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Yao M, Zhang L, Teng X, Lei Y, Xing X, Ren T, Pan Y, Zhang L, Li Z, Lin J, Zheng Y, Xing L, Zhou J, Wu C. Transcriptomic profiling of Dip2a in the neural differentiation of mouse embryonic stem cells. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2024; 23:700-710. [PMID: 38292475 PMCID: PMC10825174 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2023.12.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/23/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction The disconnected-interacting protein 2 homolog A (DIP2A), a member of disconnected-interacting 2 protein family, has been shown to be involved in human nervous system-related mental illness. This protein is highly expressed in the nervous system of mouse. Mutation of mouse DIP2A causes defects in spine morphology and synaptic transmission, autism-like behaviors, and defective social novelty [5], [27], indicating that DIP2A is critical to the maintenance of neural development. However, the role of DIP2A in neural differentiation has yet to be investigated. Objective To determine the role of DIP2A in neural differentiation, a neural differentiation model was established using mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs) and studied by using gene-knockout technology and RNA-sequencing-based transcriptome analysis. Results We found that DIP2A is not required for mESCs pluripotency maintenance, but loss of DIP2A causes the neural differentiation abnormalities in both N2B27 and KSR medium. Functional knockout of Dip2a gene also decreased proliferation of mESCs by perturbation of the cell cycle and profoundly inhibited the expression of a large number of neural development-associated genes which mainly enriched in spinal cord development and postsynapse assembly. Conclusions The results of this report demonstrate that DIP2A plays an essential role in regulating differentiation of mESCs towards the neural fate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingze Yao
- Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Shanxi Provincial Key Laboratory for Medical Molecular Cell Biology, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Molecular Engineering of Ministry of Education, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Shanxi Provincial Key Laboratory for Medical Molecular Cell Biology, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Molecular Engineering of Ministry of Education, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, China
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Children's Hospital of Shanxi and Women Health Center of Shanxi, Taiyuan 030006, China
| | - Xiaojuan Teng
- Dermatology Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510000, China
| | - Yu Lei
- Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Shanxi Provincial Key Laboratory for Medical Molecular Cell Biology, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Molecular Engineering of Ministry of Education, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, China
| | - Xiaoyu Xing
- Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Shanxi Provincial Key Laboratory for Medical Molecular Cell Biology, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Molecular Engineering of Ministry of Education, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, China
| | - Tinglin Ren
- Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Shanxi Provincial Key Laboratory for Medical Molecular Cell Biology, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Molecular Engineering of Ministry of Education, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, China
| | - Yuanqing Pan
- Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Shanxi Provincial Key Laboratory for Medical Molecular Cell Biology, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Molecular Engineering of Ministry of Education, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, China
| | - Liwen Zhang
- Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Shanxi Provincial Key Laboratory for Medical Molecular Cell Biology, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Molecular Engineering of Ministry of Education, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, China
| | - Zhengfeng Li
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510000, China
| | - Jingxia Lin
- Dermatology Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510000, China
| | - Yaowu Zheng
- Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Shanxi Provincial Key Laboratory for Medical Molecular Cell Biology, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Molecular Engineering of Ministry of Education, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, China
| | - Li Xing
- Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Shanxi Provincial Key Laboratory for Medical Molecular Cell Biology, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Molecular Engineering of Ministry of Education, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, China
| | - Jiajian Zhou
- Dermatology Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510000, China
| | - Changxin Wu
- Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Shanxi Provincial Key Laboratory for Medical Molecular Cell Biology, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Molecular Engineering of Ministry of Education, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, 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] [MESH Headings] [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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Yong SH, Kim SM, Kong GW, Ko SH, Lee EH, Oh Y, Park CH. ASCL1-mediated direct reprogramming: converting ventral midbrain astrocytes into dopaminergic neurons for Parkinson's disease therapy. BMB Rep 2024; 57:363-368. [PMID: 38649147 PMCID: PMC11362138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2023] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD), characterized by dopaminergic neuron degeneration in the substantia nigra, is caused by various genetic and environmental factors. Current treatment methods are medication and surgery; however, a primary therapy has not yet been proposed. In this study, we aimed to develop a new treatment for PD that induces direct reprogramming of dopaminergic neurons (iDAN). Achaete-scute family bHLH transcription factor 1 (ASCL1) is a primary factor that initiates and regulates central nervous system development and induces neurogenesis. In addition, it interacts with BRN2 and MYT1L, which are crucial transcription factors for the direct conversion of fibroblasts into neurons. Overexpression of ASCL1 along with the transcription factors NURR1 and LMX1A can directly reprogram iDANs. Using a retrovirus, GFP-tagged ASCL1 was overexpressed in astrocytes. One week of culture in iDAN convertsion medium reprogrammed the astrocytes into iDANs. After 7 days of differentiation, TH+/TUJ1+ cells emerged. After 2 weeks, the number of mature TH+/TUJ1+ dopaminergic neurons increased. Only ventral midbrain (VM) astrocytes exhibited these results, not cortical astrocytes. Thus, VM astrocytes can undergo direct iDAN reprogramming with ASCL1 alone, in the absence of transcription factors that stimulate dopaminergic neurons development. [BMB Reports 2024; 57(8): 363-368].
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Affiliation(s)
- Sang Hui Yong
- Graduate School of Biomedical Science and Engineering, Hanyang University, Seoul 04763, Korea
| | - Sang-Mi Kim
- Hanyang Biomedical Research Institute, Hanyang University, Seoul 04763, Korea
- Center for Embryo and Stem Cell Research, CHA Advanced Research Institute, CHA University, Seongnam 13488, Korea, Seoul 04763, Korea
| | - Gyeong Woon Kong
- Graduate School of Biomedical Science and Engineering, Hanyang University, Seoul 04763, Korea
| | - Seung Hwan Ko
- Graduate School of Biomedical Science and Engineering, Hanyang University, Seoul 04763, Korea
| | - Eun-Hye Lee
- Neuroregeneration and Stem Cell Programs, Institute for Cell Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, Korea
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA, Seoul 04763, Korea
| | - Yohan Oh
- Graduate School of Biomedical Science and Engineering, Hanyang University, Seoul 04763, Korea
- Hanyang Biomedical Research Institute, Hanyang University, Seoul 04763, Korea
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, Hanyang University, Seoul 04763, Korea
- Hanyang Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Hanyang University, Seoul 04763, Korea
- Hanyang Institute of Advanced BioConvergence, Hanyang University, Seoul 04763, Korea
| | - Chang-Hwan Park
- Graduate School of Biomedical Science and Engineering, Hanyang University, Seoul 04763, Korea
- Hanyang Biomedical Research Institute, Hanyang University, Seoul 04763, Korea
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Yao Y, Du J, Wang D, Li N, Tao Z, Wu D, Peng F, Shi J, Zhou W, Zhao T, Tang Y. High-intensity interval training ameliorates postnatal immune activation-induced mood disorders through KDM6B-regulated glial activation. Brain Behav Immun 2024; 120:290-303. [PMID: 38851307 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2024.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2024] [Revised: 05/15/2024] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Postnatal immune activation (PIA) induces persistent glial activation in the brain and causes various neuropathologies in adults. Exercise training improves stress-related mood disorders; however, the role of exercise in psychiatric disorders induced by early-life immune activation and the association between exercise training and glial activation remain unclear. We compared the effects of different exercise intensities on the PIA model, including high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT). Both HIIT and MICT in adolescent mice inhibited neuroinflammation, remodeled synaptic plasticity, and improved PIA-induced mood disorders in adulthood. Importantly, HIIT was superior to MICT in terms of reducing inflammation and increasing body weight. RNA-seq of prefrontal cortex (PFC) tissues revealed a gene expression pattern, confirming that HIIT was more effective than MICT in improving brain glial cell activation through epigenetic modifications of KDM6B. We investigated the role of KDM6B, a specific histone lysine demethylation enzyme - histone 3 lysine 27 demethylase, in inhibiting glial activation against PIA-induced depression and anxiety by regulating the expression of IL-4 and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Overall, our data support the idea that HIIT improves PIA-induced mood disorders by regulating KDM6B-mediated epigenetic mechanisms and indicate that HIIT might be superior to MICT in improving mood disorders with PIA in mice. Our findings provide new insights into the treatment of anxiety and depression disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Yao
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Research Center for Sectional and Imaging Anatomy, Key Laboratory of Experimental Teratology of the Ministry of Education, Shandong Key Laboratory of Mental Disorders, Shandong Key Laboratory of Digital Human and Clinical Anatomy, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; Institute of Brain and Brain-Inspired Science, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
| | - Jingyi Du
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Research Center for Sectional and Imaging Anatomy, Key Laboratory of Experimental Teratology of the Ministry of Education, Shandong Key Laboratory of Mental Disorders, Shandong Key Laboratory of Digital Human and Clinical Anatomy, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Dongshuang Wang
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Research Center for Sectional and Imaging Anatomy, Key Laboratory of Experimental Teratology of the Ministry of Education, Shandong Key Laboratory of Mental Disorders, Shandong Key Laboratory of Digital Human and Clinical Anatomy, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Naigang Li
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Research Center for Sectional and Imaging Anatomy, Key Laboratory of Experimental Teratology of the Ministry of Education, Shandong Key Laboratory of Mental Disorders, Shandong Key Laboratory of Digital Human and Clinical Anatomy, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Zhouhang Tao
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Research Center for Sectional and Imaging Anatomy, Key Laboratory of Experimental Teratology of the Ministry of Education, Shandong Key Laboratory of Mental Disorders, Shandong Key Laboratory of Digital Human and Clinical Anatomy, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Dong Wu
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Research Center for Sectional and Imaging Anatomy, Key Laboratory of Experimental Teratology of the Ministry of Education, Shandong Key Laboratory of Mental Disorders, Shandong Key Laboratory of Digital Human and Clinical Anatomy, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Fan Peng
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Research Center for Sectional and Imaging Anatomy, Key Laboratory of Experimental Teratology of the Ministry of Education, Shandong Key Laboratory of Mental Disorders, Shandong Key Laboratory of Digital Human and Clinical Anatomy, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Jiaming Shi
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Research Center for Sectional and Imaging Anatomy, Key Laboratory of Experimental Teratology of the Ministry of Education, Shandong Key Laboratory of Mental Disorders, Shandong Key Laboratory of Digital Human and Clinical Anatomy, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; Institute of Brain and Brain-Inspired Science, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
| | - Wenjuan Zhou
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Research Center for Sectional and Imaging Anatomy, Key Laboratory of Experimental Teratology of the Ministry of Education, Shandong Key Laboratory of Mental Disorders, Shandong Key Laboratory of Digital Human and Clinical Anatomy, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; Institute of Brain and Brain-Inspired Science, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
| | - Tiantian Zhao
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Research Center for Sectional and Imaging Anatomy, Key Laboratory of Experimental Teratology of the Ministry of Education, Shandong Key Laboratory of Mental Disorders, Shandong Key Laboratory of Digital Human and Clinical Anatomy, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China.
| | - Yuchun Tang
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Research Center for Sectional and Imaging Anatomy, Key Laboratory of Experimental Teratology of the Ministry of Education, Shandong Key Laboratory of Mental Disorders, Shandong Key Laboratory of Digital Human and Clinical Anatomy, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; Institute of Brain and Brain-Inspired Science, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China.
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5
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Qin R, Zhang Y, Yang Y, Chen J, Huang L, Xu W, Qin Q, Liang X, Lai X, Huang X, Xie M, Chen L. Decoding single-cell molecular mechanisms in astrocyte-to-iN reprogramming via Ngn2- and Pax6-mediated direct lineage switching. Eur J Med Res 2024; 29:390. [PMID: 39068473 PMCID: PMC11282629 DOI: 10.1186/s40001-024-01989-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 07/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The limited regenerative capacity of damaged neurons in adult mammals severely restricts neural repair. Although stem cell transplantation is promising, its clinical application remains challenging. Direct reprogramming, which utilizes cell plasticity to regenerate neurons, is an emerging alternative approach. METHODS We utilized primary postnatal cortical astrocytes for reprogramming induced neurons (iNs) through the viral-mediated overexpression of the transcription factors Ngn2 and Pax6 (NP). Fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) was used to enrich successfully transfected cells, followed by single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) using the 10 × Genomics platform for comprehensive transcriptomic analysis. RESULTS The scRNA-seq revealed that NP overexpression led to the differentiation of astrocytes into iNs, with percentages of 36% and 39.3% on days 4 and 7 posttransduction, respectively. CytoTRACE predicted the developmental sequence, identifying astrocytes as the reprogramming starting point. Trajectory analysis depicted the dynamic changes in gene expression during the astrocyte-to-iN transition. CONCLUSIONS This study elucidates the molecular dynamics underlying astrocyte reprogramming into iNs, revealing key genes and pathways involved in this process. Our research contributes novel insights into the molecular mechanisms of NP-mediated reprogramming, suggesting avenues for optimizing the efficiency of the reprogramming process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rongxing Qin
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, China
| | - Yingdan Zhang
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, China
| | - Yue Yang
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, China
- National Center for International Biotargeting Theranostics, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Biotargeting Theranostics, Collaborative Innovation Center for Targeting Tumor Theranostics, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China
| | - Jiafeng Chen
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, China
- National Center for International Biotargeting Theranostics, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Biotargeting Theranostics, Collaborative Innovation Center for Targeting Tumor Theranostics, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China
| | - Lijuan Huang
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, China
- National Center for International Biotargeting Theranostics, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Biotargeting Theranostics, Collaborative Innovation Center for Targeting Tumor Theranostics, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China
| | - Wei Xu
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, China
- National Center for International Biotargeting Theranostics, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Biotargeting Theranostics, Collaborative Innovation Center for Targeting Tumor Theranostics, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China
| | - Qingchun Qin
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, China
- National Center for International Biotargeting Theranostics, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Biotargeting Theranostics, Collaborative Innovation Center for Targeting Tumor Theranostics, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China
| | - Xiaojun Liang
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, China
| | - Xinyu Lai
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, China
| | - Xiaoying Huang
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, China
| | - Minshan Xie
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, China
| | - Li Chen
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, China.
- National Center for International Biotargeting Theranostics, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Biotargeting Theranostics, Collaborative Innovation Center for Targeting Tumor Theranostics, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China.
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Pereira A, Diwakar J, Masserdotti G, Beşkardeş S, Simon T, So Y, Martín-Loarte L, Bergemann F, Vasan L, Schauer T, Danese A, Bocchi R, Colomé-Tatché M, Schuurmans C, Philpott A, Straub T, Bonev B, Götz M. Direct neuronal reprogramming of mouse astrocytes is associated with multiscale epigenome remodeling and requires Yy1. Nat Neurosci 2024; 27:1260-1273. [PMID: 38956165 PMCID: PMC11239498 DOI: 10.1038/s41593-024-01677-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024]
Abstract
Direct neuronal reprogramming is a promising approach to regenerate neurons from local glial cells. However, mechanisms of epigenome remodeling and co-factors facilitating this process are unclear. In this study, we combined single-cell multiomics with genome-wide profiling of three-dimensional nuclear architecture and DNA methylation in mouse astrocyte-to-neuron reprogramming mediated by Neurogenin2 (Ngn2) and its phosphorylation-resistant form (PmutNgn2), respectively. We show that Ngn2 drives multilayered chromatin remodeling at dynamic enhancer-gene interaction sites. PmutNgn2 leads to higher reprogramming efficiency and enhances epigenetic remodeling associated with neuronal maturation. However, the differences in binding sites or downstream gene activation cannot fully explain this effect. Instead, we identified Yy1, a transcriptional co-factor recruited by direct interaction with Ngn2 to its target sites. Upon deletion of Yy1, activation of neuronal enhancers, genes and ultimately reprogramming are impaired without affecting Ngn2 binding. Thus, our work highlights the key role of interactors of proneural factors in direct neuronal reprogramming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allwyn Pereira
- Biomedical Center Munich (BMC), Physiological Genomics, LMU Munich, Planegg, Germany
- Institute of Stem Cell Research, Helmholtz Center Munich, BMC LMU Munich, Planegg, Germany
- Nantes Université, CHU Nantes, INSERM, TaRGeT - Translational Research in Gene Therapy, UMR 1089, Nantes, France
| | - Jeisimhan Diwakar
- Biomedical Center Munich (BMC), Physiological Genomics, LMU Munich, Planegg, Germany
- Helmholtz Pioneer Campus, Helmholtz Center Munich, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Giacomo Masserdotti
- Biomedical Center Munich (BMC), Physiological Genomics, LMU Munich, Planegg, Germany
- Institute of Stem Cell Research, Helmholtz Center Munich, BMC LMU Munich, Planegg, Germany
| | - Sude Beşkardeş
- Biomedical Center Munich (BMC), Physiological Genomics, LMU Munich, Planegg, Germany
- Helmholtz Pioneer Campus, Helmholtz Center Munich, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Tatiana Simon
- Biomedical Center Munich (BMC), Physiological Genomics, LMU Munich, Planegg, Germany
- Institute of Stem Cell Research, Helmholtz Center Munich, BMC LMU Munich, Planegg, Germany
| | - Younju So
- Biomedical Center Munich (BMC), Physiological Genomics, LMU Munich, Planegg, Germany
- Institute of Stem Cell Research, Helmholtz Center Munich, BMC LMU Munich, Planegg, Germany
| | - Lucía Martín-Loarte
- Biomedical Center Munich (BMC), Physiological Genomics, LMU Munich, Planegg, Germany
- Institute of Stem Cell Research, Helmholtz Center Munich, BMC LMU Munich, Planegg, Germany
| | - Franziska Bergemann
- Biomedical Center Munich (BMC), Physiological Genomics, LMU Munich, Planegg, Germany
- Institute of Stem Cell Research, Helmholtz Center Munich, BMC LMU Munich, Planegg, Germany
| | - Lakshmy Vasan
- Biological Science Platform, Sunnybrook Research Institute; Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Tamas Schauer
- Biomedical Center Munich (BMC), Bioinformatic Core Facility, Faculty of Medicine, LMU Munich, Planegg, Germany
- Institute of Stem Cells and Epigenetics, Helmholtz Center Munich, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Anna Danese
- Biomedical Center Munich (BMC), Physiological Genomics, LMU Munich, Planegg, Germany
- Institute of Stem Cell Research, Helmholtz Center Munich, BMC LMU Munich, Planegg, Germany
| | - Riccardo Bocchi
- Biomedical Center Munich (BMC), Physiological Genomics, LMU Munich, Planegg, Germany
- Institute of Stem Cell Research, Helmholtz Center Munich, BMC LMU Munich, Planegg, Germany
- Department of Basic Neurosciences, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Maria Colomé-Tatché
- Institute of Computational Biology, Helmholtz Center Munich, Neuherberg, Germany
- Biomedical Center Munich (BMC), Physiological Chemistry, Faculty of Medicine, LMU Munich, Planegg, Germany
| | - Carol Schuurmans
- Biological Science Platform, Sunnybrook Research Institute; Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Anna Philpott
- Wellcome-Medical Research Council Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, UK
| | - Tobias Straub
- Biological Science Platform, Sunnybrook Research Institute; Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Boyan Bonev
- Biomedical Center Munich (BMC), Physiological Genomics, LMU Munich, Planegg, Germany.
- Helmholtz Pioneer Campus, Helmholtz Center Munich, Neuherberg, Germany.
| | - Magdalena Götz
- Biomedical Center Munich (BMC), Physiological Genomics, LMU Munich, Planegg, Germany.
- Institute of Stem Cell Research, Helmholtz Center Munich, BMC LMU Munich, Planegg, Germany.
- Excellence Cluster of Systems Neurology (SYNERGY), Munich, Germany.
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7
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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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8
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Wu Y, Meng X, Cheng WY, Yan Z, Li K, Wang J, Jiang T, Zhou F, Wong KH, Zhong C, Dong Y, Gao S. Can pluripotent/multipotent stem cells reverse Parkinson's disease progression? Front Neurosci 2024; 18:1210447. [PMID: 38356648 PMCID: PMC10864507 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2024.1210447] [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: 04/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by continuous and selective degeneration or death of dopamine neurons in the midbrain, leading to dysfunction of the nigrostriatal neural circuits. Current clinical treatments for PD include drug treatment and surgery, which provide short-term relief of symptoms but are associated with many side effects and cannot reverse the progression of PD. Pluripotent/multipotent stem cells possess a self-renewal capacity and the potential to differentiate into dopaminergic neurons. Transplantation of pluripotent/multipotent stem cells or dopaminergic neurons derived from these cells is a promising strategy for the complete repair of damaged neural circuits in PD. This article reviews and summarizes the current preclinical/clinical treatments for PD, their efficacies, and the advantages/disadvantages of various stem cells, including pluripotent and multipotent stem cells, to provide a detailed overview of how these cells can be applied in the treatment of PD, as well as the challenges and bottlenecks that need to be overcome in future translational studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongkang Wu
- Key Laboratory of Adolescent Health Evaluation and Sports Intervention, Ministry of Education, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiangtian Meng
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shanghai East Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wai-Yin Cheng
- Research Institute for Future Food, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Zhichao Yan
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shanghai East Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Keqin Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shanghai East Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jian Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shanghai East Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Tianfang Jiang
- Department of Neurology, Shanghai Eighth People’s Hospital Affiliated to Jiangsu University, Shanghai, China
| | - Fei Zhou
- Department of Neurology, Third Affiliated Hospital of Navy Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ka-Hing Wong
- Research Institute for Future Food, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Chunlong Zhong
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shanghai East Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yi Dong
- Key Laboratory of Adolescent Health Evaluation and Sports Intervention, Ministry of Education, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shane Gao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shanghai East Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
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9
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Liu J, van Beusekom H, Bu X, Chen G, Henrique Rosado de Castro P, Chen X, Chen X, Clarkson AN, Farr TD, Fu Y, Jia J, Jolkkonen J, Kim WS, Korhonen P, Li S, Liang Y, Liu G, Liu G, Liu Y, Malm T, Mao X, Oliveira JM, Modo MM, Ramos‐Cabrer P, Ruscher K, Song W, Wang J, Wang X, Wang Y, Wu H, Xiong L, Yang Y, Ye K, Yu J, Zhou X, Zille M, Masters CL, Walczak P, Boltze J, Ji X, Wang Y. Preserving cognitive function in patients with Alzheimer's disease: The Alzheimer's disease neuroprotection research initiative (ADNRI). NEUROPROTECTION 2023; 1:84-98. [PMID: 38223913 PMCID: PMC10783281 DOI: 10.1002/nep3.23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Revised: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Abstract
The global trend toward aging populations has resulted in an increase in the occurrence of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and associated socioeconomic burdens. Abnormal metabolism of amyloid-β (Aβ) has been proposed as a significant pathomechanism in AD, supported by results of recent clinical trials using anti-Aβ antibodies. Nonetheless, the cognitive benefits of the current treatments are limited. The etiology of AD is multifactorial, encompassing Aβ and tau accumulation, neuroinflammation, demyelination, vascular dysfunction, and comorbidities, which collectively lead to widespread neurodegeneration in the brain and cognitive impairment. Hence, solely removing Aβ from the brain may be insufficient to combat neurodegeneration and preserve cognition. To attain effective treatment for AD, it is necessary to (1) conduct extensive research on various mechanisms that cause neurodegeneration, including advances in neuroimaging techniques for earlier detection and a more precise characterization of molecular events at scales ranging from cellular to the full system level; (2) identify neuroprotective intervention targets against different neurodegeneration mechanisms; and (3) discover novel and optimal combinations of neuroprotective intervention strategies to maintain cognitive function in AD patients. The Alzheimer's Disease Neuroprotection Research Initiative's objective is to facilitate coordinated, multidisciplinary efforts to develop systemic neuroprotective strategies to combat AD. The aim is to achieve mitigation of the full spectrum of pathological processes underlying AD, with the goal of halting or even reversing cognitive decline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Liu
- Department of Neurology, Daping HospitalThird Military Medical UniversityChongqingChina
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Ageing and Brain DiseasesChongqingChina
| | - Heleen van Beusekom
- Division of Experimental Cardiology, Department of Cardiology, Erasmus MCUniversity Medical CenterRotterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Xian‐Le Bu
- Department of Neurology, Daping HospitalThird Military Medical UniversityChongqingChina
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Ageing and Brain DiseasesChongqingChina
- Institute of Brain and IntelligenceThird Military Medical UniversityChongqingChina
| | - Gong Chen
- Guangdong‐HongKong‐Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration (GHMICR)Jinan UniversityGuangzhouGuangdongChina
| | | | - Xiaochun Chen
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Molecular Neurology, Department of Neurology and Geriatrics, Fujian Institute of Geriatrics, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Institute of NeuroscienceFujian Medical UniversityFuzhouFujianChina
| | - Xiaowei Chen
- Institute of Brain and IntelligenceThird Military Medical UniversityChongqingChina
- Guangyang Bay LaboratoryChongqing Institute for Brain and IntelligenceChongqingChina
- Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence TechnologyChinese Academy of SciencesShanghaiChina
| | - Andrew N. Clarkson
- Department of Anatomy, Brain Health Research Centre and Brain Research New ZealandUniversity of OtagoDunedinNew Zealand
| | - Tracy D. Farr
- School of Life SciencesUniversity of NottinghamNottinghamUK
| | - Yuhong Fu
- Brain and Mind Centre & School of Medical SciencesThe University of SydneySydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Jianping Jia
- Innovation Center for Neurological Disorders and Department of Neurology, Xuanwu Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric DiseasesCapital Medical UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Jukka Jolkkonen
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular SciencesUniversity of Eastern FinlandKuopioFinland
| | - Woojin Scott Kim
- Brain and Mind Centre & School of Medical SciencesThe University of SydneySydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Paula Korhonen
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular SciencesUniversity of Eastern FinlandKuopioFinland
| | - Shen Li
- Department of Neurology and Psychiatry, Beijing Shijitan HospitalCapital Medical UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Yajie Liang
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology and Nuclear MedicineUniversity of Maryland School of MedicineBaltimoreMarylandUSA
| | - Guang‐Hui Liu
- University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of ZoologyChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Guiyou Liu
- Beijing Institute of Brain Disorders, Laboratory of Brain Disorders, Ministry of Science and Technology, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain DisordersCapital Medical UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Yu‐Hui Liu
- Department of Neurology, Daping HospitalThird Military Medical UniversityChongqingChina
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Ageing and Brain DiseasesChongqingChina
- Institute of Brain and IntelligenceThird Military Medical UniversityChongqingChina
| | - Tarja Malm
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular SciencesUniversity of Eastern FinlandKuopioFinland
| | - Xiaobo Mao
- Institute for Cell Engineering, Department of NeurologyThe Johns Hopkins University School of MedicineBaltimoreMarylandUSA
| | - Joaquim Miguel Oliveira
- 3B's Research Group, I3Bs—Research Institute on Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics, Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative MedicineUniversity of MinhoGuimarãesPortugal
- ICVS/3B's—PT Government Associate LaboratoryBraga/GuimarãesPortugal
| | - Mike M. Modo
- Department of Bioengineering, McGowan Institute for Regenerative MedicineUniversity of PittsburghPittsburghPennsylvaniaUSA
- Department of Radiology, McGowan Institute for Regenerative MedicineUniversity of PittsburghPittsburghPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Pedro Ramos‐Cabrer
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging LaboratoryCIC BiomaGUNE Research Center, Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA)Donostia‐San SebastianSpain
| | - Karsten Ruscher
- Laboratory for Experimental Brain Research, Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Clinical SciencesLund UniversityLundSweden
| | - Weihong Song
- Institute of Aging, Key Laboratory of Alzheimer's Disease of Zhejiang Province. Zhejiang Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, School of Mental Health and The Affiliated Kangning Hospital, Oujiang Laboratory (Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision and Brain Health)Wenzhou Medical UniversityZhejiangChina
| | - Jun Wang
- Department of Neurology, Daping HospitalThird Military Medical UniversityChongqingChina
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Ageing and Brain DiseasesChongqingChina
| | - Xuanyue Wang
- School of Optometry and Vision ScienceUniversity of New South WalesSydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Yun Wang
- Neuroscience Research Institute, Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic, Medical Sciences, Key Laboratory for Neuroscience, Ministry of Education/National, Health Commission and State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic DrugsPeking UniversityBeijingChina
- PKU‐IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain ResearchPeking UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Haitao Wu
- Department of NeurobiologyBeijing Institute of Basic Medical SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Lize Xiong
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology and Brain Functional Modulation, Clinical Research Center for Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Translational Research Institute of Brain and Brain‐Like Intelligence, Shanghai Fourth People's Hospital, School of MedicineTongji UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Yi Yang
- Department of NeurologyThe First Hospital of Jilin University, Chang ChunJilinChina
| | - Keqiang Ye
- Faculty of Life and Health SciencesBrain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute (BCBDI), Shenzhen Institute of Advanced TechnologyShenzhenChina
| | - Jin‐Tai Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Department of Neurology and Institute of Neurology, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical CollegeFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Xin‐Fu Zhou
- Division of Health Sciences, School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences and Sansom InstituteUniversity of South AustraliaAdelaideSouth AustraliaAustralia
- Suzhou Auzone BiotechSuzhouJiangsuChina
| | - Marietta Zille
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Division of Pharmacology and ToxicologyUniversity of ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Colin L. Masters
- The Florey InstituteThe University of Melbourne, ParkvilleVictoriaAustralia
| | - Piotr Walczak
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology and Nuclear MedicineUniversity of Maryland School of MedicineBaltimoreMarylandUSA
| | | | - Xunming Ji
- Department of NeurosurgeryXuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Yan‐Jiang Wang
- Department of Neurology, Daping HospitalThird Military Medical UniversityChongqingChina
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Ageing and Brain DiseasesChongqingChina
- Institute of Brain and IntelligenceThird Military Medical UniversityChongqingChina
- Guangyang Bay LaboratoryChongqing Institute for Brain and IntelligenceChongqingChina
- Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence TechnologyChinese Academy of SciencesShanghaiChina
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10
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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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11
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Ray NR, Kunkle BW, Hamilton-Nelson K, Kurup JT, Rajabli F, Cosacak MI, Kizil C, Jean-Francois M, Cuccaro M, Reyes-Dumeyer D, Cantwell L, Kuzma A, Vance JM, Gao S, Hendrie HC, Baiyewu O, Ogunniyi A, Akinyemi RO, Lee WP, Martin ER, Wang LS, Beecham GW, Bush WS, Farrer LA, Haines JL, Byrd GS, Schellenberg GD, Mayeux R, Pericak-Vance MA, Reitz C. Extended genome-wide association study employing the African Genome Resources Panel identifies novel susceptibility loci for Alzheimer's Disease in individuals of African ancestry. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2023:2023.08.29.23294774. [PMID: 37693582 PMCID: PMC10491365 DOI: 10.1101/2023.08.29.23294774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Despite a two-fold increased risk, individuals of African ancestry have been significantly underrepresented in Alzheimer's Disease (AD) genomics efforts. METHODS GWAS of 2,903 AD cases and 6,265 cognitive controls of African ancestry. Within-dataset results were meta-analyzed, followed by gene-based and pathway analyses, and analysis of RNAseq and whole-genome sequencing data. RESULTS A novel AD risk locus was identified in MPDZ on chromosome 9p23 (rs141610415, MAF=.002, P =3.68×10 -9 ). Two additional novel common and nine novel rare loci approached genome-wide significance at P <9×10 -7 . Comparison of association and LD patterns between datasets with higher and lower degrees of African ancestry showed differential association patterns at chr12q23.2 ( ASCL1 ), suggesting that the association is modulated by regional origin of local African ancestry. DISCUSSION Increased sample sizes and sample sets from Africa covering as much African genetic diversity as possible will be critical to identify additional disease-associated loci and improve deconvolution of local genetic ancestry effects.
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12
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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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13
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Morin A, Chu ECP, Sharma A, Adrian-Hamazaki A, Pavlidis P. Characterizing the targets of transcription regulators by aggregating ChIP-seq and perturbation expression data sets. Genome Res 2023; 33:763-778. [PMID: 37308292 PMCID: PMC10317128 DOI: 10.1101/gr.277273.122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Mapping the gene targets of chromatin-associated transcription regulators (TRs) is a major goal of genomics research. ChIP-seq of TRs and experiments that perturb a TR and measure the differential abundance of gene transcripts are a primary means by which direct relationships are tested on a genomic scale. It has been reported that there is a poor overlap in the evidence across gene regulation strategies, emphasizing the need for integrating results from multiple experiments. Although research consortia interested in gene regulation have produced a valuable trove of high-quality data, there is an even greater volume of TR-specific data throughout the literature. In this study, we show a workflow for the identification, uniform processing, and aggregation of ChIP-seq and TR perturbation experiments for the ultimate purpose of ranking human and mouse TR-target interactions. Focusing on an initial set of eight regulators (ASCL1, HES1, MECP2, MEF2C, NEUROD1, PAX6, RUNX1, and TCF4), we identified 497 experiments suitable for analysis. We used this corpus to examine data concordance, to identify systematic patterns of the two data types, and to identify putative orthologous interactions between human and mouse. We build upon commonly used strategies to forward a procedure for aggregating and combining these two genomic methodologies, assessing these rankings against independent literature-curated evidence. Beyond a framework extensible to other TRs, our work also provides empirically ranked TR-target listings, as well as transparent experiment-level gene summaries for community use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Morin
- Michael Smith Laboratories, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z4, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z4, Canada
- Graduate Program in Bioinformatics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Eric Ching-Pan Chu
- Michael Smith Laboratories, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z4, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z4, Canada
- Graduate Program in Bioinformatics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Aman Sharma
- Michael Smith Laboratories, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Alex Adrian-Hamazaki
- Michael Smith Laboratories, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z4, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z4, Canada
- Graduate Program in Bioinformatics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Paul Pavlidis
- Michael Smith Laboratories, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z4, Canada;
- Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z4, Canada
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14
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Dennison R, Usuga E, Chen H, Paul JZ, Arbelaez CA, Teng YD. Direct Cell Reprogramming and Phenotypic Conversion: An Analysis of Experimental Attempts to Transform Astrocytes into Neurons in Adult Animals. Cells 2023; 12:618. [PMID: 36831283 PMCID: PMC9954435 DOI: 10.3390/cells12040618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [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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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Dennison
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02129, USA
- Laboratory of SCI, Stem Cell and Recovery Neurobiology Research, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital Network, Mass General Brigham, and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Esteban Usuga
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02129, USA
- Laboratory of SCI, Stem Cell and Recovery Neurobiology Research, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital Network, Mass General Brigham, and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Harriet Chen
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02129, USA
- Laboratory of SCI, Stem Cell and Recovery Neurobiology Research, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital Network, Mass General Brigham, and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Jacob Z. Paul
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02129, USA
- Laboratory of SCI, Stem Cell and Recovery Neurobiology Research, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital Network, Mass General Brigham, and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Christian A. Arbelaez
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02129, USA
- Laboratory of SCI, Stem Cell and Recovery Neurobiology Research, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital Network, Mass General Brigham, and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Yang D. Teng
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02129, USA
- Laboratory of SCI, Stem Cell and Recovery Neurobiology Research, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital Network, Mass General Brigham, and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Neurotrauma Recovery Research, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital Network, Mass General Brigham, and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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15
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Boato F, Guan X, Zhu Y, Ryu Y, Voutounou M, Rynne C, Freschlin CR, Zumbo P, Betel D, Matho K, Makarov SN, Wu Z, Son YJ, Nummenmaa A, Huang JZ, Edwards DJ, Zhong J. Activation of MAP2K signaling by genetic engineering or HF-rTMS promotes corticospinal axon sprouting and functional regeneration. Sci Transl Med 2023; 15:eabq6885. [PMID: 36599003 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.abq6885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Facilitating axon regeneration in the injured central nervous system remains a challenging task. RAF-MAP2K signaling plays a key role in axon elongation during nervous system development. Here, we show that conditional expression of a constitutively kinase-activated BRAF in mature corticospinal neurons elicited the expression of a set of transcription factors previously implicated in the regeneration of zebrafish retinal ganglion cell axons and promoted regeneration and sprouting of corticospinal tract (CST) axons after spinal cord injury in mice. Newly sprouting axon collaterals formed synaptic connections with spinal interneurons, resulting in improved recovery of motor function. Noninvasive suprathreshold high-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (HF-rTMS) activated the BRAF canonical downstream effectors MAP2K1/2 and modulated the expression of a set of regeneration-related transcription factors in a pattern consistent with that induced by BRAF activation. HF-rTMS enabled CST axon regeneration and sprouting, which was abolished in MAP2K1/2 conditional null mice. These data collectively demonstrate a central role of MAP2K signaling in augmenting the growth capacity of mature corticospinal neurons and suggest that HF-rTMS might have potential for treating spinal cord injury by modulating MAP2K signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Boato
- Molecular Regeneration and Neuroimaging Laboratory, Burke Neurological Institute, White Plains, NY 10605, USA.,Feil Family Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Xiaofei Guan
- Molecular Regeneration and Neuroimaging Laboratory, Burke Neurological Institute, White Plains, NY 10605, USA.,Feil Family Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Yanjie Zhu
- Molecular Regeneration and Neuroimaging Laboratory, Burke Neurological Institute, White Plains, NY 10605, USA.,Feil Family Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Youngjae Ryu
- Molecular Regeneration and Neuroimaging Laboratory, Burke Neurological Institute, White Plains, NY 10605, USA.,Feil Family Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Mariel Voutounou
- Molecular Regeneration and Neuroimaging Laboratory, Burke Neurological Institute, White Plains, NY 10605, USA.,Feil Family Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Christopher Rynne
- Molecular Regeneration and Neuroimaging Laboratory, Burke Neurological Institute, White Plains, NY 10605, USA.,Feil Family Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Chase R Freschlin
- Molecular Regeneration and Neuroimaging Laboratory, Burke Neurological Institute, White Plains, NY 10605, USA.,Feil Family Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Paul Zumbo
- Applied Bioinformatics Core, Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Doron Betel
- Applied Bioinformatics Core, Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Katie Matho
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724, USA
| | - Sergey N Makarov
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA.,Electrical and Computer Engineering Department, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Worcester, MA 01609, USA
| | - Zhuhao Wu
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Young-Jin Son
- Shriners Hospitals Pediatric Research Center, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA
| | - Aapo Nummenmaa
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Josh Z Huang
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724, USA.,Department of Neurobiology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Dylan J Edwards
- Molecular Regeneration and Neuroimaging Laboratory, Burke Neurological Institute, White Plains, NY 10605, USA.,Moss Rehabilitation Research Institute, Elkins Park, PA 19027, USA.,Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19108, USA.,Exercise Medicine Research Institute, School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup 6027, Australia
| | - Jian Zhong
- Molecular Regeneration and Neuroimaging Laboratory, Burke Neurological Institute, White Plains, NY 10605, USA.,Feil Family Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10065, USA
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16
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Akter M, Ding B. Modeling Movement Disorders via Generation of hiPSC-Derived Motor Neurons. Cells 2022; 11:3796. [PMID: 36497056 PMCID: PMC9737271 DOI: 10.3390/cells11233796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2022] [Revised: 11/19/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Generation of motor neurons (MNs) from human-induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) overcomes the limited access to human brain tissues and provides an unprecedent approach for modeling MN-related diseases. In this review, we discuss the recent progression in understanding the regulatory mechanisms of MN differentiation and their applications in the generation of MNs from hiPSCs, with a particular focus on two approaches: induction by small molecules and induction by lentiviral delivery of transcription factors. At each induction stage, different culture media and supplements, typical growth conditions and cellular morphology, and specific markers for validation of cell identity and quality control are specifically discussed. Both approaches can generate functional MNs. Currently, the major challenges in modeling neurological diseases using iPSC-derived neurons are: obtaining neurons with high purity and yield; long-term neuron culture to reach full maturation; and how to culture neurons more physiologically to maximize relevance to in vivo conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Baojin Ding
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, LA 71130-3932, USA
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17
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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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18
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Nishimura K, Nitta T, Doi K, Takata K. Rapid conversion of human induced pluripotent stem cells into dopaminergic neurons by inducible expression of two transcription factors. Stem Cells Dev 2022; 31:269-277. [PMID: 35420042 DOI: 10.1089/scd.2021.0363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) including human embryonic stem cells and human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) provide promising sources for regenerative therapy, disease modeling, and drug screening. Relevant efforts have been invested in establishing robust induction protocols for PSC-derived dopaminergic (DA) neuron generation by mimicking brain development-related signaling pathways. However, these protocols require fully trained techniques and a long time to yield mature DA neurons. In this study, to accelerate the entire process, we generated a hiPSC line differentiating into DA neurons by the inducible force expression of two transcription factors ASCL1 and LMX1A. Using this hiPSC line, we established a rapid and simple induction protocol to generate mature DA neurons in 28 days. The induced DA neurons were characterized by gene expression and immunohistochemical analyses of fundamental DA neuronal markers. Moreover, the cell functional properties were analyzed by a multielectrode array system on day 28. This resource offers future applications for high-throughput screening, such as drug development and toxicology that require highly validated DA neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaneyasu Nishimura
- Kyoto Pharmaceutical University, 12916, Kyoto, Japan.,Doshisha University, 12757, Kyoto, Kyoto, Japan;
| | - Tatsumi Nitta
- Kyoto Pharmaceutical University, 12916, Kyoto, Kyoto, Japan;
| | - Keisuke Doi
- Kyoto Pharmaceutical University, 12916, Kyoto, Kyoto, Japan;
| | - Kazuyuki Takata
- Kyoto Pharmaceutical University, 12916, Kyoto, Kyoto, Japan;
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19
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Direct neuronal reprogramming: Fast forward from new concepts toward therapeutic approaches. Neuron 2021; 110:366-393. [PMID: 34921778 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2021.11.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2021] [Revised: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 11/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Differentiated cells have long been considered fixed in their identity. However, about 20 years ago, the first direct conversion of glial cells into neurons in vitro opened the field of "direct neuronal reprogramming." Since then, neuronal reprogramming has achieved the generation of fully functional, mature neurons with remarkable efficiency, even in diseased brain environments. Beyond their clinical implications, these discoveries provided basic insights into crucial mechanisms underlying conversion of specific cell types into neurons and maintenance of neuronal identity. Here we discuss such principles, including the importance of the starter cell for shaping the outcome of neuronal reprogramming. We further highlight technical concerns for in vivo reprogramming and propose a code of conduct to avoid artifacts and pitfalls. We end by pointing out next challenges for development of less invasive cell replacement therapies for humans.
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20
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Kempf J, Knelles K, Hersbach BA, Petrik D, Riedemann T, Bednarova V, Janjic A, Simon-Ebert T, Enard W, Smialowski P, Götz M, Masserdotti G. Heterogeneity of neurons reprogrammed from spinal cord astrocytes by the proneural factors Ascl1 and Neurogenin2. Cell Rep 2021; 36:109409. [PMID: 34289357 PMCID: PMC8316252 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2021.109409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2021] [Revised: 04/14/2021] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes are a viable source for generating new neurons via direct conversion. However, little is known about the neurogenic cascades triggered in astrocytes from different regions of the CNS. Here, we examine the transcriptome induced by the proneural factors Ascl1 and Neurog2 in spinal cord-derived astrocytes in vitro. Each factor initially elicits different neurogenic programs that later converge to a V2 interneuron-like state. Intriguingly, patch sequencing (patch-seq) shows no overall correlation between functional properties and the transcriptome of the heterogenous induced neurons, except for K-channels. For example, some neurons with fully mature electrophysiological properties still express astrocyte genes, thus calling for careful molecular and functional analysis. Comparing the transcriptomes of spinal cord- and cerebral-cortex-derived astrocytes reveals profound differences, including developmental patterning cues maintained in vitro. These relate to the distinct neuronal identity elicited by Ascl1 and Neurog2 reflecting their developmental functions in subtype specification of the respective CNS region.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Kempf
- Biomedical Center Munich, Physiological Genomics, LMU Munich, Planegg-Martinsried 82152, Germany
| | - K Knelles
- Biomedical Center Munich, Physiological Genomics, LMU Munich, Planegg-Martinsried 82152, Germany
| | - B A Hersbach
- Biomedical Center Munich, Physiological Genomics, LMU Munich, Planegg-Martinsried 82152, Germany; Institute for Stem Cell Research, Helmholtz Center Munich, Neuherberg 85764, Germany; Graduate School of Systemic Neurosciences, LMU Munich, Planegg-Martinsried 82152, Germany
| | - D Petrik
- Biomedical Center Munich, Physiological Genomics, LMU Munich, Planegg-Martinsried 82152, Germany; Institute for Stem Cell Research, Helmholtz Center Munich, Neuherberg 85764, Germany; School of Biosciences, The Sir Martin Evans Building, Cardiff University, CF10 3AX Cardiff, UK
| | - T Riedemann
- Biomedical Center Munich, Physiological Genomics, LMU Munich, Planegg-Martinsried 82152, Germany
| | - V Bednarova
- Biomedical Center Munich, Physiological Genomics, LMU Munich, Planegg-Martinsried 82152, Germany
| | - A Janjic
- Anthropology and Human Genomics, Faculty of Biology, LMU Munich, Planegg-Martinsried 82152, Germany
| | - T Simon-Ebert
- Biomedical Center Munich, Physiological Genomics, LMU Munich, Planegg-Martinsried 82152, Germany
| | - W Enard
- Biomedical Center Munich, Bioinformatic Core Facility, LMU Munich, Planegg-Martinsried 82152, Germany
| | - P Smialowski
- Biomedical Center Munich, Physiological Genomics, LMU Munich, Planegg-Martinsried 82152, Germany; Institute for Stem Cell Research, Helmholtz Center Munich, Neuherberg 85764, Germany; School of Biosciences, The Sir Martin Evans Building, Cardiff University, CF10 3AX Cardiff, UK
| | - M Götz
- Biomedical Center Munich, Physiological Genomics, LMU Munich, Planegg-Martinsried 82152, Germany; Institute for Stem Cell Research, Helmholtz Center Munich, Neuherberg 85764, Germany; Excellence Cluster of Systems Neurology (SYNERGY), Munich, Germany.
| | - G Masserdotti
- Biomedical Center Munich, Physiological Genomics, LMU Munich, Planegg-Martinsried 82152, Germany; Institute for Stem Cell Research, Helmholtz Center Munich, Neuherberg 85764, Germany.
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21
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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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22
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Vasan L, Park E, David LA, Fleming T, Schuurmans C. Direct Neuronal Reprogramming: Bridging the Gap Between Basic Science and Clinical Application. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:681087. [PMID: 34291049 PMCID: PMC8287587 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.681087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2021] [Accepted: 06/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Direct neuronal reprogramming is an innovative new technology that involves the conversion of somatic cells to induced neurons (iNs) without passing through a pluripotent state. The capacity to make new neurons in the brain, which previously was not achievable, has created great excitement in the field as it has opened the door for the potential treatment of incurable neurodegenerative diseases and brain injuries such as stroke. These neurological disorders are associated with frank neuronal loss, and as new neurons are not made in most of the adult brain, treatment options are limited. Developmental biologists have paved the way for the field of direct neuronal reprogramming by identifying both intrinsic cues, primarily transcription factors (TFs) and miRNAs, and extrinsic cues, including growth factors and other signaling molecules, that induce neurogenesis and specify neuronal subtype identities in the embryonic brain. The striking observation that postmitotic, terminally differentiated somatic cells can be converted to iNs by mis-expression of TFs or miRNAs involved in neural lineage development, and/or by exposure to growth factors or small molecule cocktails that recapitulate the signaling environment of the developing brain, has opened the door to the rapid expansion of new neuronal reprogramming methodologies. Furthermore, the more recent applications of neuronal lineage conversion strategies that target resident glial cells in situ has expanded the clinical potential of direct neuronal reprogramming techniques. Herein, we present an overview of the history, accomplishments, and therapeutic potential of direct neuronal reprogramming as revealed over the last two decades.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lakshmy Vasan
- Sunnybrook Research Institute, Biological Sciences Platform, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Eunjee Park
- Sunnybrook Research Institute, Biological Sciences Platform, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Luke Ajay David
- Sunnybrook Research Institute, Biological Sciences Platform, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Taylor Fleming
- Sunnybrook Research Institute, Biological Sciences Platform, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Carol Schuurmans
- Sunnybrook Research Institute, Biological Sciences Platform, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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23
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Tutukova S, Tarabykin V, Hernandez-Miranda LR. The Role of Neurod Genes in Brain Development, Function, and Disease. Front Mol Neurosci 2021; 14:662774. [PMID: 34177462 PMCID: PMC8221396 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2021.662774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Transcriptional regulation is essential for the correct functioning of cells during development and in postnatal life. The basic Helix-loop-Helix (bHLH) superfamily of transcription factors is well conserved throughout evolution and plays critical roles in tissue development and tissue maintenance. A subgroup of this family, called neural lineage bHLH factors, is critical in the development and function of the central nervous system. In this review, we will focus on the function of one subgroup of neural lineage bHLH factors, the Neurod family. The Neurod family has four members: Neurod1, Neurod2, Neurod4, and Neurod6. Available evidence shows that these four factors are key during the development of the cerebral cortex but also in other regions of the central nervous system, such as the cerebellum, the brainstem, and the spinal cord. We will also discuss recent reports that link the dysfunction of these transcription factors to neurological disorders in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Svetlana Tutukova
- Institute of Neuroscience, Lobachevsky University of Nizhny Novgorod, Nizhny Novgorod, Russia.,Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Institute for Cell- and Neurobiology, Berlin, Germany
| | - Victor Tarabykin
- Institute of Neuroscience, Lobachevsky University of Nizhny Novgorod, Nizhny Novgorod, Russia.,Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Institute for Cell- and Neurobiology, Berlin, Germany
| | - Luis R Hernandez-Miranda
- Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Institute for Cell- and Neurobiology, Berlin, Germany
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