1
|
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.
Collapse
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.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
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.
Collapse
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.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Rastogi M, Bartolucci M, Nanni M, Aloisio M, Vozzi D, Petretto A, Contestabile A, Cancedda L. Integrative multi-omic analysis reveals conserved cell-projection deficits in human Down syndrome brains. Neuron 2024; 112:2503-2523.e10. [PMID: 38810652 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2024.05.002] [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: 01/02/2023] [Revised: 03/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024]
Abstract
Down syndrome (DS) is the most common genetic cause of cognitive disability. However, it is largely unclear how triplication of a small gene subset may impinge on diverse aspects of DS brain physiopathology. Here, we took a multi-omic approach and simultaneously analyzed by RNA-seq and proteomics the expression signatures of two diverse regions of human postmortem DS brains. We found that the overexpression of triplicated genes triggered global expression dysregulation, differentially affecting transcripts, miRNAs, and proteins involved in both known and novel biological candidate pathways. Among the latter, we observed an alteration in RNA splicing, specifically modulating the expression of genes involved in cytoskeleton and axonal dynamics in DS brains. Accordingly, we found an alteration in axonal polarization in neurons from DS human iPSCs and mice. Thus, our study provides an integrated multilayer expression database capable of identifying new potential targets to aid in designing future clinical interventions for DS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mohit Rastogi
- Brain Development and Disease Laboratory, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genova 16163, Italy
| | - Martina Bartolucci
- Core Facilities - Clinical Proteomics and Metabolomics, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genova 16147, Italy
| | - Marina Nanni
- Brain Development and Disease Laboratory, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genova 16163, Italy
| | | | - Diego Vozzi
- Central RNA Laboratory, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genova 16152, Italy
| | - Andrea Petretto
- Core Facilities - Clinical Proteomics and Metabolomics, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genova 16147, Italy
| | - Andrea Contestabile
- Brain Development and Disease Laboratory, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genova 16163, Italy.
| | - Laura Cancedda
- Brain Development and Disease Laboratory, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genova 16163, Italy; Dulbecco Telethon Institute, Rome 00185, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
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 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.
Collapse
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.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Prem S, Dev B, Peng C, Mehta M, Alibutud R, Connacher RJ, St Thomas M, Zhou X, Matteson P, Xing J, Millonig JH, DiCicco-Bloom E. Dysregulation of mTOR signaling mediates common neurite and migration defects in both idiopathic and 16p11.2 deletion autism neural precursor cells. eLife 2024; 13:e82809. [PMID: 38525876 PMCID: PMC11003747 DOI: 10.7554/elife.82809] [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: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is defined by common behavioral characteristics, raising the possibility of shared pathogenic mechanisms. Yet, vast clinical and etiological heterogeneity suggests personalized phenotypes. Surprisingly, our iPSC studies find that six individuals from two distinct ASD subtypes, idiopathic and 16p11.2 deletion, have common reductions in neural precursor cell (NPC) neurite outgrowth and migration even though whole genome sequencing demonstrates no genetic overlap between the datasets. To identify signaling differences that may contribute to these developmental defects, an unbiased phospho-(p)-proteome screen was performed. Surprisingly despite the genetic heterogeneity, hundreds of shared p-peptides were identified between autism subtypes including the mTOR pathway. mTOR signaling alterations were confirmed in all NPCs across both ASD subtypes, and mTOR modulation rescued ASD phenotypes and reproduced autism NPC-associated phenotypes in control NPCs. Thus, our studies demonstrate that genetically distinct ASD subtypes have common defects in neurite outgrowth and migration which are driven by the shared pathogenic mechanism of mTOR signaling dysregulation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Smrithi Prem
- Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical SchoolPiscatawayUnited States
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, Rutgers UniversityPiscatawayUnited States
| | - Bharati Dev
- Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical SchoolPiscatawayUnited States
| | - Cynthia Peng
- Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical SchoolPiscatawayUnited States
| | - Monal Mehta
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, Rutgers UniversityPiscatawayUnited States
- Center for Advanced Biotechnology and Medicine, Rutgers UniversityPiscatawayUnited States
| | - Rohan Alibutud
- Department of Genetics, Rutgers UniversityPiscatawayUnited States
| | - Robert J Connacher
- Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical SchoolPiscatawayUnited States
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, Rutgers UniversityPiscatawayUnited States
| | - Madeline St Thomas
- Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical SchoolPiscatawayUnited States
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, Rutgers UniversityPiscatawayUnited States
| | - Xiaofeng Zhou
- Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical SchoolPiscatawayUnited States
| | - Paul Matteson
- Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical SchoolPiscatawayUnited States
- Center for Advanced Biotechnology and Medicine, Rutgers UniversityPiscatawayUnited States
| | - Jinchuan Xing
- Department of Genetics, Rutgers UniversityPiscatawayUnited States
| | - James H Millonig
- Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical SchoolPiscatawayUnited States
- Center for Advanced Biotechnology and Medicine, Rutgers UniversityPiscatawayUnited States
| | - Emanuel DiCicco-Bloom
- Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical SchoolPiscatawayUnited States
- Department of Pediatrics, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical SchoolNew BrunswickUnited States
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Liu J, Chen S, Huang G, Wen P, Zhou X, Wu Y. Trisomy 21-driven metabolite alterations are linked to cellular injuries in Down syndrome. Cell Mol Life Sci 2024; 81:112. [PMID: 38433139 PMCID: PMC10909777 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-024-05127-0] [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: 09/14/2023] [Revised: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
Down syndrome (DS) arises from a genetic anomaly characterized by an extra copy of chromosome 21 (exCh21). Despite high incidence of congenital diseases among DS patients, direct impacts of exCh21 remain elusive. Here, we established a robust DS model harnessing human-induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) from mosaic DS patient. These hiPSC lines encompassed both those with standard karyotype and those carrying an extra copy of exCh21, allowing to generate isogenic cell lines with a consistent genetic background. We unraveled that exCh21 inflicted disruption upon the cellular transcriptome, ushering in alterations in metabolic processes and triggering DNA damage. The impact of exCh21 was also manifested in profound modifications in chromatin accessibility patterns. Moreover, we identified two signature metabolites, 5-oxo-ETE and Calcitriol, whose biosynthesis is affected by exCh21. Notably, supplementation with 5-oxo-ETE promoted DNA damage, in stark contrast to the protective effect elicited by Calcitriol against such damage. We also found that exCh21 disrupted cardiogenesis, and that this impairment could be mitigated through supplementation with Calcitriol. Specifically, the deleterious effects of 5-oxo-ETE unfolded in the form of DNA damage induction and the repression of cardiogenesis. On the other hand, Calcitriol emerged as a potent activator of its nuclear receptor VDR, fostering amplified binding to chromatin and subsequent facilitation of gene transcription. Our findings provide a comprehensive understanding of exCh21's metabolic implications within the context of Down syndrome, offering potential avenues for therapeutic interventions for Down syndrome treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Juli Liu
- Medical Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510080, Guangdong, China.
| | - Shaoxian Chen
- Medical Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510080, Guangdong, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of South China Structural Heart Disease, Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510080, Guangdong, China
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510080, Guangdong, China
| | - Guiping Huang
- Medical Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510080, Guangdong, China
| | - Pengju Wen
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of South China Structural Heart Disease, Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510080, Guangdong, China
| | - Xianwu Zhou
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510080, Guangdong, China.
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, Hubei, China.
| | - Yueheng Wu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of South China Structural Heart Disease, Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510080, Guangdong, China.
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510080, Guangdong, China.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
López-Hidalgo R, Ballestín R, Lorenzo L, Sánchez-Martí S, Blasco-Ibáñez JM, Crespo C, Nacher J, Varea E. Early chronic fasudil treatment rescues hippocampal alterations in the Ts65Dn model for down syndrome. Neurochem Int 2024; 174:105679. [PMID: 38309665 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2024.105679] [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: 10/06/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/05/2024]
Abstract
Down syndrome (DS) is the most common genetic disorder associated with intellectual disability. To study this syndrome, several mouse models have been developed. Among the most common is the Ts65Dn model, which mimics most of the alterations observed in DS. Ts65Dn mice, as humans with DS, show defects in the structure, density, and distribution of dendritic spines in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus. Fasudil is a potent inhibitor of the RhoA kinase pathway, which is involved in the formation and stabilization of dendritic spines. Our study analysed the effect of early chronic fasudil treatment on the alterations observed in the hippocampus of the Ts65Dn model. We observed that treating Ts65Dn mice with fasudil induced an increase in neural plasticity in the hippocampus: there was an increment in the expression of PSA-NCAM and BDNF, in the dendritic branching and spine density of granule neurons, as well as in cell proliferation and neurogenesis in the subgranular zone. Finally, the treatment reduced the unbalance between excitation and inhibition present in this model. Overall, early chronic treatment with fasudil increases cell plasticity and eliminates differences with euploid animals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rosa López-Hidalgo
- Neurobiology Unit, Institute for Biotechnology and Biomedicine (BIOTECMED), University of Valencia, Spain
| | - Raúl Ballestín
- Neurobiology Unit, Institute for Biotechnology and Biomedicine (BIOTECMED), University of Valencia, Spain
| | - Lorena Lorenzo
- Neurobiology Unit, Institute for Biotechnology and Biomedicine (BIOTECMED), University of Valencia, Spain
| | - Sandra Sánchez-Martí
- Neurobiology Unit, Institute for Biotechnology and Biomedicine (BIOTECMED), University of Valencia, Spain
| | - José Miguel Blasco-Ibáñez
- Neurobiology Unit, Institute for Biotechnology and Biomedicine (BIOTECMED), University of Valencia, Spain
| | - Carlos Crespo
- Neurobiology Unit, Institute for Biotechnology and Biomedicine (BIOTECMED), University of Valencia, Spain
| | - Juan Nacher
- Neurobiology Unit, Institute for Biotechnology and Biomedicine (BIOTECMED), University of Valencia, Spain; CIBERSAM, Spanish National Network for Research in Mental Health, Madrid, Spain; Institute of research of the Clinic Hospital from Valencia (INCLIVA), Valencia, Spain
| | - Emilio Varea
- Neurobiology Unit, Institute for Biotechnology and Biomedicine (BIOTECMED), University of Valencia, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Martinez JL, Piciw JG, Crockett M, Sorci IA, Makwana N, Sirois CL, Giffin-Rao Y, Bhattacharyya A. Transcriptional consequences of trisomy 21 on neural induction. Front Cell Neurosci 2024; 18:1341141. [PMID: 38357436 PMCID: PMC10865501 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2024.1341141] [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: 11/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Down syndrome, caused by trisomy 21, is a complex developmental disorder associated with intellectual disability and reduced growth of multiple organs. Structural pathologies are present at birth, reflecting embryonic origins. A fundamental unanswered question is how an extra copy of human chromosome 21 contributes to organ-specific pathologies that characterize individuals with Down syndrome, and, relevant to the hallmark intellectual disability in Down syndrome, how trisomy 21 affects neural development. We tested the hypothesis that trisomy 21 exerts effects on human neural development as early as neural induction. Methods Bulk RNA sequencing was performed on isogenic trisomy 21 and euploid human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) at successive stages of neural induction: embryoid bodies at Day 6, early neuroectoderm at Day 10, and differentiated neuroectoderm at Day 17. Results Gene expression analysis revealed over 1,300 differentially expressed genes in trisomy 21 cells along the differentiation pathway compared to euploid controls. Less than 5% of the gene expression changes included upregulated chromosome 21 encoded genes at every timepoint. Genes involved in specific growth factor signaling pathways (WNT and Notch), metabolism (including oxidative stress), and extracellular matrix were altered in trisomy 21 cells. Further analysis uncovered heterochronic expression of genes. Conclusion Trisomy 21 impacts discrete developmental pathways at the earliest stages of neural development. The results suggest that metabolic dysfunction arises early in embryogenesis in trisomy 21 and may affect development and function more broadly.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- José L. Martinez
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Graduate Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Jennifer G. Piciw
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Graduate Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
- Medical Scientist Training Program, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Madeline Crockett
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Isabella A. Sorci
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Nikunj Makwana
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Carissa L. Sirois
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | | | - Anita Bhattacharyya
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
- Department of Cell and Regenerative Biology, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Yu Y, Alonzo M, Ye S, Fang A, Manickam K, Garg V, Zhao MT. Generation of an induced pluripotent stem cell line (NCHi010-A) from a 6-year-old female with Down syndrome and without congenital heart disease. Stem Cell Res 2023; 71:103155. [PMID: 37392705 PMCID: PMC10530593 DOI: 10.1016/j.scr.2023.103155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2023] [Revised: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Down syndrome is a genetic anomaly that manifests when there is a mistake during cell division, resulting in an additional chromosome 21. Down syndrome can impact cognitive capabilities and physical development, giving rise to diverse developmental disparities and an elevated likelihood of certain health issues. The iPSC line NCHi010-A was generated from peripheral blood mononuclear cells of a 6-year-old female with Down syndrome and without congenital heart disease using Sendai virus reprogramming. NCHi010-A displayed a morphology of pluripotent stem cells, expressed pluripotency markers, retained trisomy 21 karyotype, and demonstrated potential to differentiate into cells representative of the three germ layers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yang Yu
- Center for Cardiovascular Research, Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH 43215, USA; The Heart Center, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH 43215, USA
| | - Matthew Alonzo
- Center for Cardiovascular Research, Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH 43215, USA; The Heart Center, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH 43215, USA
| | - Shiqiao Ye
- Center for Cardiovascular Research, Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH 43215, USA; The Heart Center, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH 43215, USA
| | - Anne Fang
- Center for Cardiovascular Research, Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH 43215, USA
| | - Kandamurugu Manickam
- Division of Genetic and Genomic Medicine, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH 43215, USA; Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Vidu Garg
- Center for Cardiovascular Research, Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH 43215, USA; The Heart Center, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH 43215, USA; Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Ming-Tao Zhao
- Center for Cardiovascular Research, Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH 43215, USA; The Heart Center, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH 43215, USA; Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Dufour BD, McBride E, Bartley T, Juarez P, Martínez-Cerdeño V. Distinct patterns of GABAergic interneuron pathology in autism are associated with intellectual impairment and stereotypic behaviors. AUTISM : THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND PRACTICE 2023; 27:1730-1745. [PMID: 36935610 PMCID: PMC10846597 DOI: 10.1177/13623613231154053] [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: 03/21/2023]
Abstract
LAY ABSTRACT Autism spectrum disorder is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by deficits in sociability and communication and the presence of repetitive behaviors. How specific pathological alterations of the brain contribute to the clinical profile of autism spectrum disorder remains unknown. We previously found that a specific type of inhibitory interneuron is reduced in number in the autism spectrum disorder prefrontal cortex. Here, we assessed the relationship between interneuron reduction and autism spectrum disorder symptom severity. We collected clinical records from autism spectrum disorder (n = 20) and assessed the relationship between the severity of symptoms and interneuron number. We found that the reduced number of inhibitory interneurons that we previously reported is linked to specific symptoms of autism spectrum disorder, particularly stereotypic movements and intellectual impairments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Brett D Dufour
- UC Davis Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, USA
- UC Davis School of Medicine, USA
- Institute for Pediatric Regenerative Medicine, USA
| | - Erin McBride
- UC Davis School of Medicine, USA
- Institute for Pediatric Regenerative Medicine, USA
- UC Davis Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, USA
| | - Trevor Bartley
- UC Davis School of Medicine, USA
- Institute for Pediatric Regenerative Medicine, USA
- UC Davis Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, USA
| | - Pablo Juarez
- UC Davis School of Medicine, USA
- Institute for Pediatric Regenerative Medicine, USA
| | - Verónica Martínez-Cerdeño
- UC Davis School of Medicine, USA
- Institute for Pediatric Regenerative Medicine, USA
- UC Davis Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, USA
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Murray A, Gough G, Cindrić A, Vučković F, Koschut D, Borelli V, Petrović DJ, Bekavac A, Plećaš A, Hribljan V, Brunmeir R, Jurić J, Pučić-Baković M, Slana A, Deriš H, Frkatović A, Groet J, O'Brien NL, Chen HY, Yeap YJ, Delom F, Havlicek S, Gammon L, Hamburg S, Startin C, D'Souza H, Mitrečić D, Kero M, Odak L, Krušlin B, Krsnik Ž, Kostović I, Foo JN, Loh YH, Dunn NR, de la Luna S, Spector T, Barišić I, Thomas MSC, Strydom A, Franceschi C, Lauc G, Krištić J, Alić I, Nižetić D. Dose imbalance of DYRK1A kinase causes systemic progeroid status in Down syndrome by increasing the un-repaired DNA damage and reducing LaminB1 levels. EBioMedicine 2023; 94:104692. [PMID: 37451904 PMCID: PMC10435767 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2023.104692] [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: 02/02/2023] [Revised: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND People with Down syndrome (DS) show clinical signs of accelerated ageing. Causative mechanisms remain unknown and hypotheses range from the (essentially untreatable) amplified-chromosomal-instability explanation, to potential actions of individual supernumerary chromosome-21 genes. The latter explanation could open a route to therapeutic amelioration if the specific over-acting genes could be identified and their action toned-down. METHODS Biological age was estimated through patterns of sugar molecules attached to plasma immunoglobulin-G (IgG-glycans, an established "biological-ageing-clock") in n = 246 individuals with DS from three European populations, clinically characterised for the presence of co-morbidities, and compared to n = 256 age-, sex- and demography-matched healthy controls. Isogenic human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSCs) models of full and partial trisomy-21 with CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing and two kinase inhibitors were studied prior and after differentiation to cerebral organoids. FINDINGS Biological age in adults with DS is (on average) 18.4-19.1 years older than in chronological-age-matched controls independent of co-morbidities, and this shift remains constant throughout lifespan. Changes are detectable from early childhood, and do not require a supernumerary chromosome, but are seen in segmental duplication of only 31 genes, along with increased DNA damage and decreased levels of LaminB1 in nucleated blood cells. We demonstrate that these cell-autonomous phenotypes can be gene-dose-modelled and pharmacologically corrected in hiPSCs and derived cerebral organoids. Using isogenic hiPSC models we show that chromosome-21 gene DYRK1A overdose is sufficient and necessary to cause excess unrepaired DNA damage. INTERPRETATION Explanation of hitherto observed accelerated ageing in DS as a developmental progeroid syndrome driven by DYRK1A overdose provides a target for early pharmacological preventative intervention strategies. FUNDING Main funding came from the "Research Cooperability" Program of the Croatian Science Foundation funded by the European Union from the European Social Fund under the Operational Programme Efficient Human Resources 2014-2020, Project PZS-2019-02-4277, and the Wellcome Trust Grants 098330/Z/12/Z and 217199/Z/19/Z (UK). All other funding is described in details in the "Acknowledgements".
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aoife Murray
- Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Blizard Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK; The London Down Syndrome Consortium (LonDownS), London, UK.
| | - Gillian Gough
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
| | - Ana Cindrić
- Glycoscience Research Laboratory, Genos Ltd., Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Frano Vučković
- Glycoscience Research Laboratory, Genos Ltd., Zagreb, Croatia
| | - David Koschut
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore; Disease Intervention Technology Laboratory (DITL), Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology (IMCB), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A∗STAR), Singapore
| | - Vincenzo Borelli
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Italy
| | - Dražen J Petrović
- Glycoscience Research Laboratory, Genos Ltd., Zagreb, Croatia; Croatian Institute for Brain Research, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Ana Bekavac
- Croatian Institute for Brain Research, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Ante Plećaš
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Valentina Hribljan
- Croatian Institute for Brain Research, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Reinhard Brunmeir
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
| | - Julija Jurić
- Glycoscience Research Laboratory, Genos Ltd., Zagreb, Croatia
| | | | - Anita Slana
- Glycoscience Research Laboratory, Genos Ltd., Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Helena Deriš
- Glycoscience Research Laboratory, Genos Ltd., Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Azra Frkatović
- Glycoscience Research Laboratory, Genos Ltd., Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Jűrgen Groet
- Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Blizard Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK; The London Down Syndrome Consortium (LonDownS), London, UK
| | - Niamh L O'Brien
- Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Blizard Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK; The London Down Syndrome Consortium (LonDownS), London, UK
| | - Hong Yu Chen
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB), A∗STAR, Singapore
| | - Yee Jie Yeap
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
| | - Frederic Delom
- Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Blizard Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Steven Havlicek
- Laboratory of Neurogenetics, Genome Institute of Singapore, A∗STAR, Singapore
| | - Luke Gammon
- Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Blizard Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Sarah Hamburg
- The London Down Syndrome Consortium (LonDownS), London, UK
| | - Carla Startin
- The London Down Syndrome Consortium (LonDownS), London, UK; Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Sciences, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK; Division of Psychiatry, University College London, London, UK; School of Psychology, University of Roehampton, London, UK
| | - Hana D'Souza
- The London Down Syndrome Consortium (LonDownS), London, UK; Centre for Brain and Cognitive Development, Birkbeck, University of London, London, UK
| | - Dinko Mitrečić
- Croatian Institute for Brain Research, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Mijana Kero
- Department of Medical Genetics, Children's Hospital Zagreb, Centre of Excellence for Reproductive and Regenerative Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Ljubica Odak
- Department of Medical Genetics, Children's Hospital Zagreb, Centre of Excellence for Reproductive and Regenerative Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Božo Krušlin
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Željka Krsnik
- Croatian Institute for Brain Research, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Ivica Kostović
- Croatian Institute for Brain Research, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Jia Nee Foo
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore; Laboratory of Neurogenetics, Genome Institute of Singapore, A∗STAR, Singapore
| | - Yuin-Han Loh
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB), A∗STAR, Singapore
| | - Norris Ray Dunn
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore; Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB), A∗STAR, Singapore
| | - Susana de la Luna
- ICREA, Genome Biology Programme (CRG), Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), CIBER of Rare Diseases, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Tim Spector
- Department of Twin Research and Genetic Epidemiology, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Ingeborg Barišić
- Department of Medical Genetics, Children's Hospital Zagreb, Centre of Excellence for Reproductive and Regenerative Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Michael S C Thomas
- The London Down Syndrome Consortium (LonDownS), London, UK; Centre for Brain and Cognitive Development, Birkbeck, University of London, London, UK
| | - Andre Strydom
- The London Down Syndrome Consortium (LonDownS), London, UK; Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Sciences, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK; Division of Psychiatry, University College London, London, UK
| | - Claudio Franceschi
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Italy; Institute of Information Technologies, Mathematics and Mechanics, Lobachevsky State University, Nizhny Novgorod 603022, Russia
| | - Gordan Lauc
- Glycoscience Research Laboratory, Genos Ltd., Zagreb, Croatia; Faculty of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | | | - Ivan Alić
- Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Blizard Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia.
| | - Dean Nižetić
- Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Blizard Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK; The London Down Syndrome Consortium (LonDownS), London, UK; Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
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.
Collapse
|
17
|
Yang L, Zou J, Zang Z, Wang L, Du Z, Zhang D, Cai Y, Li M, Li Q, Gao J, Xu H, Fan X. Di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate exposure impairs cortical development in hESC-derived cerebral organoids. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 865:161251. [PMID: 36587670 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.161251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Revised: 12/24/2022] [Accepted: 12/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), a ubiquitous environmental endocrine disruptor, is widely used in consumer products. Increasing evidence implies that DEHP influences the early development of the human brain. However, it lacks a suitable model to evaluate the neurotoxicity of DEHP. Using an established human cerebral organoid model, which reproduces the morphogenesis of the human cerebral cortex at the early stage, we demonstrated that DEHP exposure markedly suppressed cell proliferation and increased apoptosis, thus impairing the morphogenesis of the human cerebral cortex. It showed that DEHP exposure disrupted neurogenesis and neural progenitor migration, confirmed by scratch assay and cell migration assay in vitro. These effects might result from DEHP-induced dysplasia of the radial glia cells (RGs), the fibers of which provide the scaffolds for cell migration. RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) analysis of human cerebral organoids showed that DEHP-induced disorder in cell-extracellular matrix (ECM) interactions might play a pivotal role in the neurogenesis of human cerebral organoids. The present study provides direct evidence of the neurodevelopmental toxicity of DEHP after prenatal exposure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ling Yang
- Department of Military Cognitive Psychology, School of Psychology, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing 40038, China; Department of Physiology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing 400038, China; Southwest Hospital/Southwest Eye Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing 400038, China; Key Lab of Visual Damage and Regeneration & Restoration of Chongqing, Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Jiao Zou
- Department of Military Cognitive Psychology, School of Psychology, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing 40038, China
| | - Zhenle Zang
- Department of Military Cognitive Psychology, School of Psychology, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing 40038, China
| | - Liuyongwei Wang
- Department of Military Cognitive Psychology, School of Psychology, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing 40038, China
| | - Zhulin Du
- Department of Military Cognitive Psychology, School of Psychology, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing 40038, China
| | - Dandan Zhang
- Department of Military Cognitive Psychology, School of Psychology, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing 40038, China
| | - Yun Cai
- Department of Military Cognitive Psychology, School of Psychology, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing 40038, China
| | - Minghui Li
- Southwest Hospital/Southwest Eye Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing 400038, China; Key Lab of Visual Damage and Regeneration & Restoration of Chongqing, Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Qiyou Li
- Southwest Hospital/Southwest Eye Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing 400038, China; Key Lab of Visual Damage and Regeneration & Restoration of Chongqing, Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Junwei Gao
- Department of Military Cognitive Psychology, School of Psychology, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing 40038, China.
| | - Haiwei Xu
- Southwest Hospital/Southwest Eye Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing 400038, China; Key Lab of Visual Damage and Regeneration & Restoration of Chongqing, Chongqing 400038, China.
| | - Xiaotang Fan
- Department of Military Cognitive Psychology, School of Psychology, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing 40038, China.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Barraza-Núñez N, Pérez-Núñez R, Gaete-Ramírez B, Barrios-Garrido A, Arriagada C, Poksay K, John V, Barnier JV, Cárdenas AM, Caviedes P. Pharmacological Inhibition of p-21 Activated Kinase (PAK) Restores Impaired Neurite Outgrowth and Remodeling in a Cellular Model of Down Syndrome. Neurotox Res 2023; 41:256-269. [PMID: 36867391 DOI: 10.1007/s12640-023-00638-3] [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: 09/11/2022] [Revised: 12/27/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/04/2023]
Abstract
Down syndrome (DS) is characterized by the trisomy of chromosome 21 and by cognitive deficits that have been related to neuronal morphological alterations in humans, as well as in animal models. The gene encoding for amyloid precursor protein (APP) is present in autosome 21, and its overexpression in DS has been linked to neuronal dysfunction, cognitive deficit, and Alzheimer's disease-like dementia. In particular, the neuronal ability to extend processes and branching is affected. Current evidence suggests that APP could also regulate neurite growth through its role in the actin cytoskeleton, in part by influencing p21-activated kinase (PAK) activity. The latter effect is carried out by an increased abundance of the caspase cleavage-released carboxy-terminal C31 fragment. In this work, using a neuronal cell line named CTb, which derived from the cerebral cortex of a trisomy 16 mouse, an animal model of human DS, we observed an overexpression of APP, elevated caspase activity, augmented cleavage of the C-terminal fragment of APP, and increased PAK1 phosphorylation. Morphometric analyses showed that inhibition of PAK1 activity with FRAX486 increased the average length of the neurites, the number of crossings per Sholl ring, the formation of new processes, and stimulated the loss of processes. Considering our results, we propose that PAK hyperphosphorylation impairs neurite outgrowth and remodeling in the cellular model of DS, and therefore we suggest that PAK1 may be a potential pharmacological target.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Barraza-Núñez
- Program of Molecular & Clinical Pharmacology, ICBM, Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Ramón Pérez-Núñez
- Program of Molecular & Clinical Pharmacology, ICBM, Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Belén Gaete-Ramírez
- Program of Molecular & Clinical Pharmacology, ICBM, Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Alejandra Barrios-Garrido
- Program of Molecular & Clinical Pharmacology, ICBM, Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Christian Arriagada
- Department of Anatomy & Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | | | - Varghese John
- Department of Neurology, Easton Center for Alzheimer's Disease Research, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Jean-Vianney Barnier
- Neuroscience Paris-Saclay Institute, UMR 9197, CNRS-Université Paris-Saclay, Gif-Sur-Yvette, France
| | | | - Pablo Caviedes
- Program of Molecular & Clinical Pharmacology, ICBM, Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile.
- Center for Biotechnology & Bioengineering (CeBiB), Department of Chemical Engineering, Biotechnology & Materials, Faculty of Physical & Mathematical Sciences, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Barnhart AJ, Dierickx K. A Tale of Two Chimeras: Applying the Six Principles to Human Brain Organoid Xenotransplantation. Camb Q Healthc Ethics 2023; 32:1-17. [PMID: 36847198 DOI: 10.1017/s0963180123000051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/01/2023]
Abstract
Cerebral organoid models in-of-themselves are considered as an alternative to research animal models. But their developmental and biological limitations currently inhibit the probability that organoids can fully replace animal models. Furthermore, these organoid limitations have, somewhat ironically, brought researchers back to the animal model via xenotransplantation, thus creating hybrids and chimeras. In addition to attempting to study and overcome cerebral organoid limitations, transplanting cerebral organoids into animal models brings an opportunity to observe behavioral changes in the animal itself. Traditional animal ethics frameworks, such as the well-known three Rs (reduce, refine, and replace), have previously addressed chimeras and xenotransplantation of tissue. But these frameworks have yet to completely assess the neural-chimeric possibilities. And while the three Rs framework was a historical landmark in animal ethics, there are identifiable gaps in the framework that require attention. The authors propose to utilize an expanded three Rs framework initially developed by David DeGrazia and Tom L. Beauchamp, known as the Six Principles (6Ps). This framework aims to expand upon the three Rs, fill in the gaps, and be a practical means for assessing animal ethical issues like that of neural-chimeras and cerebral organoid xenotransplantation. The scope of this 6Ps application will focus on two separate but recent studies, which were published in 2019 and 2020. First, they consider a study wherein cerebral organoids were grown from donors with Down syndrome and from neurotypical donors. After these organoids were grown and studied, they were then surgically implanted into mouse models to observe the physiological effects and any behavioral change in the chimera. Second, they consider a separate study wherein neurotypical human embryonic stem cell-derived cerebral organoids were grown and transplanted into mouse and macaque models. The aim was to observe if such a transplantation method would contribute to therapies for brain injury or stroke. The authors place both studies under the lens of the 6Ps framework, assess the relevant contexts of each case, and provide relevant normative conclusions. In this way, they demonstrate how the 6Ps could be applied in future cases of neural-chimeras and cerebral organoid xenotransplantation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrew J Barnhart
- Centre for Biomedical Ethics and Law, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Kris Dierickx
- Centre for Biomedical Ethics and Law, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Muza PM, Bush D, Pérez-González M, Zouhair I, Cleverley K, Sopena ML, Aoidi R, West SJ, Good M, Tybulewicz VL, Walker MC, Fisher EM, Chang P. Cognitive impairments in a Down syndrome model with abnormal hippocampal and prefrontal dynamics and cytoarchitecture. iScience 2023; 26:106073. [PMID: 36818290 PMCID: PMC9929862 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.106073] [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: 10/18/2022] [Revised: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The Dp(10)2Yey mouse carries a ∼2.3-Mb intra-chromosomal duplication of mouse chromosome 10 (Mmu10) that has homology to human chromosome 21, making it an essential model for aspects of Down syndrome (DS, trisomy 21). In this study, we investigated neuronal dysfunction in the Dp(10)2Yey mouse and report spatial memory impairment and anxiety-like behavior alongside altered neural activity in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) and hippocampus (HPC). Specifically, Dp(10)2Yey mice showed impaired spatial alternation associated with increased sharp-wave ripple activity in mPFC during a period of memory consolidation, and reduced mobility in a novel environment accompanied by reduced theta-gamma phase-amplitude coupling in HPC. Finally, we found alterations in the number of interneuron subtypes in mPFC and HPC that may contribute to the observed phenotypes and highlight potential approaches to ameliorate the effects of human trisomy 21.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Phillip M. Muza
- Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Daniel Bush
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London WC1N 3BG, UK
- UCL Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience and UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London WC1N 3AZ, UK
| | - Marta Pérez-González
- Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Ines Zouhair
- Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Karen Cleverley
- Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Miriam L. Sopena
- Bioinformatics and Biostatistics, The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Rifdat Aoidi
- Immune Cell Biology and Down Syndrome Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Steven J. West
- Sainsbury Wellcome Centre, University College London, London W1T 4JG, UK
| | - Mark Good
- School of Psychology, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF10 3AT, UK
| | - Victor L.J. Tybulewicz
- Immune Cell Biology and Down Syndrome Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London NW1 1AT, UK
- Corresponding author
| | - Matthew C. Walker
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London WC1N 3BG, UK
- Corresponding author
| | - Elizabeth M.C. Fisher
- Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London WC1N 3BG, UK
- Corresponding author
| | - Pishan Chang
- Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London WC1N 3BG, UK
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London WC1N 3BG, UK
- School of Physiology, Pharmacology, and Neuroscience, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TD, UK
- Corresponding author
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
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.
Collapse
|
22
|
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.
Collapse
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,
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
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.
Collapse
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.
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Migration deficits of the neural crest caused by CXADR triplication in a human Down syndrome stem cell model. Cell Death Dis 2022; 13:1018. [PMID: 36470861 PMCID: PMC9722909 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-022-05481-6] [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: 02/06/2022] [Revised: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/07/2022]
Abstract
Down syndrome (DS) is the most common chromosomal abnormality in live-born infants and is caused by trisomy of chromosome 21. Most individuals with DS display craniofacial dysmorphology, including reduced sizes of the skull, maxilla, and mandible. However, the underlying pathogenesis remains largely unknown. Since the craniofacial skeleton is mainly formed by the neural crest, whether neural crest developmental defects are involved in the craniofacial anomalies of individuals with DS needs to be investigated. Here, we successfully derived DS-specific human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) using a Sendai virus vector. When DS-hiPSCs were induced to differentiate into the neural crest, we found that trisomy 21 (T21) did not influence cell proliferation or apoptosis. However, the migratory ability of differentiated cells was significantly compromised, thus resulting in a substantially lower number of postmigratory cranial neural crest stem cells (NCSCs) in the DS group than in the control group. We further discovered that the migration defects could be partially attributed to the triplication of the coxsackievirus and adenovirus receptor gene (CXADR; an adhesion protein) in the DS group cells, since knockdown of CXADR substantially recovered the cell migratory ability and generation of postmigratory NCSCs in the DS group. Thus, the migratory deficits of neural crest cells may be an underlying cause of craniofacial dysmorphology in individuals with DS, which may suggest potential targets for therapeutic intervention to ameliorate craniofacial or other neural crest-related anomalies in DS.
Collapse
|
25
|
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.
Collapse
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.
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Bartesaghi R. Brain circuit pathology in Down syndrome: from neurons to neural networks. Rev Neurosci 2022; 34:365-423. [PMID: 36170842 DOI: 10.1515/revneuro-2022-0067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Down syndrome (DS), a genetic pathology caused by triplication of chromosome 21, is characterized by brain hypotrophy and impairment of cognition starting from infancy. While studies in mouse models of DS have elucidated the major neuroanatomical and neurochemical defects of DS, comparatively fewer investigations have focused on the electrophysiology of the DS brain. Electrical activity is at the basis of brain functioning. Therefore, knowledge of the way in which brain circuits operate in DS is fundamental to understand the causes of behavioral impairment and devise targeted interventions. This review summarizes the state of the art regarding the electrical properties of the DS brain, starting from individual neurons and culminating in signal processing in whole neuronal networks. The reported evidence derives from mouse models of DS and from brain tissues and neurons derived from individuals with DS. EEG data recorded in individuals with DS are also provided as a key tool to understand the impact of brain circuit alterations on global brain activity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Renata Bartesaghi
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Li Z, Klein JA, Rampam S, Kurzion R, Campbell NB, Patel Y, Haydar TF, Zeldich E. Asynchronous excitatory neuron development in an isogenic cortical spheroid model of Down syndrome. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:932384. [PMID: 36161168 PMCID: PMC9504873 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.932384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The intellectual disability (ID) in Down syndrome (DS) is thought to result from a variety of developmental deficits such as alterations in neural progenitor division, neurogenesis, gliogenesis, cortical architecture, and reduced cortical volume. However, the molecular processes underlying these neurodevelopmental changes are still elusive, preventing an understanding of the mechanistic basis of ID in DS. In this study, we used a pair of isogenic (trisomic and euploid) induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) lines to generate cortical spheroids (CS) that model the impact of trisomy 21 on brain development. Cortical spheroids contain neurons, astrocytes, and oligodendrocytes and they are widely used to approximate early neurodevelopment. Using single cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq), we uncovered cell type-specific transcriptomic changes in the trisomic CS. In particular, we found that excitatory neuron populations were most affected and that a specific population of cells with a transcriptomic profile resembling layer IV cortical neurons displayed the most profound divergence in developmental trajectory between trisomic and euploid genotypes. We also identified candidate genes potentially driving the developmental asynchrony between trisomic and euploid excitatory neurons. Direct comparison between the current isogenic CS scRNA-seq data and previously published datasets revealed several recurring differentially expressed genes between DS and control samples. Altogether, our study highlights the power and importance of cell type-specific analyses within a defined genetic background, coupled with broader examination of mixed samples, to comprehensively evaluate cellular phenotypes in the context of DS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Li
- Center for Neuroscience Research, Children’s National Hospital, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Jenny A. Klein
- Center for Neuroscience Research, Children’s National Hospital, Washington, DC, United States
- Graduate Program for Neuroscience, Boston University, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Sanjeev Rampam
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Ronni Kurzion
- Department of Chemistry, Boston University, Boston, MA, United States
| | | | - Yesha Patel
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Boston University, Boston, MA, United States
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA, United States
| | - Tarik F. Haydar
- Center for Neuroscience Research, Children’s National Hospital, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Ella Zeldich
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Boston University, Boston, MA, United States
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Klein JA, Haydar TF. Neurodevelopment in Down syndrome: Concordance in humans and models. Front Cell Neurosci 2022; 16:941855. [PMID: 35910249 PMCID: PMC9334873 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2022.941855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Great strides have been made over the past 30 years in understanding the neurodevelopmental changes underlying the intellectual disability (ID) in Down syndrome (DS). Detailed studies of human tissue coupled with findings from rodent and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) model systems have uncovered the changes in neurogenesis, synaptic connectivity, and myelination that drive the anatomical and physiological changes resulting in the disability. However, there remain significant conflicting data between human studies and the models. To fully understand the development of ID in DS, these inconsistencies need to be reconciled. Here, we review the well documented neurodevelopmental phenotypes found in individuals with DS and examine the degree to which widely used models recapitulate these phenotypes. Resolving these areas of discord will further research on the molecular underpinnings and identify potential treatments to improve the independence and quality of life of people with DS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jenny A. Klein
- Graduate Program for Neuroscience, Boston University, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Tarik F. Haydar
- Children’s National Hospital, Center for Neuroscience Research, Washington, DC, United States
- Departments of Pediatrics, Physiology and Pharmacology, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, George Washington University, Washington, DC, United States
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Ahmed MM, Wang ACJ, Elos M, Chial HJ, Sillau S, Solano DA, Coughlan C, Aghili L, Anton P, Markham N, Adame V, Gardiner KJ, Boyd TD, Potter H. The innate immune system stimulating cytokine GM-CSF improves learning/memory and interneuron and astrocyte brain pathology in Dp16 Down syndrome mice and improves learning/memory in wild-type mice. Neurobiol Dis 2022; 168:105694. [PMID: 35307513 PMCID: PMC9045510 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2022.105694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2021] [Revised: 03/05/2022] [Accepted: 03/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Down syndrome (DS) is characterized by chronic neuroinflammation, peripheral inflammation, astrogliosis, imbalanced excitatory/inhibitory neuronal function, and cognitive deficits in both humans and mouse models. Suppression of inflammation has been proposed as a therapeutic approach to treating DS co-morbidities, including intellectual disability (DS/ID). Conversely, we discovered previously that treatment with the innate immune system stimulating cytokine granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), which has both pro- and anti-inflammatory activities, improved cognition and reduced brain pathology in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease (AD), another inflammatory disorder, and improved cognition and reduced biomarkers of brain pathology in a phase II trial of humans with mild-to-moderate AD. To investigate the effects of GM-CSF treatment on DS/ID in the absence of AD, we assessed behavior and brain pathology in 12-14 month-old DS mice (Dp[16]1Yey) and their wild-type (WT) littermates, neither of which develop amyloid, and found that subcutaneous GM-CSF treatment (5 μg/day, five days/week, for five weeks) improved performance in the radial arm water maze in both Dp16 and WT mice compared to placebo. Dp16 mice also showed abnormal astrocyte morphology, increased percent area of GFAP staining in the hippocampus, clustering of astrocytes in the hippocampus, and reduced numbers of calretinin-positive interneurons in the entorhinal cortex and subiculum, and all of these brain pathologies were improved by GM-CSF treatment. These findings suggest that stimulating and/or modulating inflammation and the innate immune system with GM-CSF treatment may enhance cognition in both people with DS/ID and in the typical aging population.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Md Mahiuddin Ahmed
- Department of Neurology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; University of Colorado Alzheimer's and Cognition Center, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Athena Ching-Jung Wang
- Department of Neurology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; University of Colorado Alzheimer's and Cognition Center, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Mihret Elos
- Department of Neurology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; University of Colorado Alzheimer's and Cognition Center, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Heidi J Chial
- Department of Neurology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; University of Colorado Alzheimer's and Cognition Center, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Stefan Sillau
- Department of Neurology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; University of Colorado Alzheimer's and Cognition Center, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - D Adriana Solano
- Department of Neurology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; University of Colorado Alzheimer's and Cognition Center, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Christina Coughlan
- Department of Neurology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; University of Colorado Alzheimer's and Cognition Center, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Leila Aghili
- Department of Neurology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; University of Colorado Alzheimer's and Cognition Center, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Paige Anton
- Department of Neurology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; University of Colorado Alzheimer's and Cognition Center, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Neil Markham
- Department of Neurology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; University of Colorado Alzheimer's and Cognition Center, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Vanesa Adame
- Department of Neurology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; University of Colorado Alzheimer's and Cognition Center, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Katheleen J Gardiner
- 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
| | - Timothy D Boyd
- University of Colorado Alzheimer's and Cognition Center, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Huntington Potter
- Department of Neurology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; University of Colorado Alzheimer's and Cognition Center, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Giffin-Rao Y, Sheng J, Strand B, Xu K, Huang L, Medo M, Risgaard KA, Dantinne S, Mohan S, Keshan A, Daley RA, Levesque B, Amundson L, Reese R, Sousa AMM, Tao Y, Wang D, Zhang SC, Bhattacharyya A. Altered patterning of trisomy 21 interneuron progenitors. Stem Cell Reports 2022; 17:1366-1379. [PMID: 35623352 PMCID: PMC9214050 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2022.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2020] [Revised: 05/01/2022] [Accepted: 05/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Individuals with Down syndrome (DS; Ts21), the most common genetic cause of intellectual disability, have smaller brains that reflect fewer neurons at pre- and post-natal stages, implicating impaired neurogenesis during development. Our stereological analysis of adult DS cortex indicates a reduction of calretinin-expressing interneurons. Using Ts21 human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and isogenic controls, we find that Ts21 progenitors generate fewer COUP-TFII+ progenitors with reduced proliferation. Single-cell RNA sequencing of Ts21 progenitors confirms the altered specification of progenitor subpopulations and identifies reduced WNT signaling. Activation of WNT signaling partially restores the COUP-TFII+ progenitor population in Ts21, suggesting that altered WNT signaling contributes to the defective development of cortical interneurons in DS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Jie Sheng
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA; Department of Biostatistics and Medical Informatics, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Bennett Strand
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Ke Xu
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Leslie Huang
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Margaret Medo
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | | | - Samuel Dantinne
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Sruti Mohan
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Aratrika Keshan
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Roger A Daley
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Bradley Levesque
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Lindsey Amundson
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Rebecca Reese
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, 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
| | - Yunlong Tao
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Daifeng Wang
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA; Department of Biostatistics and Medical Informatics, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Su-Chun Zhang
- 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; Department of Neurology, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, 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.
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Utagawa EC, Moreno DG, Schafernak KT, Arva NC, Malek-Ahmadi MH, Mufson EJ, Perez SE. Neurogenesis and neuronal differentiation in the postnatal frontal cortex in Down syndrome. Acta Neuropathol Commun 2022; 10:86. [PMID: 35676735 PMCID: PMC9175369 DOI: 10.1186/s40478-022-01385-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Although Down syndrome (DS), the most common developmental genetic cause of intellectual disability, displays proliferation and migration deficits in the prenatal frontal cortex (FC), a knowledge gap exists on the effects of trisomy 21 upon postnatal cortical development. Here, we examined cortical neurogenesis and differentiation in the FC supragranular (SG, II/III) and infragranular (IG, V/VI) layers applying antibodies to doublecortin (DCX), non-phosphorylated heavy-molecular neurofilament protein (NHF, SMI-32), calbindin D-28K (Calb), calretinin (Calr), and parvalbumin (Parv), as well as β-amyloid (APP/Aβ and Aβ1-42) and phospho-tau (CP13 and PHF-1) in autopsy tissue from age-matched DS and neurotypical (NTD) subjects ranging from 28-weeks (wk)-gestation to 3 years of age. Thionin, which stains Nissl substance, revealed disorganized cortical cellular lamination including a delayed appearance of pyramidal cells until 44 wk of age in DS compared to 28 wk in NTD. SG and IG DCX-immunoreactive (-ir) cells were only visualized in the youngest cases until 83 wk in NTD and 57 wk DS. Strong SMI-32 immunoreactivity was observed in layers III and V pyramidal cells in the oldest NTD and DS cases with few appearing as early as 28 wk of age in layer V in NTD. Small Calb-ir interneurons were seen in younger NTD and DS cases compared to Calb-ir pyramidal cells in older subjects. Overall, a greater number of Calb-ir cells were detected in NTD, however, the number of Calr-ir cells were comparable between groups. Diffuse APP/Aβ immunoreactivity was found at all ages in both groups. Few young cases from both groups presented non-neuronal granular CP13 immunoreactivity in layer I. Stronger correlations between brain weight, age, thionin, DCX, and SMI-32 counts were found in NTD. These findings suggest that trisomy 21 affects postnatal FC lamination, neuronal migration/neurogenesis and differentiation of projection neurons and interneurons that likely contribute to cognitive impairment in DS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emma C Utagawa
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, Barrow Neurological Institute, 350 W Thomas Rd, Phoenix, AZ, 85013, USA
| | - David G Moreno
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, Barrow Neurological Institute, 350 W Thomas Rd, Phoenix, AZ, 85013, USA
| | - Kristian T Schafernak
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Phoenix Children's Hospital, 1919 E Thomas Rd, Phoenix, AZ, 85016, USA
| | - Nicoleta C Arva
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, 225 E Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | | | - Elliott J Mufson
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, Barrow Neurological Institute, 350 W Thomas Rd, Phoenix, AZ, 85013, USA
| | - Sylvia E Perez
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, Barrow Neurological Institute, 350 W Thomas Rd, Phoenix, AZ, 85013, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Nicholson R, Osborne D, Fairhead L, Beed L, Hill CM, Lee H. Segmentation of the foveal and parafoveal retinal architecture using handheld spectral-domain optical coherence tomography in children with Down syndrome. Eye (Lond) 2022; 36:963-968. [PMID: 35001092 PMCID: PMC9046253 DOI: 10.1038/s41433-021-01883-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Revised: 10/21/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Down syndrome is a common multigene, multisystem disorder associated with abnormalities of visual function and characteristic changes in the majority of tissues in the eye. Historic descriptions of macular structure in Down syndrome have been variable, but optical coherence tomography allows increasingly detailed characterization of retinal architecture in vivo. We demonstrate the feasibility of retinal imaging in children with Down syndrome using handheld OCT in an outpatient clinical setting, and describe the foveal and parafoveal retinal architecture in this group. METHODS Fourteen White British children aged between 4 and 11 with Down syndrome were recruited to have handheld SD-OCT retinal imaging performed at a single centre in an outpatient clinical setting. The thickness of the retinal layers at the fovea and parafovea was analysed using segmentation software, and compared with age-matched controls from a previously published normative UK dataset. RESULTS Sixty-seven percent of the children studied had grade 1 foveal hypoplasia. At the fovea, the ganglion cell layer (p = 0.002) and inner nuclear layer (p < 0.001) were thickened relative to the control group. At the parafovea, there was thickening of the retina attributable to numerous layers in both the inner and outer retina, which remained significant after Bonferroni correction. CONCLUSION OCT imaging of children with Down syndrome in an outpatient setting is feasible. There is a high incidence of foveal hypoplasia in this group, associated with thickening of the ganglion cell and inner nuclear layers at the fovea.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rory Nicholson
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton, UK.
| | - Daniel Osborne
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton, UK
- School of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Lisa Fairhead
- School of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Leonora Beed
- School of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Catherine M Hill
- School of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
- Department of Sleep Medicine, Southampton Children's Hospital, University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton, UK
| | - Helena Lee
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton, UK
- School of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Martínez AL, Brea J, Domínguez E, Varela MJ, Allegue C, Cruz R, Monroy X, Merlos M, Burgueño J, Carracedo Á, Loza MI. Identification of Sodium Transients Through NaV1.5 Channels as Regulators of Differentiation in Immortalized Dorsal Root Ganglia Neurons. Front Cell Neurosci 2022; 16:816325. [PMID: 35465610 PMCID: PMC9018981 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2022.816325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuronal differentiation is a complex process through which newborn neurons acquire the morphology of mature neurons and become excitable. We employed a combination of functional and transcriptomic approaches to deconvolute and identify key regulators of the differentiation process of a DRG neuron-derived cell line, and we focused our study on the NaV1.5 ion channel (encoded by Scn5a) as a channel involved in the acquisition of DRG neuronal features. Overexpression of Scn5a enhances the acquisition of neuronal phenotypic features and increases the KCl-elicited hyperexcitability response in a DRG-derived cell line. Moreover, pharmacologic inhibition of the NaV1.5 channel during differentiation hinders the acquisition of phenotypic features of neuronal cells and the hyperexcitability increase in response to changes in the extracellular medium ionic composition. Taken together, these data highlight the relevance of sodium transients in regulating the neuronal differentiation process in a DRG neuron-derived cell line.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Antón L. Martínez
- BioFarma Research Group, Centro Singular de Investigación en Medicina Molecular y Enfermedades Crónicas (CIMUS), Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - José Brea
- BioFarma Research Group, Centro Singular de Investigación en Medicina Molecular y Enfermedades Crónicas (CIMUS), Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Eduardo Domínguez
- BioFarma Research Group, Centro Singular de Investigación en Medicina Molecular y Enfermedades Crónicas (CIMUS), Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - María J. Varela
- BioFarma Research Group, Centro Singular de Investigación en Medicina Molecular y Enfermedades Crónicas (CIMUS), Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Catarina Allegue
- Grupo de Medicina Xenómica, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Raquel Cruz
- Grupo de Medicina Xenómica, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Xavier Monroy
- WeLab Barcelona, Parc Científic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Manuel Merlos
- WeLab Barcelona, Parc Científic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Javier Burgueño
- WeLab Barcelona, Parc Científic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- *Correspondence: Javier Burgueño,
| | - Ángel Carracedo
- Grupo de Medicina Xenómica, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
- Fundación Pública Galega de Medicina Xenómica, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), SERGAS, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - María Isabel Loza
- BioFarma Research Group, Centro Singular de Investigación en Medicina Molecular y Enfermedades Crónicas (CIMUS), Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
- María Isabel Loza,
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Wu CI, Vinton EA, Pearse RV, Heo K, Aylward AJ, Hsieh YC, Bi Y, Adeleye S, Fancher S, Duong DM, Seyfried NT, Schwarz TL, Young-Pearse TL. APP and DYRK1A regulate axonal and synaptic vesicle protein networks and mediate Alzheimer's pathology in trisomy 21 neurons. Mol Psychiatry 2022; 27:1970-1989. [PMID: 35194165 PMCID: PMC9133025 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-022-01454-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Trisomy 21 (T21) causes Down syndrome and an early-onset form of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Here, we used human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) along with CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing to investigate the contribution of chromosome 21 candidate genes to AD-relevant neuronal phenotypes. We utilized a direct neuronal differentiation protocol to bypass neurodevelopmental cell fate phenotypes caused by T21 followed by unbiased proteomics and western blotting to define the proteins dysregulated in T21 postmitotic neurons. We show that normalization of copy number of APP and DYRK1A each rescue elevated tau phosphorylation in T21 neurons, while reductions of RCAN1 and SYNJ1 do not. To determine the T21 alterations relevant to early-onset AD, we identified common pathways altered in familial Alzheimer's disease neurons and determined which of these were rescued by normalization of APP and DYRK1A copy number in T21 neurons. These studies identified disruptions in T21 neurons in both the axonal cytoskeletal network and presynaptic proteins that play critical roles in axonal transport and synaptic vesicle cycling. These alterations in the proteomic profiles have functional consequences: fAD and T21 neurons exhibit dysregulated axonal trafficking and T21 neurons display enhanced synaptic vesicle release. Taken together, our findings provide insights into the initial molecular alterations within neurons that ultimately lead to synaptic loss and axonal degeneration in Down syndrome and early-onset AD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chun-I Wu
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Elizabeth A Vinton
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Richard V Pearse
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Keunjung Heo
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Aimee J Aylward
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Yi-Chen Hsieh
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Yan Bi
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sopefoluwa Adeleye
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Seeley Fancher
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Duc M Duong
- Department of Biochemistry, Emory School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Department of Neurology, Emory School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Nicholas T Seyfried
- Department of Biochemistry, Emory School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Department of Neurology, Emory School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Thomas L Schwarz
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Tracy L Young-Pearse
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Cell models for Down syndrome-Alzheimer’s disease research. Neuronal Signal 2022; 6:NS20210054. [PMID: 35449591 PMCID: PMC8996251 DOI: 10.1042/ns20210054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2021] [Revised: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Down syndrome (DS) is the most common chromosomal abnormality and leads to intellectual disability, increased risk of cardiac defects, and an altered immune response. Individuals with DS have an extra full or partial copy of chromosome 21 (trisomy 21) and are more likely to develop early-onset Alzheimer’s disease (AD) than the general population. Changes in expression of human chromosome 21 (Hsa21)-encoded genes, such as amyloid precursor protein (APP), play an important role in the pathogenesis of AD in DS (DS-AD). However, the mechanisms of DS-AD remain poorly understood. To date, several mouse models with an extra copy of genes syntenic to Hsa21 have been developed to characterise DS-AD-related phenotypes. Nonetheless, due to genetic and physiological differences between mouse and human, mouse models cannot faithfully recapitulate all features of DS-AD. Cells differentiated from human-induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), isolated from individuals with genetic diseases, can be used to model disease-related cellular and molecular pathologies, including DS. In this review, we will discuss the limitations of mouse models of DS and how these can be addressed using recent advancements in modelling DS using human iPSCs and iPSC-mouse chimeras, and potential applications of iPSCs in preclinical studies for DS-AD.
Collapse
|
36
|
Abnormal mitochondria in Down syndrome iPSC-derived GABAergic interneurons and organoids. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2022; 1868:166388. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2022.166388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2021] [Revised: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
|
37
|
Meharena HS, Marco A, Dileep V, Lockshin ER, Akatsu GY, Mullahoo J, Watson LA, Ko T, Guerin LN, Abdurob F, Rengarajan S, Papanastasiou M, Jaffe JD, Tsai LH. Down-syndrome-induced senescence disrupts the nuclear architecture of neural progenitors. Cell Stem Cell 2022; 29:116-130.e7. [PMID: 34995493 PMCID: PMC8805993 DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2021.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2020] [Revised: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Down syndrome (DS) is a genetic disorder driven by the triplication of chromosome 21 (T21) and characterized by a wide range of neurodevelopmental and physical disabilities. Transcriptomic analysis of tissue samples from individuals with DS has revealed that T21 induces a genome-wide transcriptional disruption. However, the consequences of T21 on the nuclear architecture and its interplay with the transcriptome remain unknown. In this study, we find that unlike human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), iPSC-derived neural progenitor cells (NPCs) exhibit genome-wide "chromosomal introversion," disruption of lamina-associated domains, and global chromatin accessibility changes in response to T21, consistent with the transcriptional and nuclear architecture changes characteristic of senescent cells. Treatment of T21-harboring NPCs with senolytic drugs alleviates the transcriptional, molecular, and cellular dysfunctions associated with DS. Our findings provide a mechanistic link between T21 and global transcriptional disruption and indicate that senescence-associated phenotypes may play a key role in the neurodevelopmental pathogenesis of DS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hiruy S. Meharena
- Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA,Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA,Correspondence: Hiruy Meharena (), Li-Huei Tsai () – Lead Contact
| | - Asaf Marco
- Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA,Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Vishnu Dileep
- Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA,Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Elana R. Lockshin
- Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA,Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Grace Y. Akatsu
- Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA,Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - James Mullahoo
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - L. Ashley Watson
- Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA,Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Tak Ko
- Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Lindsey N. Guerin
- Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA,Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Fatema Abdurob
- Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA,Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Shruthi Rengarajan
- Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | | | - Jacob D. Jaffe
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Li-Huei Tsai
- Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA,Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA,Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA,Correspondence: Hiruy Meharena (), Li-Huei Tsai () – Lead Contact
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Bartesaghi R, Vicari S, Mobley WC. Prenatal and Postnatal Pharmacotherapy in Down Syndrome: The Search to Prevent or Ameliorate Neurodevelopmental and Neurodegenerative Disorders. Annu Rev Pharmacol Toxicol 2022; 62:211-233. [PMID: 34990205 PMCID: PMC9632639 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-pharmtox-041521-103641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Those with Down syndrome (DS)-trisomy for chromosome 21-are routinely impacted by cognitive dysfunction and behavioral challenges in children and adults and Alzheimer's disease in older adults. No proven treatments specifically address these cognitive or behavioral changes. However, advances in the establishment of rodent models and human cell models promise to support development of such treatments. A research agenda that emphasizes the identification of overexpressed genes that contribute demonstrably to abnormalities in cognition and behavior in model systems constitutes a rational next step. Normalizing expression of such genes may usher in an era of successful treatments applicable across the life span for those with DS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Renata Bartesaghi
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Stefano Vicari
- Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, 00168 Rome, Italy,Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Neuroscience, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, 00165-00146 Rome, Italy
| | - William C. Mobley
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, USA
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Lu X, Yang J, Xiang Y. Modeling human neurodevelopmental diseases with brain organoids. CELL REGENERATION (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2022; 11:1. [PMID: 34982276 PMCID: PMC8727646 DOI: 10.1186/s13619-021-00103-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 04/25/2023]
Abstract
Studying the etiology of human neurodevelopmental diseases has long been a challenging task due to the brain's complexity and its limited accessibility. Human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs)-derived brain organoids are capable of recapitulating various features and functionalities of the human brain, allowing the investigation of intricate pathogenesis of developmental abnormalities. Over the past years, brain organoids have facilitated identifying disease-associated phenotypes and underlying mechanisms for human neurodevelopmental diseases. Integrating with more cutting-edge technologies, particularly gene editing, brain organoids further empower human disease modeling. Here, we review the latest progress in modeling human neurodevelopmental disorders with brain organoids.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoxiang Lu
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Jiajie Yang
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Yangfei Xiang
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China.
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Karampatsi D, Zabala A, Wilhelmsson U, Dekens D, Vercalsteren E, Larsson M, Nyström T, Pekny M, Patrone C, Darsalia V. Diet-induced weight loss in obese/diabetic mice normalizes glucose metabolism and promotes functional recovery after stroke. Cardiovasc Diabetol 2021; 20:240. [PMID: 34937562 PMCID: PMC8697500 DOI: 10.1186/s12933-021-01426-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Post-stroke functional recovery is severely impaired by type 2 diabetes (T2D). This is an important clinical problem since T2D is one of the most common diseases. Because weight loss-based strategies have been shown to decrease stroke risk in people with T2D, we aimed to investigate whether diet-induced weight loss can also improve post-stroke functional recovery and identify some of the underlying mechanisms. METHODS T2D/obesity was induced by 6 months of high-fat diet (HFD). Weight loss was achieved by a short- or long-term dietary change, replacing HFD with standard diet for 2 or 4 months, respectively. Stroke was induced by middle cerebral artery occlusion and post-stroke recovery was assessed by sensorimotor tests. Mechanisms involved in neurovascular damage in the post-stroke recovery phase, i.e. neuroinflammation, impaired angiogenesis and cellular atrophy of GABAergic parvalbumin (PV)+ interneurons were assessed by immunohistochemistry/quantitative microscopy. RESULTS Both short- and long-term dietary change led to similar weight loss. However, only the latter enhanced functional recovery after stroke. This effect was associated with pre-stroke normalization of fasting glucose and insulin resistance, and with the reduction of T2D-induced cellular atrophy of PV+ interneurons. Moreover, stroke recovery was associated with decreased T2D-induced neuroinflammation and reduced astrocyte reactivity in the contralateral striatum. CONCLUSION The global diabetes epidemic will dramatically increase the number of people in need of post-stroke treatment and care. Our results suggest that diet-induced weight loss leading to pre-stroke normalization of glucose metabolism has great potential to reduce the sequelae of stroke in the diabetic population.
Collapse
MESH Headings
- Animals
- Behavior, Animal
- Biomarkers/blood
- Blood Glucose/metabolism
- Brain/metabolism
- Brain/pathology
- Brain/physiopathology
- Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/blood
- Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/diet therapy
- Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/physiopathology
- Diet, High-Fat
- Disease Models, Animal
- Glycemic Control
- Infarction, Middle Cerebral Artery/blood
- Infarction, Middle Cerebral Artery/diet therapy
- Infarction, Middle Cerebral Artery/pathology
- Infarction, Middle Cerebral Artery/physiopathology
- Male
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Obesity/blood
- Obesity/diet therapy
- Obesity/physiopathology
- Recovery of Function
- Stroke/blood
- Stroke/diet therapy
- Stroke/pathology
- Stroke/physiopathology
- Time Factors
- Weight Loss
- Mice
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dimitra Karampatsi
- NeuroCardioMetabol Group, Department of Clinical Science and Education, Södersjukhuset, Internal Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, 118 83, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Alexander Zabala
- NeuroCardioMetabol Group, Department of Clinical Science and Education, Södersjukhuset, Internal Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, 118 83, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ulrika Wilhelmsson
- Laboratory of Astrocyte Biology and CNS Regeneration, Department of Clinical Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, Center for Brain Repair and Rehabilitation, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Doortje Dekens
- NeuroCardioMetabol Group, Department of Clinical Science and Education, Södersjukhuset, Internal Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, 118 83, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ellen Vercalsteren
- NeuroCardioMetabol Group, Department of Clinical Science and Education, Södersjukhuset, Internal Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, 118 83, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Martin Larsson
- NeuroCardioMetabol Group, Department of Clinical Science and Education, Södersjukhuset, Internal Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, 118 83, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Thomas Nyström
- NeuroCardioMetabol Group, Department of Clinical Science and Education, Södersjukhuset, Internal Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, 118 83, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Milos Pekny
- Laboratory of Astrocyte Biology and CNS Regeneration, Department of Clinical Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, Center for Brain Repair and Rehabilitation, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Cesare Patrone
- NeuroCardioMetabol Group, Department of Clinical Science and Education, Södersjukhuset, Internal Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, 118 83, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Vladimer Darsalia
- NeuroCardioMetabol Group, Department of Clinical Science and Education, Södersjukhuset, Internal Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, 118 83, Stockholm, Sweden.
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Wang Y, Li Z, Yang G, Cai L, Yang F, Zhang Y, Zeng Y, Ma Q, Zeng F. The Study of Alternative Splicing Events in Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells From a Down's Syndrome Patient. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:661381. [PMID: 34660567 PMCID: PMC8516071 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.661381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Down's syndrome (DS) is one of the most commonly known disorders with multiple congenital disabilities. Besides severe cognitive impairment and intellectual disability, individuals with DS also exhibit additional phenotypes of variable penetrance and severity, with one or more comorbid conditions, including Alzheimer's disease, congenital heart disease, or leukemia. Various vital genes and regulatory networks had been studied to reveal the pathogenesis of the disease. Nevertheless, very few studies have examined alternative splicing. Alternative splicing (AS) is a regulatory mechanism of gene expression when making one multi-exon protein-coding gene produce more than one unique mature mRNA. We employed the GeneChip Human Transcriptome Array 2.0 (HTA 2.0) for the global gene analysis with hiPSCs from DS and healthy individuals. Examining differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in these groups and focusing on specific transcripts with AS, 466 up-regulated and 722 down-regulated genes with AS events were identified. These genes were significantly enriched in biological processes, such as cell adhesion, cardiac muscle contraction, and immune response, through gene ontology (GO) analysis of DEGs. Candidate genes, such as FN1 were further explored for potentially playing a key role in DS. This study provides important insights into the potential role that AS plays in DS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yunjie Wang
- Shanghai Institute of Medical Genetics, Shanghai Children's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.,National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Embryo Molecular Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo and Reproduction Engineering, Shanghai, China
| | - Zexu Li
- Shanghai Institute of Medical Genetics, Shanghai Children's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.,National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Embryo Molecular Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo and Reproduction Engineering, Shanghai, China
| | - Guanheng Yang
- Shanghai Institute of Medical Genetics, Shanghai Children's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.,National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Embryo Molecular Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo and Reproduction Engineering, Shanghai, China
| | - Linlin Cai
- Shanghai Institute of Medical Genetics, Shanghai Children's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.,National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Embryo Molecular Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo and Reproduction Engineering, Shanghai, China
| | - Fan Yang
- Shanghai Institute of Medical Genetics, Shanghai Children's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.,National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Embryo Molecular Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo and Reproduction Engineering, Shanghai, China
| | - Yaqiong Zhang
- Shanghai Institute of Medical Genetics, Shanghai Children's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.,National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Embryo Molecular Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo and Reproduction Engineering, Shanghai, China
| | - Yitao Zeng
- Shanghai Institute of Medical Genetics, Shanghai Children's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.,National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Embryo Molecular Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo and Reproduction Engineering, Shanghai, China
| | - Qingwen Ma
- Shanghai Institute of Medical Genetics, Shanghai Children's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.,National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Embryo Molecular Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo and Reproduction Engineering, Shanghai, China
| | - Fanyi Zeng
- Shanghai Institute of Medical Genetics, Shanghai Children's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.,National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Embryo Molecular Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo and Reproduction Engineering, Shanghai, China.,Department of Histoembryology, Genetics & Development, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Foliaki ST, Schwarz B, Groveman BR, Walters RO, Ferreira NC, Orrù CD, Smith A, Wood A, Schmit OM, Freitag P, Yuan J, Zou W, Bosio CM, Carroll JA, Haigh CL. Neuronal excitatory-to-inhibitory balance is altered in cerebral organoid models of genetic neurological diseases. Mol Brain 2021; 14:156. [PMID: 34635127 PMCID: PMC8507222 DOI: 10.1186/s13041-021-00864-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2021] [Accepted: 09/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The neuro-physiological properties of individuals with genetic pre-disposition to neurological disorders are largely unknown. Here we aimed to explore these properties using cerebral organoids (COs) derived from fibroblasts of individuals with confirmed genetic mutations including PRNPE200K, trisomy 21 (T21), and LRRK2G2019S, which are associated with Creutzfeldt Jakob disease, Down Syndrome, and Parkinson's disease. We utilized no known disease/healthy COs (HC) as normal function controls. At 3-4 and 6-10 months post-differentiation, COs with mutations showed no evidence of disease-related pathology. Electrophysiology assessment showed that all COs exhibited mature neuronal firing at 6-10 months old. At this age, we observed significant changes in the electrophysiology of the COs with disease-associated mutations (dCOs) as compared with the HC, including reduced neuronal network communication, slowing neuronal oscillations, and increased coupling of delta and theta phases to the amplitudes of gamma oscillations. Such changes were linked with the detection of hypersynchronous events like spike-and-wave discharges. These dysfunctions were associated with altered production and release of neurotransmitters, compromised activity of excitatory ionotropic receptors including receptors of kainate, AMPA, and NMDA, and changed levels and function of excitatory glutamatergic synapses and inhibitory GABAergic synapses. Neuronal properties that modulate GABAergic inhibition including the activity of Na-K-Cl cotransport 1 (NKCC1) in Cl- homeostasis and the levels of synaptic and extra-synaptic localization of GABA receptors (GABARs) were altered in the T21 COs only. The neurosteroid allopregnanolone, a positive modulator of GABARs, was downregulated in all the dCOs. Treatment with this neurosteroid significantly improved the neuronal communication in the dCOs, possibly through improving the GABAergic inhibition. Overall, without the manifestation of any disease-related pathology, the genetic mutations PRNPE200K, T21, and LRRK2G2019S significantly altered the neuronal network communication in dCOs by disrupting the excitatory-to-inhibitory balance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Simote T Foliaki
- Laboratory of Persistent Viral Diseases, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT, 59840, USA
| | - Benjamin Schwarz
- Laboratory of Bacteriology, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT, 59840, USA
| | - Bradley R Groveman
- Laboratory of Persistent Viral Diseases, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT, 59840, USA
| | - Ryan O Walters
- Laboratory of Persistent Viral Diseases, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT, 59840, USA
| | - Natalia C Ferreira
- Laboratory of Persistent Viral Diseases, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT, 59840, USA
| | - Christina D Orrù
- Laboratory of Persistent Viral Diseases, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT, 59840, USA
| | - Anna Smith
- Laboratory of Persistent Viral Diseases, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT, 59840, USA
| | - Aleksandar Wood
- Laboratory of Persistent Viral Diseases, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT, 59840, USA
| | - Olivia M Schmit
- Laboratory of Bacteriology, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT, 59840, USA
| | - Phoebe Freitag
- Laboratory of Bacteriology, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT, 59840, USA
| | - Jue Yuan
- Departments of Pathology and Neurology, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA
| | - Wenquan Zou
- Departments of Pathology and Neurology, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA
| | - Catharine M Bosio
- Laboratory of Bacteriology, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT, 59840, USA
| | - James A Carroll
- Laboratory of Persistent Viral Diseases, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT, 59840, USA
| | - Cathryn L Haigh
- Laboratory of Persistent Viral Diseases, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT, 59840, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Cell Transdifferentiation and Reprogramming in Disease Modeling: Insights into the Neuronal and Cardiac Disease Models and Current Translational Strategies. Cells 2021; 10:cells10102558. [PMID: 34685537 PMCID: PMC8533873 DOI: 10.3390/cells10102558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2021] [Revised: 08/29/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Cell transdifferentiation and reprogramming approaches in recent times have enabled the manipulation of cell fate by enrolling exogenous/artificial controls. The chemical/small molecule and regulatory components of transcription machinery serve as potential tools to execute cell transdifferentiation and have thereby uncovered new avenues for disease modeling and drug discovery. At the advanced stage, one can believe these methods can pave the way to develop efficient and sensitive gene therapy and regenerative medicine approaches. As we are beginning to learn about the utility of cell transdifferentiation and reprogramming, speculations about its applications in translational therapeutics are being largely anticipated. Although clinicians and researchers are endeavoring to scale these processes, we lack a comprehensive understanding of their mechanism(s), and the promises these offer for targeted and personalized therapeutics are scarce. In the present report, we endeavored to provide a detailed review of the original concept, methods and modalities enrolled in the field of cellular transdifferentiation and reprogramming. A special focus is given to the neuronal and cardiac systems/diseases towards scaling their utility in disease modeling and drug discovery.
Collapse
|
44
|
Ponroy Bally B, Murai KK. Astrocytes in Down Syndrome Across the Lifespan. Front Cell Neurosci 2021; 15:702685. [PMID: 34483840 PMCID: PMC8416355 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2021.702685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Down Syndrome (DS) is the most common genetic cause of intellectual disability in which delays and impairments in brain development and function lead to neurological and cognitive phenotypes. Traditionally, a neurocentric approach, focusing on neurons and their connectivity, has been applied to understanding the mechanisms involved in DS brain pathophysiology with an emphasis on how triplication of chromosome 21 leads to alterations in neuronal survival and homeostasis, synaptogenesis, brain circuit development, and neurodegeneration. However, recent studies have drawn attention to the role of non-neuronal cells, especially astrocytes, in DS. Astrocytes comprise a large proportion of cells in the central nervous system (CNS) and are critical for brain development, homeostasis, and function. As triplication of chromosome 21 occurs in all cells in DS (with the exception of mosaic DS), a deeper understanding of the impact of trisomy 21 on astrocytes in DS pathophysiology is warranted and will likely be necessary for determining how specific brain alterations and neurological phenotypes emerge and progress in DS. Here, we review the current understanding of the role of astrocytes in DS, and discuss how specific perturbations in this cell type can impact the brain across the lifespan from early brain development to adult stages. Finally, we highlight how targeting, modifying, and/or correcting specific molecular pathways and properties of astrocytes in DS may provide an effective therapeutic direction given the important role of astrocytes in regulating brain development and function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Blandine Ponroy Bally
- Centre for Research in Neuroscience, Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Brain Repair and Integrative Neuroscience Program, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal General Hospital, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Keith K Murai
- Centre for Research in Neuroscience, Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Brain Repair and Integrative Neuroscience Program, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal General Hospital, Montreal, QC, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Mazzarino RC, Baresova V, Zikánová M, Duval N, Wilkinson TG, Patterson D, Vacano GN. Transcriptome and metabolome analysis of crGART, a novel cell model of de novo purine synthesis deficiency: Alterations in CD36 expression and activity. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0247227. [PMID: 34283828 PMCID: PMC8291708 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0247227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
In humans, GART [phosphoribosylglycinamide formyltransferase (EC 2.1.2.2) / phosphoribosylglycinamide synthetase (EC 6.3.4.13) / phosphoribosylaminoimidazole synthetase (EC 6.3.3.1)] is a trifunctional protein which catalyzes the second, third, and fifth reactions of the ten step de novo purine synthesis (DNPS) pathway. The second step of DNPS is conversion of phosphoribosylamine (5-PRA) to glycineamide ribonucleotide (GAR). 5-PRA is extremely unstable under physiological conditions and is unlikely to accumulate in the absence of GART activity. Recently, a HeLa cell line null mutant for GART was constructed via CRISPR-Cas9 mutagenesis. This cell line, crGART, is an important cellular model of DNPS inactivation that does not accumulate DNPS pathway intermediates. In the current study, we characterized the crGART versus HeLa transcriptomes in purine-supplemented and purine-depleted growth conditions. We observed multiple transcriptome changes and discuss pathways and ontologies particularly relevant to Alzheimer disease and Down syndrome. We selected the Cluster of Differentiation (CD36) gene for initial analysis based on its elevated expression in crGART versus HeLa as well as its high basal expression, high log2 value, and minimal P-value.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Randall C. Mazzarino
- Knoebel Institute for Healthy Aging, University of Denver, Denver, Colorado, United States of America
- Eleanor Roosevelt Institute, University of Denver, Denver, Colorado, United States of America
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Denver, Denver, Colorado, United States of America
- Molecular and Cellular Biophysics Program, University of Denver, Denver, Colorado, United States of America
| | - Veronika Baresova
- Research Unit for Rare Diseases, Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Marie Zikánová
- Research Unit for Rare Diseases, Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Nathan Duval
- Knoebel Institute for Healthy Aging, University of Denver, Denver, Colorado, United States of America
- Eleanor Roosevelt Institute, University of Denver, Denver, Colorado, United States of America
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Denver, Denver, Colorado, United States of America
| | - Terry G. Wilkinson
- Knoebel Institute for Healthy Aging, University of Denver, Denver, Colorado, United States of America
- Eleanor Roosevelt Institute, University of Denver, Denver, Colorado, United States of America
| | - David Patterson
- Knoebel Institute for Healthy Aging, University of Denver, Denver, Colorado, United States of America
- Eleanor Roosevelt Institute, University of Denver, Denver, Colorado, United States of America
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Denver, Denver, Colorado, United States of America
| | - Guido N. Vacano
- Knoebel Institute for Healthy Aging, University of Denver, Denver, Colorado, United States of America
- Eleanor Roosevelt Institute, University of Denver, Denver, Colorado, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Martinez JL, Zammit MD, West NR, Christian BT, Bhattacharyya A. Basal Forebrain Cholinergic Neurons: Linking Down Syndrome and Alzheimer's Disease. Front Aging Neurosci 2021; 13:703876. [PMID: 34322015 PMCID: PMC8311593 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2021.703876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 06/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Down syndrome (DS, trisomy 21) is characterized by intellectual impairment at birth and Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathology in middle age. As individuals with DS age, their cognitive functions decline as they develop AD pathology. The susceptibility to degeneration of a subset of neurons, known as basal forebrain cholinergic neurons (BFCNs), in DS and AD is a critical link between cognitive impairment and neurodegeneration in both disorders. BFCNs are the primary source of cholinergic innervation to the cerebral cortex and hippocampus, as well as the amygdala. They play a critical role in the processing of information related to cognitive function and are directly engaged in regulating circuits of attention and memory throughout the lifespan. Given the importance of BFCNs in attention and memory, it is not surprising that these neurons contribute to dysfunctional neuronal circuitry in DS and are vulnerable in adults with DS and AD, where their degeneration leads to memory loss and disturbance in language. BFCNs are thus a relevant cell target for therapeutics for both DS and AD but, despite some success, efforts in this area have waned. There are gaps in our knowledge of BFCN vulnerability that preclude our ability to effectively design interventions. Here, we review the role of BFCN function and degeneration in AD and DS and identify under-studied aspects of BFCN biology. The current gaps in BFCN relevant imaging studies, therapeutics, and human models limit our insight into the mechanistic vulnerability of BFCNs in individuals with DS and AD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jose L. Martinez
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Graduate Program, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, United States
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Matthew D. Zammit
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, United States
- Department of Medical Physics, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Nicole R. West
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Graduate Program, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, United States
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Bradley T. Christian
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, United States
- Department of Medical Physics, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, United States
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Anita Bhattacharyya
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, United States
- Department of Cellular and Regenerative Biology, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, United States
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Tang XY, Xu L, Wang J, Hong Y, Wang Y, Zhu Q, Wang D, Zhang XY, Liu CY, Fang KH, Han X, Wang S, Wang X, Xu M, Bhattacharyya A, Guo X, Lin M, Liu Y. DSCAM/PAK1 pathway suppression reverses neurogenesis deficits in iPSC-derived cerebral organoids from patients with Down syndrome. J Clin Invest 2021; 131:135763. [PMID: 33945512 DOI: 10.1172/jci135763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2019] [Accepted: 04/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Down syndrome (DS), caused by trisomy of chromosome 21, occurs in 1 of every 800 live births. Early defects in cortical development likely account for the cognitive impairments in DS, although the underlying molecular mechanism remains elusive. Here, we performed histological assays and unbiased single-cell RNA-Seq (scRNA-Seq) analysis on cerebral organoids derived from 4 euploid cell lines and from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) from 3 individuals with trisomy 21 to explore cell-type-specific abnormalities associated with DS during early brain development. We found that neurogenesis was significantly affected, given the diminished proliferation and decreased expression of layer II and IV markers in cortical neurons in the subcortical regions; this may have been responsible for the reduced size of the organoids. Furthermore, suppression of the DSCAM/PAK1 pathway, which showed enhanced activity in DS, using CRISPR/Cas9, CRISPR interference (CRISPRi), or small-molecule inhibitor treatment reversed abnormal neurogenesis, thereby increasing the size of organoids derived from DS iPSCs. Our study demonstrates that 3D cortical organoids developed in vitro are a valuable model of DS and provide a direct link between dysregulation of the DSCAM/PAK1 pathway and developmental brain defects in DS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Yan Tang
- Department of Stem Cell and Neural Regeneration, State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, School of Pharmacy, and
| | - Lei Xu
- Department of Stem Cell and Neural Regeneration, State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, School of Pharmacy, and
| | - Jingshen Wang
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yuan Hong
- Department of Stem Cell and Neural Regeneration, State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, School of Pharmacy, and
| | - Yuanyuan Wang
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Qian Zhu
- Department of Stem Cell and Neural Regeneration, State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, School of Pharmacy, and
| | - Da Wang
- Department of Stem Cell and Neural Regeneration, State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, School of Pharmacy, and
| | - Xin-Yue Zhang
- Department of Stem Cell and Neural Regeneration, State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, School of Pharmacy, and
| | - Chun-Yue Liu
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Kai-Heng Fang
- Department of Stem Cell and Neural Regeneration, State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, School of Pharmacy, and
| | - Xiao Han
- Department of Stem Cell and Neural Regeneration, State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, School of Pharmacy, and
| | - Shihua Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Disease and Aging Research, Institute of Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Xin Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Disease and Aging Research, Institute of Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Min Xu
- Department of Stem Cell and Neural Regeneration, State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, School of Pharmacy, and
| | - Anita Bhattacharyya
- Waisman Center and.,Department of Cell and Regenerative Biology, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Xing Guo
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.,Department of Endocrinology, Sir Run Run Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Mingyan Lin
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yan Liu
- Department of Stem Cell and Neural Regeneration, State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, School of Pharmacy, and
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Liaci C, Camera M, Caslini G, Rando S, Contino S, Romano V, Merlo GR. Neuronal Cytoskeleton in Intellectual Disability: From Systems Biology and Modeling to Therapeutic Opportunities. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22116167. [PMID: 34200511 PMCID: PMC8201358 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22116167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2021] [Revised: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 06/04/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Intellectual disability (ID) is a pathological condition characterized by limited intellectual functioning and adaptive behaviors. It affects 1–3% of the worldwide population, and no pharmacological therapies are currently available. More than 1000 genes have been found mutated in ID patients pointing out that, despite the common phenotype, the genetic bases are highly heterogeneous and apparently unrelated. Bibliomic analysis reveals that ID genes converge onto a few biological modules, including cytoskeleton dynamics, whose regulation depends on Rho GTPases transduction. Genetic variants exert their effects at different levels in a hierarchical arrangement, starting from the molecular level and moving toward higher levels of organization, i.e., cell compartment and functions, circuits, cognition, and behavior. Thus, cytoskeleton alterations that have an impact on cell processes such as neuronal migration, neuritogenesis, and synaptic plasticity rebound on the overall establishment of an effective network and consequently on the cognitive phenotype. Systems biology (SB) approaches are more focused on the overall interconnected network rather than on individual genes, thus encouraging the design of therapies that aim to correct common dysregulated biological processes. This review summarizes current knowledge about cytoskeleton control in neurons and its relevance for the ID pathogenesis, exploiting in silico modeling and translating the implications of those findings into biomedical research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carla Liaci
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, Via Nizza 52, 10126 Torino, Italy; (C.L.); (M.C.); (G.C.); (S.R.)
| | - Mattia Camera
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, Via Nizza 52, 10126 Torino, Italy; (C.L.); (M.C.); (G.C.); (S.R.)
| | - Giovanni Caslini
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, Via Nizza 52, 10126 Torino, Italy; (C.L.); (M.C.); (G.C.); (S.R.)
| | - Simona Rando
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, Via Nizza 52, 10126 Torino, Italy; (C.L.); (M.C.); (G.C.); (S.R.)
| | - Salvatore Contino
- Department of Engineering, University of Palermo, Viale delle Scienze Ed. 8, 90128 Palermo, Italy;
| | - Valentino Romano
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, Viale delle Scienze Ed. 16, 90128 Palermo, Italy;
| | - Giorgio R. Merlo
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, Via Nizza 52, 10126 Torino, Italy; (C.L.); (M.C.); (G.C.); (S.R.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-0116706449; Fax: +39-0116706432
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Yang J, Yang X, Tang K. Interneuron development and dysfunction. FEBS J 2021; 289:2318-2336. [PMID: 33844440 DOI: 10.1111/febs.15872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2020] [Accepted: 04/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Understanding excitation and inhibition balance in the brain begins with the tale of two basic types of neurons, glutamatergic projection neurons and GABAergic interneurons. The diversity of cortical interneurons is contributed by multiple origins in the ventral forebrain, various tangential migration routes, and complicated regulations of intrinsic factors, extrinsic signals, and activities. Abnormalities of interneuron development lead to dysfunction of interneurons and inhibitory circuits, which are highly associated with neurodevelopmental disorders including schizophrenia, autism spectrum disorders, and intellectual disability. In this review, we mainly discuss recent findings on the development of cortical interneuron and on neurodevelopmental disorders related to interneuron dysfunction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiaxin Yang
- Precise Genome Engineering Center, School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou University, China
| | - Xiong Yang
- Precise Genome Engineering Center, School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou University, China
| | - Ke Tang
- Precise Genome Engineering Center, School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou University, China
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Dong X, Yang L, Liu K, Ji X, Tang C, Li W, Ma L, Mei Y, Peng T, Feng B, Wu Z, Tang Q, Gao Y, Yan K, Zhou W, Xiong M. Transcriptional networks identify synaptotagmin-like 3 as a regulator of cortical neuronal migration during early neurodevelopment. Cell Rep 2021; 34:108802. [PMID: 33657377 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2021.108802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2020] [Revised: 12/25/2020] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Human brain development is a complex process involving neural proliferation, differentiation, and migration that are directed by many essential cellular factors and drivers. Here, using the NetBID2 algorithm and developing human brain RNA sequencing dataset, we identify synaptotagmin-like 3 (SYTL3) as one of the top drivers of early human brain development. Interestingly, SYTL3 exhibits high activity but low expression in both early developmental human cortex and human embryonic stem cell (hESC)-derived neurons. Knockout of SYTL3 (SYTL3-KO) in human neurons or knockdown of Sytl3 in embryonic mouse cortex markedly promotes neuronal migration. SYTL3-KO causes an abnormal distribution of deep-layer neurons in brain organoids and reduces presynaptic neurotransmitter release in hESC-derived neurons. We further demonstrate that SYTL3-KO-accelerated neuronal migration is modulated by high expression of matrix metalloproteinases. Together, based on bioinformatics and biological experiments, we identify SYTL3 as a regulator of cortical neuronal migration in human and mouse developing brains.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xinran Dong
- Molecular Medical Center, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, 399 Wanyuan Road, Shanghai 201102, China
| | - Lin Yang
- Molecular Medical Center, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, 399 Wanyuan Road, Shanghai 201102, China
| | - Kaiyi Liu
- Molecular Medical Center, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, 399 Wanyuan Road, Shanghai 201102, China
| | - Xiaoli Ji
- Molecular Medical Center, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, 399 Wanyuan Road, Shanghai 201102, China; Stem Cell Center, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai 201102, China
| | - Chuanqing Tang
- Stem Cell Center, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai 201102, China
| | - Wanxing Li
- Molecular Medical Center, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, 399 Wanyuan Road, Shanghai 201102, China
| | - Ling Ma
- Stem Cell Center, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai 201102, China
| | - Yuting Mei
- Stem Cell Center, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai 201102, China
| | - Ting Peng
- Key Laboratory of Neonatal Diseases, Ministry of Health, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai 201102, China
| | - Ban Feng
- Institute of Neuroscience, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, Shanghai, China
| | - Ziyan Wu
- Institute of Neuroscience, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, Shanghai, China
| | - Qingyuan Tang
- Stem Cell Center, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai 201102, China
| | - Yanyan Gao
- Ultrasonography Department, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai 201102, China
| | - Kai Yan
- Key Laboratory of Neonatal Diseases, Ministry of Health, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai 201102, China
| | - Wenhao Zhou
- Molecular Medical Center, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, 399 Wanyuan Road, Shanghai 201102, China; Key Laboratory of Neonatal Diseases, Ministry of Health, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai 201102, China.
| | - Man Xiong
- Stem Cell Center, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai 201102, China.
| |
Collapse
|