Haeeun Shin
- Department of Neurosurgery, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University, Seongnam-si 13496, Republic of Korea; (M.B.); (S.Z.); (Y.Y.); (S.L.); (H.S.)
| | - Byung Hyune Choi
- Department of Biomedical Science, Inha University College of Medicine, Incheon 22212, Republic of Korea;
| | - Inbo Han
- Department of Neurosurgery, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University, Seongnam-si 13496, Republic of Korea; (M.B.); (S.Z.); (Y.Y.); (S.L.); (H.S.)
- Advanced Regenerative Medicine Research Center, CHA Future Medicine Research Institute, Seongnam-si 13488, Republic of Korea
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Xu C, Alameri A, Leong W, Johnson E, Chen Z, Xu B, Leong KW. Multiscale engineering of brain organoids for disease modeling. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2024; 210:115344. [PMID: 38810702 PMCID: PMC11265575 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2024.115344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2024] [Revised: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024]
Abstract
Brain organoids hold great potential for modeling human brain development and pathogenesis. They recapitulate certain aspects of the transcriptional trajectory, cellular diversity, tissue architecture and functions of the developing brain. In this review, we explore the engineering strategies to control the molecular-, cellular- and tissue-level inputs to achieve high-fidelity brain organoids. We review the application of brain organoids in neural disorder modeling and emerging bioengineering methods to improve data collection and feature extraction at multiscale. The integration of multiscale engineering strategies and analytical methods has significant potential to advance insight into neurological disorders and accelerate drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cong Xu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA
| | - Alia Alameri
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA
| | - Wei Leong
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA
| | - Emily Johnson
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA
| | - Zaozao Chen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA
| | - Bin Xu
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA.
| | - Kam W Leong
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA.
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4
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Coronel R, García-Moreno E, Siendones E, Barrero MJ, Martínez-Delgado B, Santos-Ocaña C, Liste I, Cascajo-Almenara MV. Brain organoid as a model to study the role of mitochondria in neurodevelopmental disorders: achievements and weaknesses. Front Cell Neurosci 2024; 18:1403734. [PMID: 38978706 PMCID: PMC11228165 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2024.1403734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 07/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Mitochondrial diseases are a group of severe pathologies that cause complex neurodegenerative disorders for which, in most cases, no therapy or treatment is available. These organelles are critical regulators of both neurogenesis and homeostasis of the neurological system. Consequently, mitochondrial damage or dysfunction can occur as a cause or consequence of neurodevelopmental or neurodegenerative diseases. As genetic knowledge of neurodevelopmental disorders advances, associations have been identified between genes that encode mitochondrial proteins and neurological symptoms, such as neuropathy, encephalomyopathy, ataxia, seizures, and developmental delays, among others. Understanding how mitochondrial dysfunction can alter these processes is essential in researching rare diseases. Three-dimensional (3D) cell cultures, which self-assemble to form specialized structures composed of different cell types, represent an accessible manner to model organogenesis and neurodevelopmental disorders. In particular, brain organoids are revolutionizing the study of mitochondrial-based neurological diseases since they are organ-specific and model-generated from a patient's cell, thereby overcoming some of the limitations of traditional animal and cell models. In this review, we have collected which neurological structures and functions recapitulate in the different types of reported brain organoids, focusing on those generated as models of mitochondrial diseases. In addition to advancements in the generation of brain organoids, techniques, and approaches for studying neuronal structures and physiology, drug screening and drug repositioning studies performed in brain organoids with mitochondrial damage and neurodevelopmental disorders have also been reviewed. This scope review will summarize the evidence on limitations in studying the function and dynamics of mitochondria in brain organoids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raquel Coronel
- Neural Regeneration Unit, Functional Unit for Research on Chronic Diseases (UFIEC), National Institute of Health Carlos III (ISCIII), Madrid, Spain
- Department of Systems Biology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Alcalá (UAH), Alcalá de Henares, Spain
| | - Enrique García-Moreno
- Andalusian Centre for Developmental Biology, CIBERER, National Institute of Health Carlos III (ISCIII), Pablo de Olavide University-CSIC-JA, Seville, Spain
| | - Emilio Siendones
- Andalusian Centre for Developmental Biology, CIBERER, National Institute of Health Carlos III (ISCIII), Pablo de Olavide University-CSIC-JA, Seville, Spain
| | - Maria J. Barrero
- Models and Mechanisms Unit, Institute of Rare Diseases Research (IIER), Spanish National Institute of Health Carlos III (ISCIII), Madrid, Spain
| | - Beatriz Martínez-Delgado
- Molecular Genetics Unit, Institute of Rare Diseases Research (IIER), CIBER of Rare Diseases (CIBERER), Institute of Health Carlos III (ISCIII), Madrid, Spain
| | - Carlos Santos-Ocaña
- Andalusian Centre for Developmental Biology, CIBERER, National Institute of Health Carlos III (ISCIII), Pablo de Olavide University-CSIC-JA, Seville, Spain
| | - Isabel Liste
- Neural Regeneration Unit, Functional Unit for Research on Chronic Diseases (UFIEC), National Institute of Health Carlos III (ISCIII), Madrid, Spain
| | - M. V. Cascajo-Almenara
- Andalusian Centre for Developmental Biology, CIBERER, National Institute of Health Carlos III (ISCIII), Pablo de Olavide University-CSIC-JA, Seville, Spain
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5
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Lou Y, Ma J, Hu Y, Yao X, Liu Y, Wu M, Jia G, Chen Y, Chai R, Xia M, Li W. Integration of Functional Human Auditory Neural Circuits Based on a 3D Carbon Nanotube System. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024:e2309617. [PMID: 38889308 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202309617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2023] [Revised: 04/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
The physiological interactions between the peripheral and central auditory systems are crucial for auditory information transmission and perception, while reliable models for auditory neural circuits are currently lacking. To address this issue, mouse and human neural pathways are generated by utilizing a carbon nanotube nanofiber system. The super-aligned pattern of the scaffold renders the axons of the bipolar and multipolar neurons extending in a parallel direction. In addition, the electrical conductivity of the scaffold maintains the electrophysiological activity of the primary mouse auditory neurons. The mouse and human primary neurons from peripheral and central auditory units in the system are then co-cultured and showed that the two kinds of neurons form synaptic connections. Moreover, neural progenitor cells of the cochlea and auditory cortex are derived from human embryos to generate region-specific organoids and these organoids are assembled in the nanofiber-combined 3D system. Using optogenetic stimulation, calcium imaging, and electrophysiological recording, it is revealed that functional synaptic connections are formed between peripheral neurons and central neurons, as evidenced by calcium spiking and postsynaptic currents. The auditory circuit model will enable the study of the auditory neural pathway and advance the search for treatment strategies for disorders of neuronal connectivity in sensorineural hearing loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiyun Lou
- ENT Institute and Otorhinolaryngology Department of Eye & ENT Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200031, China
- Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Jiaoyao Ma
- ENT Institute and Otorhinolaryngology Department of Eye & ENT Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200031, China
- Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Yangnan Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Digital Medical Engineering, Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Zhongda Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Advanced Institute for Life and Health, Jiangsu Province High-Tech Key Laboratory for Bio-Medical Research, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096, China
- Co-Innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, China
| | - Xiaoying Yao
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Yaoqian Liu
- ENT Institute and Otorhinolaryngology Department of Eye & ENT Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200031, China
- Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Mingxuan Wu
- ENT Institute and Otorhinolaryngology Department of Eye & ENT Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200031, China
- Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Gaogan Jia
- ENT Institute and Otorhinolaryngology Department of Eye & ENT Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200031, China
- Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Yan Chen
- ENT Institute and Otorhinolaryngology Department of Eye & ENT Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200031, China
- Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Hearing Medicine, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200031, China
- The Institutes of Brain Science and the Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Renjie Chai
- State Key Laboratory of Digital Medical Engineering, Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Zhongda Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Advanced Institute for Life and Health, Jiangsu Province High-Tech Key Laboratory for Bio-Medical Research, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096, China
- Co-Innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, China
| | - Mingyu Xia
- ENT Institute and Otorhinolaryngology Department of Eye & ENT Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200031, China
- Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Hearing Medicine, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200031, China
- The Institutes of Brain Science and the Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Wenyan Li
- ENT Institute and Otorhinolaryngology Department of Eye & ENT Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200031, China
- Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Hearing Medicine, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200031, China
- The Institutes of Brain Science and the Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
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6
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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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Tamada A, Muguruma K. Recapitulation and investigation of human brain development with neural organoids. IBRO Neurosci Rep 2024; 16:106-117. [PMID: 39007085 PMCID: PMC11240300 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibneur.2023.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Organoids are 3D cultured tissues derived from stem cells that resemble the structure of living organs. Based on the accumulated knowledge of neural development, neural organoids that recapitulate neural tissue have been created by inducing self-organized neural differentiation of stem cells. Neural organoid techniques have been applied to human pluripotent stem cells to differentiate 3D human neural tissues in culture. Various methods have been developed to generate neural tissues of different regions. Currently, neural organoid technology has several significant limitations, which are being overcome in an attempt to create neural organoids that more faithfully recapitulate the living brain. The rapidly advancing neural organoid technology enables the use of living human neural tissue as research material and contributes to our understanding of the development, structure and function of the human nervous system, and is expected to be used to overcome neurological diseases and for regenerative medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atsushi Tamada
- Department of iPS Cell Applied Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Kansai Medical University, Hirakata, Osaka 573-1010, Japan
| | - Keiko Muguruma
- Department of iPS Cell Applied Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Kansai Medical University, Hirakata, Osaka 573-1010, Japan
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8
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Maussion G, Rocha C, Ramoz N. iPSC-derived models for anorexia nervosa research. Trends Mol Med 2024; 30:339-349. [PMID: 38472034 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2024.02.006] [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: 01/16/2024] [Revised: 02/14/2024] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a complex neuropsychiatric disorder with genetic and epigenetic components that results in reduced food intake combined with alterations in the reward-processing network. While studies of patient cohorts and mouse models have uncovered genes and epigenetic changes associated with the disease, neuronal networks and brain areas preferentially activated and metabolic changes associated with reduced food intake, the underlying molecular and cellular mechanisms remain unknown. The use of both 2D in vitro cultures and 3D models, namely organoids and spheroids, derived from either human embryonic stem cells (ESCs) or induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), would allow identification of cell type-specific changes associated with AN and comorbid diseases, to study preferential connections between brain areas and organs, and the development of therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gilles Maussion
- The Neuro's Early Drug Discovery Unit (EDDU), McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3A 2B4, Canada.
| | - Cecilia Rocha
- The Neuro's Early Drug Discovery Unit (EDDU), McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3A 2B4, Canada
| | - Nicolas Ramoz
- Université Paris Cité, Institute of Psychiatry and Neuroscience of Paris (IPNP), INSERM U1266, Paris 75014, France; GHU Paris Psychiatrie et Neurosciences, CMME, Hôpital Sainte-Anne, Paris F-75014, France
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9
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Patton MH, Thomas KT, Bayazitov IT, Newman KD, Kurtz NB, Robinson CG, Ramirez CA, Trevisan AJ, Bikoff JB, Peters ST, Pruett-Miller SM, Jiang Y, Schild AB, Nityanandam A, Zakharenko SS. Synaptic plasticity in human thalamocortical assembloids. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.02.01.578421. [PMID: 38352415 PMCID: PMC10862901 DOI: 10.1101/2024.02.01.578421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
Synaptic plasticities, such as long-term potentiation (LTP) and depression (LTD), tune synaptic efficacy and are essential for learning and memory. Current studies of synaptic plasticity in humans are limited by a lack of adequate human models. Here, we modeled the thalamocortical system by fusing human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived thalamic and cortical organoids. Single-nucleus RNA-sequencing revealed that most cells in mature thalamic organoids were glutamatergic neurons. When fused to form thalamocortical assembloids, thalamic and cortical organoids formed reciprocal long-range axonal projections and reciprocal synapses detectable by light and electron microscopy, respectively. Using whole-cell patch-clamp electrophysiology and two-photon imaging, we characterized glutamatergic synaptic transmission. Thalamocortical and corticothalamic synapses displayed short-term plasticity analogous to that in animal models. LTP and LTD were reliably induced at both synapses; however, their mechanisms differed from those previously described in rodents. Thus, thalamocortical assembloids provide a model system for exploring synaptic plasticity in human circuits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary H. Patton
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital; Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Kristen T. Thomas
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital; Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Ildar T. Bayazitov
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital; Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Kyle D. Newman
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital; Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Nathaniel B. Kurtz
- Cell and Tissue Imaging Center, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital; Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Camenzind G. Robinson
- Cell and Tissue Imaging Center, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital; Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Cody A. Ramirez
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital; Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Alexandra J. Trevisan
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital; Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Jay B. Bikoff
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital; Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Samuel T. Peters
- Center for Advanced Genome Engineering, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital; Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Shondra M. Pruett-Miller
- Center for Advanced Genome Engineering, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital; Memphis, TN 38105, USA
- Department of Cell & Molecular Biology, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital; Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Yanbo Jiang
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital; Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Andrew B. Schild
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital; Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Anjana Nityanandam
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital; Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Stanislav S. Zakharenko
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital; Memphis, TN 38105, USA
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10
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Leyva-Díaz E, Wilson ES, López-Bendito G. Development has the answer: Unraveling psychiatric disorders via thalamocortical organoids. Cell Stem Cell 2024; 31:283-284. [PMID: 38458174 DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2024.02.008] [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: 02/07/2024] [Revised: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/10/2024]
Abstract
Dissecting the role of the thalamus in neuropsychiatric disorders requires new models to analyze complex genetic interactions. In this issue of Cell Stem Cell, Shin et al. use patient-derived thalamocortical organoids to investigate 22q11.2 microdeletion impact on thalamic development, revealing significant transcriptional dysregulation linked to psychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eduardo Leyva-Díaz
- Instituto de Neurociencias de Alicante, Universidad Miguel Hernández-Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (UMH-CSIC), San Juan de Alicante, Alicante, Spain
| | - Emily S Wilson
- Instituto de Neurociencias de Alicante, Universidad Miguel Hernández-Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (UMH-CSIC), San Juan de Alicante, Alicante, Spain
| | - Guillermina López-Bendito
- Instituto de Neurociencias de Alicante, Universidad Miguel Hernández-Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (UMH-CSIC), San Juan de Alicante, Alicante, Spain.
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11
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Kiral FR, Choe M, Park IH. Diencephalic organoids - A key to unraveling development, connectivity, and pathology of the human diencephalon. Front Cell Neurosci 2023; 17:1308479. [PMID: 38130869 PMCID: PMC10733522 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2023.1308479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The diencephalon, an integral component of the forebrain, governs a spectrum of crucial functions, ranging from sensory processing to emotional regulation. Yet, unraveling its unique development, intricate connectivity, and its role in neurodevelopmental disorders has long been hampered by the scarcity of human brain tissue and ethical constraints. Recent advancements in stem cell technology, particularly the emergence of brain organoids, have heralded a new era in neuroscience research. Although most brain organoid methodologies have hitherto concentrated on directing stem cells toward telencephalic fates, novel techniques now permit the generation of region-specific brain organoids that faithfully replicate precise diencephalic identities. These models mirror the complexity of the human diencephalon, providing unprecedented opportunities for investigating diencephalic development, functionality, connectivity, and pathophysiology in vitro. This review summarizes the development, function, and connectivity of diencephalic structures and touches upon developmental brain disorders linked to diencephalic abnormalities. Furthermore, it presents current diencephalic organoid models and their applications in unraveling the intricacies of diencephalic development, function, and pathology in humans. Lastly, it highlights thalamocortical assembloid models, adept at capturing human-specific aspects of thalamocortical connections, along with their relevance in neurodevelopmental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - In-Hyun Park
- Interdepartmental Neuroscience Program, Department of Genetics, Yale Stem Cell Center, Yale Child Study Center, Wu Tsai Institute, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
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12
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Toh HSY, Choo XY, Sun AX. Midbrain organoids-development and applications in Parkinson's disease. OXFORD OPEN NEUROSCIENCE 2023; 2:kvad009. [PMID: 38596240 PMCID: PMC10913847 DOI: 10.1093/oons/kvad009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Revised: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
Human brain development is spatially and temporally complex. Insufficient access to human brain tissue and inadequacy of animal models has limited the study of brain development and neurodegenerative diseases. Recent advancements of brain organoid technology have created novel opportunities to model human-specific neurodevelopment and brain diseases. In this review, we discuss the use of brain organoids to model the midbrain and Parkinson's disease. We critically evaluate the extent of recapitulation of PD pathology by organoids and discuss areas of future development that may lead to the model to become a next-generation, personalized therapeutic strategy for PD and beyond.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hilary S Y Toh
- Neuroscience & Behavioural Disorders Programme, Duke-NUS Medical School, 8 College Road, Singapore
| | - Xin Yi Choo
- Neuroscience & Behavioural Disorders Programme, Duke-NUS Medical School, 8 College Road, Singapore
| | - Alfred Xuyang Sun
- Neuroscience & Behavioural Disorders Programme, Duke-NUS Medical School, 8 College Road, Singapore
- National Neuroscience Institute, 11 Jln Tan Tock Seng, Singapore
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13
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Zhang A, Wang Y. Zooming into finer brain structures in vitro. Cell Stem Cell 2023; 30:503-504. [PMID: 37146575 DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2023.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2023] [Revised: 04/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
Regionalized organoids have recently been developed to resemble a particular brain region. However, generating organoids with even finer sub-regional resolution has proven challenging. In this issue of Cell Stem Cell, Kiral et al.1 report a new organoid model resembling the human ventral thalamus and thalamic reticular nucleus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ai Zhang
- Aspen Neuroscience, Inc., 10835 Rd. to the Cure, San Diego, CA 92121, USA
| | - Yanling Wang
- Rush Alzheimer's Disease Center, Rush University Medical Center, 1750 W. Harrison St., Chicago, IL 60612, USA; Department of Neurological Sciences, Rush University Medical Center, 1620 W. Harrison St., Chicago, IL 60612, USA; Rush Graduate College, Rush University, 600 S. Paulina St., Chicago, IL 60612, USA.
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