1
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Leng K, Rooney B, McCarthy F, Xia W, Rose IVL, Bax S, Chin M, Fathi S, Herrington KA, Leonetti M, Kao A, Fancy SPJ, Elias JE, Kampmann M. mTOR activation induces endolysosomal remodeling and nonclassical secretion of IL-32 via exosomes in inflammatory reactive astrocytes. J Neuroinflammation 2024; 21:198. [PMID: 39118084 PMCID: PMC11312292 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-024-03165-w] [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: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 07/03/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes respond and contribute to neuroinflammation by adopting inflammatory reactive states. Although recent efforts have characterized the gene expression signatures associated with these reactive states, the cell biology underlying inflammatory reactive astrocyte phenotypes remains under-explored. Here, we used CRISPR-based screening in human iPSC-derived astrocytes to identify mTOR activation a driver of cytokine-induced endolysosomal system remodeling, manifesting as alkalinization of endolysosomal compartments, decreased autophagic flux, and increased exocytosis of certain endolysosomal cargos. Through endolysosomal proteomics, we identified and focused on one such cargo-IL-32, a disease-associated pro-inflammatory cytokine not present in rodents, whose secretion mechanism is not well understood. We found that IL-32 was partially secreted in extracellular vesicles likely to be exosomes. Furthermore, we found that IL-32 was involved in the polarization of inflammatory reactive astrocyte states and was upregulated in astrocytes in multiple sclerosis lesions. We believe that our results advance our understanding of cell biological pathways underlying inflammatory reactive astrocyte phenotypes and identify potential therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kun Leng
- Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
- Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
- Medical Scientist Training Program, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
| | - Brendan Rooney
- Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | | | - Wenlong Xia
- Departments of Neurology and Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Indigo V L Rose
- Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Sophie Bax
- Chan Zuckerberg Biohub, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Marcus Chin
- Memory and Aging Center, Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Small Molecule Discovery Center, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Saeed Fathi
- Medical Scientist Training Program, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Kari A Herrington
- Center for Advanced Microscopy, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | | | - Aimee Kao
- Memory and Aging Center, Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Stephen P J Fancy
- Departments of Neurology and Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | | | - Martin Kampmann
- Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
- Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
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2
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Jovanovic VM, Mesch KT, Tristan CA. hPSC-Derived Astrocytes at the Forefront of Translational Applications in Neurological Disorders. Cells 2024; 13:903. [PMID: 38891034 PMCID: PMC11172187 DOI: 10.3390/cells13110903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2024] [Revised: 05/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes, the most abundant glial cell type in the brain, play crucial roles in maintaining homeostasis within the central nervous system (CNS). Impairment or abnormalities of typical astrocyte functions in the CNS serve as a causative or contributing factor in numerous neurodevelopmental, neurodegenerative, and neuropsychiatric disorders. Currently, disease-modeling and drug-screening approaches, primarily focused on human astrocytes, rely on human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC)-derived astrocytes. However, it is important to acknowledge that these hPSC-derived astrocytes exhibit notable differences across studies and when compared to their in vivo counterparts. These differences may potentially compromise translational outcomes if not carefully accounted for. This review aims to explore state-of-the-art in vitro models of human astrocyte development, focusing on the developmental processes, functional maturity, and technical aspects of various hPSC-derived astrocyte differentiation protocols. Additionally, it summarizes their successful application in modeling neurological disorders. The discussion extends to recent advancements in the large-scale production of human astrocytes and their application in developing high-throughput assays conducive to therapeutic drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vukasin M. Jovanovic
- Stem Cell Translation Laboratory (SCTL), Division of Preclinical Innovation (DPI), National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS), NIH, Rockville, MD 20850, USA (C.A.T.)
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3
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Balint V, Peric M, Dacic S, Stanisavljevic Ninkovic D, Marjanovic J, Popovic J, Stevanovic M, Lazic A. The Role of SOX2 and SOX9 Transcription Factors in the Reactivation-Related Functional Properties of NT2/D1-Derived Astrocytes. Biomedicines 2024; 12:796. [PMID: 38672150 PMCID: PMC11048103 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12040796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2023] [Revised: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes are the main homeostatic cells in the central nervous system, with the unique ability to transform from quiescent into a reactive state in response to pathological conditions by reacquiring some precursor properties. This process is known as reactive astrogliosis, a compensatory response that mediates tissue damage and recovery. Although it is well known that SOX transcription factors drive the expression of phenotype-specific genetic programs during neurodevelopment, their roles in mature astrocytes have not been studied extensively. We focused on the transcription factors SOX2 and SOX9, shown to be re-expressed in reactive astrocytes, in order to study the reactivation-related functional properties of astrocytes mediated by those proteins. We performed an initial screening of SOX2 and SOX9 expression after sensorimotor cortex ablation injury in rats and conducted gain-of-function studies in vitro using astrocytes derived from the human NT2/D1 cell line. Our results revealed the direct involvement of SOX2 in the reacquisition of proliferation in mature NT2/D1-derived astrocytes, while SOX9 overexpression increased migratory potential and glutamate uptake in these cells. Our results imply that modulation of SOX gene expression may change the functional properties of astrocytes, which holds promise for the discovery of potential therapeutic targets in the development of novel strategies for tissue regeneration and recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanda Balint
- Laboratory for Human Molecular Genetics, Institute of Molecular Genetics and Genetic Engineering, University of Belgrade, Vojvode Stepe 444a, 11042 Belgrade, Serbia; (V.B.); (M.P.); (D.S.N.); (J.M.); (J.P.); (M.S.)
| | - Mina Peric
- Laboratory for Human Molecular Genetics, Institute of Molecular Genetics and Genetic Engineering, University of Belgrade, Vojvode Stepe 444a, 11042 Belgrade, Serbia; (V.B.); (M.P.); (D.S.N.); (J.M.); (J.P.); (M.S.)
| | - Sanja Dacic
- Institute of Physiology and Biochemistry “Ivan Djaja”, Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade, Studentski trg 16, 11158 Belgrade, Serbia;
| | - Danijela Stanisavljevic Ninkovic
- Laboratory for Human Molecular Genetics, Institute of Molecular Genetics and Genetic Engineering, University of Belgrade, Vojvode Stepe 444a, 11042 Belgrade, Serbia; (V.B.); (M.P.); (D.S.N.); (J.M.); (J.P.); (M.S.)
| | - Jelena Marjanovic
- Laboratory for Human Molecular Genetics, Institute of Molecular Genetics and Genetic Engineering, University of Belgrade, Vojvode Stepe 444a, 11042 Belgrade, Serbia; (V.B.); (M.P.); (D.S.N.); (J.M.); (J.P.); (M.S.)
| | - Jelena Popovic
- Laboratory for Human Molecular Genetics, Institute of Molecular Genetics and Genetic Engineering, University of Belgrade, Vojvode Stepe 444a, 11042 Belgrade, Serbia; (V.B.); (M.P.); (D.S.N.); (J.M.); (J.P.); (M.S.)
| | - Milena Stevanovic
- Laboratory for Human Molecular Genetics, Institute of Molecular Genetics and Genetic Engineering, University of Belgrade, Vojvode Stepe 444a, 11042 Belgrade, Serbia; (V.B.); (M.P.); (D.S.N.); (J.M.); (J.P.); (M.S.)
- Institute of Physiology and Biochemistry “Ivan Djaja”, Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade, Studentski trg 16, 11158 Belgrade, Serbia;
- Serbian Academy of Sciences and Arts, Kneza Mihaila 35, 11001 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Andrijana Lazic
- Laboratory for Human Molecular Genetics, Institute of Molecular Genetics and Genetic Engineering, University of Belgrade, Vojvode Stepe 444a, 11042 Belgrade, Serbia; (V.B.); (M.P.); (D.S.N.); (J.M.); (J.P.); (M.S.)
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4
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Windham IA, Powers AE, Ragusa JV, Wallace ED, Zanellati MC, Williams VH, Wagner CH, White KK, Cohen S. APOE traffics to astrocyte lipid droplets and modulates triglyceride saturation and droplet size. J Cell Biol 2024; 223:e202305003. [PMID: 38334983 PMCID: PMC10857907 DOI: 10.1083/jcb.202305003] [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: 05/02/2023] [Revised: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
The E4 variant of APOE strongly predisposes individuals to late-onset Alzheimer's disease. We demonstrate that in response to lipogenesis, apolipoprotein E (APOE) in astrocytes can avoid translocation into the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) lumen and traffic to lipid droplets (LDs) via membrane bridges at ER-LD contacts. APOE knockdown promotes fewer, larger LDs after a fatty acid pulse, which contain more unsaturated triglyceride after fatty acid pulse-chase. This LD size phenotype was rescued by chimeric APOE that targets only LDs. Like APOE depletion, APOE4-expressing astrocytes form a small number of large LDs enriched in unsaturated triglyceride. Additionally, the LDs in APOE4 cells exhibit impaired turnover and increased sensitivity to lipid peroxidation. Our data indicate that APOE plays a previously unrecognized role as an LD surface protein that regulates LD size and composition. APOE4 causes aberrant LD composition and morphology. Our study contributes to accumulating evidence that APOE4 astrocytes with large, unsaturated LDs are sensitized to lipid peroxidation, which could contribute to Alzheimer's disease risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ian A. Windham
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Alex E. Powers
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Joey V. Ragusa
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - E. Diane Wallace
- Mass Spectrometry Core Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Maria Clara Zanellati
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Victoria H. Williams
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Colby H. Wagner
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Kristen K. White
- Microscopy Services Laboratory, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Sarah Cohen
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
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5
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Yan Y, Li X, Gao Y, Mathivanan S, Kong L, Tao Y, Dong Y, Li X, Bhattacharyya A, Zhao X, Zhang SC. 3D bioprinting of human neural tissues with functional connectivity. Cell Stem Cell 2024; 31:260-274.e7. [PMID: 38306994 PMCID: PMC10883639 DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2023.12.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2022] [Revised: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2024]
Abstract
Probing how human neural networks operate is hindered by the lack of reliable human neural tissues amenable to the dynamic functional assessment of neural circuits. We developed a 3D bioprinting platform to assemble tissues with defined human neural cell types in a desired dimension using a commercial bioprinter. The printed neuronal progenitors differentiate into neurons and form functional neural circuits within and between tissue layers with specificity within weeks, evidenced by the cortical-to-striatal projection, spontaneous synaptic currents, and synaptic response to neuronal excitation. Printed astrocyte progenitors develop into mature astrocytes with elaborated processes and form functional neuron-astrocyte networks, indicated by calcium flux and glutamate uptake in response to neuronal excitation under physiological and pathological conditions. These designed human neural tissues will likely be useful for understanding the wiring of human neural networks, modeling pathological processes, and serving as platforms for drug testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanwei Yan
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Xueyan Li
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Yu Gao
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Sakthikumar Mathivanan
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA; Aligning Science Across Parkinson's (ASAP) Collaborative Research Network, Chevy Chase, MD, 20815
| | - Linghai Kong
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Yunlong Tao
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA; State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation Center (ChemBIC), Nanjing University, Nanjing, China; Aligning Science Across Parkinson's (ASAP) Collaborative Research Network, Chevy Chase, MD, 20815
| | - Yi Dong
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Xiang Li
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Anita Bhattacharyya
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA; Department of Cell and Regenerative Biology, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Xinyu Zhao
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA; Department of Neuroscience, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Su-Chun Zhang
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA; Department of Neuroscience, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA; Department of Neurology, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA; Program in Neuroscience and Behavioral Disorders, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore; GK Goh Centre for Neuroscience, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore; Aligning Science Across Parkinson's (ASAP) Collaborative Research Network, Chevy Chase, MD, 20815.
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6
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Yan Y, Li X, Gao Y, Mathivanan S, Kong L, Tao Y, Dong Y, Li X, Bhattacharyya A, Zhao X, Zhang SC. 3D Bioprinting of Human Neural Tissues with Functional Connectivity. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.01.18.576289. [PMID: 38328181 PMCID: PMC10849546 DOI: 10.1101/2024.01.18.576289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
Probing how the human neural networks operate is hindered by the lack of reliable human neural tissues amenable for dynamic functional assessment of neural circuits. We developed a 3D bioprinting platform to assemble tissues with defined human neural cell types in a desired dimension using a commercial bioprinter. The printed neuronal progenitors differentiate to neurons and form functional neural circuits in and between tissue layers with specificity within weeks, evidenced by the cortical-to-striatal projection, spontaneous synaptic currents and synaptic response to neuronal excitation. Printed astrocyte progenitors develop into mature astrocytes with elaborated processes and form functional neuron-astrocyte networks, indicated by calcium flux and glutamate uptake in response to neuronal excitation under physiological and pathological conditions. These designed human neural tissues will likely be useful for understanding the wiring of human neural networks, modeling pathological processes, and serving as platforms for drug testing.
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7
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Ghosh A, Som A. Network analysis of transcriptomic data uncovers molecular signatures and the interplay of mRNAs, lncRNAs, and miRNAs in human embryonic stem cells. Differentiation 2024; 135:100738. [PMID: 38008592 DOI: 10.1016/j.diff.2023.11.001] [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: 08/21/2023] [Revised: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/28/2023]
Abstract
Growing evidence has shown that besides the protein coding genes, the non-coding elements of the genome are indispensable for maintaining the property of self-renewal in human embryonic stem cells and in cell fate determination. However, the regulatory mechanisms and the landscape of interactions between the coding and non-coding elements is poorly understood. In this work, we used weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) on transcriptomic data retrieved from RNA-seq and small RNA-seq experiments and reconstructed the core human pluripotency network (called PluriMLMiNet) consisting of 375 mRNA, 57 lncRNA and 207 miRNAs. Furthermore, we derived networks specific to the naïve and primed states of human pluripotency (called NaiveMLMiNet and PrimedMLMiNet respectively) that revealed a set of molecular markers (RPS6KA1, ZYG11A, ZNF695, ZNF273, and NLRP2 for naive state, and RAB34, TMEM178B, PTPRZ1, USP44, KIF1A and LRRN1 for primed state) which can be used to distinguish the pluripotent state from the non-pluripotent state and also to identify the intra-pluripotency states (i.e., naïve and primed state). The lncRNA DANT1 was found to be a crucial as it formed a bridge between the naive and primed state-specific networks. Analysis of the genes neighbouring DANT1 suggested its possible role as a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) for the induction and maintenance of human pluripotency. This was computationally validated by predicting the missing DANT1-miRNA interactions to complete the ceRNA circuit. Here we first report that DANT1 might harbour binding sites for miRNAs hsa-miR-30c-2-3p, hsa-miR-210-3p and hsa-let-7b-5p which may influence pluripotency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arindam Ghosh
- Centre of Bioinformatics, Institute of Interdisciplinary Studies, University of Allahabad, Prayagraj, 211002, India; Institute of Biomedicine, University of Eastern Finland, FI-70210, Kuopio, Finland.
| | - Anup Som
- Centre of Bioinformatics, Institute of Interdisciplinary Studies, University of Allahabad, Prayagraj, 211002, India.
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8
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Chen H, Zheng K, Qiu M, Yang J. Preparation of astrocytes by directed differentiation of pluripotent stem cells and somatic cell transdifferentiation. Dev Neurobiol 2023; 83:282-292. [PMID: 37789524 DOI: 10.1002/dneu.22929] [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: 03/28/2023] [Revised: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023]
Abstract
Astrocytes (ACs) are the most widely distributed cells in the mammalian central nervous system, which are essential for the function and homeostasis of nervous system. Increasing evidence indicates that ACs also participate in the development of many neurological diseases and repair after nerve injury. ACs cultured in vitro provide a cellular model for studying astrocytic development, function, and the pathogenesis of associated diseases. The preparation of primary ACs (pACs) faces many limitations, so it is important to obtain high-quality ACs by the differentiation of pluripotent stem cell (PSC) or somatic cell transdifferentiation. Initially, researchers mainly tried to induce embryonic stem cells to differentiate into ACs via embryoid body (EB) and then turned to employ induced PSCs as seed cells to explore more simple and efficient directed differentiation strategies, and serum-free culture was delved to improve the quality of induced ACs. While exploring the induction of ACs by the overexpression of AC-specific transcription factors, researchers also began to investigate small molecule-mediated somatic cell transdifferentiation. Here, we provide an updated review on the research progresses in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hangjie Chen
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Organ Development and Regeneration, College of Life and Environment Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Kang Zheng
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Organ Development and Regeneration, College of Life and Environment Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Mengsheng Qiu
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Organ Development and Regeneration, College of Life and Environment Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Junlin Yang
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Organ Development and Regeneration, College of Life and Environment Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
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9
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Gonzalez H, Narasipura SD, Shull T, Shetty A, Teppen TL, Naqib A, Al-Harthi L. An Efficient and Cost-Effective Approach to Generate Functional Human Inducible Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Astrocytes. Cells 2023; 12:2357. [PMID: 37830571 PMCID: PMC10571578 DOI: 10.3390/cells12192357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Revised: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Human inducible pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-derived astrocytes (iAs) are critical to study astrocytes in health and disease. They provide several advantages over human fetal astrocytes in research, which include consistency, availability, disease modeling, customization, and ethical considerations. The generation of iAs is hampered by the requirement of Matrigel matrix coating for survival and proliferation. We provide a protocol demonstrating that human iAs cultured in the absence of Matrigel are viable and proliferative. Further, through a side-by-side comparison of cultures with and without Matrigel, we show significant similarities in astrocyte-specific profiling, including morphology (shape and structure), phenotype (cell-specific markers), genotype (transcriptional expression), metabolic (respiration), and functional aspects (glutamate uptake and cytokine response). In addition, we report that, unlike other CNS cell types, such as neuronal progenitor cells and neurons, iAs can withstand the absence of Matrigel coating. Our study demonstrates that Matrigel is dispensable for the culture of human iPSC-derived astrocytes, facilitating an easy, streamlined, and cost-effective method of generating these cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hemil Gonzalez
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
- Department of Microbial Pathogens and Immunity, Rush Medical College, Chicago, IL 60612, USA; (S.D.N.); (T.S.)
| | - Srinivas D. Narasipura
- Department of Microbial Pathogens and Immunity, Rush Medical College, Chicago, IL 60612, USA; (S.D.N.); (T.S.)
| | - Tanner Shull
- Department of Microbial Pathogens and Immunity, Rush Medical College, Chicago, IL 60612, USA; (S.D.N.); (T.S.)
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Illinois, Chicago, IL 60608, USA
| | - Amogh Shetty
- Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy, Aurora, IL 60506, USA
| | - Tara L. Teppen
- Molecular Neurobiology Division, Rush Alzheimer’s Disease Center, Rush University, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Ankur Naqib
- Genome Core Facility, Rush University, Chicago, IL 60612, USA;
| | - Lena Al-Harthi
- Department of Microbial Pathogens and Immunity, Rush Medical College, Chicago, IL 60612, USA; (S.D.N.); (T.S.)
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10
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Jovanovic VM, Weber C, Slamecka J, Ryu S, Chu PH, Sen C, Inman J, De Sousa JF, Barnaeva E, Hirst M, Galbraith D, Ormanoglu P, Jethmalani Y, Mercado JC, Michael S, Ward ME, Simeonov A, Voss TC, Tristan CA, Singeç I. A defined roadmap of radial glia and astrocyte differentiation from human pluripotent stem cells. Stem Cell Reports 2023; 18:1701-1720. [PMID: 37451260 PMCID: PMC10444578 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2023.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2022] [Revised: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Human gliogenesis remains poorly understood, and derivation of astrocytes from human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) is inefficient and cumbersome. Here, we report controlled glial differentiation from hPSCs that bypasses neurogenesis, which otherwise precedes astrogliogenesis during brain development and in vitro differentiation. hPSCs were first differentiated into radial glial cells (RGCs) resembling resident RGCs of the fetal telencephalon, and modulation of specific cell signaling pathways resulted in direct and stepwise induction of key astroglial markers (NFIA, NFIB, SOX9, CD44, S100B, glial fibrillary acidic protein [GFAP]). Transcriptomic and genome-wide epigenetic mapping and single-cell analysis confirmed RGC-to-astrocyte differentiation, obviating neurogenesis and the gliogenic switch. Detailed molecular and cellular characterization experiments uncovered new mechanisms and markers for human RGCs and astrocytes. In summary, establishment of a glia-exclusive neural lineage progression model serves as a unique serum-free platform of manufacturing large numbers of RGCs and astrocytes for neuroscience, disease modeling (e.g., Alexander disease), and regenerative medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vukasin M Jovanovic
- National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS), Division of Preclinical Innovation, Stem Cell Translation Laboratory (SCTL), National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD 20850, USA.
| | - Claire Weber
- National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS), Division of Preclinical Innovation, Stem Cell Translation Laboratory (SCTL), National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD 20850, USA
| | - Jaroslav Slamecka
- National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS), Division of Preclinical Innovation, Stem Cell Translation Laboratory (SCTL), National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD 20850, USA
| | - Seungmi Ryu
- National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS), Division of Preclinical Innovation, Stem Cell Translation Laboratory (SCTL), National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD 20850, USA
| | - Pei-Hsuan Chu
- National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS), Division of Preclinical Innovation, Stem Cell Translation Laboratory (SCTL), National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD 20850, USA
| | - Chaitali Sen
- National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS), Division of Preclinical Innovation, Stem Cell Translation Laboratory (SCTL), National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD 20850, USA
| | - Jason Inman
- National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS), Division of Preclinical Innovation, Stem Cell Translation Laboratory (SCTL), National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD 20850, USA
| | - Juliana Ferreira De Sousa
- National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS), Division of Preclinical Innovation, Stem Cell Translation Laboratory (SCTL), National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD 20850, USA
| | - Elena Barnaeva
- National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS), Division of Preclinical Innovation, Stem Cell Translation Laboratory (SCTL), National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD 20850, USA
| | | | | | - Pinar Ormanoglu
- National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS), Division of Preclinical Innovation, Stem Cell Translation Laboratory (SCTL), National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD 20850, USA
| | - Yogita Jethmalani
- National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS), Division of Preclinical Innovation, Stem Cell Translation Laboratory (SCTL), National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD 20850, USA
| | - Jennifer Colon Mercado
- Inherited Neurodegenerative Disease Unit, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Sam Michael
- National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS), Division of Preclinical Innovation, Stem Cell Translation Laboratory (SCTL), National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD 20850, USA
| | - Michael E Ward
- Inherited Neurodegenerative Disease Unit, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Anton Simeonov
- National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS), Division of Preclinical Innovation, Stem Cell Translation Laboratory (SCTL), National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD 20850, USA
| | - Ty C Voss
- National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS), Division of Preclinical Innovation, Stem Cell Translation Laboratory (SCTL), National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD 20850, USA
| | - Carlos A Tristan
- National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS), Division of Preclinical Innovation, Stem Cell Translation Laboratory (SCTL), National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD 20850, USA
| | - Ilyas Singeç
- National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS), Division of Preclinical Innovation, Stem Cell Translation Laboratory (SCTL), National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD 20850, USA.
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11
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Baranes K, Hastings N, Rahman S, Poulin N, Tavares JM, Kuan W, Syed N, Kunz M, Blighe K, Belgard TG, Kotter MRN. Transcription factor combinations that define human astrocyte identity encode significant variation of maturity and function. Glia 2023; 71:1870-1889. [PMID: 37029764 PMCID: PMC10952910 DOI: 10.1002/glia.24372] [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: 08/16/2021] [Revised: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 04/09/2023]
Abstract
Increasing evidence indicates that cellular identity can be reduced to the distinct gene regulatory networks controlled by transcription factors (TFs). However, redundancy exists in these states as different combinations of TFs can induce broadly similar cell types. We previously demonstrated that by overcoming gene silencing, it is possible to deterministically reprogram human pluripotent stem cells directly into cell types of various lineages. In the present study we leverage the consistency and precision of our approach to explore four different TF combinations encoding astrocyte identity, based on previously published reports. Analysis of the resulting induced astrocytes (iAs) demonstrated that all four cassettes generate cells with the typical morphology of in vitro astrocytes, which expressed astrocyte-specific markers. The transcriptional profiles of all four iAs clustered tightly together and displayed similarities with mature human astrocytes, although maturity levels differed between cells. Importantly, we found that the TF cassettes induced iAs with distinct differences with regards to their cytokine response and calcium signaling. In vivo transplantation of selected iAs into immunocompromised rat brains demonstrated long term stability and integration. In conclusion, all four TF combinations were able to induce stable astrocyte-like cells that were morphologically similar but showed subtle differences with respect to their transcriptome. These subtle differences translated into distinct differences with regards to cell function, that could be related to maturation state and/or regional identity of the resulting cells. This insight opens an opportunity to precision-engineer cells to meet functional requirements, for example, in the context of therapeutic cell transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Koby Baranes
- Department of Clinical NeurosciencesUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeCB2 0QQUK
- Wellcome‐MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, University of CambridgeCambridgeCB2 0AWUK
| | - Nataly Hastings
- Department of Clinical NeurosciencesUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeCB2 0QQUK
- Wellcome‐MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, University of CambridgeCambridgeCB2 0AWUK
| | - Saifur Rahman
- Department of Clinical NeurosciencesUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeCB2 0QQUK
- Wellcome‐MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, University of CambridgeCambridgeCB2 0AWUK
| | - Noah Poulin
- Department of Clinical NeurosciencesUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeCB2 0QQUK
- Wellcome‐MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, University of CambridgeCambridgeCB2 0AWUK
| | - Joana M. Tavares
- Department of Clinical NeurosciencesUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeCB2 0QQUK
- Wellcome‐MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, University of CambridgeCambridgeCB2 0AWUK
| | - Wei‐Li Kuan
- Department of Clinical NeurosciencesUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeCB2 0QQUK
| | - Najeeb Syed
- The Bioinformatics CROSanfordFlorida32771USA
| | - Meik Kunz
- The Bioinformatics CROSanfordFlorida32771USA
| | | | | | - Mark R. N. Kotter
- Department of Clinical NeurosciencesUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeCB2 0QQUK
- Wellcome‐MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, University of CambridgeCambridgeCB2 0AWUK
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12
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Voss AJ, Lanjewar SN, Sampson MM, King A, Hill EJ, Sing A, Sojka C, Bhatia TN, Spangle JM, Sloan SA. Identification of ligand-receptor pairs that drive human astrocyte development. Nat Neurosci 2023; 26:1339-1351. [PMID: 37460808 PMCID: PMC11046429 DOI: 10.1038/s41593-023-01375-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023]
Abstract
Extrinsic signaling between diverse cell types is crucial for nervous system development. Ligand binding is a key driver of developmental processes. Nevertheless, it remains a significant challenge to disentangle which and how extrinsic signals act cooperatively to affect changes in recipient cells. In the developing human brain, cortical progenitors transition from neurogenesis to gliogenesis in a stereotyped sequence that is in part influenced by extrinsic ligands. Here we used published transcriptomic data to identify and functionally test five ligand-receptor pairs that synergistically drive human astrogenesis. We validate the synergistic contributions of TGFβ2, NLGN1, TSLP, DKK1 and BMP4 ligands on astrocyte development in both hCOs and primary fetal tissue. We confirm that the cooperative capabilities of these five ligands are greater than their individual capacities. Additionally, we discovered that their combinatorial effects converge in part on the mTORC1 signaling pathway, resulting in transcriptomic and morphological features of astrocyte development. Our data-driven framework can leverage single-cell and bulk genomic data to generate and test functional hypotheses surrounding cell-cell communication regulating neurodevelopmental processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna J Voss
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Samantha N Lanjewar
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Maureen M Sampson
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Alexia King
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Emily J Hill
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Anson Sing
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Caitlin Sojka
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Tarun N Bhatia
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Jennifer M Spangle
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Steven A Sloan
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA.
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13
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Shevade K, Peddada S, Mader K, Przybyla L. Functional genomics in stem cell models: considerations and applications. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1236553. [PMID: 37554308 PMCID: PMC10404852 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1236553] [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: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 08/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Protocols to differentiate human pluripotent stem cells have advanced in terms of cell type specificity and tissue-level complexity over the past 2 decades, which has facilitated human disease modeling in the most relevant cell types. The ability to generate induced PSCs (iPSCs) from patients further enables the study of disease mutations in an appropriate cellular context to reveal the mechanisms that underlie disease etiology and progression. As iPSC-derived disease models have improved in robustness and scale, they have also been adopted more widely for use in drug screens to discover new therapies and therapeutic targets. Advancement in genome editing technologies, in particular the discovery of CRISPR-Cas9, has further allowed for rapid development of iPSCs containing disease-causing mutations. CRISPR-Cas9 technologies have now evolved beyond creating single gene edits, aided by the fusion of inhibitory (CRISPRi) or activation (CRISPRa) domains to a catalytically dead Cas9 protein, enabling inhibition or activation of endogenous gene loci. These tools have been used in CRISPR knockout, CRISPRi, or CRISPRa screens to identify genetic modifiers that synergize or antagonize with disease mutations in a systematic and unbiased manner, resulting in identification of disease mechanisms and discovery of new therapeutic targets to accelerate drug discovery research. However, many technical challenges remain when applying large-scale functional genomics approaches to differentiated PSC populations. Here we review current technologies in the field of iPSC disease modeling and CRISPR-based functional genomics screens and practical considerations for implementation across a range of modalities, applications, and disease areas, as well as explore CRISPR screens that have been performed in iPSC models to-date and the insights and therapies these screens have produced.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaivalya Shevade
- Laboratory for Genomics Research, San Francisco, CA, United States
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Sailaja Peddada
- Laboratory for Genomics Research, San Francisco, CA, United States
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Karl Mader
- Laboratory for Genomics Research, San Francisco, CA, United States
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Laralynne Przybyla
- Laboratory for Genomics Research, San Francisco, CA, United States
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
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14
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Yan YW, Qian ES, Woodard LE, Bejoy J. Neural lineage differentiation of human pluripotent stem cells: Advances in disease modeling. World J Stem Cells 2023; 15:530-547. [PMID: 37424945 PMCID: PMC10324500 DOI: 10.4252/wjsc.v15.i6.530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Brain diseases affect 1 in 6 people worldwide. These diseases range from acute neurological conditions such as stroke to chronic neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease. Recent advancements in tissue-engineered brain disease models have overcome many of the different shortcomings associated with the various animal models, tissue culture models, and epidemiologic patient data that are commonly used to study brain disease. One innovative method by which to model human neurological disease is via the directed differentiation of human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) to neural lineages including neurons, astrocytes, and oligodendrocytes. Three-dimensional models such as brain organoids have also been derived from hPSCs, offering more physiological relevance due to their incorporation of various cell types. As such, brain organoids can better model the pathophysiology of neural diseases observed in patients. In this review, we will emphasize recent developments in hPSC-based tissue culture models of neurological disorders and how they are being used to create neural disease models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan-Wei Yan
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, United States
| | - Eddie S Qian
- Nephrology and Hypertension, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, United States
| | - Lauren E Woodard
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, United States
- Department of Veterans Affairs, Tennessee Valley Healthcare System, Nashville, TN 37232, United States
- Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, United States
| | - Julie Bejoy
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, United States
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15
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Watson LA, Meharena HS. From neurodevelopment to neurodegeneration: utilizing human stem cell models to gain insight into Down syndrome. Front Genet 2023; 14:1198129. [PMID: 37323671 PMCID: PMC10267712 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2023.1198129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Down syndrome (DS), caused by triplication of chromosome 21, is the most frequent aneuploidy observed in the human population and represents the most common genetic form of intellectual disability and early-onset Alzheimer's disease (AD). Individuals with DS exhibit a wide spectrum of clinical presentation, with a number of organs implicated including the neurological, immune, musculoskeletal, cardiac, and gastrointestinal systems. Decades of DS research have illuminated our understanding of the disorder, however many of the features that limit quality of life and independence of individuals with DS, including intellectual disability and early-onset dementia, remain poorly understood. This lack of knowledge of the cellular and molecular mechanisms leading to neurological features of DS has caused significant roadblocks in developing effective therapeutic strategies to improve quality of life for individuals with DS. Recent technological advances in human stem cell culture methods, genome editing approaches, and single-cell transcriptomics have provided paradigm-shifting insights into complex neurological diseases such as DS. Here, we review novel neurological disease modeling approaches, how they have been used to study DS, and what questions might be addressed in the future using these innovative tools.
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16
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Temple S. Advancing cell therapy for neurodegenerative diseases. Cell Stem Cell 2023; 30:512-529. [PMID: 37084729 PMCID: PMC10201979 DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2023.03.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Revised: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/23/2023]
Abstract
Cell-based therapies are being developed for various neurodegenerative diseases that affect the central nervous system (CNS). Concomitantly, the roles of individual cell types in neurodegenerative pathology are being uncovered by genetic and single-cell studies. With a greater understanding of cellular contributions to health and disease and with the arrival of promising approaches to modulate them, effective therapeutic cell products are now emerging. This review examines how the ability to generate diverse CNS cell types from stem cells, along with a deeper understanding of cell-type-specific functions and pathology, is advancing preclinical development of cell products for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sally Temple
- Neural Stem Cell Institute, Rensselaer, NY 12144, USA.
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17
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Joung J, Ma S, Tay T, Geiger-Schuller KR, Kirchgatterer PC, Verdine VK, Guo B, Arias-Garcia MA, Allen WE, Singh A, Kuksenko O, Abudayyeh OO, Gootenberg JS, Fu Z, Macrae RK, Buenrostro JD, Regev A, Zhang F. A transcription factor atlas of directed differentiation. Cell 2023; 186:209-229.e26. [PMID: 36608654 PMCID: PMC10344468 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2022.11.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 50.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2022] [Revised: 08/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Transcription factors (TFs) regulate gene programs, thereby controlling diverse cellular processes and cell states. To comprehensively understand TFs and the programs they control, we created a barcoded library of all annotated human TF splice isoforms (>3,500) and applied it to build a TF Atlas charting expression profiles of human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) overexpressing each TF at single-cell resolution. We mapped TF-induced expression profiles to reference cell types and validated candidate TFs for generation of diverse cell types, spanning all three germ layers and trophoblasts. Targeted screens with subsets of the library allowed us to create a tailored cellular disease model and integrate mRNA expression and chromatin accessibility data to identify downstream regulators. Finally, we characterized the effects of combinatorial TF overexpression by developing and validating a strategy for predicting combinations of TFs that produce target expression profiles matching reference cell types to accelerate cellular engineering efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Joung
- Department of Biological Engineering, MIT, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Department of Brain and Cognitive Science, MIT, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; McGovern Institute for Brain Research at MIT, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, MIT, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Sai Ma
- Department of Biology, MIT, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Klarman Cell Observatory, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA; Gene Regulation Observatory, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Tristan Tay
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA; Gene Regulation Observatory, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Kathryn R Geiger-Schuller
- Department of Biology, MIT, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Klarman Cell Observatory, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Paul C Kirchgatterer
- Department of Biological Engineering, MIT, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Department of Brain and Cognitive Science, MIT, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; McGovern Institute for Brain Research at MIT, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, MIT, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Vanessa K Verdine
- Department of Biological Engineering, MIT, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Department of Brain and Cognitive Science, MIT, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; McGovern Institute for Brain Research at MIT, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, MIT, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Baolin Guo
- McGovern Institute for Brain Research at MIT, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Mario A Arias-Garcia
- McGovern Institute for Brain Research at MIT, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - William E Allen
- Department of Biological Engineering, MIT, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Department of Brain and Cognitive Science, MIT, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; McGovern Institute for Brain Research at MIT, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, MIT, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Society of Fellows, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Ankita Singh
- Department of Biological Engineering, MIT, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Department of Brain and Cognitive Science, MIT, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; McGovern Institute for Brain Research at MIT, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, MIT, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Olena Kuksenko
- Department of Biology, MIT, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Klarman Cell Observatory, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Omar O Abudayyeh
- Department of Biological Engineering, MIT, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Department of Brain and Cognitive Science, MIT, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; McGovern Institute for Brain Research at MIT, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, MIT, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Jonathan S Gootenberg
- Department of Biological Engineering, MIT, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Department of Brain and Cognitive Science, MIT, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; McGovern Institute for Brain Research at MIT, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, MIT, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Zhanyan Fu
- McGovern Institute for Brain Research at MIT, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Rhiannon K Macrae
- Department of Biological Engineering, MIT, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Department of Brain and Cognitive Science, MIT, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; McGovern Institute for Brain Research at MIT, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, MIT, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Jason D Buenrostro
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA; Gene Regulation Observatory, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Aviv Regev
- Department of Biology, MIT, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Klarman Cell Observatory, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Feng Zhang
- Department of Biological Engineering, MIT, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Department of Brain and Cognitive Science, MIT, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; McGovern Institute for Brain Research at MIT, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, MIT, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA.
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18
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Ahmed M, Muffat J, Li Y. Understanding neural development and diseases using CRISPR screens in human pluripotent stem cell-derived cultures. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1158373. [PMID: 37101616 PMCID: PMC10123288 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1158373] [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: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 04/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The brain is arguably the most complex part of the human body in form and function. Much remains unclear about the molecular mechanisms that regulate its normal and pathological physiology. This lack of knowledge largely stems from the inaccessible nature of the human brain, and the limitation of animal models. As a result, brain disorders are difficult to understand and even more difficult to treat. Recent advances in generating human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs)-derived 2-dimensional (2D) and 3-dimensional (3D) neural cultures have provided an accessible system to model the human brain. Breakthroughs in gene editing technologies such as CRISPR/Cas9 further elevate the hPSCs into a genetically tractable experimental system. Powerful genetic screens, previously reserved for model organisms and transformed cell lines, can now be performed in human neural cells. Combined with the rapidly expanding single-cell genomics toolkit, these technological advances culminate to create an unprecedented opportunity to study the human brain using functional genomics. This review will summarize the current progress of applying CRISPR-based genetic screens in hPSCs-derived 2D neural cultures and 3D brain organoids. We will also evaluate the key technologies involved and discuss their related experimental considerations and future applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mai Ahmed
- Program in Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Julien Muffat
- Program in Neurosciences and Mental Health, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Yun Li
- Program in Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- *Correspondence: Yun Li,
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19
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Message in a Scaffold: Natural Biomaterials for Three-Dimensional (3D) Bioprinting of Human Brain Organoids. Biomolecules 2022; 13:biom13010025. [PMID: 36671410 PMCID: PMC9855696 DOI: 10.3390/biom13010025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Revised: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Brain organoids are invaluable tools for pathophysiological studies or drug screening, but there are still challenges to overcome in making them more reproducible and relevant. Recent advances in three-dimensional (3D) bioprinting of human neural organoids is an emerging approach that may overcome the limitations of self-organized organoids. It requires the development of optimal hydrogels, and a wealth of research has improved our knowledge about biomaterials both in terms of their intrinsic properties and their relevance on 3D culture of brain cells and tissue. Although biomaterials are rarely biologically neutral, few articles have reviewed their roles on neural cells. We here review the current knowledge on unmodified biomaterials amenable to support 3D bioprinting of neural organoids with a particular interest in their impact on cell homeostasis. Alginate is a particularly suitable bioink base for cell encapsulation. Gelatine is a valuable helper agent for 3D bioprinting due to its viscosity. Collagen, fibrin, hyaluronic acid and laminin provide biological support to adhesion, motility, differentiation or synaptogenesis and optimize the 3D culture of neural cells. Optimization of specialized hydrogels to direct differentiation of stem cells together with an increased resolution in phenotype analysis will further extend the spectrum of possible bioprinted brain disease models.
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20
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Luo HM, Xu J, Huang DX, Chen YQ, Liu YZ, Li YJ, Chen H. Mitochondrial dysfunction of induced pluripotent stem cells-based neurodegenerative disease modeling and therapeutic strategy. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:1030390. [DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.1030390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs) are disorders in which neurons are lost owing to various factors, resulting in a series of dysfunctions. Their rising prevalence and irreversibility have brought physical pain to patients and economic pressure to both individuals and society. However, the pathogenesis of NDDs has not yet been fully elucidated, hampering the use of precise medication. Induced pluripotent stem cell (IPSC) modeling provides a new method for drug discovery, and exploring the early pathological mechanisms including mitochondrial dysfunction, which is not only an early but a prominent pathological feature of NDDs. In this review, we summarize the iPSC modeling approach of Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, as well as outline typical mitochondrial dysfunction and recapitulate corresponding therapeutic strategies.
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21
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Towards elucidating disease-relevant states of neurons and glia by CRISPR-based functional genomics. Genome Med 2022; 14:130. [PMID: 36401300 PMCID: PMC9673433 DOI: 10.1186/s13073-022-01134-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Our understanding of neurological diseases has been tremendously enhanced over the past decade by the application of new technologies. Genome-wide association studies have highlighted glial cells as important players in diseases. Single-cell profiling technologies are providing descriptions of disease states of neurons and glia at unprecedented molecular resolution. However, significant gaps remain in our understanding of the mechanisms driving disease-associated cell states, and how these states contribute to disease. These gaps in our understanding can be bridged by CRISPR-based functional genomics, a powerful approach to systematically interrogate gene function. In this review, we will briefly review the current literature on neurological disease-associated cell states and introduce CRISPR-based functional genomics. We discuss how advances in CRISPR-based screens, especially when implemented in the relevant brain cell types or cellular environments, have paved the way towards uncovering mechanisms underlying neurological disease-associated cell states. Finally, we will delineate current challenges and future directions for CRISPR-based functional genomics to further our understanding of neurological diseases and potential therapeutic strategies.
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22
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Limone F, Klim JR, Mordes DA. Pluripotent stem cell strategies for rebuilding the human brain. Front Aging Neurosci 2022; 14:1017299. [PMID: 36408113 PMCID: PMC9667068 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2022.1017299] [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: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative disorders have been extremely challenging to treat with traditional drug-based approaches and curative therapies are lacking. Given continued progress in stem cell technologies, cell replacement strategies have emerged as concrete and potentially viable therapeutic options. In this review, we cover advances in methods used to differentiate human pluripotent stem cells into several highly specialized types of neurons, including cholinergic, dopaminergic, and motor neurons, and the potential clinical applications of stem cell-derived neurons for common neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, ataxia, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Additionally, we summarize cellular differentiation techniques for generating glial cell populations, including oligodendrocytes and microglia, and their conceivable translational roles in supporting neural function. Clinical trials of specific cell replacement therapies in the nervous system are already underway, and several attractive avenues in regenerative medicine warrant further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Limone
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge, MA, United States,Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge, MA, United States,Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, United States,Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Joseph R. Klim
- Faze Medicines, Cambridge, MA, United States,*Correspondence: Joseph R. Klim,
| | - Daniel A. Mordes
- Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Department of Pathology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States,Daniel A. Mordes,
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23
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Leng K, Rose IVL, Kim H, Xia W, Romero-Fernandez W, Rooney B, Koontz M, Li E, Ao Y, Wang S, Krawczyk M, Tcw J, Goate A, Zhang Y, Ullian EM, Sofroniew MV, Fancy SPJ, Schrag MS, Lippmann ES, Kampmann M. CRISPRi screens in human iPSC-derived astrocytes elucidate regulators of distinct inflammatory reactive states. Nat Neurosci 2022; 25:1528-1542. [PMID: 36303069 PMCID: PMC9633461 DOI: 10.1038/s41593-022-01180-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2021] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Astrocytes become reactive in response to insults to the central nervous system by adopting context-specific cellular signatures and outputs, but a systematic understanding of the underlying molecular mechanisms is lacking. In this study, we developed CRISPR interference screening in human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived astrocytes coupled to single-cell transcriptomics to systematically interrogate cytokine-induced inflammatory astrocyte reactivity. We found that autocrine-paracrine IL-6 and interferon signaling downstream of canonical NF-κB activation drove two distinct inflammatory reactive signatures, one promoted by STAT3 and the other inhibited by STAT3. These signatures overlapped with those observed in other experimental contexts, including mouse models, and their markers were upregulated in human brains in Alzheimer's disease and hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy. Furthermore, we validated that markers of these signatures were regulated by STAT3 in vivo using a mouse model of neuroinflammation. These results and the platform that we established have the potential to guide the development of therapeutics to selectively modulate different aspects of inflammatory astrocyte reactivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kun Leng
- Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
- Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
- Medical Scientist Training Program, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
| | - Indigo V L Rose
- Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Hyosung Kim
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Wenlong Xia
- Departments of Neurology and Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | | | - Brendan Rooney
- Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Mark Koontz
- Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Emmy Li
- Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Yan Ao
- Department of Neurobiology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Shinong Wang
- Department of Neurobiology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Mitchell Krawczyk
- Interdepartmental PhD Program in Neuroscience, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Julia Tcw
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
- Nash Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Ronald M. Loeb Center for Alzheimer's Disease, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Alison Goate
- Nash Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Ronald M. Loeb Center for Alzheimer's Disease, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Ye Zhang
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Erik M Ullian
- Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Michael V Sofroniew
- Department of Neurobiology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Stephen P J Fancy
- Departments of Neurology and Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Matthew S Schrag
- Department of Neurology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
- Vanderbilt Memory and Alzheimer's Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
- Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Ethan S Lippmann
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
- Department of Neurology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
- Vanderbilt Memory and Alzheimer's Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
- Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Martin Kampmann
- Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
- Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
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24
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Barragán-Álvarez CP, Flores-Fernandez JM, Hernández-Pérez OR, Ávila-Gónzalez D, Díaz NF, Padilla-Camberos E, Dublan-García O, Gómez-Oliván LM, Diaz-Martinez NE. Recent advances in the use of CRISPR/Cas for understanding the early development of molecular gaps in glial cells. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:947769. [PMID: 36120556 PMCID: PMC9479146 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.947769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Glial cells are non-neuronal elements of the nervous system (NS) and play a central role in its development, maturation, and homeostasis. Glial cell interest has increased, leading to the discovery of novel study fields. The CRISPR/Cas system has been widely employed for NS understanding. Its use to study glial cells gives crucial information about their mechanisms and role in the central nervous system (CNS) and neurodegenerative disorders. Furthermore, the increasingly accelerated discovery of genes associated with the multiple implications of glial cells could be studied and complemented with the novel screening methods of high-content and single-cell screens at the genome-scale as Perturb-Seq, CRISP-seq, and CROPseq. Besides, the emerging methods, GESTALT, and LINNAEUS, employed to generate large-scale cell lineage maps have yielded invaluable information about processes involved in neurogenesis. These advances offer new therapeutic approaches to finding critical unanswered questions about glial cells and their fundamental role in the nervous system. Furthermore, they help to better understanding the significance of glial cells and their role in developmental biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Patricia Barragán-Álvarez
- Laboratorio de Reprogramación Celular y Bioingeniería de Tejidos, Biotecnología Médica y Farmacéutica, Centro de Investigación y Asistencia en Tecnología y Diseño Del Estado de Jalisco, Guadalajara, Mexico
| | - José Miguel Flores-Fernandez
- Departamento de Investigación e Innovación, Universidad Tecnológica de Oriental, Oriental, Mexico
- Department of Biochemistry & Centre for Prions and Protein Folding Diseases, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | | | - Daniela Ávila-Gónzalez
- Laboratorio de Reprogramación Celular y Bioingeniería de Tejidos, Biotecnología Médica y Farmacéutica, Centro de Investigación y Asistencia en Tecnología y Diseño Del Estado de Jalisco, Guadalajara, Mexico
- Departamento de Fisiología y Desarrollo Celular, Instituto Nacional de Perinatología, México City, Mexico
| | - Nestor Fabian Díaz
- Departamento de Fisiología y Desarrollo Celular, Instituto Nacional de Perinatología, México City, Mexico
| | - Eduardo Padilla-Camberos
- Laboratorio de Reprogramación Celular y Bioingeniería de Tejidos, Biotecnología Médica y Farmacéutica, Centro de Investigación y Asistencia en Tecnología y Diseño Del Estado de Jalisco, Guadalajara, Mexico
| | - Octavio Dublan-García
- Laboratorio de Alimentos y Toxicología Ambiental, Facultad de Química, Universidad Autónoma Del Estado de México, Toluca, México
| | - Leobardo Manuel Gómez-Oliván
- Laboratorio de Alimentos y Toxicología Ambiental, Facultad de Química, Universidad Autónoma Del Estado de México, Toluca, México
| | - Nestor Emmanuel Diaz-Martinez
- Laboratorio de Reprogramación Celular y Bioingeniería de Tejidos, Biotecnología Médica y Farmacéutica, Centro de Investigación y Asistencia en Tecnología y Diseño Del Estado de Jalisco, Guadalajara, Mexico
- *Correspondence: Nestor Emmanuel Diaz-Martinez,
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25
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McComish SF, MacMahon Copas AN, Caldwell MA. Human Brain-Based Models Provide a Powerful Tool for the Advancement of Parkinson’s Disease Research and Therapeutic Development. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:851058. [PMID: 35651633 PMCID: PMC9149087 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.851058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disease and affects approximately 2–3% of the population over the age of 65. PD is characterised by the loss of dopaminergic neurons from the substantia nigra, leading to debilitating motor symptoms including bradykinesia, tremor, rigidity, and postural instability. PD also results in a host of non-motor symptoms such as cognitive decline, sleep disturbances and depression. Although existing therapies can successfully manage some motor symptoms for several years, there is still no means to halt progression of this severely debilitating disorder. Animal models used to replicate aspects of PD have contributed greatly to our current understanding but do not fully replicate pathological mechanisms as they occur in patients. Because of this, there is now great interest in the use of human brain-based models to help further our understanding of disease processes. Human brain-based models include those derived from embryonic stem cells, patient-derived induced neurons, induced pluripotent stem cells and brain organoids, as well as post-mortem tissue. These models facilitate in vitro analysis of disease mechanisms and it is hoped they will help bridge the existing gap between bench and bedside. This review will discuss the various human brain-based models utilised in PD research today and highlight some of the key breakthroughs they have facilitated. Furthermore, the potential caveats associated with the use of human brain-based models will be detailed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah F. McComish
- Department of Physiology, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- School of Medicine, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- Trinity College Institute of Neuroscience, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Adina N. MacMahon Copas
- Department of Physiology, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- School of Medicine, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- Trinity College Institute of Neuroscience, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Maeve A. Caldwell
- Department of Physiology, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- School of Medicine, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- Trinity College Institute of Neuroscience, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- *Correspondence: Maeve A. Caldwell,
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26
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Ng N, Newbery M, Maksour S, Dottori M, Sluyter R, Ooi L. Transgene and Chemical Transdifferentiation of Somatic Cells for Rapid and Efficient Neurological Disease Cell Models. Front Cell Neurosci 2022; 16:858432. [PMID: 35634469 PMCID: PMC9130549 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2022.858432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
For neurological diseases, molecular and cellular research relies on the use of model systems to investigate disease processes and test potential therapeutics. The last decade has witnessed an increase in the number of studies using induced pluripotent stem cells to generate disease relevant cell types from patients. The reprogramming process permits the generation of a large number of cells but is potentially disadvantaged by introducing variability in clonal lines and the removal of phenotypes of aging, which are critical to understand neurodegenerative diseases. An under-utilized approach to disease modeling involves the transdifferentiation of aged cells from patients, such as fibroblasts or blood cells, into various neural cell types. In this review we discuss techniques used for rapid and efficient direct conversion to neural cell types. We examine the limitations and future perspectives of this rapidly advancing field that could improve neurological disease modeling and drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neville Ng
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience and Molecular Horizons, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
- *Correspondence: Neville Ng,
| | - Michelle Newbery
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience and Molecular Horizons, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - Simon Maksour
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
- School of Medical, Indigenous and Health Sciences, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - Mirella Dottori
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
- School of Medical, Indigenous and Health Sciences, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - Ronald Sluyter
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience and Molecular Horizons, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - Lezanne Ooi
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience and Molecular Horizons, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
- Lezanne Ooi,
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27
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Aazmi A, Zhou H, Lv W, Yu M, Xu X, Yang H, Zhang YS, Ma L. Vascularizing the brain in vitro. iScience 2022; 25:104110. [PMID: 35378862 PMCID: PMC8976127 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.104110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
The brain is arguably the most fascinating and complex organ in the human body. Recreating the brain in vitro is an ambition restricted by our limited understanding of its structure and interacting elements. One of these interacting parts, the brain microvasculature, is distinguished by a highly selective barrier known as the blood-brain barrier (BBB), limiting the transport of substances between the blood and the nervous system. Numerous in vitro models have been used to mimic the BBB and constructed by implementing a variety of microfabrication and microfluidic techniques. However, currently available models still cannot accurately imitate the in vivo characteristics of BBB. In this article, we review recent BBB models by analyzing each parameter affecting the accuracy of these models. Furthermore, we propose an investigation of the synergy between BBB models and neuronal tissue biofabrication, which results in more advanced models, including neurovascular unit microfluidic models and vascularized brain organoid-based models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdellah Aazmi
- State Key Laboratory of Fluid Power and Mechatronic Systems, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China.,School of Mechanical Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Hongzhao Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Fluid Power and Mechatronic Systems, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China.,School of Mechanical Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Weikang Lv
- State Key Laboratory of Fluid Power and Mechatronic Systems, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China.,School of Mechanical Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Mengfei Yu
- The Affiliated Stomatologic Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310003, China
| | - Xiaobin Xu
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 201804, China
| | - Huayong Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Fluid Power and Mechatronic Systems, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China.,School of Mechanical Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Yu Shrike Zhang
- Division of Engineering in Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Liang Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Fluid Power and Mechatronic Systems, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China.,School of Mechanical Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
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28
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McCready FP, Gordillo-Sampedro S, Pradeepan K, Martinez-Trujillo J, Ellis J. Multielectrode Arrays for Functional Phenotyping of Neurons from Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell Models of Neurodevelopmental Disorders. BIOLOGY 2022; 11:biology11020316. [PMID: 35205182 PMCID: PMC8868577 DOI: 10.3390/biology11020316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Revised: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary Multielectrode array technology allows researchers to record the spontaneous firing activity of cultured neurons over a period of multiple weeks or months. These data can be valuable for understanding how the functional relationships between neurons evolve as they begin to form connections and wire into a functional network. This technology has been adopted by researchers using stem cells to produce human neurons in culture to study neurodevelopmental disorders. However, the dizzying complexity and scale of the data generated have posed some challenges with the analysis and interpretation of experimental results. Here, we first provide historical context as to why multielectrode array platforms were originally developed, and use this perspective to explore some of the challenges currently facing the field. We then highlight new analysis methods, provide some guidance for improving the analysis of multielectrode array data, and discuss standardizing how these findings are communicated in scientific publications. Abstract In vitro multielectrode array (MEA) systems are increasingly used as higher-throughput platforms for functional phenotyping studies of neurons in induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) disease models. While MEA systems generate large amounts of spatiotemporal activity data from networks of iPSC-derived neurons, the downstream analysis and interpretation of such high-dimensional data often pose a significant challenge to researchers. In this review, we examine how MEA technology is currently deployed in iPSC modeling studies of neurodevelopmental disorders. We first highlight the strengths of in vitro MEA technology by reviewing the history of its development and the original scientific questions MEAs were intended to answer. Methods of generating patient iPSC-derived neurons and astrocytes for MEA co-cultures are summarized. We then discuss challenges associated with MEA data analysis in a disease modeling context, and present novel computational methods used to better interpret network phenotyping data. We end by suggesting best practices for presenting MEA data in research publications, and propose that the creation of a public MEA data repository to enable collaborative data sharing would be of great benefit to the iPSC disease modeling community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fraser P. McCready
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada; (F.P.M.); (S.G.-S.)
- Developmental & Stem Cell Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada
| | - Sara Gordillo-Sampedro
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada; (F.P.M.); (S.G.-S.)
- Developmental & Stem Cell Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada
| | - Kartik Pradeepan
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Department of Psychiatry, Robarts Research and Brain and Mind Institutes, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, ON N6A 5B7, Canada; (K.P.); (J.M.-T.)
| | - Julio Martinez-Trujillo
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Department of Psychiatry, Robarts Research and Brain and Mind Institutes, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, ON N6A 5B7, Canada; (K.P.); (J.M.-T.)
| | - James Ellis
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada; (F.P.M.); (S.G.-S.)
- Developmental & Stem Cell Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada
- Correspondence:
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29
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Cvetkovic C, Patel R, Shetty A, Hogan MK, Anderson M, Basu N, Aghlara-Fotovat S, Ramesh S, Sardar D, Veiseh O, Ward ME, Deneen B, Horner PJ, Krencik R. Assessing Gq-GPCR-induced human astrocyte reactivity using bioengineered neural organoids. J Cell Biol 2022; 221:212997. [PMID: 35139144 PMCID: PMC8842185 DOI: 10.1083/jcb.202107135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2021] [Revised: 11/28/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Astrocyte reactivity can directly modulate nervous system function and immune responses during disease and injury. However, the consequence of human astrocyte reactivity in response to specific contexts and within neural networks is obscure. Here, we devised a straightforward bioengineered neural organoid culture approach entailing transcription factor-driven direct differentiation of neurons and astrocytes from human pluripotent stem cells combined with genetically encoded tools for dual cell-selective activation. This strategy revealed that Gq-GPCR activation via chemogenetics in astrocytes promotes a rise in intracellular calcium followed by induction of immediate early genes and thrombospondin 1. However, astrocytes also undergo NF-κB nuclear translocation and secretion of inflammatory proteins, correlating with a decreased evoked firing rate of cocultured optogenetic neurons in suboptimal conditions, without overt neurotoxicity. Altogether, this study clarifies the intrinsic reactivity of human astrocytes in response to targeting GPCRs and delivers a bioengineered approach for organoid-based disease modeling and preclinical drug testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Cvetkovic
- Department of Neurosurgery, Center for Neuroregeneration, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX
| | | | - Arya Shetty
- Department of Neurosurgery, Center for Neuroregeneration, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX
| | - Matthew K Hogan
- Department of Neurosurgery, Center for Neuroregeneration, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX
| | - Morgan Anderson
- Department of Neurosurgery, Center for Neuroregeneration, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX
| | - Nupur Basu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Center for Neuroregeneration, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX
| | - Samira Aghlara-Fotovat
- Department of Neurosurgery, Center for Neuroregeneration, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX.,Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, TX
| | | | | | - Omid Veiseh
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, TX
| | - Michael E Ward
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
| | | | - Philip J Horner
- Department of Neurosurgery, Center for Neuroregeneration, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX
| | - Robert Krencik
- Department of Neurosurgery, Center for Neuroregeneration, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX
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30
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Barak M, Fedorova V, Pospisilova V, Raska J, Vochyanova S, Sedmik J, Hribkova H, Klimova H, Vanova T, Bohaciakova D. Human iPSC-Derived Neural Models for Studying Alzheimer's Disease: from Neural Stem Cells to Cerebral Organoids. Stem Cell Rev Rep 2022; 18:792-820. [PMID: 35107767 PMCID: PMC8930932 DOI: 10.1007/s12015-021-10254-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
During the past two decades, induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) have been widely used to study mechanisms of human neural development, disease modeling, and drug discovery in vitro. Especially in the field of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), where this treatment is lacking, tremendous effort has been put into the investigation of molecular mechanisms behind this disease using induced pluripotent stem cell-based models. Numerous of these studies have found either novel regulatory mechanisms that could be exploited to develop relevant drugs for AD treatment or have already tested small molecules on in vitro cultures, directly demonstrating their effect on amelioration of AD-associated pathology. This review thus summarizes currently used differentiation strategies of induced pluripotent stem cells towards neuronal and glial cell types and cerebral organoids and their utilization in modeling AD and potential drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Barak
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Veronika Fedorova
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Veronika Pospisilova
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Raska
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Simona Vochyanova
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jiri Sedmik
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
- International Clinical Research Center, St. Anne's Faculty Hospital Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Hana Hribkova
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Hana Klimova
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Tereza Vanova
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
- International Clinical Research Center, St. Anne's Faculty Hospital Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Dasa Bohaciakova
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University Brno, Brno, Czech Republic.
- International Clinical Research Center, St. Anne's Faculty Hospital Brno, Brno, Czech Republic.
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31
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Harnessing the Power of Stem Cell Models to Study Shared Genetic Variants in Congenital Heart Diseases and Neurodevelopmental Disorders. Cells 2022; 11:cells11030460. [PMID: 35159270 PMCID: PMC8833927 DOI: 10.3390/cells11030460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Revised: 01/03/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Advances in human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC) technology allow one to deconstruct the human body into specific disease-relevant cell types or create functional units representing various organs. hPSC-based models present a unique opportunity for the study of co-occurring disorders where “cause and effect” can be addressed. Poor neurodevelopmental outcomes have been reported in children with congenital heart diseases (CHD). Intuitively, abnormal cardiac function or surgical intervention may stunt the developing brain, leading to neurodevelopmental disorders (NDD). However, recent work has uncovered several genetic variants within genes associated with the development of both the heart and brain that could also explain this co-occurrence. Given the scalability of hPSCs, straightforward genetic modification, and established differentiation strategies, it is now possible to investigate both CHD and NDD as independent events. We will first overview the potential for shared genetics in both heart and brain development. We will then summarize methods to differentiate both cardiac & neural cells and organoids from hPSCs that represent the developmental process of the heart and forebrain. Finally, we will highlight strategies to rapidly screen several genetic variants together to uncover potential phenotypes and how therapeutic advances could be achieved by hPSC-based models.
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32
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Giacomelli E, Vahsen BF, Calder EL, Xu Y, Scaber J, Gray E, Dafinca R, Talbot K, Studer L. Human stem cell models of neurodegeneration: From basic science of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis to clinical translation. Cell Stem Cell 2022; 29:11-35. [PMID: 34995492 PMCID: PMC8785905 DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2021.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases are characterized by progressive cell loss leading to disruption of the structure and function of the central nervous system. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) was among the first of these disorders modeled in patient-specific iPSCs, and recent findings have translated into some of the earliest iPSC-inspired clinical trials. Focusing on ALS as an example, we evaluate the status of modeling neurodegenerative diseases using iPSCs, including methods for deriving and using disease-relevant neuronal and glial lineages. We further highlight the remaining challenges in exploiting the full potential of iPSC technology for understanding and potentially treating neurodegenerative diseases such as ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Giacomelli
- The Center for Stem Cell Biology, Developmental Biology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute for Cancer Research, New York, NY, USA
| | - Björn F Vahsen
- Oxford Motor Neuron Disease Centre, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Elizabeth L Calder
- The Center for Stem Cell Biology, Developmental Biology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute for Cancer Research, New York, NY, USA
| | - Yinyan Xu
- Oxford Motor Neuron Disease Centre, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK; Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (CAMS), CAMS Oxford Institute (COI), Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7FZ, UK
| | - Jakub Scaber
- Oxford Motor Neuron Disease Centre, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Elizabeth Gray
- Oxford Motor Neuron Disease Centre, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Ruxandra Dafinca
- Oxford Motor Neuron Disease Centre, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Kevin Talbot
- Oxford Motor Neuron Disease Centre, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK.
| | - Lorenz Studer
- The Center for Stem Cell Biology, Developmental Biology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute for Cancer Research, New York, NY, USA.
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33
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaolong Zheng
- Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
- Key Laboratory of Neurological Diseases of Chinese Ministry of Education, the School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
- Wei Wang, Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China. Tel: +86-27-83663657, E-mail:
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34
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Lanciotti A, Brignone MS, Macioce P, Visentin S, Ambrosini E. Human iPSC-Derived Astrocytes: A Powerful Tool to Study Primary Astrocyte Dysfunction in the Pathogenesis of Rare Leukodystrophies. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 23:ijms23010274. [PMID: 35008700 PMCID: PMC8745131 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23010274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2021] [Revised: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes are very versatile cells, endowed with multitasking capacities to ensure brain homeostasis maintenance from brain development to adult life. It has become increasingly evident that astrocytes play a central role in many central nervous system pathologies, not only as regulators of defensive responses against brain insults but also as primary culprits of the disease onset and progression. This is particularly evident in some rare leukodystrophies (LDs) where white matter/myelin deterioration is due to primary astrocyte dysfunctions. Understanding the molecular defects causing these LDs may help clarify astrocyte contribution to myelin formation/maintenance and favor the identification of possible therapeutic targets for LDs and other CNS demyelinating diseases. To date, the pathogenic mechanisms of these LDs are poorly known due to the rarity of the pathological tissue and the failure of the animal models to fully recapitulate the human diseases. Thus, the development of human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSC) from patient fibroblasts and their differentiation into astrocytes is a promising approach to overcome these issues. In this review, we discuss the primary role of astrocytes in LD pathogenesis, the experimental models currently available and the advantages, future evolutions, perspectives, and limitations of hiPSC to study pathologies implying astrocyte dysfunctions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Lanciotti
- Department of Neuroscience, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00169 Rome, Italy; (A.L.); (M.S.B.); (P.M.)
| | - Maria Stefania Brignone
- Department of Neuroscience, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00169 Rome, Italy; (A.L.); (M.S.B.); (P.M.)
| | - Pompeo Macioce
- Department of Neuroscience, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00169 Rome, Italy; (A.L.); (M.S.B.); (P.M.)
| | - Sergio Visentin
- National Center for Research and Preclinical and Clinical Evaluation of Drugs, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00169 Rome, Italy;
| | - Elena Ambrosini
- Department of Neuroscience, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00169 Rome, Italy; (A.L.); (M.S.B.); (P.M.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-064-990-2037
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35
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Muzzi L, Di Lisa D, Arnaldi P, Aprile D, Pastorino L, Martinoia S, Frega M. Rapid generation of functional engineered 3D human neuronal assemblies: network dynamics evaluated by micro-electrodes arrays. J Neural Eng 2021; 18. [PMID: 34844234 DOI: 10.1088/1741-2552/ac3e02] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Objective.In this work we adapted a protocol for the fast generation of human neurons to build 3D neuronal networks with controlled structure and cell composition suitable for systematic electrophysiological investigations.Approach.We used biocompatible chitosan microbeads as scaffold to build 3D networks and to ensure nutrients-medium exchange from the core of the structure to the external environment. We used excitatory neurons derived from human-induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) co-cultured with astrocytes. By adapting the well-established NgN2 differentiation protocol, we obtained 3D engineered networks with good control over cell density, volume and cell composition. We coupled the 3D neuronal networks to 60-channel micro electrode arrays (MEAs) to monitor and characterize their electrophysiological development. In parallel, we generated two-dimensional neuronal networks cultured on chitosan to compare the results of the two models.Main results.We sustained samples until 60 din vitro(DIV) and 3D cultures were healthy and functional. From the structural point of view, the hiPSC derived neurons were able to adhere to chitosan microbeads and to form a stable 3D assembly thanks to the connections among cells. From a functional point of view, neuronal networks showed spontaneous activity after a couple of weeks.Significance.We presented a particular method to generate 3D engineered cultures for the first time with human-derived neurons coupled to MEAs, overcoming some of the limitations related to 2D and 3D neuronal networks and thus increasing the therapeutic target potential of these models for biomedical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Muzzi
- Department of Informatics, Bioengineering, Robotics, and Systems Engineering (DIBRIS), University of Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - D Di Lisa
- Department of Informatics, Bioengineering, Robotics, and Systems Engineering (DIBRIS), University of Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - P Arnaldi
- Department of Informatics, Bioengineering, Robotics, and Systems Engineering (DIBRIS), University of Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - D Aprile
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - L Pastorino
- Department of Informatics, Bioengineering, Robotics, and Systems Engineering (DIBRIS), University of Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - S Martinoia
- Department of Informatics, Bioengineering, Robotics, and Systems Engineering (DIBRIS), University of Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - M Frega
- Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, University of Twente, 7522 NB Enschede, The Netherlands.,Department of Human Genetics, Radboudumc, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behaviour, 6500 HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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36
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Knock E, Julian LM. Building on a Solid Foundation: Adding Relevance and Reproducibility to Neurological Modeling Using Human Pluripotent Stem Cells. Front Cell Neurosci 2021; 15:767457. [PMID: 34867204 PMCID: PMC8637745 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2021.767457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The brain is our most complex and least understood organ. Animal models have long been the most versatile tools available to dissect brain form and function; however, the human brain is highly distinct from that of standard model organisms. In addition to existing models, access to human brain cells and tissues is essential to reach new frontiers in our understanding of the human brain and how to intervene therapeutically in the face of disease or injury. In this review, we discuss current and developing culture models of human neural tissue, outlining advantages over animal models and key challenges that remain to be overcome. Our principal focus is on advances in engineering neural cells and tissue constructs from human pluripotent stem cells (PSCs), though primary human cell and slice culture are also discussed. By highlighting studies that combine animal models and human neural cell culture techniques, we endeavor to demonstrate that clever use of these orthogonal model systems produces more reproducible, physiological, and clinically relevant data than either approach alone. We provide examples across a range of topics in neuroscience research including brain development, injury, and cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, and psychiatric conditions. Finally, as testing of PSC-derived neurons for cell replacement therapy progresses, we touch on the advancements that are needed to make this a clinical mainstay.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin Knock
- Research and Development, STEMCELL Technologies Inc., Vancouver, BC, Canada.,Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
| | - Lisa M Julian
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
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37
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Editing SOX Genes by CRISPR-Cas: Current Insights and Future Perspectives. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222111321. [PMID: 34768751 PMCID: PMC8583549 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222111321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2021] [Revised: 10/17/2021] [Accepted: 10/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR) and its associated proteins (Cas) is an adaptive immune system in archaea and most bacteria. By repurposing these systems for use in eukaryote cells, a substantial revolution has arisen in the genome engineering field. In recent years, CRISPR-Cas technology was rapidly developed and different types of DNA or RNA sequence editors, gene activator or repressor, and epigenome modulators established. The versatility and feasibility of CRISPR-Cas technology has introduced this system as the most suitable tool for discovering and studying the mechanism of specific genes and also for generating appropriate cell and animal models. SOX genes play crucial roles in development processes and stemness. To elucidate the exact roles of SOX factors and their partners in tissue hemostasis and cell regeneration, generating appropriate in vitro and in vivo models is crucial. In line with these premises, CRISPR-Cas technology is a promising tool for studying different family members of SOX transcription factors. In this review, we aim to highlight the importance of CRISPR-Cas and summarize the applications of this novel, promising technology in studying and decoding the function of different members of the SOX gene family.
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38
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Chang CY, Ting HC, Liu CA, Su HL, Chiou TW, Harn HJ, Lin SZ, Ho TJ. Differentiation of Human Pluripotent Stem Cells Into Specific Neural Lineages. Cell Transplant 2021; 30:9636897211017829. [PMID: 34665040 PMCID: PMC8529300 DOI: 10.1177/09636897211017829] [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] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) are sources of several somatic cell
types for human developmental studies, in vitro disease modeling, and
cell transplantation therapy. Improving strategies of derivation of
high-purity specific neural and glial lineages from hPSCs is critical
for application to the study and therapy of the nervous system. Here,
we will focus on the principles behind establishment of neuron and
glia differentiation methods according to developmental studies. We
will also highlight the limitations and challenges associated with the
differentiation of several “difficult” neural lineages and delay in
neuronal maturation and functional integration. To overcome these
challenges, we will introduce strategies and novel technologies aimed
at improving the differentiation of various neural lineages to expand
the application potential of hPSCs to the study of the nervous
system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chia-Yu Chang
- Bioinnovation Center, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, Hualien, Taiwan.,Department of Medical Research, Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital, Hualien, Taiwan.,Neuroscience Center, Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital, Hualien, Taiwan
| | - Hsiao-Chien Ting
- Bioinnovation Center, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, Hualien, Taiwan
| | - Ching-Ann Liu
- Bioinnovation Center, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, Hualien, Taiwan.,Department of Medical Research, Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital, Hualien, Taiwan.,Neuroscience Center, Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital, Hualien, Taiwan
| | - Hong-Lin Su
- Department of Life Sciences, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Tzyy-Wen Chiou
- Department of Life Science, National Dong Hwa University, Hualien, Taiwan
| | - Horng-Jyh Harn
- Bioinnovation Center, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, Hualien, Taiwan.,Department of Pathology, Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital and Tzu Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan
| | - Shinn-Zong Lin
- Bioinnovation Center, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, Hualien, Taiwan.,Department of Neurosurgery, Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital, Hualien, Taiwan
| | - Tsung-Jung Ho
- Department of Chinese Medicine, Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital, Hualien, Taiwan.,Integration Center of Traditional Chinese and Modern Medicine, Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital, Hualien, Taiwan.,School of Post-Baccalaureate Chinese Medicine, Tzu Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan
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39
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Stifani S. Taking Cellular Heterogeneity Into Consideration When Modeling Astrocyte Involvement in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Using Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells. Front Cell Neurosci 2021; 15:707861. [PMID: 34602979 PMCID: PMC8485040 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2021.707861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes are a large group of glial cells that perform a variety of physiological functions in the nervous system. They provide trophic, as well as structural, support to neuronal cells. Astrocytes are also involved in neuroinflammatory processes contributing to neuronal dysfunction and death. Growing evidence suggests important roles for astrocytes in non-cell autonomous mechanisms of motor neuron degeneration in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Understanding these mechanisms necessitates the combined use of animal and human cell-based experimental model systems, at least in part because human astrocytes display a number of unique features that cannot be recapitulated in animal models. Human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-based approaches provide the opportunity to generate disease-relevant human astrocytes to investigate the roles of these cells in ALS. These approaches are facing the growing recognition that there are heterogenous populations of astrocytes in the nervous system which are not functionally equivalent. This review will discuss the importance of taking astrocyte heterogeneity into consideration when designing hiPSC-based strategies aimed at generating the most informative preparations to study the contribution of astrocytes to ALS pathophysiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Stifani
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Montreal Neurological Institute-Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
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40
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Qadeer ZA, Weiss WA. A SHHecret target of relapsed medulloblastoma: Astrocytes. J Exp Med 2021; 218:e20211141. [PMID: 34398189 PMCID: PMC8424466 DOI: 10.1084/jem.20211141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
In this issue of JEM, Guo et al. (2021. J. Exp. Med.https://doi.org/10.1084/jem.20202350) examine the importance of tumor-derived astrocytes in SHH-medulloblastoma recurrence. They show that tumor cells transdifferentiate to tumor-derived astrocytes via bone morphogenetic proteins and Sox9, which excitingly can be targeted by BMP inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zulekha A Qadeer
- Department of Neurology and Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
| | - William A Weiss
- Department of Neurology and Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
- Department of Pediatrics, Neurosurgery and Brain Tumor Research Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
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41
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Hanafy AS, Dietrich D, Fricker G, Lamprecht A. Blood-brain barrier models: Rationale for selection. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2021; 176:113859. [PMID: 34246710 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2021.113859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2021] [Revised: 06/21/2021] [Accepted: 07/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Brain delivery is a broad research area, the outcomes of which are far hindered by the limited permeability of the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Over the last century, research has been revealing the BBB complexity and the crosstalk between its cellular and molecular components. Pathologically, BBB alterations may precede as well as be concomitant or lead to brain diseases. To simulate the BBB and investigate options for drug delivery, several in vitro, in vivo, ex vivo, in situ and in silico models are used. Hundreds of drug delivery vehicles successfully pass preclinical trials but fail in clinical settings. Inadequate selection of BBB models is believed to remarkably impact the data reliability leading to unsatisfactory results in clinical trials. In this review, we suggest a rationale for BBB model selection with respect to the addressed research question and downstream applications. The essential considerations of an optimal BBB model are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amira Sayed Hanafy
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Institute of Pharmacy, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany; Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Pharos University in Alexandria, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Dirk Dietrich
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Gert Fricker
- Institute of Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnology, Ruprecht-Karls University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Alf Lamprecht
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Institute of Pharmacy, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany.
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42
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Canals I, Quist E, Ahlenius H. Transcription Factor-Based Strategies to Generate Neural Cell Types from Human Pluripotent Stem Cells. Cell Reprogram 2021; 23:206-220. [PMID: 34388027 DOI: 10.1089/cell.2021.0045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
In the last years, the use of pluripotent stem cells in studies of human biology has grown exponentially. These cells represent an infinite source for differentiation into several human cell types facilitating the investigation on biological processes, functionality of cells, or diseases mechanisms in relevant human models. In the neurobiology field, pluripotent stem cells have been extensively used to generate the main neuronal and glial cells of the brain. Traditionally, protocols following developmental cues have been applied to pluripotent stem cells to drive differentiation toward different cell lineages; however, these protocols give rise to populations with mixed identities. Interestingly, new protocols applying overexpression of lineage-specific transcription factors (TFs) have emerged and facilitated the generation of highly pure populations of specific subtypes of neurons and glial cells in an easy, reproducible, and rapid manner. In this study, we review protocols based on this strategy to generate excitatory, inhibitory, dopaminergic, and motor neurons as well as astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, and microglia. In addition, we will discuss the main applications for cells generated with these protocols, including disease modeling, drug screening, and mechanistic studies. Finally, we will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of TF-based protocols and present our view of the future in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isaac Canals
- Stem Cells, Aging and Neurodegeneration Group, Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.,Division of Neurology, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.,Lund Stem Cell Center, Lund, Sweden
| | - Ella Quist
- Stem Cells, Aging and Neurodegeneration Group, Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.,Division of Neurology, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.,Lund Stem Cell Center, Lund, Sweden
| | - Henrik Ahlenius
- Stem Cells, Aging and Neurodegeneration Group, Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.,Division of Neurology, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.,Lund Stem Cell Center, Lund, Sweden
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43
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Hart CG, Karimi-Abdolrezaee S. Recent insights on astrocyte mechanisms in CNS homeostasis, pathology, and repair. J Neurosci Res 2021; 99:2427-2462. [PMID: 34259342 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.24922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2021] [Revised: 06/06/2021] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Astrocytes play essential roles in development, homeostasis, injury, and repair of the central nervous system (CNS). Their development is tightly regulated by distinct spatial and temporal cues during embryogenesis and into adulthood throughout the CNS. Astrocytes have several important responsibilities such as regulating blood flow and permeability of the blood-CNS barrier, glucose metabolism and storage, synapse formation and function, and axon myelination. In CNS pathologies, astrocytes also play critical parts in both injury and repair mechanisms. Upon injury, they undergo a robust phenotypic shift known as "reactive astrogliosis," which results in both constructive and deleterious outcomes. Astrocyte activation and migration at the site of injury provides an early defense mechanism to minimize the extent of injury by enveloping the lesion area. However, astrogliosis also contributes to the inhibitory microenvironment of CNS injury and potentiate secondary injury mechanisms, such as inflammation, oxidative stress, and glutamate excitotoxicity, which facilitate neurodegeneration in CNS pathologies. Intriguingly, reactive astrocytes are increasingly a focus in current therapeutic strategies as their activation can be modulated toward a neuroprotective and reparative phenotype. This review will discuss recent advancements in knowledge regarding the development and role of astrocytes in the healthy and pathological CNS. We will also review how astrocytes have been genetically modified to optimize their reparative potential after injury, and how they may be transdifferentiated into neurons and oligodendrocytes to promote repair after CNS injury and neurodegeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher G Hart
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Spinal Cord Research Centre, Children's Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Soheila Karimi-Abdolrezaee
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Spinal Cord Research Centre, Children's Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
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44
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Guo D, Wang Y, Cheng Y, Liao S, Hu J, Du F, Xu G, Liu Y, Cai KQ, Cheung M, Wainwright BJ, Lu QR, Zhao Y, Yang ZJ. Tumor cells generate astrocyte-like cells that contribute to SHH-driven medulloblastoma relapse. J Exp Med 2021; 218:212465. [PMID: 34254999 PMCID: PMC8282281 DOI: 10.1084/jem.20202350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2020] [Revised: 04/26/2021] [Accepted: 06/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes, a major glial cell type in the brain, play a critical role in supporting the progression of medulloblastoma (MB), the most common malignant pediatric brain tumor. Through lineage tracing analyses and single-cell RNA sequencing, we demonstrate that astrocytes are predominantly derived from the transdifferentiation of tumor cells in relapsed MB (but not in primary MB), although MB cells are generally believed to be neuronal-lineage committed. Such transdifferentiation of MB cells relies on Sox9, a transcription factor critical for gliogenesis. Our studies further reveal that bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) stimulate the transdifferentiation of MB cells by inducing the phosphorylation of Sox9. Pharmacological inhibition of BMP signaling represses MB cell transdifferentiation into astrocytes and suppresses tumor relapse. Our studies establish the distinct cellular sources of astrocytes in primary and relapsed MB and provide an avenue to prevent and treat MB relapse by targeting tumor cell transdifferentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Duancheng Guo
- Cancer Biology Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Temple University Health System, Philadelphia, PA.,Pediatric Cancer Center, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Yuan Wang
- Pediatric Cancer Center, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Yan Cheng
- Cancer Biology Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Temple University Health System, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Shengyou Liao
- Key Laboratory of Intelligent Information Processing, Advanced Computer Research Center, Institute of Computing Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jian Hu
- Cancer Biology Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Temple University Health System, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Fang Du
- Cancer Biology Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Temple University Health System, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Gang Xu
- Cancer Biology Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Temple University Health System, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Yongqiang Liu
- Cancer Biology Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Temple University Health System, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Kathy Q Cai
- Cancer Biology Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Temple University Health System, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Martin Cheung
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Brandon J Wainwright
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Q Richard Lu
- Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Brain Tumor Center, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH
| | - Yi Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Intelligent Information Processing, Advanced Computer Research Center, Institute of Computing Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zeng-Jie Yang
- Cancer Biology Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Temple University Health System, Philadelphia, PA
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45
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Harschnitz O, Studer L. Human stem cell models to study host-virus interactions in the central nervous system. Nat Rev Immunol 2021; 21:441-453. [PMID: 33398129 PMCID: PMC9653304 DOI: 10.1038/s41577-020-00474-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Advancements in human pluripotent stem cell technology offer a unique opportunity for the neuroimmunology field to study host-virus interactions directly in disease-relevant cells of the human central nervous system (CNS). Viral encephalitis is most commonly caused by herpesviruses, arboviruses and enteroviruses targeting distinct CNS cell types and often leading to severe neurological damage with poor clinical outcomes. Furthermore, different neurotropic viruses will affect the CNS at distinct developmental stages, from early prenatal brain development to the aged brain. With the unique flexibility and scalability of human pluripotent stem cell technology, it is now possible to examine the molecular mechanisms underlying acute infection and latency, determine which CNS subpopulations are specifically infected, study temporal aspects of viral susceptibility, perform high-throughput chemical or genetic screens for viral restriction factors and explore complex cell-non-autonomous disease mechanisms. Therefore, human pluripotent stem cell technology has the potential to address key unanswered questions about antiviral immunity in the CNS, including emerging questions on the potential CNS tropism of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2).
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Affiliation(s)
- Oliver Harschnitz
- Developmental Biology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute for Cancer Research, New York (NY), USA,The Center for Stem Cell Biology, Sloan Kettering Institute for Cancer Research, New York (NY), USA,
| | - Lorenz Studer
- Developmental Biology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute for Cancer Research, New York (NY), USA,The Center for Stem Cell Biology, Sloan Kettering Institute for Cancer Research, New York (NY), USA
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46
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Neyrinck K, Van Den Daele J, Vervliet T, De Smedt J, Wierda K, Nijs M, Vanbokhoven T, D'hondt A, Planque M, Fendt SM, Shih PY, Seibt F, Almenar JP, Kreir M, Kumar D, Broccoli V, Bultynck G, Ebneth A, Cabrera-Socorro A, Verfaillie C. SOX9-induced Generation of Functional Astrocytes Supporting Neuronal Maturation in an All-human System. Stem Cell Rev Rep 2021; 17:1855-1873. [PMID: 33982246 PMCID: PMC8553725 DOI: 10.1007/s12015-021-10179-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Astrocytes, the main supportive cell type of the brain, show functional impairments upon ageing and in a broad spectrum of neurological disorders. Limited access to human astroglia for pre-clinical studies has been a major bottleneck delaying our understanding of their role in brain health and disease. We demonstrate here that functionally mature human astrocytes can be generated by SOX9 overexpression for 6 days in pluripotent stem cell (PSC)-derived neural progenitor cells. Inducible (i)SOX9-astrocytes display functional properties comparable to primary human astrocytes comprising glutamate uptake, induced calcium responses and cytokine/growth factor secretion. Importantly, electrophysiological properties of iNGN2-neurons co-cultured with iSOX9-astrocytes are indistinguishable from gold-standard murine primary cultures. The high yield, fast timing and the possibility to cryopreserve iSOX9-astrocytes without losing functional properties makes them suitable for scaled-up production for high-throughput analyses. Our findings represent a step forward to an all-human iPSC-derived neural model for drug development in neuroscience and towards the reduction of animal use in biomedical research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katrien Neyrinck
- Stem Cell Institute, Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, Leuven, 3000, Belgium.
| | - Johanna Van Den Daele
- Stem Cell Institute, Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, Leuven, 3000, Belgium.
| | - Tim Vervliet
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Signalling, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jonathan De Smedt
- Stem Cell Institute, Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, Leuven, 3000, Belgium
| | - Keimpe Wierda
- Electrophysiology Expert Unit, VIB-KU Leuven Center for Brain & Disease Research, Leuven, 3000, Belgium
| | - Melissa Nijs
- Stem Cell Institute, Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, Leuven, 3000, Belgium
| | - Tom Vanbokhoven
- Stem Cell Institute, Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, Leuven, 3000, Belgium
| | - Astrid D'hondt
- Stem Cell Institute, Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, Leuven, 3000, Belgium
| | - Mélanie Planque
- Laboratory of Cellular Metabolism and Metabolic Regulation, Department of Oncoloy, KU Leuven and Leuven Cancer Institute (LKI), Leuven, 3000, Belgium
- Laboratory of Cellular Metabolism and Metabolic Regulation, VIB-KU Leuven Center for Cancer Biology, VIB, Leuven, 3000, Belgium
| | - Sarah-Maria Fendt
- Laboratory of Cellular Metabolism and Metabolic Regulation, Department of Oncoloy, KU Leuven and Leuven Cancer Institute (LKI), Leuven, 3000, Belgium
- Laboratory of Cellular Metabolism and Metabolic Regulation, VIB-KU Leuven Center for Cancer Biology, VIB, Leuven, 3000, Belgium
| | - Pei-Yu Shih
- Division of Janssen Pharmaceutica, Janssen Research & Development, Beerse, 2340, Belgium
| | - Frederik Seibt
- Division of Janssen Pharmaceutica, Janssen Research & Development, Beerse, 2340, Belgium
| | - Juan Pita Almenar
- Division of Janssen Pharmaceutica, Janssen Research & Development, Beerse, 2340, Belgium
| | - Mohamed Kreir
- Division of Janssen Pharmaceutica, Janssen Research & Development, Beerse, 2340, Belgium
| | - Devesh Kumar
- Division of Janssen Pharmaceutica, Janssen Research & Development, Beerse, 2340, Belgium
| | - Vania Broccoli
- Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS, San Raffaele Scientific Hospital, 20132, Milan, Italy
- Institute of Neuroscience, National Research Council (CNR), 20129, Milan, Italy
| | - Geert Bultynck
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Signalling, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Andreas Ebneth
- Division of Janssen Pharmaceutica, Janssen Research & Development, Beerse, 2340, Belgium
| | | | - Catherine Verfaillie
- Stem Cell Institute, Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, Leuven, 3000, Belgium.
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47
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Mulica P, Grünewald A, Pereira SL. Astrocyte-Neuron Metabolic Crosstalk in Neurodegeneration: A Mitochondrial Perspective. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2021; 12:668517. [PMID: 34025580 PMCID: PMC8138625 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2021.668517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2021] [Accepted: 04/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Converging evidence made clear that declining brain energetics contribute to aging and are implicated in the initiation and progression of neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. Indeed, both pathologies involve instances of hypometabolism of glucose and oxygen in the brain causing mitochondrial dysfunction, energetic failure and oxidative stress. Importantly, recent evidence suggests that astrocytes, which play a key role in supporting neuronal function and metabolism, might contribute to the development of neurodegenerative diseases. Therefore, exploring how the neuro-supportive role of astrocytes may be impaired in the context of these disorders has great therapeutic potential. In the following, we will discuss some of the so far identified features underlining the astrocyte-neuron metabolic crosstalk. Thereby, special focus will be given to the role of mitochondria. Furthermore, we will report on recent advancements concerning iPSC-derived models used to unravel the metabolic contribution of astrocytes to neuronal demise. Finally, we discuss how mitochondrial dysfunction in astrocytes could contribute to inflammatory signaling in neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrycja Mulica
- Luxembourg Centre for Systems Biomedicine, University of Luxembourg, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
| | - Anne Grünewald
- Luxembourg Centre for Systems Biomedicine, University of Luxembourg, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
- Institute of Neurogenetics, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Sandro L. Pereira
- Luxembourg Centre for Systems Biomedicine, University of Luxembourg, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
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48
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Yeon GB, Shin WH, Yoo SH, Kim D, Jeon BM, Park WU, Bae Y, Park JY, You S, Na D, Kim DS. NFIB induces functional astrocytes from human pluripotent stem cell-derived neural precursor cells mimicking in vivo astrogliogenesis. J Cell Physiol 2021; 236:7625-7641. [PMID: 33949692 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.30405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2020] [Revised: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 04/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The ability to generate astrocytes from human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) offers a promising cellular model to study the development and physiology of human astrocytes. The extant methods for generating functional astrocytes required long culture periods and there remained much ambiguity on whether such paradigms follow the innate developmental program. In this report, we provided an efficient and rapid method for generating physiologically functional astrocytes from hPSCs. Overexpressing the nuclear factor IB in hPSC-derived neural precursor cells induced a highly enriched astrocyte population in 2 weeks. RNA sequencing and functional analyses demonstrated progressive transcriptomic and physiological changes in the cells, resembling in vivo astrocyte development. Further analyses substantiated previous results and established the MAPK pathway necessary for astrocyte differentiation. Hence, this differentiation paradigm provides a prospective in vitro model for human astrogliogenesis studies and the pathophysiology of neurological diseases concerning astrocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gyu-Bum Yeon
- Department of Biotechnology, Korea University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Won-Ho Shin
- Department of Predictive Toxicology, Korea Institute of Toxicology, Daejeon, Korea
| | - Seo Hyun Yoo
- Department of Biotechnology, Korea University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Dongyun Kim
- Department of Biotechnology, Korea University, Seoul, Korea
| | | | - Won-Ung Park
- Department of Biotechnology, Korea University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Yeonju Bae
- School of Biosystem and Biomedical Science, College of Health Science, Korea University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jae-Yong Park
- School of Biosystem and Biomedical Science, College of Health Science, Korea University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Seungkwon You
- Department of Biotechnology, Korea University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Dokyun Na
- School of Integrative Engineering, Chung-Ang University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Dae-Sung Kim
- Department of Biotechnology, Korea University, Seoul, Korea.,Department of Pediatrics, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
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49
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Llorente IL, Xie Y, Mazzitelli JA, Hatanaka EA, Cinkornpumin J, Miller DR, Lin Y, Lowry WE, Carmichael ST. Patient-derived glial enriched progenitors repair functional deficits due to white matter stroke and vascular dementia in rodents. Sci Transl Med 2021; 13:13/590/eaaz6747. [PMID: 33883275 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.aaz6747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2019] [Revised: 10/05/2020] [Accepted: 01/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Subcortical white matter stroke (WMS) accounts for up to 30% of all stroke events. WMS damages primarily astrocytes, axons, oligodendrocytes, and myelin. We hypothesized that a therapeutic intervention targeting astrocytes would be ideally suited for brain repair after WMS. We characterize the cellular properties and in vivo tissue repair activity of glial enriched progenitor (GEP) cells differentiated from human-induced pluripotent stem cells, termed hiPSC-derived GEPs (hiPSC-GEPs). hiPSC-GEPs are derived from hiPSC-neural progenitor cells via an experimental manipulation of hypoxia inducible factor activity by brief treatment with a prolyl hydroxylase inhibitor, deferoxamine. This treatment permanently biases these cells to further differentiate toward an astrocyte fate. hiPSC-GEPs transplanted into the brain in the subacute period after WMS in mice migrated widely, matured into astrocytes with a prorepair phenotype, induced endogenous oligodendrocyte precursor proliferation and remyelination, and promoted axonal sprouting. hiPSC-GEPs enhanced motor and cognitive recovery compared to other hiPSC-differentiated cell types. This approach establishes an hiPSC-derived product with easy scale-up capabilities that might be effective for treating WMS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene L Llorente
- Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Yuan Xie
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Jose A Mazzitelli
- Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Emily A Hatanaka
- Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.,Department of Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Jessica Cinkornpumin
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - David R Miller
- Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Ying Lin
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - William E Lowry
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.
| | - S Thomas Carmichael
- Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.
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50
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Mapping Astrocyte Transcriptional Signatures in Response to Neuroactive Compounds. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22083975. [PMID: 33921461 PMCID: PMC8069033 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22083975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2021] [Revised: 03/21/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes play central roles in normal brain function and are critical components of synaptic networks that oversee behavioral outputs. Despite their close affiliation with neurons, how neuronal-derived signals influence astrocyte function at the gene expression level remains poorly characterized, largely due to difficulties associated with dissecting neuron- versus astrocyte-specific effects. Here, we use an in vitro system of stem cell-derived astrocytes to identify gene expression profiles in astrocytes that are influenced by neurons and regulate astrocyte development. Furthermore, we show that neurotransmitters and neuromodulators induce distinct transcriptomic and chromatin accessibility changes in astrocytes that are unique to each of these neuroactive compounds. These findings are highlighted by the observation that noradrenaline has a more profound effect on transcriptional profiles of astrocytes compared to glutamate, gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), acetylcholine, and serotonin. This is demonstrated through enhanced noradrenaline-induced transcriptomic and chromatin accessibility changes in vitro and through enhanced calcium signaling in vivo. Taken together, our study reveals distinct transcriptomic and chromatin architecture signatures in astrocytes in response to neuronal-derived neuroactive compounds. Since astrocyte function is affected in all neurological disorders, this study provides a new entry point for exploring genetic mechanisms of astrocyte-neuron communication that may be dysregulated in disease.
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