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Li ST, Wan Y, Chen L, Ding Y. Advances in neuronal reprogramming for neurodegenerative diseases: Strategies, controversies, and opportunities. Exp Neurol 2024; 378:114817. [PMID: 38763354 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2024.114817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2024] [Revised: 05/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/21/2024]
Abstract
Neuronal death is often observed in central nervous system injuries and neurodegenerative diseases. The mammalian central nervous system manifests limited neuronal regeneration capabilities, and traditional cell therapies are limited in their potential applications due to finite cell sources and immune rejection. Neuronal reprogramming has emerged as a novel technology, in which non-neuronal cells (e.g. glial cells) are transdifferentiated into mature neurons. This process results in relatively minimal immune rejection. The present review discuss the latest progress in this cutting-edge field, including starter cell selection, innovative technical strategies and methods of neuronal reprogramming for neurodegenerative diseases, as well as the potential problems and controversies. The further development of neuronal reprogramming technology may pave the way for novel therapeutic strategies in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Si-Tong Li
- Department of Histology and Embryology, West China School of Preclinical and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Yue Wan
- Department of Histology and Embryology, West China School of Preclinical and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Li Chen
- Department of Histology and Embryology, West China School of Preclinical and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Yan Ding
- Department of Histology and Embryology, West China School of Preclinical and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China.
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Liang S, Zhou J, Yu X, Lu S, Liu R. Neuronal conversion from glia to replenish the lost neurons. Neural Regen Res 2024; 19:1446-1453. [PMID: 38051886 PMCID: PMC10883502 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.386400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT Neuronal injury, aging, and cerebrovascular and neurodegenerative diseases such as cerebral infarction, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, frontotemporal dementia, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and Huntington's disease are characterized by significant neuronal loss. Unfortunately, the neurons of most mammals including humans do not possess the ability to self-regenerate. Replenishment of lost neurons becomes an appealing therapeutic strategy to reverse the disease phenotype. Transplantation of pluripotent neural stem cells can supplement the missing neurons in the brain, but it carries the risk of causing gene mutation, tumorigenesis, severe inflammation, and obstructive hydrocephalus induced by brain edema. Conversion of neural or non-neural lineage cells into functional neurons is a promising strategy for the diseases involving neuron loss, which may overcome the above-mentioned disadvantages of neural stem cell therapy. Thus far, many strategies to transform astrocytes, fibroblasts, microglia, Müller glia, NG2 cells, and other glial cells to mature and functional neurons, or for the conversion between neuronal subtypes have been developed through the regulation of transcription factors, polypyrimidine tract binding protein 1 (PTBP1), and small chemical molecules or are based on a combination of several factors and the location in the central nervous system. However, some recent papers did not obtain expected results, and discrepancies exist. Therefore, in this review, we discuss the history of neuronal transdifferentiation, summarize the strategies for neuronal replenishment and conversion from glia, especially astrocytes, and point out that biosafety, new strategies, and the accurate origin of the truly converted neurons in vivo should be focused upon in future studies. It also arises the attention of replenishing the lost neurons from glia by gene therapies such as up-regulation of some transcription factors or down-regulation of PTBP1 or drug interference therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiyu Liang
- National Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- School of Chemical Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jing Zhou
- Department of Geriatric Rehabilitation, Beijing Rehabilitation Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaolin Yu
- National Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Shuai Lu
- National Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Ruitian Liu
- National Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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Wei J, Wang M, Li S, Han R, Xu W, Zhao A, Yu Q, Li H, Li M, Chi G. Reprogramming of astrocytes and glioma cells into neurons for central nervous system repair and glioblastoma therapy. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 176:116806. [PMID: 38796971 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116806] [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: 02/09/2024] [Revised: 05/18/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Central nervous system (CNS) damage is usually irreversible owing to the limited regenerative capability of neurons. Following CNS injury, astrocytes are reactively activated and are the key cells involved in post-injury repair mechanisms. Consequently, research on the reprogramming of reactive astrocytes into neurons could provide new directions for the restoration of neural function after CNS injury and in the promotion of recovery in various neurodegenerative diseases. This review aims to provide an overview of the means through which reactive astrocytes around lesions can be reprogrammed into neurons, to elucidate the intrinsic connection between the two cell types from a neurogenesis perspective, and to summarize what is known about the neurotranscription factors, small-molecule compounds and MicroRNA that play major roles in astrocyte reprogramming. As the malignant proliferation of astrocytes promotes the development of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), this review also examines the research advances on and the theoretical basis for the reprogramming of GBM cells into neurons and discusses the advantages of such approaches over traditional treatment modalities. This comprehensive review provides new insights into the field of GBM therapy and theoretical insights into the mechanisms of neurological recovery following neurological injury and in GBM treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junyuan Wei
- The Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, and College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China.
| | - Miaomiao Wang
- The Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, and College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China.
| | - Shilin Li
- School of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China.
| | - Rui Han
- Department of Neurovascular Surgery, First Hospital of Jilin University, 1xinmin Avenue, Changchun, Jilin Province 130021, China.
| | - Wenhong Xu
- The Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, and College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China.
| | - Anqi Zhao
- The Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, and College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China.
| | - Qi Yu
- The Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, and College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China.
| | - Haokun Li
- The Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, and College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China.
| | - Meiying Li
- The Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, and College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China.
| | - Guangfan Chi
- The Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, and College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China.
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Liu S, Xu X, Omari-Siaw E, Yu J, Deng W. Progress of reprogramming astrocytes into neuron. Mol Cell Neurosci 2024; 130:103947. [PMID: 38862082 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcn.2024.103947] [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: 03/27/2024] [Revised: 06/07/2024] [Accepted: 06/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024] Open
Abstract
As the main players in the central nervous system (CNS), neurons dominate most life activities. However, after accidental trauma or neurodegenerative diseases, neurons are unable to regenerate themselves. The loss of this important role can seriously affect the quality of life of patients, ranging from movement disorders to disability and even death. There is no suitable treatment to prevent or reverse this process. Therefore, the regeneration of neurons after loss has been a major clinical problem and the key to treatment. Replacing the lost neurons by transdifferentiation of other cells is the only viable approach. Although much progress has been made in stem cell therapy, ethical issues, immune rejection, and limited cell sources still hinder its clinical application. In recent years, somatic cell reprogramming technology has brought a new dawn. Among them, astrocytes, as endogenously abundant cells homologous to neurons, have good potential and application value for reprogramming into neurons, having been reprogrammed into neurons in vitro and in vivo in a variety of ways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sitong Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China; The International Institute on Natural Products and Stem Cells (iNPS), Zhenjiang, China; Key Lab for Drug Delivery & Tissue Regeneration, Zhenjiang, China; Jiangsu Provincial Research Center for Medicinal Function Development of New Food Resources, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Ximing Xu
- School of Pharmacy, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China; The International Institute on Natural Products and Stem Cells (iNPS), Zhenjiang, China; Key Lab for Drug Delivery & Tissue Regeneration, Zhenjiang, China; Jiangsu Provincial Research Center for Medicinal Function Development of New Food Resources, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Emmanuel Omari-Siaw
- Department of Pharmaceutical Science, Kumasi Technical University, PO Box 854, Kumasi, Ashanti, Ghana
| | - Jiangnan Yu
- School of Pharmacy, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China; The International Institute on Natural Products and Stem Cells (iNPS), Zhenjiang, China; Key Lab for Drug Delivery & Tissue Regeneration, Zhenjiang, China; Jiangsu Provincial Research Center for Medicinal Function Development of New Food Resources, Zhenjiang, China.
| | - Wenwen Deng
- School of Pharmacy, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China; The International Institute on Natural Products and Stem Cells (iNPS), Zhenjiang, China; Key Lab for Drug Delivery & Tissue Regeneration, Zhenjiang, China; Jiangsu Provincial Research Center for Medicinal Function Development of New Food Resources, Zhenjiang, China.
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Tan Z, Qin S, Liu H, Huang X, Pu Y, He C, Yuan Y, Su Z. Small molecules reprogram reactive astrocytes into neuronal cells in the injured adult spinal cord. J Adv Res 2024; 59:111-127. [PMID: 37380102 PMCID: PMC11081968 DOI: 10.1016/j.jare.2023.06.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2023] [Revised: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Ectopic expression of transcription factor-mediated in vivo neuronal reprogramming provides promising strategy to compensate for neuronal loss, while its further clinical application may be hindered by delivery and safety concerns. As a novel and attractive alternative, small molecules may offer a non-viral and non-integrative chemical approach for reprogramming cell fates. Recent definitive evidences have shown that small molecules can convert non-neuronal cells into neurons in vitro. However, whether small molecules alone can induce neuronal reprogramming in vivo remains largely unknown. OBJECTIVES To identify chemical compounds that can induce in vivo neuronal reprogramming in the adult spinal cord. METHODS Immunocytochemistry, immunohistochemistry, qRT-PCR and fate-mapping are performed to analyze the role of small molecules in reprogramming astrocytes into neuronal cells in vitro and in vivo. RESULTS By screening, we identify a chemical cocktail with only two chemical compounds that can directly and rapidly reprogram cultured astrocytes into neuronal cells. Importantly, this chemical cocktail can also successfully trigger neuronal reprogramming in the injured adult spinal cord without introducing exogenous genetic factors. These chemically induced cells showed typical neuronal morphologies and neuron-specific marker expression and could become mature and survive for more than 12 months. Lineage tracing indicated that the chemical compound-converted neuronal cells mainly originated from post-injury spinal reactive astrocytes. CONCLUSION Our proof-of-principle study demonstrates that in vivo glia-to-neuron conversion can be manipulated in a chemical compound-based manner. Albeit our current chemical cocktail has a lowreprogramming efficiency, it will bring in vivo cell fate reprogramming closer to clinical application in brain and spinal cord repair. Future studies should focus on further refining our chemical cocktail and reprogramming approach to boost the reprogramming efficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zijian Tan
- Institute of Neuroscience, Key Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology of Ministry of Education and the Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Shangyao Qin
- Institute of Neuroscience, Key Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology of Ministry of Education and the Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Hong Liu
- Institute of Neuroscience, Key Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology of Ministry of Education and the Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Xiao Huang
- Institute of Neuroscience, Key Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology of Ministry of Education and the Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Yingyan Pu
- Institute of Neuroscience, Key Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology of Ministry of Education and the Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Cheng He
- Institute of Neuroscience, Key Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology of Ministry of Education and the Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Yimin Yuan
- Institute of Neuroscience, Key Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology of Ministry of Education and the Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China.
| | - Zhida Su
- Institute of Neuroscience, Key Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology of Ministry of Education and the Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China.
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Huang L, Lai X, Liang X, Chen J, Yang Y, Xu W, Qin Q, Qin R, Huang X, Xie M, Chen L. A promise for neuronal repair: reprogramming astrocytes into neurons in vivo. Biosci Rep 2024; 44:BSR20231717. [PMID: 38175538 PMCID: PMC10830445 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20231717] [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: 10/02/2023] [Revised: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Massive loss of neurons following brain injury or disease is the primary cause of central nervous system dysfunction. Recently, much research has been conducted on how to compensate for neuronal loss in damaged parts of the nervous system and thus restore functional connectivity among neurons. Direct somatic cell differentiation into neurons using pro-neural transcription factors, small molecules, or microRNAs, individually or in association, is the most promising form of neural cell replacement therapy available. This method provides a potential remedy for cell loss in a variety of neurodegenerative illnesses, and the development of reprogramming technology has made this method feasible. This article provides a comprehensive review of reprogramming, including the selection and methods of reprogramming starting cell populations as well as the signaling methods involved in this process. Additionally, we thoroughly examine how reprogramming astrocytes into neurons can be applied to treat stroke and other neurodegenerative diseases. Finally, we discuss the challenges of neuronal reprogramming and offer insights about the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lijuan Huang
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China
- State Key Laboratory of Targeting Oncology, National Center for International Research of Bio-Targeting Theranostics, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Bio-Targeting Theranostics, Collaborative Innovation Center for Targeting Tumor Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, 530021, China
| | - Xinyu Lai
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China
- Collaborative Innovation Centre of Regenerative Medicine and Medical BioResource Development and Application Co-constructed by the Province and Ministry, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, 530021, China
| | - Xiaojun Liang
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China
| | - Jiafeng Chen
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China
- State Key Laboratory of Targeting Oncology, National Center for International Research of Bio-Targeting Theranostics, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Bio-Targeting Theranostics, Collaborative Innovation Center for Targeting Tumor Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, 530021, China
| | - Yue Yang
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China
- State Key Laboratory of Targeting Oncology, National Center for International Research of Bio-Targeting Theranostics, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Bio-Targeting Theranostics, Collaborative Innovation Center for Targeting Tumor Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, 530021, China
| | - Wei Xu
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China
- State Key Laboratory of Targeting Oncology, National Center for International Research of Bio-Targeting Theranostics, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Bio-Targeting Theranostics, Collaborative Innovation Center for Targeting Tumor Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, 530021, China
| | - Qingchun Qin
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China
- State Key Laboratory of Targeting Oncology, National Center for International Research of Bio-Targeting Theranostics, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Bio-Targeting Theranostics, Collaborative Innovation Center for Targeting Tumor Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, 530021, China
| | - Rongxing Qin
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China
| | - Xiaoying Huang
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China
| | - Minshan Xie
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China
| | - Li Chen
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China
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Xu L, Wang G, Shi R, Zeng B, Zhang Y, Liu Z, Dong N, Wang S, Li C. A cocktail of small molecules maintains the stemness and differentiation potential of conjunctival epithelial cells. Ocul Surf 2023; 30:107-118. [PMID: 37634570 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtos.2023.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The conjunctival epithelial cells cultured with bovine serum or feeder cells were not suitable for clinical application. Therefore, we developed a novel serum-free and feeder cell-free culture system containing only a cocktail of three chemicals (3C) to expand the conjunctival epithelial cells. METHODS The cell proliferative ability was evaluated by counting, crystal violet staining and Ki67 immunostaining. Co-staining of K7 and MUC5AC was performed to identify goblet cells. PAS staining was used to assess the ability of cells to synthesis and secrete glycoproteins. In vivo, eye drops containing 3C was administered to verify the role of 3C in the mouse conjunctival injury model. PAS, HE and immunofluorescence staining were performed to show conjunctival epithelial repair. RESULTS Compared with other small molecule groups and the serum group, the cells in 3C group showed superior morphology and proliferative ability. Meanwhile, 3C maintained the well-proliferative capacity of cells even after fifth passage. The 3C group also exhibited more K7 and MUC5AC double positive cells, and the PAS staining positive areas were present in both the cytoplasm and extracellular matrix. The cell sheets treated with 3C in air-lifted culture were obviously stratified. In vivo, more goblet cells in the conjunctival epithelium were observed in the 3C group. CONCLUSION Overall, our culture system can expand the conjunctival epithelial cells and retain their potential to differentiate into mature goblet cells, which provided a promising source of seed cells for conjunctival reconstruction. Furthermore, this system provides new insights for the clinical treatment of ocular surface diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lina Xu
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, 130041, China
| | - Guoliang Wang
- Huaxia Eye Hospital of Quanzhou, Quanzhou, Fujian, 362000, China; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, China
| | - Ruize Shi
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, 130041, China
| | - Baihui Zeng
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, 130041, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, 130041, China
| | - Zhen Liu
- Eye Institute & Affiliated Xiamen Eye Center, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, China
| | - Nuo Dong
- Huaxia Eye Hospital of Quanzhou, Quanzhou, Fujian, 362000, China; Eye Institute & Affiliated Xiamen Eye Center, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, China; Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, China.
| | - Shurong Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, 130041, China.
| | - Cheng Li
- Huaxia Eye Hospital of Quanzhou, Quanzhou, Fujian, 362000, China; Eye Institute & Affiliated Xiamen Eye Center, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, China; Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, China; Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, China.
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Wang J, Sun S, Deng H. Chemical reprogramming for cell fate manipulation: Methods, applications, and perspectives. Cell Stem Cell 2023; 30:1130-1147. [PMID: 37625410 DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2023.08.001] [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: 06/07/2023] [Revised: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023]
Abstract
Chemical reprogramming offers an unprecedented opportunity to control somatic cell fate and generate desired cell types including pluripotent stem cells for applications in biomedicine in a precise, flexible, and controllable manner. Recent success in the chemical reprogramming of human somatic cells by activating a regeneration-like program provides an alternative way of producing stem cells for clinical translation. Likewise, chemical manipulation enables the capture of multiple (stem) cell states, ranging from totipotency to the stabilization of somatic fates in vitro. Here, we review progress in using chemical approaches for cell fate manipulation in addition to future opportunities in this promising field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinlin Wang
- MOE Engineering Research Center of Regenerative Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Peking University Health Science Center and the MOE Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation, College of Life Sciences, Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China; Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Shicheng Sun
- Changping Laboratory, 28 Life Science Park Road, Beijing, China; Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Royal Children's Hospital, Flemington Road, Parkville, VIC, Australia.
| | - Hongkui Deng
- MOE Engineering Research Center of Regenerative Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Peking University Health Science Center and the MOE Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation, College of Life Sciences, Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China; Changping Laboratory, 28 Life Science Park Road, Beijing, China.
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Fang YM, Chen WC, Zheng WJ, Yang YS, Zhang Y, Chen XL, Pei MQ, Lin S, He HF. A cutting-edge strategy for spinal cord injury treatment: resident cellular transdifferentiation. Front Cell Neurosci 2023; 17:1237641. [PMID: 37711511 PMCID: PMC10498389 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2023.1237641] [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: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord injury causes varying degrees of motor and sensory function loss. However, there are no effective treatments for spinal cord repair following an injury. Moreover, significant preclinical advances in bioengineering and regenerative medicine have not yet been translated into effective clinical therapies. The spinal cord's poor regenerative capacity makes repairing damaged and lost neurons a critical treatment step. Reprogramming-based neuronal transdifferentiation has recently shown great potential in repair and plasticity, as it can convert mature somatic cells into functional neurons for spinal cord injury repair in vitro and in vivo, effectively halting the progression of spinal cord injury and promoting functional improvement. However, the mechanisms of the neuronal transdifferentiation and the induced neuronal subtypes are not yet well understood. This review analyzes the mechanisms of resident cellular transdifferentiation based on a review of the relevant recent literature, describes different molecular approaches to obtain different neuronal subtypes, discusses the current challenges and improvement methods, and provides new ideas for exploring therapeutic approaches for spinal cord injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Ming Fang
- Department of Anaesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, China
| | - Wei-Can Chen
- Department of Anaesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, China
| | - Wan-Jing Zheng
- Department of Anaesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, China
| | - Yu-Shen Yang
- Department of Anaesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Department of Anaesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, China
| | - Xin-Li Chen
- Department of Anaesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, China
| | - Meng-Qin Pei
- Department of Anaesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, China
| | - Shu Lin
- Centre of Neurological and Metabolic Research, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, China
- Neuroendocrinology Group, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - He-Fan He
- Department of Anaesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, China
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Ninomiya I, Koyama A, Otsu Y, Onodera O, Kanazawa M. Regeneration of the cerebral cortex by direct chemical reprogramming of macrophages into neuronal cells in acute ischemic stroke. Front Cell Neurosci 2023; 17:1225504. [PMID: 37636590 PMCID: PMC10457112 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2023.1225504] [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: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Theoretically, direct chemical reprogramming of somatic cells into neurons in the infarct area represents a promising regenerative therapy for ischemic stroke. Previous studies have reported that human fibroblasts and astrocytes transdifferentiate into neuronal cells in the presence of small molecules without introducing ectopic transgenes. However, the optimal combination of small molecules for the transdifferentiation of macrophages into neurons has not yet been determined. The authors hypothesized that a combination of small molecules could induce the transdifferentiation of monocyte-derived macrophages into neurons and that the administration of this combination may be a regenerative therapy for ischemic stroke because monocytes and macrophages are directly involved in the ischemic area. Transcriptomes and morphologies of the cells were compared before and after stimulation using RNA sequencing and immunofluorescence staining. Microscopic analyses were also performed to identify cell markers and evaluate functional recovery by blinded examination following the administration of small molecules after ischemic stroke in CB-17 mice. In this study, an essential combination of six small molecules [CHIR99021, Dorsomorphin, Forskolin, isoxazole-9 (ISX-9), Y27632, and DB2313] that transdifferentiated monocyte-derived macrophages into neurons in vitro was identified. Moreover, administration of six small molecules after cerebral ischemia in model animals generated a new neuronal layer in the infarct cortex by converting macrophages into neuronal cells, ultimately improving neurological function. These results suggest that altering the transdifferentiation of monocyte-derived macrophages by the small molecules to adjust their adaptive response will facilitate the development of regenerative therapies for ischemic stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Itaru Ninomiya
- Department of Neurology, Brain Research Institute, Niigata University, Niigata, Japan
| | - Akihide Koyama
- Department of Legal Medicine, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Science, Niigata University, Niigata, Japan
| | - Yutaka Otsu
- Department of Neurology, Brain Research Institute, Niigata University, Niigata, Japan
| | - Osamu Onodera
- Department of Neurology, Brain Research Institute, Niigata University, Niigata, Japan
| | - Masato Kanazawa
- Department of Neurology, Brain Research Institute, Niigata University, Niigata, Japan
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Wan Y, Ding Y. Strategies and mechanisms of neuronal reprogramming. Brain Res Bull 2023; 199:110661. [PMID: 37149266 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2023.110661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Revised: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Traumatic injury and neurodegenerative diseases of the central nervous system (CNS) are difficult to treat due to the poorly regenerative nature of neurons. Engrafting neural stem cells into the CNS is a classic approach for neuroregeneration. Despite great advances, stem cell therapy still faces the challenges of overcoming immunorejection and achieving functional integration. Neuronal reprogramming, a recent innovation, converts endogenous non-neuronal cells (e.g., glial cells) into mature neurons in the adult mammalian CNS. In this review, we summarize the progress of neuronal reprogramming research, mainly focusing on strategies and mechanisms of reprogramming. Furthermore, we highlight the advantages of neuronal reprogramming and outline related challenges. Although the significant development has been made in this field, several findings are controversial. Even so, neuronal reprogramming, especially in vivo reprogramming, is expected to become an effective treatment for CNS neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Wan
- Department of Histology and Embryology, West China School of Preclinical and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Yan Ding
- Department of Histology and Embryology, West China School of Preclinical and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
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12
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Talifu Z, Liu JY, Pan YZ, Ke H, Zhang CJ, Xu X, Gao F, Yu Y, Du LJ, Li JJ. In vivo astrocyte-to-neuron reprogramming for central nervous system regeneration: a narrative review. Neural Regen Res 2023; 18:750-755. [PMID: 36204831 PMCID: PMC9700087 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.353482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
The inability of damaged neurons to regenerate within the mature central nervous system (CNS) is a significant neuroscientific challenge. Astrocytes are an essential component of the CNS and participate in many physiological processes including blood-brain barrier formation, axon growth regulation, neuronal support, and higher cognitive functions such as memory. Recent reprogramming studies have confirmed that astrocytes in the mature CNS can be transformed into functional neurons. Building on in vitro work, many studies have demonstrated that astrocytes can be transformed into neurons in different disease models to replace damaged or lost cells. However, many findings in this field are controversial, as the source of new neurons has been questioned. This review summarizes progress in reprogramming astrocytes into neurons in vivo in animal models of spinal cord injury, brain injury, Huntington's disease, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, and other neurodegenerative conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zuliyaer Talifu
- School of Rehabilitation, Capital Medical University; Department of Spinal and Neural Functional Reconstruction, China Rehabilitation Research Center; Chinese Institute of Rehabilitation Science; Center of Neural Injury and Repair, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders; Beijing Key Laboratory of Neural Injury and Rehabilitation, Beijing; School of Rehabilitation Sciences and Engineering, University of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Qingdao, Shandong Province, China
| | - Jia-Yi Liu
- School of Rehabilitation, Capital Medical University; Department of Spinal and Neural Functional Reconstruction, China Rehabilitation Research Center; Chinese Institute of Rehabilitation Science; Center of Neural Injury and Repair, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders; Beijing Key Laboratory of Neural Injury and Rehabilitation, Beijing, China
| | - Yun-Zhu Pan
- School of Rehabilitation, Capital Medical University; Department of Spinal and Neural Functional Reconstruction, China Rehabilitation Research Center; Chinese Institute of Rehabilitation Science; Center of Neural Injury and Repair, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders; Beijing Key Laboratory of Neural Injury and Rehabilitation, Beijing; School of Rehabilitation Sciences and Engineering, University of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Qingdao, Shandong Province, China
| | - Han Ke
- School of Rehabilitation, Capital Medical University; Department of Spinal and Neural Functional Reconstruction, China Rehabilitation Research Center; Chinese Institute of Rehabilitation Science; Center of Neural Injury and Repair, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders; Beijing Key Laboratory of Neural Injury and Rehabilitation, Beijing, China
| | - Chun-Jia Zhang
- School of Rehabilitation, Capital Medical University; Department of Spinal and Neural Functional Reconstruction, China Rehabilitation Research Center; Chinese Institute of Rehabilitation Science; Center of Neural Injury and Repair, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders; Beijing Key Laboratory of Neural Injury and Rehabilitation, Beijing, China
| | - Xin Xu
- School of Rehabilitation, Capital Medical University; Department of Spinal and Neural Functional Reconstruction, China Rehabilitation Research Center; Chinese Institute of Rehabilitation Science; Center of Neural Injury and Repair, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders; Beijing Key Laboratory of Neural Injury and Rehabilitation, Beijing, China
| | - Feng Gao
- School of Rehabilitation, Capital Medical University; Department of Spinal and Neural Functional Reconstruction, China Rehabilitation Research Center; Chinese Institute of Rehabilitation Science; Center of Neural Injury and Repair, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders; Beijing Key Laboratory of Neural Injury and Rehabilitation, Beijing, China
| | - Yan Yu
- School of Rehabilitation, Capital Medical University; Chinese Institute of Rehabilitation Science; Center of Neural Injury and Repair, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders; Beijing Key Laboratory of Neural Injury and Rehabilitation, Beijing, China
| | - Liang-Jie Du
- School of Rehabilitation, Capital Medical University; Department of Spinal and Neural Functional Reconstruction, China Rehabilitation Research Center; Chinese Institute of Rehabilitation Science; Center of Neural Injury and Repair, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders; Beijing Key Laboratory of Neural Injury and Rehabilitation, Beijing, China
| | - Jian-Jun Li
- School of Rehabilitation, Capital Medical University; Department of Spinal and Neural Functional Reconstruction, China Rehabilitation Research Center; Chinese Institute of Rehabilitation Science; Center of Neural Injury and Repair, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders; Beijing Key Laboratory of Neural Injury and Rehabilitation, Beijing; School of Rehabilitation Sciences and Engineering, University of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Qingdao, Shandong Province, China
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13
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Chen J, Huang L, Yang Y, Xu W, Qin Q, Qin R, Liang X, Lai X, Huang X, Xie M, Chen L. Somatic Cell Reprogramming for Nervous System Diseases: Techniques, Mechanisms, Potential Applications, and Challenges. Brain Sci 2023; 13:brainsci13030524. [PMID: 36979334 PMCID: PMC10046178 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13030524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Nervous system diseases present significant challenges to the neuroscience community due to ethical and practical constraints that limit access to appropriate research materials. Somatic cell reprogramming has been proposed as a novel way to obtain neurons. Various emerging techniques have been used to reprogram mature and differentiated cells into neurons. This review provides an overview of somatic cell reprogramming for neurological research and therapy, focusing on neural reprogramming and generating different neural cell types. We examine the mechanisms involved in reprogramming and the challenges that arise. We herein summarize cell reprogramming strategies to generate neurons, including transcription factors, small molecules, and microRNAs, with a focus on different types of cells.. While reprogramming somatic cells into neurons holds the potential for understanding neurological diseases and developing therapeutic applications, its limitations and risks must be carefully considered. Here, we highlight the potential benefits of somatic cell reprogramming for neurological disease research and therapy. This review contributes to the field by providing a comprehensive overview of the various techniques used to generate neurons by cellular reprogramming and discussing their potential applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiafeng Chen
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China
| | - Lijuan Huang
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China
| | - Yue Yang
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China
| | - Wei Xu
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China
| | - Qingchun Qin
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China
| | - Rongxing Qin
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China
| | - Xiaojun Liang
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China
| | - Xinyu Lai
- Key Laboratory of Longevity and Aging-Related Diseases of Chinese Ministry of Education, Nanning 530021, China
| | - Xiaoying Huang
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China
| | - Minshan Xie
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China
| | - Li Chen
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China
- Key Laboratory of Longevity and Aging-Related Diseases of Chinese Ministry of Education, Nanning 530021, China
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14
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Regulation of Cell Plasticity by Bromodomain and Extraterminal Domain (BET) Proteins: A New Perspective in Glioblastoma Therapy. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24065665. [PMID: 36982740 PMCID: PMC10055343 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24065665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Revised: 03/12/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BET proteins are a family of multifunctional epigenetic readers, mainly involved in transcriptional regulation through chromatin modelling. Transcriptome handling ability of BET proteins suggests a key role in the modulation of cell plasticity, both in fate decision and in lineage commitment during embryonic development and in pathogenic conditions, including cancerogenesis. Glioblastoma is the most aggressive form of glioma, characterized by a very poor prognosis despite the application of a multimodal therapy. Recently, new insights are emerging about the glioblastoma cellular origin, leading to the hypothesis that several putative mechanisms occur during gliomagenesis. Interestingly, epigenome dysregulation associated with loss of cellular identity and functions are emerging as crucial features of glioblastoma pathogenesis. Therefore, the emerging roles of BET protein in glioblastoma onco-biology and the compelling demand for more effective therapeutic strategies suggest that BET family members could be promising targets for translational breakthroughs in glioblastoma treatment. Primarily, “Reprogramming Therapy”, which is aimed at reverting the malignant phenotype, is now considered a promising strategy for GBM therapy.
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15
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Xu J, Fang S, Deng S, Li H, Lin X, Huang Y, Chung S, Shu Y, Shao Z. Generation of neural organoids for spinal-cord regeneration via the direct reprogramming of human astrocytes. Nat Biomed Eng 2023; 7:253-269. [PMID: 36424465 DOI: 10.1038/s41551-022-00963-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Organoids with region-specific architecture could facilitate the repair of injuries of the central nervous system. Here we show that human astrocytes can be directly reprogrammed into early neuroectodermal cells via the overexpression of OCT4, the suppression of p53 and the provision of the small molecules CHIR99021, SB431542, RepSox and Y27632. We also report that the activation of signalling mediated by fibroblast growth factor, sonic hedgehog and bone morphogenetic protein 4 in the reprogrammed cells induces them to form spinal-cord organoids with functional neurons specific to the dorsal and ventral domains. In mice with complete spinal-cord injury, organoids transplanted into the lesion differentiated into spinal-cord neurons, which migrated and formed synapses with host neurons. The direct reprogramming of human astrocytes into neurons may pave the way for in vivo neural organogenesis from endogenous astrocytes for the repair of injuries to the central nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinhong Xu
- Institute for Translational Brain Research, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institute of Pediatrics, National Children's Medical Center, Children's Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Neurodegenerative, Disease and Aging Research, Institute of Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Shi Fang
- Institute for Translational Brain Research, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institute of Pediatrics, National Children's Medical Center, Children's Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Neurodegenerative, Disease and Aging Research, Institute of Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Suixin Deng
- Institute for Translational Brain Research, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institute of Pediatrics, National Children's Medical Center, Children's Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Huijuan Li
- Institute for Translational Brain Research, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institute of Pediatrics, National Children's Medical Center, Children's Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaoning Lin
- Department of Neurosurgery, Zhongshan Hospital Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Yongheng Huang
- Institute for Translational Brain Research, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institute of Pediatrics, National Children's Medical Center, Children's Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Neurodegenerative, Disease and Aging Research, Institute of Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Sangmi Chung
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, USA
| | - Yousheng Shu
- Institute for Translational Brain Research, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institute of Pediatrics, National Children's Medical Center, Children's Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhicheng Shao
- Institute for Translational Brain Research, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institute of Pediatrics, National Children's Medical Center, Children's Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Neurodegenerative, Disease and Aging Research, Institute of Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China.
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16
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Direct Cell Reprogramming and Phenotypic Conversion: An Analysis of Experimental Attempts to Transform Astrocytes into Neurons in Adult Animals. Cells 2023; 12:cells12040618. [PMID: 36831283 PMCID: PMC9954435 DOI: 10.3390/cells12040618] [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: 11/29/2022] [Revised: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Central nervous system (CNS) repair after injury or disease remains an unresolved problem in neurobiology research and an unmet medical need. Directly reprogramming or converting astrocytes to neurons (AtN) in adult animals has been investigated as a potential strategy to facilitate brain and spinal cord recovery and advance fundamental biology. Conceptually, AtN strategies rely on forced expression or repression of lineage-specific transcription factors to make endogenous astrocytes become "induced neurons" (iNs), presumably without re-entering any pluripotent or multipotent states. The AtN-derived cells have been reported to manifest certain neuronal functions in vivo. However, this approach has raised many new questions and alternative explanations regarding the biological features of the end products (e.g., iNs versus neuron-like cells, neural functional changes, etc.), developmental biology underpinnings, and neurobiological essentials. For this paper per se, we proposed to draw an unconventional distinction between direct cell conversion and direct cell reprogramming, relative to somatic nuclear transfer, based on the experimental methods utilized to initiate the transformation process, aiming to promote a more in-depth mechanistic exploration. Moreover, we have summarized the current tactics employed for AtN induction, comparisons between the bench endeavors concerning outcome tangibility, and discussion of the issues of published AtN protocols. Lastly, the urgency to clearly define/devise the theoretical frameworks, cell biological bases, and bench specifics to experimentally validate primary data of AtN studies was highlighted.
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Ma R, Lu D, Xie Q, Yuan J, Ren M, Li Y, Wang J, Li J, Xu Z, Wang J. l-Borneol and d-Borneol promote transdifferentiation of astrocytes into neurons in rats by regulating Wnt/Notch pathway to exert neuroprotective effect during recovery from cerebral ischaemia. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2023; 109:154583. [PMID: 36610167 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2022.154583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2022] [Revised: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Chinese medicines Borneolum and l-Borneolum have neuroprotective effects on acute cerebral ischaemia-reperfusion (IR) in rats. Research on their effects during recovery from cerebral IR is lacking. Cerebral ischaemia can activate astrocytes for conversion into neurons. Neurogenesis cannot be achieved without nutritional support from an improved brain microenvironment through the blood circulation. PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to determine whether Borneolum and l-Borneolum can promote transdifferentiation of astrocytes into neurons by regulating the Wnt/Notch pathway to exert neuroprotective effects during recovery from cerebral ischaemia. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS A suture crossing the external carotid artery to occlude the middle cerebral artery was used to prepare a model of cerebral IR (Longa et al., 1989). The Longa neurological function score, modified neurological severity score, tape removal test and grid misstep experiment were used to evaluate motor nerve function. Triphenyltetrazolium chloride was used to determine the extent of cerebral infarction. Left/right hemisphere contrast was used to measure brain atrophy. Astrocytes labelled with adeno-associated virus were used to track their fate after transdifferentiation. Laser speckle contrast imaging was used to observe the effects of l-Borneolum and Borneolum on cerebral blood flow. Immunofluorescence and western blotting were used to investigate their mechanisms. RESULTS l-Borneolum and Borneolum significantly improved neurological function and limb movement in rats with cerebral ischaemia during recovery and increased cerebral blood flow. l-Borneolum improved forelimb motor coordination more effectively than Borneolum and promoted transdifferentiation of astrocytes to GABAergic neurons in the striatal region. The expression of Wnt3a and Notch-1 was downregulated. The expression of vascular endothelial growth factor was not significantly changed. Borneolum improved forelimb sensitivity and alleviated cerebral infarction and brain atrophy more effectively than l-Borneolum, which promoted transdifferentiation of astrocytes into neurons and nestin expression and neurogenesis in the striatal zone. The expression of glycogen synthase kinase-3β and β-catenin was upregulated. l-Borneolum and Borneolum had no significant neuroprotective effect on the cortex and hippocampus. CONCLUSIONS l-Borneolum and Borneolum exerted neuroprotective effects on cerebral ischaemia during recovery by promoting neurogenesis and blood circulation in the striatal and subventricular zones. Their mechanisms may be related to the Wnt3a and Notch-1 pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rong Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu, China; School of Medicine, Foshan University, Foshan, China; School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Danni Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu, China; School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Qian Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu, China; School of Medicine, Foshan University, Foshan, China; School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Jianmei Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu, China; School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Mihong Ren
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu, China; School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Yong Li
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu, China; School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Jiajun Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu, China; School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Jinxiu Li
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu, China; School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Zhuo Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu, China; School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Jian Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu, China; School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China.
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18
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Portela-Lomba M, Simón D, Fernández de Sevilla D, Moreno-Flores MT, Sierra J. Small molecules fail to induce direct reprogramming of adult rat olfactory ensheathing glia to mature neurons. Front Mol Neurosci 2023; 16:1110356. [PMID: 36910262 PMCID: PMC9998535 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2023.1110356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2023] Open
Abstract
An approach to generate new neurons after central nervous system injury or disease is direct reprogramming of the individual's own somatic cells into differentiated neurons. This can be achieved either by transduction of viral vectors that express neurogenic transcription factors and/or through induction with small molecules, avoiding introducing foreign genetic material in target cells. In this work, we propose olfactory ensheathing glia (OEG) as a candidate for direct reprogramming to neurons with small molecules due to its well-characterized neuro-regenerative capacity. After screening different combinations of small molecules in different culture conditions, only partial reprogramming was achieved: induced cells expressed neuronal markers but lacked the ability of firing action potentials. Our work demonstrates that direct conversion of adult olfactory ensheathing glia to mature, functional neurons cannot be induced only with pharmacological tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Portela-Lomba
- School of Experimental Sciences, Universidad Francisco de Vitoria, Pozuelo de Alarcón, Madrid, Spain
| | - Diana Simón
- School of Experimental Sciences, Universidad Francisco de Vitoria, Pozuelo de Alarcón, Madrid, Spain
| | - David Fernández de Sevilla
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Mª Teresa Moreno-Flores
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Javier Sierra
- School of Experimental Sciences, Universidad Francisco de Vitoria, Pozuelo de Alarcón, Madrid, Spain.,School of Medicine, Universidad Francisco de Vitoria, Madrid, Spain
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19
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Shen K, Wu D, Sun B, Zhu Y, Wang H, Zou W, Ma Y, Lu Z. Ginsenoside Rg1 promotes astrocyte-to-neuron transdifferentiation in rat and its possible mechanism. CNS Neurosci Ther 2022; 29:256-269. [PMID: 36352836 PMCID: PMC9804042 DOI: 10.1111/cns.14000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2022] [Revised: 09/17/2022] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Neuronal loss caused by spinal cord injury (SCI) usually contributes to irreversible motor dysfunction. Promoting neuronal regeneration and functional recovery is vital to the repair of SCI. AIMS Astrocytes, activated by SCI with high proliferative capacity and proximity to neuronal lineage, are considered ideal cells for neuronal regeneration. As previous studies identified several small molecules for the induction of astrocyte-to-neuron, we confirmed that ginsenoside Rg1, a neuroprotective herb, could promote the direct transdifferentiation of astrocyte-to-neuron in rat. METHODS AND RESULTS Immunofluorescence staining showed that 26.0 ± 1.5% of the induced cells exhibited less astroglial properties and more neuronal markers with typical neuronal morphologies, reflecting 20.6 ± 0.9% of cholinergic neurons and 22.3 ± 1.9% of dopaminergic neurons. Western blot and qRT-PCR revealed that the induced cells had better antiapoptotic ability and Rg1-promoted neuronal transdifferentiation of reactive astrocytes might take effect through suppressing Notch/Stat3 signal pathway. In vivo, a revised SCI model treated by Rg1 was confirmed with faster functional recovery and less injury lesion cavity. CONCLUSION In summary, our study provided a novel strategy of direct transdifferentiation of endogenous rat reactive astrocytes into neurons with Rg1 and promotion of neuronal regeneration after SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelv Shen
- Department of OrthopedicsThe Second Affliated Hospital of Soochow UniversitySuzhouChina
| | - Duanrong Wu
- Department of OrthopedicsThe Second Affliated Hospital of Soochow UniversitySuzhouChina
| | - Baihan Sun
- Department of OrthopedicsThe Second Affliated Hospital of Soochow UniversitySuzhouChina
| | - Yin Zhu
- Department of OrthopedicsThe Second Affliated Hospital of Soochow UniversitySuzhouChina
| | - Hao Wang
- Department of OrthopedicsThe Second Affliated Hospital of Soochow UniversitySuzhouChina
| | - Wenjun Zou
- Department of OrthopedicsThe Second Affliated Hospital of Soochow UniversitySuzhouChina
| | - Yuhang Ma
- Department of OrthopedicsThe Second Affliated Hospital of Soochow UniversitySuzhouChina
| | - Zhengfeng Lu
- Department of OrthopedicsThe Second Affliated Hospital of Soochow UniversitySuzhouChina
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20
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Clark IH, Roman A, Fellows E, Radha S, Var SR, Roushdy Z, Borer SM, Johnson S, Chen O, Borgida JS, Steevens A, Shetty A, Strell P, Low WC, Grande AW. Cell Reprogramming for Regeneration and Repair of the Nervous System. Biomedicines 2022; 10:2598. [PMID: 36289861 PMCID: PMC9599606 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10102598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2022] [Revised: 09/24/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
A persistent barrier to the cure and treatment of neurological diseases is the limited ability of the central and peripheral nervous systems to undergo neuroregeneration and repair. Recent efforts have turned to regeneration of various cell types through cellular reprogramming of native cells as a promising therapy to replenish lost or diminished cell populations in various neurological diseases. This review provides an in-depth analysis of the current viral vectors, genes of interest, and target cellular populations that have been studied, as well as the challenges and future directions of these novel therapies. Furthermore, the mechanisms by which cellular reprogramming could be optimized as treatment in neurological diseases and a review of the most recent cellular reprogramming in vitro and in vivo studies will also be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isaac H. Clark
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering Graduate Program, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
- Stem Cell Institute, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Alex Roman
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
- Stem Cell Institute, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Emily Fellows
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
- Stem Cell Institute, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Swathi Radha
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
- Stem Cell Institute, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Susanna R. Var
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
- Stem Cell Institute, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Zachary Roushdy
- Stem Cell Institute, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Samuel M. Borer
- Stem Cell Institute, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Samantha Johnson
- Stem Cell Institute, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Olivia Chen
- Stem Cell Institute, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Jacob S. Borgida
- Stem Cell Institute, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Aleta Steevens
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
- Stem Cell Institute, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Anala Shetty
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
- Stem Cell Institute, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
- Molecular, Cell, Developmental Biology & Genetics Graduate Program, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Phoebe Strell
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
- Stem Cell Institute, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
- Comparative and Molecular Sciences Graduate Program, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Walter C. Low
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering Graduate Program, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
- Stem Cell Institute, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
- Molecular, Cell, Developmental Biology & Genetics Graduate Program, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
- Comparative and Molecular Sciences Graduate Program, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Andrew W. Grande
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering Graduate Program, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
- Stem Cell Institute, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
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21
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Guo Y, Wang YY, Sun TT, Xu JJ, Yang P, Ma CY, Guan WJ, Wang CJ, Liu GF, Liu CQ. Neural progenitor cells derived from fibroblasts induced by small molecule compounds under hypoxia for treatment of Parkinson's disease in rats. Neural Regen Res 2022; 18:1090-1098. [PMID: 36254998 PMCID: PMC9827776 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.355820] [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: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Neural progenitor cells (NPCs) capable of self-renewal and differentiation into neural cell lineages offer broad prospects for cell therapy for neurodegenerative diseases. However, cell therapy based on NPC transplantation is limited by the inability to acquire sufficient quantities of NPCs. Previous studies have found that a chemical cocktail of valproic acid, CHIR99021, and Repsox (VCR) promotes mouse fibroblasts to differentiate into NPCs under hypoxic conditions. Therefore, we used VCR (0.5 mM valproic acid, 3 μM CHIR99021, and 1 μM Repsox) to induce the reprogramming of rat embryonic fibroblasts into NPCs under a hypoxic condition (5%). These NPCs exhibited typical neurosphere-like structures that can express NPC markers, such as Nestin, SRY-box transcription factor 2, and paired box 6 (Pax6), and could also differentiate into multiple types of functional neurons and astrocytes in vitro. They had similar gene expression profiles to those of rat brain-derived neural stem cells. Subsequently, the chemically-induced NPCs (ciNPCs) were stereotactically transplanted into the substantia nigra of 6-hydroxydopamine-lesioned parkinsonian rats. We found that the ciNPCs exhibited long-term survival, migrated long distances, and differentiated into multiple types of functional neurons and glial cells in vivo. Moreover, the parkinsonian behavioral defects of the parkinsonian model rats grafted with ciNPCs showed remarkable functional recovery. These findings suggest that rat fibroblasts can be directly transformed into NPCs using a chemical cocktail of VCR without introducing exogenous factors, which may be an attractive donor material for transplantation therapy for Parkinson's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Guo
- School of Laboratory Medicine, School of Life Sciences, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui Province, China
| | - Yuan-Yuan Wang
- School of Laboratory Medicine, School of Life Sciences, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui Province, China
| | - Ting-Ting Sun
- School of Laboratory Medicine, School of Life Sciences, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui Province, China
| | - Jia-Jia Xu
- School of Laboratory Medicine, School of Life Sciences, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui Province, China
| | - Pan Yang
- School of Laboratory Medicine, School of Life Sciences, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui Province, China
| | - Cai-Yun Ma
- School of Laboratory Medicine, School of Life Sciences, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui Province, China,National Germplasm Resource Center for Domestic Animals, Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, Beijing, China
| | - Wei-Jun Guan
- National Germplasm Resource Center for Domestic Animals, Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, Beijing, China
| | - Chun-Jing Wang
- School of Laboratory Medicine, School of Life Sciences, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui Province, China
| | - Gao-Feng Liu
- School of Laboratory Medicine, School of Life Sciences, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui Province, China,Correspondence to: Chang-Qing Liu, ; Gao-Feng Liu, .
| | - Chang-Qing Liu
- School of Laboratory Medicine, School of Life Sciences, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui Province, China,Department of Neuroscience, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT, USA,Correspondence to: Chang-Qing Liu, ; Gao-Feng Liu, .
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22
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Gong S, Shao H, Cai X, Zhu J. Astrocyte-Derived Neuronal Transdifferentiation as a Therapy for Ischemic Stroke: Advances and Challenges. Brain Sci 2022; 12:brainsci12091175. [PMID: 36138912 PMCID: PMC9497100 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci12091175] [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: 05/25/2022] [Revised: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
After the onset of ischemic stroke, ischemia–hypoxic cascades cause irreversible neuronal death. Neurons are the fundamental structures of the central nervous system, and mature neurons do not renew or multiply after death. Functional and structural recovery from neurological deficits caused by ischemic attack is a huge task. Hence, there remains a need to replace the lost neurons relying on endogenous neurogenesis or exogenous stem cell-based neuronal differentiation. However, the stem cell source difficulty and the risk of immune rejection of the allogeneic stem cells might hinder the wide clinical application of the above therapy. With the advancement of transdifferentiation induction technology, it has been demonstrated that astrocytes can be converted to neurons through ectopic expression or the knockdown of specific components. The progress and problems of astrocyte transdifferentiation will be discussed in this article.
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23
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Aleksandrova MA, Sukhinich KK. Astrocytes of the Brain: Retinue Plays the King. Russ J Dev Biol 2022. [DOI: 10.1134/s1062360422040026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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24
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Böhnke L, Zhou-Yang L, Pelucchi S, Kogler F, Frantal D, Schön F, Lagerström S, Borgogno O, Baltazar J, Herdy JR, Kittel-Schneider S, Defrancesco M, Mertens J. Chemical Replacement of Noggin with Dorsomorphin Homolog 1 for Cost-Effective Direct Neuronal Conversion. Cell Reprogram 2022; 24:304-313. [PMID: 35877103 PMCID: PMC9587801 DOI: 10.1089/cell.2021.0200] [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: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The direct conversion of adult human skin fibroblasts (FBs) into induced neurons (iNs) represents a useful technology to generate donor-specific adult-like human neurons. Disease modeling studies rely on the consistently efficient conversion of relatively large cohorts of FBs. Despite the identification of several small molecular enhancers, high-yield protocols still demand addition of recombinant Noggin. To identify a replacement to circumvent the technical and economic challenges associated with Noggin, we assessed dynamic gene expression trajectories of transforming growth factor-β signaling during FB-to-iN conversion. We identified ALK2 (ACVR1) of the bone morphogenic protein branch to possess the highest initial transcript abundance in FBs and the steepest decline during successful neuronal conversion. We thus assessed the efficacy of dorsomorphin homolog 1 (DMH1), a highly selective ALK2-inhibitor, for its potential to replace Noggin. Conversion media containing DMH1 (+DMH1) indeed enhanced conversion efficiencies over basic SMAD inhibition (tSMADi), yielding similar βIII-tubulin (TUBB3) purities as conversion media containing Noggin (+Noggin). Furthermore, +DMH1 induced high yields of iNs with clear neuronal morphologies that are positive for the mature neuronal marker NeuN. Validation of +DMH1 for iN conversion of FBs from 15 adult human donors further demonstrates that Noggin-free conversion consistently yields iN cultures that display high βIII-tubulin numbers with synaptic structures and basic spontaneous neuronal activity at a third of the cost.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lena Böhnke
- Neural Aging Laboratory, Institute of Molecular Biology, CMBI, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Tyrol, Austria.,Laboratory of Genetics, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Lucia Zhou-Yang
- Neural Aging Laboratory, Institute of Molecular Biology, CMBI, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Tyrol, Austria
| | - Silvia Pelucchi
- Neural Aging Laboratory, Institute of Molecular Biology, CMBI, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Tyrol, Austria
| | - Flora Kogler
- Neural Aging Laboratory, Institute of Molecular Biology, CMBI, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Tyrol, Austria
| | - Daniela Frantal
- Neural Aging Laboratory, Institute of Molecular Biology, CMBI, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Tyrol, Austria
| | - Florian Schön
- Neural Aging Laboratory, Institute of Molecular Biology, CMBI, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Tyrol, Austria
| | - Stina Lagerström
- Neural Aging Laboratory, Institute of Molecular Biology, CMBI, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Tyrol, Austria
| | - Oliver Borgogno
- Neural Aging Laboratory, Institute of Molecular Biology, CMBI, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Tyrol, Austria
| | - Jennifer Baltazar
- Neural Aging Laboratory, Institute of Molecular Biology, CMBI, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Tyrol, Austria
| | - Joseph R Herdy
- Neural Aging Laboratory, Institute of Molecular Biology, CMBI, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Tyrol, Austria.,Laboratory of Genetics, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Sarah Kittel-Schneider
- Center of Mental Health, Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Bavaria, Germany
| | - Michaela Defrancesco
- Division of Psychiatry I, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Tyrol, Austria
| | - Jerome Mertens
- Neural Aging Laboratory, Institute of Molecular Biology, CMBI, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Tyrol, Austria.,Laboratory of Genetics, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, California, USA
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25
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Wang J, Chen S, Pan C, Li G, Tang Z. Application of Small Molecules in the Central Nervous System Direct Neuronal Reprogramming. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 10:799152. [PMID: 35875485 PMCID: PMC9301571 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.799152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The lack of regenerative capacity of neurons leads to poor prognoses for some neurological disorders. The use of small molecules to directly reprogram somatic cells into neurons provides a new therapeutic strategy for neurological diseases. In this review, the mechanisms of action of different small molecules, the approaches to screening small molecule cocktails, and the methods employed to detect their reprogramming efficiency are discussed, and the studies, focusing on neuronal reprogramming using small molecules in neurological disease models, are collected. Future research efforts are needed to investigate the in vivo mechanisms of small molecule-mediated neuronal reprogramming under pathophysiological states, optimize screening cocktails and dosing regimens, and identify safe and effective delivery routes to promote neural regeneration in different neurological diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Gaigai Li
- *Correspondence: Gaigai Li, ; Zhouping Tang,
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26
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Ma NX, Puls B, Chen G. Transcriptomic analyses of NeuroD1-mediated astrocyte-to-neuron conversion. Dev Neurobiol 2022; 82:375-391. [PMID: 35606902 PMCID: PMC9540770 DOI: 10.1002/dneu.22882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2021] [Revised: 05/03/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Ectopic expression of a single neural transcription factor NeuroD1 can reprogram reactive glial cells into functional neurons both in vitro and in vivo, but the underlying mechanisms are not well understood yet. Here, we used RNA-sequencing technology to capture the transcriptomic changes at different time points during the reprogramming process. We found that following NeuroD1 overexpression, astroglial genes (ACTG1, ALDH1A3, EMP1, CLDN6, SOX21) were significantly downregulated, whereas neuronal genes (DCX, RBFOX3/NeuN, CUX2, RELN, SNAP25) were significantly upregulated. NeuroD family members (NeuroD1/2/6) and signaling pathways (Wnt, MAPK, cAMP) as well as neurotransmitter receptors (acetylcholine, somatostatin, dopamine) were also significantly upregulated. Gene co-expression analysis identified many central genes among the NeuroD1-interacting network, including CABP7, KIAA1456, SSTR2, GADD45G, LRRTM2, and INSM1. Compared to chemical conversion, we found that NeuroD1 acted as a strong driving force and triggered fast transcriptomic changes during astrocyte-to-neuron conversion process. Together, this study reveals many important downstream targets of NeuroD1 such as HES6, BHLHE22, INSM1, CHRNA1/3, CABP7, and SSTR2, which may play critical roles during the transcriptomic landscape shift from a glial profile to a neuronal profile.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ning-Xin Ma
- Department of Biology, Huck Institutes of Life Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Brendan Puls
- Department of Biology, Huck Institutes of Life Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Gong Chen
- Department of Biology, Huck Institutes of Life Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA.,GHM Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
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27
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Peng Z, Lu H, Yang Q, Xie Q. Astrocyte Reprogramming in Stroke: Opportunities and Challenges. Front Aging Neurosci 2022; 14:885707. [PMID: 35663583 PMCID: PMC9160982 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2022.885707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Stroke is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. In the early stages of stroke, irreversible damage to neurons leads to high mortality and disability rates in patients. However, there are still no effective prevention and treatment measures for the resulting massive neuronal death in clinical practice. Astrocyte reprogramming has recently attracted much attention as an avenue for increasing neurons in mice after cerebral ischemia. However, the field of astrocyte reprogramming has recently been mired in controversy due to reports questioning whether newborn neurons are derived from astrocyte transformation. To better understand the process and controversies of astrocyte reprogramming, this review introduces the method of astrocyte reprogramming and its application in stroke. By targeting key transcription factors or microRNAs, astrocytes in the mouse brain could be reprogrammed into functional neurons. Additionally, we summarize some of the current controversies over the lack of cell lineage tracing and single-cell sequencing experiments to provide evidence of gene expression profile changes throughout the process of astrocyte reprogramming. Finally, we present recent advances in cell lineage tracing and single-cell sequencing, suggesting that it is possible to characterize the entire process of astrocyte reprogramming by combining these techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhouzhou Peng
- Department of Neurology, Second Affiliated Hospital, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Institute for Brain and Intelligence, Guangyang Bay Laboratory, Chongqing, China
| | - Hui Lu
- Department of Neurology, Second Affiliated Hospital, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Institute for Brain and Intelligence, Guangyang Bay Laboratory, Chongqing, China
| | - Qingwu Yang
- Department of Neurology, Second Affiliated Hospital, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Institute for Brain and Intelligence, Guangyang Bay Laboratory, Chongqing, China
| | - Qi Xie
- Department of Neurology, Second Affiliated Hospital, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Institute for Brain and Intelligence, Guangyang Bay Laboratory, Chongqing, China
- *Correspondence: Qi Xie,
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28
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Generation of a Pure Culture of Neuron-like Cells with a Glutamatergic Phenotype from Mouse Astrocytes. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10040928. [PMID: 35453678 PMCID: PMC9031297 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10040928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2022] [Revised: 04/09/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Astrocyte-to-neuron reprogramming is a promising therapeutic approach for treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. The use of small molecules as an alternative to the virus-mediated ectopic expression of lineage-specific transcription factors negates the tumorigenic risk associated with viral genetic manipulation and uncontrolled differentiation of stem cells. However, because previously developed methods for small-molecule reprogramming of astrocytes to neurons are multistep, complex, and lengthy, their applications in biomedicine, including clinical treatment, are limited. Therefore, our objective in this study was to develop a novel chemical-based approach to the cellular reprogramming of astrocytes into neurons with high efficiency and low complexity. To accomplish that, we used C8-D1a, a mouse astrocyte cell line, to assess the role of small molecules in reprogramming protocols that otherwise suffer from inconsistencies caused by variations in donor of the primary cell. We developed a new protocol by which a chemical mixture formulated with Y26732, DAPT, RepSox, CHIR99021, ruxolitinib, and SAG rapidly and efficiently induced the neural reprogramming of astrocytes in four days, with a conversion efficiency of 82 ± 6%. Upon exposure to the maturation medium, those reprogrammed cells acquired a glutaminergic phenotype over the next eleven days. We also demonstrated the neuronal functionality of the induced cells by confirming KCL-induced calcium flux.
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29
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Yang Z, Xu X, Gu C, Nielsen AV, Chen G, Guo F, Tang C, Zhao Y. Chemical Pretreatment Activated a Plastic State Amenable to Direct Lineage Reprogramming. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:865038. [PMID: 35399519 PMCID: PMC8990889 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.865038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Somatic cells can be chemically reprogrammed into a pluripotent stem cell (CiPSC) state, mediated by an extraembryonic endoderm- (XEN-) like state. We found that the chemical cocktail applied in CiPSC generation initially activated a plastic state in mouse fibroblasts before transitioning into XEN-like cells. The plastic state was characterized by broadly activated expression of development-associated transcription factors (TFs), such as Sox17, Ascl1, Tbx3, and Nkx6-1, with a more accessible chromatin state indicating an enhanced capability of cell fate conversion. Intriguingly, introducing such a plastic state remarkably improved the efficiency of chemical reprogramming from fibroblasts to functional neuron-like cells with electrophysiological activity or beating skeletal muscles. Furthermore, the generation of chemically induced neuron-like cells or skeletal muscles from mouse fibroblasts was independent of the intermediate XEN-like state or the pluripotency state. In summary, our findings revealed a plastic chemically activated multi-lineage priming (CaMP) state at the onset of chemical reprogramming. This state enhanced the cells’ potential to adapt to other cell fates. It provides a general approach to empowering chemical reprogramming methods to obtain functional cell types bypassing inducing pluripotent stem cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenghao Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, MOE Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation, Beijing Key Laboratory of Cardiometabolic Molecular Medicine, Institute of Molecular Medicine, College of Future Technology, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaochan Xu
- Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Chan Gu
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | | | - Guokai Chen
- Centre of Reproduction, Development and Aging, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau, China
| | - Fan Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Chao Tang
- Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China.,Center for Quantitative Biology, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Yang Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, MOE Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation, Beijing Key Laboratory of Cardiometabolic Molecular Medicine, Institute of Molecular Medicine, College of Future Technology, Peking University, Beijing, China.,Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
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30
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Zheng J. Hippocampal neurogenesis and pro‐neurogenic therapies for Alzheimer's disease. Animal Model Exp Med 2022; 5:3-14. [PMID: 35229998 PMCID: PMC8879631 DOI: 10.1002/ame2.12212] [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: 09/01/2021] [Revised: 12/24/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Adult hippocampal neurogenesis (AHN) facilitates hippocampal circuits plasticity and regulates hippocampus‐dependent cognition and emotion. However, AHN malfunction has been widely reported in both human and animal models of Alzheimer's disease (AD), the most common form of dementia in the elderly. Pro‐neurogenic therapies including rescuing innate AHN, cell engraftment and glia‐neuron reprogramming hold great potential for compensating the neuronal loss and rewiring the degenerated neuronal network in AD, but there are still great challenges to be overcome. This review covers recent advances in unraveling the involvement of AHN in AD and highlights the prospect of emerging pro‐neurogenic remedies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Zheng
- Department of Pharmacology Key Laboratory of Basic Pharmacology of Ministry of Education and Joint International Research Laboratory of Ethnomedicine of Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Basic Pharmacology of Guizhou Province Zunyi Medical University Zunyi China
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31
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Edwards N, McCaughey-Chapman AJ, Combrinck C, Geiger JP, Connor B. Small Molecules Enhance Reprogramming of Adult Human Dermal Fibroblasts to Dorsal Forebrain Precursor Cells. Stem Cells Dev 2021; 31:78-89. [PMID: 34963331 DOI: 10.1089/scd.2021.0130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The development of human cell-based platforms for disease modelling, drug discovery and regenerative therapy rely on robust and practical methods to derive high yields of relevant neuronal subtypes. Direct reprogramming strategies have sought to provide a means of deriving human neurons that mitigate the low conversion efficiencies and protracted timing of human embryonic stem cell (hESC) and induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived neuron specification in vitro. However, few studies have demonstrated the direct conversion of adult human fibroblasts into multipotent neural precursors with the capacity to differentiate into cortical neurons with high efficiency. In this study, we demonstrate a direct reprogramming strategy using chemically modified mRNA (cmRNA) encoding the pro-neural genes SOX2 and PAX6 coupled with small molecule supplementation to enhance the derivation of human induced dorsal forebrain precursors directly from adult human fibroblasts (aHDFs). Through transcriptional and phenotypic analysis of lineage-specific precursor and cortical neuron markers, we have demonstrated that this combined strategy significantly enhances the direct derivation of dorsal forebrain precursors from aHDFs which, following timely exposure to defined differentiation media gives rise to high yields of functional glutamatergic neurons. We propose this combined strategy provides a highly tractable and efficient human cell-based platform for disease modelling and drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Edwards
- The University of Auckland Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, 62710, Pharmacology & Clinical Pharmacology, Auckland, New Zealand;
| | - Amy Jane McCaughey-Chapman
- The University of Auckland Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, 62710, Pharmacology & Clinical Pharmacology, Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand;
| | - Catharina Combrinck
- The University of Auckland Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, 62710, Pharmacology & Clinical Pharmacology, Auckland, New Zealand;
| | | | - Bronwen Connor
- The University of Auckland Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, 62710, Pharmacology, Private Bag 92019, Grafton, Auckland, NA, New Zealand, 1142.,University of Auckland;
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32
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Ma W, Yang JW, Wang XB, Luo T, Zhou L, Lagares A, Li H, Liang Z, Liu KP, Zang CH, Li CY, Wu Z, Guo JH, Zhou XF, Li LY. Negative regulation by proBDNF signaling of peripheral neurogenesis in the sensory ganglia of adult rats. Biomed Pharmacother 2021; 144:112273. [PMID: 34700232 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2021.112273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2020] [Revised: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurogenesis in the adult brain is well recognized and plays a critical role in the maintenance of brain function and homeostasis. However, whether neurogenesis also occurs in the adult peripheral nervous system remains unknown. Here, using sensory ganglia (dorsal root ganglia, DRGs) as a model, we show that neurogenesis also occurs in the peripheral nervous system, but in a manner different from that in the central nervous system. Satellite glial cells (SGCs) express the neuronal precursor markers Nestin, POU domain, class 4, transcription factor 1, and p75 pan-neurotrophin receptor. Following sciatic nerve injury, the suppression of endogenous proBDNF by proBDNF antibodies resulted in the transformation of proliferating SGCs into doublecortin-positive cells in the DRGs. Using purified SGCs migrating out from the DRGs, the inhibition of endogenous proBDNF promoted the conversion of SGCs into neuronal phenotypes in vitro. Our findings suggest that SGCs are neuronal precursors, and that proBDNF maintains the SGC phenotype. Furthermore, the suppression of proBDNF signaling is necessary for neuronal phenotype acquisition by SGCs. Thus, we propose that peripheral neurogenesis may occur via the direct conversion of SGCs into neurons, and that this process is negatively regulated by proBDNF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Ma
- Institute of Neuroscience, Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650500, Yunnan, China
| | - Jin-Wei Yang
- Second Department of General Surgery, First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, Kunming 650032, Yunnan, China
| | - Xian-Bin Wang
- Institute of Neuroscience, Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650500, Yunnan, China; Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550000, Guizhou, China
| | - Tao Luo
- Institute of Neuroscience, Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650500, Yunnan, China; Medical college of Panzhihua University, Panzhihua 617000, Sichuan, China
| | - Lei Zhou
- The Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine of Yunnan Province, Institute of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650500, Yunnan, China
| | - Alfonso Lagares
- Department of Neurosurgery, Hospital 12 de Octubre, Instituto de Investigación imas12, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Hongyun Li
- Brain and Mind Centre, Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, NSW 2050, Australia
| | - Zhang Liang
- Institute of Neuroscience, Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650500, Yunnan, China
| | - Kuang-Pin Liu
- Institute of Neuroscience, Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650500, Yunnan, China
| | - Cheng-Hao Zang
- Second Department of General Surgery, First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, Kunming 650032, Yunnan, China
| | - Chun-Yan Li
- Institute of Neuroscience, Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650500, Yunnan, China
| | - Zhen Wu
- Second Department of General Surgery, First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, Kunming 650032, Yunnan, China
| | - Jian-Hui Guo
- Second Department of General Surgery, First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, Kunming 650032, Yunnan, China.
| | - Xin-Fu Zhou
- School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, Sansom Institute, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia.
| | - Li-Yan Li
- Institute of Neuroscience, Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650500, Yunnan, China.
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33
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Wang N, Ji X, Wu Y, Zhou S, Peng H, Wang J, Yu S, Zhang J. The Different Molecular Code in Generation of Dopaminergic Neurons from Astrocytes and Mesenchymal Stem Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222212141. [PMID: 34830023 PMCID: PMC8622032 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222212141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Revised: 11/01/2021] [Accepted: 11/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Transplantation of exogenous dopaminergic (DA) neurons is an alternative strategy to replenish DA neurons that have lost along the course of Parkinson’s disease (PD). From the perspective of ethical acceptation, the source limitations, and the intrinsic features of PD pathology, astrocytes (AS) and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are the two promising candidates of DA induction. In the present study, we induced AS or MSCs primary culture by the combination of the classical transcription-factor cocktails Mash1, Lmx1a, and Nurr1 (MLN), the chemical cocktails (S/C/D), and the morphogens SHH, FGF8, and FGF2 (S/F8/F2); the efficiency of induction into DA neurons was further analyzed by using immunostaining against the DA neuronal markers. AS could be efficiently converted into the DA neurons in vitro by the transcriptional regulation of MLN, and the combination with S/C/D or S/F8/F2 further increased the conversion efficiency. In contrast, MSCs from umbilical cord (UC-MSCs) or adipose tissue (AD-MSCs) showed moderate TH immunoreactivity after the induction with S/F8/F2 instead of with MLN or S/C/D. Our data demonstrated that AS and MSCs held lineage-specific molecular codes on the induction into DA neurons and highlighted the unique superiority of AS in the potential of cell replacement therapy for PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nana Wang
- School of Biomedical Engineering (Suzhou), Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China; (N.W.); (X.J.); (S.Z.); (H.P.)
- Suzhou Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Suzhou 215163, China; (Y.W.); (J.W.)
| | - Xingrui Ji
- School of Biomedical Engineering (Suzhou), Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China; (N.W.); (X.J.); (S.Z.); (H.P.)
- Suzhou Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Suzhou 215163, China; (Y.W.); (J.W.)
| | - Yue Wu
- Suzhou Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Suzhou 215163, China; (Y.W.); (J.W.)
- Zhengzhou Zhongke Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Technology, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Shaocong Zhou
- School of Biomedical Engineering (Suzhou), Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China; (N.W.); (X.J.); (S.Z.); (H.P.)
- Suzhou Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Suzhou 215163, China; (Y.W.); (J.W.)
| | - Huiyu Peng
- School of Biomedical Engineering (Suzhou), Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China; (N.W.); (X.J.); (S.Z.); (H.P.)
- Suzhou Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Suzhou 215163, China; (Y.W.); (J.W.)
| | - Jingwen Wang
- Suzhou Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Suzhou 215163, China; (Y.W.); (J.W.)
- Zhengzhou Zhongke Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Technology, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Shuang Yu
- School of Biomedical Engineering (Suzhou), Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China; (N.W.); (X.J.); (S.Z.); (H.P.)
- Suzhou Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Suzhou 215163, China; (Y.W.); (J.W.)
- Correspondence: (S.Y.); (J.Z.); Tel.: +86-13951103916 (S.Y.); +86-13913161723 (J.Z.)
| | - Jingzhong Zhang
- School of Biomedical Engineering (Suzhou), Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China; (N.W.); (X.J.); (S.Z.); (H.P.)
- Suzhou Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Suzhou 215163, China; (Y.W.); (J.W.)
- Zhengzhou Zhongke Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Technology, Zhengzhou 450001, China
- Correspondence: (S.Y.); (J.Z.); Tel.: +86-13951103916 (S.Y.); +86-13913161723 (J.Z.)
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34
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Zeng P, Hua QH, Gong JY, Shi CJ, Pi XP, Xie X, Zhang R. Neonatal cortical astrocytes possess intrinsic potential in neuronal conversion in defined media. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2021; 42:1757-1768. [PMID: 33547374 PMCID: PMC8563807 DOI: 10.1038/s41401-020-00586-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2020] [Accepted: 11/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes are multifunctional brain cells responsible for maintaining the health and function of the central nervous system. Accumulating evidence suggests that astrocytes might be complementary source across different brain regions to supply new neurons during adult neurogenesis. In this study, we found that neonatal mouse cortical astrocytes can be directly converted into neurons when exposed to neurogenic differentiation culture conditions, with insulin being the most critical component. Detailed comparison studies between mouse cortical astrocytes and neuronal progenitor cells (NPCs) demonstrated the converted neuronal cells originate indeed from the astrocytes rather than NPCs. The neurons derived from mouse cortical astrocytes display typical neuronal morphologies, express neuronal markers and possess typical neuronal electrophysiological properties. More importantly, these neurons can survive and mature in the mouse brain in vivo. Finally, by comparing astrocytes from different brain regions, we found that only cortical astrocytes but not astrocytes from other brain regions such as hippocampus and cerebellum can be converted into neurons under the current condition. Altogether, our findings suggest that neonatal astrocytes from certain brain regions possess intrinsic potential to differentiate/transdifferentiate into neurons which may have clinical relevance in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Zeng
- grid.24516.340000000123704535Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, Laboratory of Receptor-based Bio-medicine, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092 China
| | - Qiu-hong Hua
- grid.24516.340000000123704535Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, Laboratory of Receptor-based Bio-medicine, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092 China
| | - Jun-yuan Gong
- grid.24516.340000000123704535Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, Laboratory of Receptor-based Bio-medicine, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092 China
| | - Chang-jie Shi
- grid.24516.340000000123704535Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, Laboratory of Receptor-based Bio-medicine, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092 China
| | - Xiao-ping Pi
- grid.9227.e0000000119573309CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, the National Center for Drug Screening, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203 China
| | - Xin Xie
- grid.9227.e0000000119573309CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, the National Center for Drug Screening, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203 China
| | - Ru Zhang
- grid.24516.340000000123704535Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, Laboratory of Receptor-based Bio-medicine, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092 China
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35
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Enz TJ, Tribble JR, Williams PA. Comparison of Glaucoma-Relevant Transcriptomic Datasets Identifies Novel Drug Targets for Retinal Ganglion Cell Neuroprotection. J Clin Med 2021; 10:3938. [PMID: 34501387 PMCID: PMC8432026 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10173938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2021] [Revised: 08/10/2021] [Accepted: 08/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Glaucoma is a leading cause of blindness and is characterized by the progressive dysfunction and irreversible death of retinal ganglion cells. We aimed to identify shared differentially expressed genes (DE genes) between different glaucoma relevant models of retinal ganglion cell injury using existing RNA-sequencing data, thereby discovering targets for neuroprotective therapies. A comparison of DE genes from publicly available transcriptomic datasets identified 12 shared DE genes. The Comparative Toxicogenomics Database (CTD) was screened for compounds targeting a significant proportion of the identified DE genes. Forty compounds were identified in the CTD that interact with >50% of these shared DE genes. We next validated this approach by testing select compounds for an effect on retinal ganglion cell survival using a mouse retinal explant model. Folic acid, genistein, SB-431542, valproic acid, and WY-14643 (pirinixic acid) were tested. Folic acid, valproic acid, and WY-14643 demonstrated significant protection against retinal ganglion cell death in this model. The increasing prevalence of open access-omics data presents a resource to discover targets for future therapeutic investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Pete A. Williams
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Division of Eye and Vision, St. Erik Eye Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, 171 64 Stockholm, Sweden; (T.J.E.); (J.R.T.)
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36
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Wang Y, Zhang X, Chen F, Song N, Xie J. In vivo Direct Conversion of Astrocytes to Neurons Maybe a Potential Alternative Strategy for Neurodegenerative Diseases. Front Aging Neurosci 2021; 13:689276. [PMID: 34408642 PMCID: PMC8366583 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2021.689276] [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: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 07/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Partly because of extensions in lifespan, the incidence of neurodegenerative diseases is increasing, while there is no effective approach to slow or prevent neuronal degeneration. As we all know, neurons cannot self-regenerate and may not be replaced once being damaged or degenerated in human brain. Astrocytes are widely distributed in the central nervous system (CNS) and proliferate once CNS injury or neurodegeneration occur. Actually, direct reprogramming astrocytes into functional neurons has been attracting more and more attention in recent years. Human astrocytes can be successfully converted into neurons in vitro. Notably, in vivo direct reprogramming of astrocytes into functional neurons were achieved in the adult mouse and non-human primate brains. In this review, we briefly summarized in vivo direct reprogramming of astrocytes into functional neurons as regenerative strategies for CNS diseases, mainly focusing on neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s disease (PD), Alzheimer’s disease (AD), and Huntington’s disease (HD). We highlight and outline the advantages and challenges of direct neuronal reprogramming from astrocytes in vivo for future neuroregenerative medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youcui Wang
- Institute of Brain Science and Disease, School of Basic Medicine, Shandong Provincial Collaborative Innovation Center for Neurodegenerative Disorders, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis and Prevention of Neurological Disorders, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Xiaoqin Zhang
- Institute of Brain Science and Disease, School of Basic Medicine, Shandong Provincial Collaborative Innovation Center for Neurodegenerative Disorders, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis and Prevention of Neurological Disorders, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Fenghua Chen
- Institute of Brain Science and Disease, School of Basic Medicine, Shandong Provincial Collaborative Innovation Center for Neurodegenerative Disorders, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis and Prevention of Neurological Disorders, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Ning Song
- Institute of Brain Science and Disease, School of Basic Medicine, Shandong Provincial Collaborative Innovation Center for Neurodegenerative Disorders, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis and Prevention of Neurological Disorders, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Junxia Xie
- Institute of Brain Science and Disease, School of Basic Medicine, Shandong Provincial Collaborative Innovation Center for Neurodegenerative Disorders, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis and Prevention of Neurological Disorders, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
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37
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Wang F, Cheng L, Zhang X. Reprogramming Glial Cells into Functional Neurons for Neuro-regeneration: Challenges and Promise. Neurosci Bull 2021; 37:1625-1636. [PMID: 34283396 DOI: 10.1007/s12264-021-00751-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2021] [Accepted: 04/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The capacity for neurogenesis in the adult mammalian brain is extremely limited and highly restricted to a few regions, which greatly hampers neuronal regeneration and functional restoration after neuronal loss caused by injury or disease. Meanwhile, transplantation of exogenous neuronal stem cells into the brain encounters several serious issues including immune rejection and the risk of tumorigenesis. Recent discoveries of direct reprogramming of endogenous glial cells into functional neurons have provided new opportunities for adult neuro-regeneration. Here, we extensively review the experimental findings of the direct conversion of glial cells to neurons in vitro and in vivo and discuss the remaining issues and challenges related to the glial subtypes and the specificity and efficiency of direct cell-reprograming, as well as the influence of the microenvironment. Although in situ glial cell reprogramming offers great potential for neuronal repair in the injured or diseased brain, it still needs a large amount of research to pave the way to therapeutic application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fengchao Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Learning, IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, China
| | - Leping Cheng
- Key Laboratory of Longevity and Aging-related Diseases of Chinese Ministry of Education, Guangxi-ASEAN Collaborative Innovation Center for Major Disease Prevention and Treatment, and Guangxi Key Laboratory of Regenerative Medicine, Center for Translational Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China. .,Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China. .,Guangxi Health Commission Key Laboratory of Basic Research on Brain Function and Disease, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China.
| | - Xiaohui Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Learning, IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, China.
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38
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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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39
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Mattiassi S, Rizwan M, Grigsby CL, Zaw AM, Leong KW, Yim EKF. Enhanced efficiency of nonviral direct neuronal reprogramming on topographical patterns. Biomater Sci 2021; 9:5175-5191. [PMID: 34128504 DOI: 10.1039/d1bm00400j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Nonviral direct neuronal reprogramming holds significant potential in the fields of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. However, the issue of low reprogramming efficiency poses a major barrier to its application. We propose that topographical cues, which have been applied successfully to enhance lineage-directed differentiation and multipotent stem cell transdifferentiation, could improve nonviral direct neuronal reprogramming efficiency. To investigate, we used a polymer-BAM (Brn2, Ascl1, Myt1l) factor transfection polypex to reprogram primary mouse embryonic fibroblasts. Using a multiarchitecture chip, we screened for patterns that may improve transfection and/or subsequent induced neuron reprogramming efficiency. Selected patterns were then investigated further by analyzing β-tubulin III (TUJ1) and microtubule-associated protein 2 (MAP2) protein expression, cell morphology and electrophysiological function of induced neurons. Certain hierarchical topographies, with nanopatterns imprinted on micropatterns, significantly improved the percentage of TUJ1+ and MAP2+ cells. It is postulated that the microscale base pattern enhances initial BAM expression while the nanoscale sub-pattern promotes subsequent maturation. This is because the base pattern alone increased expression of TUJ1 and MAP2, while the nanoscale pattern was the only pattern yielding induced neurons capable of firing multiple action potentials. Nanoscale patterns also produced the highest fraction of cells showing spontaneous synaptic activity. Overall, reprogramming efficiency with one dose of polyplex on hierarchical patterns was comparable to that of five doses without topography. Thus, topography can enhance nonviral direct reprogramming of fibroblasts into induced neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina Mattiassi
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Waterloo, 200 University Ave. W, Waterloo, Ontario N2L 3G1, Canada.
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40
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Zhang X, Chen F, Wang Y. Commentary: In vivo Neuroregeneration to Treat Ischemic Stroke Through NeuroD1 AAV-Based Gene Therapy in Adult Non-human Primates. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:648020. [PMID: 34124038 PMCID: PMC8194073 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.648020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2020] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoqin Zhang
- Institute of Brain Science and Disease, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis and Prevention of Neurological Disorders, Shandong Provincial Collaborative Innovation Center for Neurodegenerative Disorders, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Fenghua Chen
- Institute of Brain Science and Disease, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis and Prevention of Neurological Disorders, Shandong Provincial Collaborative Innovation Center for Neurodegenerative Disorders, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Youcui Wang
- Institute of Brain Science and Disease, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis and Prevention of Neurological Disorders, Shandong Provincial Collaborative Innovation Center for Neurodegenerative Disorders, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
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41
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Kalinin AA, Hou X, Ade AS, Fon GV, Meixner W, Higgins GA, Sexton JZ, Wan X, Dinov ID, O'Meara MJ, Athey BD. Valproic acid-induced changes of 4D nuclear morphology in astrocyte cells. Mol Biol Cell 2021; 32:1624-1633. [PMID: 33909457 PMCID: PMC8684733 DOI: 10.1091/mbc.e20-08-0502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Histone deacetylase inhibitors, such as valproic acid (VPA), have important clinical therapeutic and cellular reprogramming applications. They induce chromatin reorganization that is associated with altered cellular morphology. However, there is a lack of comprehensive characterization of VPA-induced changes of nuclear size and shape. Here, we quantify 3D nuclear morphology of primary human astrocyte cells treated with VPA over time (hence, 4D). We compared volumetric and surface-based representations and identified seven features that jointly discriminate between normal and treated cells with 85% accuracy on day 7. From day 3, treated nuclei were more elongated and flattened and then continued to morphologically diverge from controls over time, becoming larger and more irregular. On day 7, most of the size and shape descriptors demonstrated significant differences between treated and untreated cells, including a 24% increase in volume and 6% reduction in extent (shape regularity) for treated nuclei. Overall, we show that 4D morphometry can capture how chromatin reorganization modulates the size and shape of the nucleus over time. These nuclear structural alterations may serve as a biomarker for histone (de-)acetylation events and provide insights into mechanisms of astrocytes-to-neurons reprogramming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandr A Kalinin
- Shenzhen Research Institute of Big Data, Chinese University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen, Shenzhen 518172, Guangdong, China.,Department of Computational Medicine and Bioinformatics.,Statistics Online Computational Resource (SOCR), Health Behavior and Biological Sciences
| | - Xinhai Hou
- Shenzhen Research Institute of Big Data, Chinese University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen, Shenzhen 518172, Guangdong, China.,School of Science and Engineering, Chinese University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen, Shenzhen 518172, Guangdong, China.,Department of Computational Medicine and Bioinformatics
| | - Alex S Ade
- Department of Computational Medicine and Bioinformatics
| | | | | | | | - Jonathan Z Sexton
- Department of Internal Medicine, Gastroenterology, Michigan Medicine.,Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy.,Center for Drug Repurposing
| | - Xiang Wan
- Shenzhen Research Institute of Big Data, Chinese University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen, Shenzhen 518172, Guangdong, China
| | - Ivo D Dinov
- Department of Computational Medicine and Bioinformatics.,Statistics Online Computational Resource (SOCR), Health Behavior and Biological Sciences.,Michigan Institute for Data Science (MIDAS), and
| | | | - Brian D Athey
- Department of Computational Medicine and Bioinformatics.,Michigan Institute for Data Science (MIDAS), and.,Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109
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42
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Compensation for Neurodegeneration by Hippocampal Neurogenesis in Alzheimer's Disease: Where is the Way? Neurosci Bull 2021; 37:885-888. [PMID: 33905098 DOI: 10.1007/s12264-021-00660-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2020] [Accepted: 11/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
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43
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Wang X, Pei Z, Hossain A, Bai Y, Chen G. Transcription factor-based gene therapy to treat glioblastoma through direct neuronal conversion. Cancer Biol Med 2021; 18:j.issn.2095-3941.2020.0499. [PMID: 33755378 PMCID: PMC8330525 DOI: 10.20892/j.issn.2095-3941.2020.0499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2020] [Accepted: 12/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most prevalent and aggressive adult primary cancer in the central nervous system. Therapeutic approaches for GBM treatment are under intense investigation, including the use of emerging immunotherapies. Here, we propose an alternative approach to treat GBM through reprogramming proliferative GBM cells into non-proliferative neurons. METHODS Retroviruses were used to target highly proliferative human GBM cells through overexpression of neural transcription factors. Immunostaining, electrophysiological recording, and bulk RNA-seq were performed to investigate the mechanisms underlying the neuronal conversion of human GBM cells. An in vivo intracranial xenograft mouse model was used to examine the neuronal conversion of human GBM cells. RESULTS We report efficient neuronal conversion from human GBM cells by overexpressing single neural transcription factor Neurogenic differentiation 1 (NeuroD1), Neurogenin-2 (Neurog2), or Achaete-scute homolog 1 (Ascl1). Subtype characterization showed that the majority of Neurog2- and NeuroD1-converted neurons were glutamatergic, while Ascl1 favored GABAergic neuron generation. The GBM cell-converted neurons not only showed pan-neuronal markers but also exhibited neuron-specific electrophysiological activities. Transcriptome analyses revealed that neuronal genes were activated in glioma cells after overexpression of neural transcription factors, and different signaling pathways were activated by different neural transcription factors. Importantly, the neuronal conversion of GBM cells was accompanied by significant inhibition of GBM cell proliferation in both in vitro and in vivo models. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that GBM cells can be reprogrammed into different subtypes of neurons, leading to a potential alternative approach to treat brain tumors using in vivo cell conversion technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Wang
- Department of Biology, Huck Institutes of Life Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Zifei Pei
- Department of Biology, Huck Institutes of Life Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Aasma Hossain
- Department of Biology, Huck Institutes of Life Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Yuting Bai
- Department of Biology, Huck Institutes of Life Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Gong Chen
- Department of Biology, Huck Institutes of Life Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
- GHM Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
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44
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Zheng Y, Huang Z, Xu J, Hou K, Yu Y, Lv S, Chen L, Li Y, Quan C, Chi G. MiR-124 and Small Molecules Synergistically Regulate the Generation of Neuronal Cells from Rat Cortical Reactive Astrocytes. Mol Neurobiol 2021; 58:2447-2464. [PMID: 33725319 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-021-02345-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2020] [Accepted: 02/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Irreversible neuron loss caused by central nervous system injuries usually leads to persistent neurological dysfunction. Reactive astrocytes, because of their high proliferative capacity, proximity to neuronal lineage, and significant involvement in glial scarring, are ideal starting cells for neuronal regeneration. Having previously identified several small molecules as important regulators of astrocyte-to-neuron reprogramming, we established herein that miR-124, ruxolitinib, SB203580, and forskolin could co-regulate rat cortical reactive astrocyte-to-neuron conversion. The induced cells had reduced astroglial properties, displayed typical neuronal morphologies, and expressed neuronal markers, reflecting 25.9% of cholinergic neurons and 22.3% of glutamatergic neurons. Gene analysis revealed that induced neuron gene expression patterns were more similar to that of primary neurons than of initial reactive astrocytes. On the molecular level, miR-124-driven neuronal differentiation of reactive astrocytes was via targeting of the SOX9-NFIA-HES1 axis to inhibit HES1 expression. In conclusion, we present a novel approach to inducing endogenous rat cortical reactive astrocytes into neurons through co-regulation involving miR-124 and three small molecules. Thus, our research has potential implications for inhibiting glial scar formation and promoting neuronal regeneration after central nervous system injury or disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yangyang Zheng
- The Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, 126 Xinmin Street, Changchun, 130021, Jilin, China
| | - Zhehao Huang
- China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, 126 Xiantai Street, Changchun, 130031, Jilin, China
| | - Jinying Xu
- The Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, 126 Xinmin Street, Changchun, 130021, Jilin, China
| | - Kun Hou
- The First Hospital of Jilin University, No. 1 Xinmin Avenue, Changchun, 130021, Jilin, China
| | - Yifei Yu
- The Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, 126 Xinmin Street, Changchun, 130021, Jilin, China
| | - Shuang Lv
- The Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, 126 Xinmin Street, Changchun, 130021, Jilin, China
| | - Lin Chen
- China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, 126 Xiantai Street, Changchun, 130031, Jilin, China
| | - Yulin Li
- The Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, 126 Xinmin Street, Changchun, 130021, Jilin, China.
| | - Chengshi Quan
- The Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, 126 Xinmin Street, Changchun, 130021, Jilin, China.
| | - Guangfan Chi
- The Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, 126 Xinmin Street, Changchun, 130021, Jilin, China.
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45
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Mollinari C, Merlo D. Direct Reprogramming of Somatic Cells to Neurons: Pros and Cons of Chemical Approach. Neurochem Res 2021; 46:1330-1336. [PMID: 33666839 PMCID: PMC8084785 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-021-03282-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2020] [Revised: 01/31/2021] [Accepted: 02/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Translating successful preclinical research in neurodegenerative diseases into clinical practice has been difficult. The preclinical disease models used for testing new drugs not always appear predictive of the effects of the agents in the human disease state. Human induced pluripotent stem cells, obtained by reprogramming of adult somatic cells, represent a powerful system to study the molecular mechanisms of the disease onset and pathogenesis. However, these cells require a long time to differentiate into functional neural cells and the resetting of epigenetic information during reprogramming, might miss the information imparted by age. On the contrary, the direct conversion of somatic cells to neuronal cells is much faster and more efficient, it is safer for cell therapy and allows to preserve the signatures of donors’ age. Direct reprogramming can be induced by lineage-specific transcription factors or chemical cocktails and represents a powerful tool for modeling neurological diseases and for regenerative medicine. In this Commentary we present and discuss strength and weakness of several strategies for the direct cellular reprogramming from somatic cells to generate human brain cells which maintain age‐related features. In particular, we describe and discuss chemical strategy for cellular reprogramming as it represents a valuable tool for many applications such as aged brain modeling, drug screening and personalized medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristiana Mollinari
- Institute of Translational Pharmacology, National Research Council, Via Fosso del Cavaliere 100, 00133, Rome, Italy. .,Department of Neuroscience, Istituto Superiore di Sanita', Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161, Rome, Italy.
| | - Daniela Merlo
- Department of Neuroscience, Istituto Superiore di Sanita', Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161, Rome, Italy
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46
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Pavlinkova G. Molecular Aspects of the Development and Function of Auditory Neurons. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 22:ijms22010131. [PMID: 33374462 PMCID: PMC7796308 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22010131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2020] [Revised: 12/21/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
This review provides an up-to-date source of information on the primary auditory neurons or spiral ganglion neurons in the cochlea. These neurons transmit auditory information in the form of electric signals from sensory hair cells to the first auditory nuclei of the brain stem, the cochlear nuclei. Congenital and acquired neurosensory hearing loss affects millions of people worldwide. An increasing body of evidence suggest that the primary auditory neurons degenerate due to noise exposure and aging more readily than sensory cells, and thus, auditory neurons are a primary target for regenerative therapy. A better understanding of the development and function of these neurons is the ultimate goal for long-term maintenance, regeneration, and stem cell replacement therapy. In this review, we provide an overview of the key molecular factors responsible for the function and neurogenesis of the primary auditory neurons, as well as a brief introduction to stem cell research focused on the replacement and generation of auditory neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela Pavlinkova
- BIOCEV, Institute of Biotechnology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, 25250 Vestec, Czech Republic
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47
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Kang YJ, Diep YN, Tran M, Cho H. Therapeutic Targeting Strategies for Early- to Late-Staged Alzheimer's Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E9591. [PMID: 33339351 PMCID: PMC7766709 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21249591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2020] [Revised: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 12/08/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common cause of dementia, typically showing progressive neurodegeneration in aging brains. The key signatures of the AD progression are the deposition of amyloid-beta (Aβ) peptides, the formation of tau tangles, and the induction of detrimental neuroinflammation leading to neuronal loss. However, conventional pharmacotherapeutic options are merely relying on the alleviation of symptoms that are limited to mild to moderate AD patients. Moreover, some of these medicines discontinued to use due to either the insignificant effectiveness in improving the cognitive impairment or the adverse side effects worsening essential bodily functions. One of the reasons for the failure is the lack of knowledge on the underlying mechanisms that can accurately explain the major causes of the AD progression correlating to the severity of AD. Therefore, there is an urgent need for the better understanding of AD pathogenesis and the development of the disease-modifying treatments, particularly for severe and late-onset AD, which have not been covered thoroughly. Here, we review the underlying mechanisms of AD progression, which have been employed for the currently established therapeutic strategies. We believe this will further spur the discovery of a novel disease-modifying treatment for mild to severe, as well as early- to late-onset, AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- You Jung Kang
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Engineering Science, Center for Biomedical Engineering and Science, University of North Carolina, Charlotte, NC 28223, USA;
- Department of Biological Sciences, Center for Biomedical Engineering and Science, University of North Carolina, Charlotte, NC 28223, USA
| | - Yen N. Diep
- Institute of Quantum Biophysics, Department of Biophysics, Sungkyunkwan University, 2066 Seobu-ro, Jangan-gu, Suwon-si, Gyeonggi-do 16419, Korea; (Y.N.D.); (M.T.)
- Department of Intelligent Precision Healthcare Convergence, Sungkyunkwan University, 2066 Seobu-ro, Jangan-gu, Suwon-si, Gyeonggi-do 16419, Korea
| | - Minh Tran
- Institute of Quantum Biophysics, Department of Biophysics, Sungkyunkwan University, 2066 Seobu-ro, Jangan-gu, Suwon-si, Gyeonggi-do 16419, Korea; (Y.N.D.); (M.T.)
- Department of Intelligent Precision Healthcare Convergence, Sungkyunkwan University, 2066 Seobu-ro, Jangan-gu, Suwon-si, Gyeonggi-do 16419, Korea
| | - Hansang Cho
- Institute of Quantum Biophysics, Department of Biophysics, Sungkyunkwan University, 2066 Seobu-ro, Jangan-gu, Suwon-si, Gyeonggi-do 16419, Korea; (Y.N.D.); (M.T.)
- Department of Intelligent Precision Healthcare Convergence, Sungkyunkwan University, 2066 Seobu-ro, Jangan-gu, Suwon-si, Gyeonggi-do 16419, Korea
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48
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Yang Y, Fan Y, Zhang H, Zhang Q, Zhao Y, Xiao Z, Liu W, Chen B, Gao L, Sun Z, Xue X, Shu M, Dai J. Small molecules combined with collagen hydrogel direct neurogenesis and migration of neural stem cells after spinal cord injury. Biomaterials 2020; 269:120479. [PMID: 33223332 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2020.120479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2020] [Revised: 09/28/2020] [Accepted: 10/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Complete spinal cord injury (SCI) leads to cell death, interruption of axonal connections and permanent functional impairments. In the development of SCI treatments, cell transplantation combined with biomaterial-growth factor-based therapies have been widely studied. Another avenue worth exploring is the generation of neurons from endogenous neural stem cells (NSCs) or reactive astrocytes activated by SCI. Here, we screened a combination of four small molecules, LDN193189, SB431542, CHIR99021 and P7C3-A20, that can increase neuronal differentiation of mouse and rat spinal cord NSCs. Moreover, the small molecules loaded in an injectable collagen hydrogel induced neurogenesis and inhibited astrogliogenesis of endogenous NSCs in the injury site, which usually differentiate into astrocytes under pathological conditions. Meanwhile, induced neurons migrated into the non-neural lesion core, and genetic fate mapping showed that neurons mainly originated from NSCs in the parenchyma, but not from the central canal of the spinal cord. The neuronal regeneration in the lesion sites resulted in some recovery of locomotion. Our findings indicate that the combined treatment of small molecules and collagen hydrogel is a potential therapeutic strategy for SCI by inducing in situ endogenous NSCs to form neurons and restore damaged functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaming Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Yongheng Fan
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Haipeng Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Qi Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Yannan Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Zhifeng Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Wenbin Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Bing Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Lin Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Zheng Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Xiaoyu Xue
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Muya Shu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Jianwu Dai
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China.
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Direct Conversion of Human Stem Cell-Derived Glial Progenitor Cells into GABAergic Interneurons. Cells 2020; 9:cells9112451. [PMID: 33182669 PMCID: PMC7698048 DOI: 10.3390/cells9112451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2020] [Revised: 11/06/2020] [Accepted: 11/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Glial progenitor cells are widely distributed in brain parenchyma and represent a suitable target for future therapeutic interventions that generate new neurons via in situ reprogramming. Previous studies have shown successful reprogramming of mouse glia into neurons whereas the conversion of human glial cells remains challenging due to the limited accessibility of human brain tissue. Here, we have used a recently developed stem cell-based model of human glia progenitor cells (hGPCs) for direct neural reprogramming by overexpressing a set of transcription factors involved in GABAergic interneuron fate specification. GABAergic interneurons play a key role in balancing excitatory and inhibitory neural circuitry in the brain and loss or dysfunction of these have been implicated in several neurological disorders such as epilepsy, schizophrenia, and autism. Our results demonstrate that hGPCs successfully convert into functional induced neurons with postsynaptic activity within a month. The induced neurons have properties of GABAergic neurons, express subtype-specific interneuron markers (e.g. parvalbumin) and exhibit a complex neuronal morphology with extensive dendritic trees. The possibility of inducing GABAergic interneurons from a renewable in vitro hGPC system could provide a foundation for the development of therapies for interneuron pathologies.
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50
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Ge LJ, Yang FH, Li W, Wang T, Lin Y, Feng J, Chen NH, Jiang M, Wang JH, Hu XT, Chen G. In vivo Neuroregeneration to Treat Ischemic Stroke Through NeuroD1 AAV-Based Gene Therapy in Adult Non-human Primates. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:590008. [PMID: 33224952 PMCID: PMC7674285 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.590008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2020] [Accepted: 10/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Stroke may cause severe death and disability but many clinical trials have failed in the past, partially because the lack of an effective method to regenerate new neurons after stroke. In this study, we report an in vivo neural regeneration approach through AAV NeuroD1-based gene therapy to repair damaged brains after ischemic stroke in adult non-human primates (NHPs). We demonstrate that ectopic expression of a neural transcription factor NeuroD1 in the reactive astrocytes after monkey cortical stroke can convert 90% of the infected astrocytes into neurons. Interestingly, astrocytes are not depleted in the NeuroD1-converted areas, consistent with the proliferative capability of astrocytes. Following ischemic stroke in monkey cortex, the NeuroD1-mediated astrocyte-to-neuron (AtN) conversion significantly increased local neuronal density, reduced microglia and macrophage, and surprisingly protected parvalbumin interneurons in the converted areas. Furthermore, the NeuroD1 gene therapy showed a broad time window in AtN conversion, from 10 to 30 days following ischemic stroke. The cortical astrocyte-converted neurons showed Tbr1+ cortical neuron identity, similar to our earlier findings in rodent animal models. Unexpectedly, NeuroD1 expression in converted neurons showed a significant decrease after 6 months of viral infection, indicating a downregulation of NeuroD1 after neuronal maturation in adult NHPs. These results suggest that in vivo cell conversion through NeuroD1-based gene therapy may be an effective approach to regenerate new neurons for tissue repair in adult primate brains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Long-Jiao Ge
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of Chinese Academy of Sciences and Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China
- Kunming College of Life Science, University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China
| | - Fu-Han Yang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of Chinese Academy of Sciences and Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China
| | - Wen Li
- Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Tao Wang
- Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yu Lin
- National Resource Center for Non-Human Primates, Kunming Primate Research Center, and National Research Facility for Phenotypic and Genetic Analysis of Model Animals (Primate Facility), Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China
| | - Jie Feng
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of Chinese Academy of Sciences and Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China
| | - Nan-Hui Chen
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of Chinese Academy of Sciences and Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China
| | - Min Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontier Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jian-Hong Wang
- National Resource Center for Non-Human Primates, Kunming Primate Research Center, and National Research Facility for Phenotypic and Genetic Analysis of Model Animals (Primate Facility), Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China
| | - Xin-Tian Hu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of Chinese Academy of Sciences and Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China
- National Resource Center for Non-Human Primates, Kunming Primate Research Center, and National Research Facility for Phenotypic and Genetic Analysis of Model Animals (Primate Facility), Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China
- CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Gong Chen
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of Chinese Academy of Sciences and Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China
- Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Biology, Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States
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