In vitro differentiation modifies the neurotoxic response of SH-SY5Y cells

Lipid levels correlate with neuronal and dopaminergic markers during the differentiation of SH-SY5Y cells

Parkinson's Disease (PD) is characterised by the loss of dopaminergic neurons and the deposition of protein inclusions called Lewy Bodies (LBs). LBs are heterogeneous structures composed of protein and lipid molecules and their main constituent is the presynaptic protein α-synuclein. SH-SY5Y cells are neuroblastoma cells commonly used to model PD because they express dopaminergic markers and α-synuclein and they can be differentiated into neuronal cells using established protocols. Despite increasing evidence pointing towards a role of lipids in PD, limited knowledge is available on the lipidome of undifferentiated and differentiated SH-SY5Y cells. Using a combination of lipidomics, proteomics, morphological and electrophysiological measurements, we identified specific lipids, including sphingolipids, whose levels are affected by the differentiation of SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells and found that the levels of these lipids correlate with those of neuronal and dopaminergic markers. These results provide a quantitative characterisation of the changes in lipidome associated with the differentiation of SH-SY5Y cells into more neuronal and dopaminergic-like phenotype and serve as a basis for further characterisation of lipid disruptions in association with PD and its risk factors in this dopaminergic-like neuronal cell model.

TIMAP, a Regulatory Subunit of Protein Phosphatase 1, Inhibits In Vitro Neuronal Differentiation

TIMAP (TGF-β-inhibited membrane associated protein) is abundant in endothelial cells, and it has been regarded as a member of the myosin phosphatase targeting protein (MYPT) family. Our workgroup previously identified several interacting protein partners of TIMAP and proved its regulatory subunit role for protein phosphatase 1 catalytic subunit (PP1c). TIMAP is also expressed in neuronal cells, but details of its function have not been studied yet. Therefore, we aimed to explore the role of TIMAP in neuronal cells, especially during differentiation. Expression of TIMAP was proved both at mRNA and protein levels in SH-SY5Y human neuroblastoma cells. Differentiation of SH-SY5Y cells was optimized and proved by the detection of neuronal differentiation markers, such as β3-tubulin, nestin and inhibitor of differentiation 1 (ID1) using qPCR and Western blot. We found downregulation of TIMAP during differentiation. In accordance with this, overexpression of recombinant TIMAP attenuated the differentiation of neuronal cells. Moreover, the subcellular localization of TIMAP has changed during differentiation as it translocated from the plasma membrane into the nucleus. The nuclear interactome of TIMAP revealed more than 50 proteins, offering the possibility to further investigate the role of TIMAP in several key physiological pathways of neuronal cells.

Advanced 3D Models of Human Brain Tissue Using Neural Cell Lines: State-of-the-Art and Future Prospects

Human-relevant three-dimensional (3D) models of cerebral tissue can be invaluable tools to boost our understanding of the cellular mechanisms underlying brain pathophysiology. Nowadays, the accessibility, isolation and harvesting of human neural cells represents a bottleneck for obtaining reproducible and accurate models and gaining insights in the fields of oncology, neurodegenerative diseases and toxicology. In this scenario, given their low cost, ease of culture and reproducibility, neural cell lines constitute a key tool for developing usable and reliable models of the human brain. Here, we review the most recent advances in 3D constructs laden with neural cell lines, highlighting their advantages and limitations and their possible future applications.

Counteractions of a Novel Hydroalcoholic Extract from Lens Culinaria against the Dexamethasone-Induced Osteoblast Loss of Native Murine Cells

The cytoprotective effects of a novel hydroalcoholic extract (0.01–5 mg/mL) from Lens culinaria (Terre di Altamura Srl) were investigated within murine native skeletal muscle fibers, bone marrow cells, and osteoblasts, and in cell lines treated with the apoptotic agent staurosporine (2.14 × 10⁻⁶ M), the alkylating drug cisplatin (10⁻⁴ M), the topoisomerase I inhibitor irinotecan (10⁻⁴ M), the antimitotic pro-oxidant doxorubicin (10⁻⁶ M), and the immunosuppressant dexamethasone (2 × 10⁻⁶ M). An amount of 10g of plant material was used to obtain a 70% ethanol/water product, following two-step extraction, evaporation, lyophilization, and storage at −20 °C. For the murine osteoblasts, doxorubicin reduced survival by −65%, dexamethasone by −32% and −60% after 24 and 48 h of incubation time, respectively. The extract was effective in preventing the osteoblast count-reduction induced by dexamethasone; it was also effective at preventing the inhibition of mineralization induced by dexamethasone. Doxorubicin and cisplatin caused a significant reduction in cell growth by −77% for bone marrow cells, −43% for irinotecan, and −60% for dexamethasone, but there was no evidence for the cytoprotective effects of the extract in these cells. Staurosporine and doxorubicin caused a fiber death rate of >−40% after 18 and 24 h of incubation, yet the extract was not effective at preventing these effects. The extract was effective in preventing the staurosporine-induced reduction of HEK293 proliferation and colony formation in the crystal violet DNA staining and the clonogenic assays. It was also effective for the cisplatin-induced reduction in HEK293 cell proliferation. The extract, however, failed to protect the SHSY5Y neurons against cisplatin and irinotecan-induced cytotoxicity. A UV/VIS spectroscopy analysis showed three peaks at the wavelengths of 350, 260, and 190 nm, which correspond to flavonoids, proanthocyanins, salicylates, and AA, constituting the extract. These data suggest the possible development of this extract for use against dexamethasone-induced bone loss and renal chemotherapy-induced damage.

Influence of 40 Hz and 100 Hz Vibration on SH-SY5Y Cells Growth and Differentiation-A Preliminary Study

(1) Background: A novel bioreactor platform of neuronal cell cultures using low-magnitude, low-frequency (LMLF) vibrational stimulation was designed to discover vibration influence and mimic the dynamic environment of the in vivo state. To better understand the impact of 40 Hz and 100 Hz vibration on cell differentiation, we join biotechnology and advanced medical technology to design the nano-vibration system. The influence of vibration on the development of nervous tissue on the selected cell line SH-SY5Y (experimental research model in Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s) was investigated. (2) Methods: The vibration stimulation of cell differentiation and elongation of their neuritis were monitored. We measured how vibrations affect the morphology and differentiation of nerve cells in vitro. (3) Results: The highest average length of neurites was observed in response to the 40 Hz vibration on the collagen surface in the differentiating medium, but cells response did not increase with vibration frequency. Also, vibrations at a frequency of 40 Hz or 100 Hz did not affect the average density of neurites. 100 Hz vibration increased the neurites density significantly with time for cultures on collagen and non-collagen surfaces. The exposure of neuronal cells to 40 Hz and 100 Hz vibration enhanced cell differentiation. The 40 Hz vibration has the best impact on neuronal-like cell growth and differentiation. (4) Conclusions: The data demonstrated that exposure to neuronal cells to 40 Hz and 100 Hz vibration enhanced cell differentiation and proliferation. This positive impact of vibration can be used in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. It is planned to optimize the processes and study its molecular mechanisms concerning carrying out the research.