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Pianigiani G, Roccio M. Inner Ear Organoids: Strengths and Limitations. J Assoc Res Otolaryngol 2024; 25:5-11. [PMID: 38334886 PMCID: PMC10907556 DOI: 10.1007/s10162-024-00929-2] [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: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Inner ear organoids derived from differentiation of human pluripotent stem cells have recently gained momentum as tools to study inner ear development and developmental defects. An additional exciting aspect about this technology is represented by its translational potential, specifically, the use of organoids to validate therapeutics for hearing and balance restoration on human/patient-specific cells. This latter aspect will be briefly discussed here including opportunities and current limitations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Pianigiani
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health - I.R.C.C.S. "Burlo Garofolo", Trieste, Italy
| | - Marta Roccio
- Inner Ear Stem Cell Lab, Department Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital Zurich and University of Zurich, USZ Campus WAGI18, Wagistrasse 18, 8952, Schlieren, Switzerland.
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2
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Doda D, Alonso Jimenez S, Rehrauer H, Carreño JF, Valsamides V, Di Santo S, Widmer HR, Edge A, Locher H, van der Valk WH, Zhang J, Koehler KR, Roccio M. Human pluripotent stem cell-derived inner ear organoids recapitulate otic development in vitro. Development 2023; 150:dev201865. [PMID: 37791525 PMCID: PMC10565253 DOI: 10.1242/dev.201865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023]
Abstract
Our molecular understanding of the early stages of human inner ear development has been limited by the difficulty in accessing fetal samples at early gestational stages. As an alternative, previous studies have shown that inner ear morphogenesis can be partially recapitulated using induced pluripotent stem cells directed to differentiate into inner ear organoids (IEOs). Once validated and benchmarked, these systems could represent unique tools to complement and refine our understanding of human otic differentiation and model developmental defects. Here, we provide the first direct comparisons of the early human embryonic otocyst and fetal sensory organs with human IEOs. We use multiplexed immunostaining and single-cell RNA-sequencing to characterize IEOs at three key developmental steps, providing a new and unique signature of in vitro-derived otic placode, epithelium, neuroblasts and sensory epithelia. In parallel, we evaluate the expression and localization of crucial markers at these equivalent stages in human embryos. Together, our data indicate that the current state-of-the-art protocol enables the specification of bona fide otic tissue, supporting the further application of IEOs to inform inner ear biology and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Doda
- Inner Ear Stem Cell Laboratory, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital Zurich (USZ), 8091 Zurich,Switzerland
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University of Zurich (UZH), 8006 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Sara Alonso Jimenez
- Inner Ear Stem Cell Laboratory, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital Zurich (USZ), 8091 Zurich,Switzerland
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University of Zurich (UZH), 8006 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Hubert Rehrauer
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University of Zurich (UZH), 8006 Zurich, Switzerland
- Functional Genomics Center Zurich (ETH Zurich and University of Zurich), 8092 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Jose F. Carreño
- Inner Ear Stem Cell Laboratory, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital Zurich (USZ), 8091 Zurich,Switzerland
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University of Zurich (UZH), 8006 Zurich, Switzerland
- Functional Genomics Center Zurich (ETH Zurich and University of Zurich), 8092 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Victoria Valsamides
- Inner Ear Stem Cell Laboratory, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital Zurich (USZ), 8091 Zurich,Switzerland
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University of Zurich (UZH), 8006 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Stefano Di Santo
- Program for Regenerative Neuroscience, Department for BioMedical Research, University of Bern, 3008 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Hans R. Widmer
- Program for Regenerative Neuroscience, Department for BioMedical Research, University of Bern, 3008 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Albert Edge
- Eaton Peabody Laboratory, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Boston, MA 02114, USA
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Heiko Locher
- OtoBiology Leiden, Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head & Neck Surgery, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA Leiden, the Netherlands
- The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Stem Cell Medicine (reNEW), Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Wouter H. van der Valk
- OtoBiology Leiden, Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head & Neck Surgery, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Jingyuan Zhang
- Department of Otolaryngology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children's Hospital,Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Karl R. Koehler
- Department of Otolaryngology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children's Hospital,Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Department of Plastic and Oral Surgery, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Marta Roccio
- Inner Ear Stem Cell Laboratory, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital Zurich (USZ), 8091 Zurich,Switzerland
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University of Zurich (UZH), 8006 Zurich, Switzerland
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Doda D, Jimenez SA, Rehrauer H, Carre O JF, Valsamides V, Santo SD, Widmer HR, Edge A, Locher H, van der Valk W, Zhang J, Koehler KR, Roccio M. Human pluripotent stem cells-derived inner ear organoids recapitulate otic development in vitro. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.04.11.536448. [PMID: 37090562 PMCID: PMC10120641 DOI: 10.1101/2023.04.11.536448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/25/2023]
Abstract
Our molecular understanding of the early stages of human inner ear development has been limited by the difficulty in accessing fetal samples at early gestational stages. As an alternative, previous studies have shown that inner ear morphogenesis can be partially recapitulated using induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) directed to differentiate into Inner Ear Organoids (IEOs). Once validated and benchmarked, these systems could represent unique tools to complement and refine our understanding of human otic differentiation and model developmental defects. Here, we provide the first direct comparisons of the early human embryonic otocyst and human iPSC-derived IEOs. We use multiplexed immunostaining, and single-cell RNA sequencing to characterize IEOs at three key developmental steps, providing a new and unique signature of in vitro derived otic -placode, -epithelium, -neuroblasts, and -sensory epithelia. In parallel, we evaluate the expression and localization of critical markers at these equivalent stages in human embryos. We show that the placode derived in vitro (days 8-12) has similar marker expression to the developing otic placode of Carnegie Stage (CS) 11 embryos and subsequently (days 20-40) this gives rise to otic epithelia and neuroblasts comparable to the CS13 embryonic stage. Differentiation of sensory epithelia, including supporting cells and hair cells starts in vitro at days 50-60 of culture. The maturity of these cells is equivalent to vestibular sensory epithelia at week 10 or cochlear tissue at week 12 of development, before functional onset. Together, our data indicate that the current state-of-the-art protocol enables the specification of bona fide otic tissue, supporting the further application of IEOs to inform inner ear biology and disease.
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McGovern MM, Hartman B, Thawani A, Maunsell H, Zhang H, Yousaf R, Heller S, Stone J, Groves AK. Fbxo2 CreERT2: A new model for targeting cells in the neonatal and mature inner ear. Hear Res 2023; 428:108686. [PMID: 36587458 PMCID: PMC9840692 DOI: 10.1016/j.heares.2022.108686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2022] [Revised: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
The mammalian inner ear contains six sensory patches that allow detection of auditory stimuli as well as movement and balance. Much research has focused on the organ of Corti, the sensory organ of the cochlea that detects sound. Unfortunately, these cells are difficult to access in vivo, especially in the mature animal, but the development of genetically modified mouse models, including Cre/Lox mice, has improved the ability to label, purify or manipulate these cells. Here, we describe a new tamoxifen-inducible CreER mouse line, the Fbxo2CreERT2 mouse, that can be used to specifically manipulate cells throughout the cochlear duct of the neonatal and mature cochlear epithelium. In vestibular sensory epithelia, Fbxo2CreERT2-mediated recombination occurs in many hair cells and more rarely in supporting cells of neonatal and adult mice, with a higher rate of Fbxo2CreERT2 induction in type 1 versus type 2 hair cells in adults. Fbxo2CreERT2 mice, therefore, are a new tool for the specific manipulation of epithelial cells of the inner ear and targeted manipulation of vestibular type 1 hair cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa M McGovern
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, United States.
| | - Byron Hartman
- Department of Otolaryngology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, United States
| | - Ankita Thawani
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, United States
| | - Helen Maunsell
- Program in Development, Disease Models and Therapeutics, Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, United States
| | - Hongyuan Zhang
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, United States
| | - Rizwan Yousaf
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, United States
| | - Stefan Heller
- Department of Otolaryngology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, United States
| | - Jennifer Stone
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Virginia Merrill Bloedel Hearing Research Center, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98195, United States
| | - Andrew K Groves
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, United States; Program in Development, Disease Models and Therapeutics, Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, United States; Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, United States
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Connolly K, Gonzalez-Cordero A. Modelling inner ear development and disease using pluripotent stem cells - a pathway to new therapeutic strategies. Dis Model Mech 2022; 15:dmm049593. [PMID: 36331565 PMCID: PMC10621662 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.049593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The sensory epithelia of the mammalian inner ear enable sound and movement to be perceived. Damage to these epithelia can cause irreversible sensorineural hearing loss and vestibular dysfunction because they lack regenerative capacity. The human inner ear cannot be biopsied without causing permanent damage, significantly limiting the tissue samples available for research. Investigating disease pathology and therapeutic developments have therefore traditionally relied on animal models, which often cannot completely recapitulate the human otic systems. These challenges are now being partly addressed using induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cultures, which generate the sensory epithelial-like tissues of the inner ear. Here, we review how pluripotent stem cells have been used to produce two-dimensional and three-dimensional otic cultures, the strengths and limitations of these new approaches, and how they have been employed to investigate genetic and acquired forms of audiovestibular dysfunction. This Review provides an overview of the progress in pluripotent stem cell-derived otic cultures thus far, focusing on their applications in disease modelling and therapeutic trials. We survey their current limitations and future directions, highlighting their prospective utility for high-throughput drug screening and developing personalised medicine approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keeva Connolly
- Stem Cell Medicine Group, Children's Medical Research Institute, Westmead, 2145 NSW, Australia
- School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Westmead, 2145 NSW, Australia
| | - Anai Gonzalez-Cordero
- Stem Cell Medicine Group, Children's Medical Research Institute, Westmead, 2145 NSW, Australia
- School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Westmead, 2145 NSW, Australia
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Deafness-in-a-dish: modeling hereditary deafness with inner ear organoids. Hum Genet 2021; 141:347-362. [PMID: 34342719 PMCID: PMC9035009 DOI: 10.1007/s00439-021-02325-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2021] [Accepted: 07/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) is a major cause of functional disability in both the developed and developing world. While hearing aids and cochlear implants provide significant benefit to many with SNHL, neither targets the cellular and molecular dysfunction that ultimately underlies SNHL. The successful development of more targeted approaches, such as growth factor, stem cell, and gene therapies, will require a yet deeper understanding of the underlying molecular mechanisms of human hearing and deafness. Unfortunately, the human inner ear cannot be biopsied without causing significant, irreversible damage to the hearing or balance organ. Thus, much of our current understanding of the cellular and molecular biology of human deafness, and of the human auditory system more broadly, has been inferred from observational and experimental studies in animal models, each of which has its own advantages and limitations. In 2013, researchers described a protocol for the generation of inner ear organoids from pluripotent stem cells (PSCs), which could serve as scalable, high-fidelity alternatives to animal models. Here, we discuss the advantages and limitations of conventional models of the human auditory system, describe the generation and characteristics of PSC-derived inner ear organoids, and discuss several strategies and recent attempts to model hereditary deafness in vitro. Finally, we suggest and discuss several focus areas for the further, intensive characterization of inner ear organoids and discuss the translational applications of these novel models of the human inner ear.
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Matrigel is required for efficient differentiation of isolated, stem cell-derived otic vesicles into inner ear organoids. Stem Cell Res 2021; 53:102295. [PMID: 33773390 PMCID: PMC8360351 DOI: 10.1016/j.scr.2021.102295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2020] [Revised: 02/09/2021] [Accepted: 03/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Inner ear organoids derived from pluripotent stem cells could be a useful model system to study development, disease, and regeneration. However, there is considerable heterogeneity in the size, morphology, and efficiency of organoid production using standard protocols. Greater control of the culture microenvironment could decrease heterogeneity and increase the yield of organoids. Animal-derived otic vesicles show some autonomy during development and can differentiate into cochlear and vestibular domains in mesenchyme-free ex vivo culture. Therefore, we investigated whether stem cell-derived otic vesicles can autonomously generate inner ear organoids. Isolated, stem cell-derived vesicles grew into cyst-like organoids with high efficiency, over 90%, when embedded in droplets of the basement membrane matrix Matrigel. Though nearly all vesicles within the aggregate were competent to mature into organoids, the efficiency of organoid production depended on the stage of vesicle isolation and required supplementation with Matrigel.
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Kanzaki S, Toyoda M, Umezawa A, Ogawa K. Application of Mesenchymal Stem Cell Therapy and Inner Ear Regeneration for Hearing Loss: A Review. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21165764. [PMID: 32796705 PMCID: PMC7460950 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21165764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2020] [Accepted: 08/07/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Inner and middle ear disorders are the leading cause of hearing loss, and are said to be among the greatest risk factors of dementia. The use of regenerative medicine for the treatment of inner ear disorders may offer a potential alternative to cochlear implants for hearing recovery. In this paper, we reviewed recent research and clinical applications in middle and inner ear regeneration and cell therapy. Recently, the mechanism of inner ear regeneration has gradually been elucidated. "Inner ear stem cells," which may be considered the precursors of various cells in the inner ear, have been discovered in the cochlea and vestibule. Research indicates that cells such as hair cells, neurons, and spiral ligaments may form promising targets for inner ear regenerative therapies by the transplantation of stem cells, including mesenchymal stem cells. In addition, it is necessary to develop tests for the clinical monitoring of cell transplantation. Real-time imaging techniques and hearing rehabilitation techniques are also being investigated, and cell therapy has found clinical application in cochlear implant techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sho Kanzaki
- Department of Otolaryngology, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan;
- Correspondence:
| | - Masashi Toyoda
- Research Team for Geriatric Medicine, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology, 35-2 Sakae-cho, Itabashi, Tokyo 173-0015, Japan;
| | - Akihiro Umezawa
- National Center for Child Health and Development, 2-10-1 Okura, Setagaya, Tokyo 157-8535, Japan;
| | - Kaoru Ogawa
- Department of Otolaryngology, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan;
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Durán-Alonso MB. Stem cell-based approaches: Possible route to hearing restoration? World J Stem Cells 2020; 12:422-437. [PMID: 32742560 PMCID: PMC7360988 DOI: 10.4252/wjsc.v12.i6.422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2020] [Revised: 05/08/2020] [Accepted: 05/22/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Disabling hearing loss is the most common sensorineural disability worldwide. It affects around 466 million people and its incidence is expected to rise to around 900 million people by 2050, according to World Health Organization estimates. Most cases of hearing impairment are due to the degeneration of hair cells (HCs) in the cochlea, mechano-receptors that transduce incoming sound information into electrical signals that are sent to the brain. Damage to these cells is mainly caused by exposure to aminoglycoside antibiotics and to some anti-cancer drugs such as cisplatin, loud sounds, age, infections and genetic mutations. Hearing deficits may also result from damage to the spiral ganglion neurons that innervate cochlear HCs. Differently from what is observed in avian and non-mammalian species, there is no regeneration of missing sensory cell types in the adult mammalian cochlea, what makes hearing loss an irreversible process. This review summarizes the research that has been conducted with the aim of developing cell-based strategies that lead to sensory cell replacement in the adult cochlea and, ultimately, to hearing restoration. Two main lines of research are discussed, one directed toward the transplantation of exogenous replacement cells into the damaged tissue, and another that aims at reactivating the regenerative potential of putative progenitor cells in the adult inner ear. Results from some of the studies that have been conducted are presented and the advantages and drawbacks of the various approaches discussed.
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Roccio M, Edge ASB. Inner ear organoids: new tools to understand neurosensory cell development, degeneration and regeneration. Development 2019; 146:146/17/dev177188. [PMID: 31477580 DOI: 10.1242/dev.177188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The development of therapeutic interventions for hearing loss requires fundamental knowledge about the signaling pathways controlling tissue development as well as the establishment of human cell-based assays to validate therapeutic strategies ex vivo Recent advances in the field of stem cell biology and organoid culture systems allow the expansion and differentiation of tissue-specific progenitors and pluripotent stem cells in vitro into functional hair cells and otic-like neurons. We discuss how inner ear organoids have been developed and how they offer for the first time the opportunity to validate drug-based therapies, gene-targeting approaches and cell replacement strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Roccio
- Inner Ear Research Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Research (DBMR), University of Bern, Bern 3008, Switzerland .,Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern 3010, Switzerland
| | - Albert S B Edge
- Department of Otolaryngology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA.,Eaton-Peabody Laboratory, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Boston, MA 02114, USA.,Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
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