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Danačíková Š, Straka B, Daněk J, Kořínek V, Otáhal J. In vitro human cell culture models in a bench-to-bedside approach to epilepsy. Epilepsia Open 2024; 9:865-890. [PMID: 38637998 PMCID: PMC11145627 DOI: 10.1002/epi4.12941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Revised: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/31/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Epilepsy is the most common chronic neurological disease, affecting nearly 1%-2% of the world's population. Current pharmacological treatment and regimen adjustments are aimed at controlling seizures; however, they are ineffective in one-third of the patients. Although neuronal hyperexcitability was previously thought to be mainly due to ion channel alterations, current research has revealed other contributing molecular pathways, including processes involved in cellular signaling, energy metabolism, protein synthesis, axon guidance, inflammation, and others. Some forms of drug-resistant epilepsy are caused by genetic defects that constitute potential targets for precision therapy. Although such approaches are increasingly important, they are still in the early stages of development. This review aims to provide a summary of practical aspects of the employment of in vitro human cell culture models in epilepsy diagnosis, treatment, and research. First, we briefly summarize the genetic testing that may result in the detection of candidate pathogenic variants in genes involved in epilepsy pathogenesis. Consequently, we review existing in vitro cell models, including induced pluripotent stem cells and differentiated neuronal cells, providing their specific properties, validity, and employment in research pipelines. We cover two methodological approaches. The first approach involves the utilization of somatic cells directly obtained from individual patients, while the second approach entails the utilization of characterized cell lines. The models are evaluated in terms of their research and clinical benefits, relevance to the in vivo conditions, legal and ethical aspects, time and cost demands, and available published data. Despite the methodological, temporal, and financial demands of the reviewed models they possess high potential to be used as robust systems in routine testing of pathogenicity of detected variants in the near future and provide a solid experimental background for personalized therapy of genetic epilepsies. PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARY: Epilepsy affects millions worldwide, but current treatments fail for many patients. Beyond traditional ion channel alterations, various genetic factors contribute to the disorder's complexity. This review explores how in vitro human cell models, either from patients or from cell lines, can aid in understanding epilepsy's genetic roots and developing personalized therapies. While these models require further investigation, they offer hope for improved diagnosis and treatment of genetic forms of epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Šárka Danačíková
- Laboratory of Developmental EpileptologyInstitute of Physiology of the Czech Academy of SciencesPragueCzech Republic
- Department of Pathophysiology, Second Faculty of MedicineCharles UniversityPragueCzech Republic
- Laboratory of Cell and Developmental BiologyInstitute of Molecular Genetics of the Czech Academy of SciencesPragueCzech Republic
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of ScienceCharles UniversityPragueCzech Republic
| | - Barbora Straka
- Neurogenetics Laboratory of the Department of Paediatric Neurology, Second Faculty of MedicineCharles University and Motol University Hospital, Full Member of the ERN EpiCAREPragueCzech Republic
| | - Jan Daněk
- Laboratory of Developmental EpileptologyInstitute of Physiology of the Czech Academy of SciencesPragueCzech Republic
| | - Vladimír Kořínek
- Laboratory of Cell and Developmental BiologyInstitute of Molecular Genetics of the Czech Academy of SciencesPragueCzech Republic
| | - Jakub Otáhal
- Laboratory of Developmental EpileptologyInstitute of Physiology of the Czech Academy of SciencesPragueCzech Republic
- Department of Pathophysiology, Second Faculty of MedicineCharles UniversityPragueCzech Republic
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Kwak T, Park SH, Lee S, Shin Y, Yoon KJ, Cho SW, Park JC, Yang SH, Cho H, Im HI, Ahn SJ, Sun W, Yang JH. Guidelines for Manufacturing and Application of Organoids: Brain. Int J Stem Cells 2024; 17:158-181. [PMID: 38777830 PMCID: PMC11170118 DOI: 10.15283/ijsc24056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2024] [Revised: 05/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
This study offers a comprehensive overview of brain organoids for researchers. It combines expert opinions with technical summaries on organoid definitions, characteristics, culture methods, and quality control. This approach aims to enhance the utilization of brain organoids in research. Brain organoids, as three-dimensional human cell models mimicking the nervous system, hold immense promise for studying the human brain. They offer advantages over traditional methods, replicating anatomical structures, physiological features, and complex neuronal networks. Additionally, brain organoids can model nervous system development and interactions between cell types and the microenvironment. By providing a foundation for utilizing the most human-relevant tissue models, this work empowers researchers to overcome limitations of two-dimensional cultures and conduct advanced disease modeling research.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Si-Hyung Park
- Department of Anatomy, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | | | | | - Ki-Jun Yoon
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, Korea
- Organoid Standards Initiative
| | - Seung-Woo Cho
- Organoid Standards Initiative
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Science and Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jong-Chan Park
- Organoid Standards Initiative
- Department of Biophysics, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, Korea
| | - Seung-Ho Yang
- Organoid Standards Initiative
- Department of Neurosurgery, St. Vincent’s Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Suwon, Korea
| | - Heeyeong Cho
- Organoid Standards Initiative
- Center for Rare Disease Therapeutic Technology, Therapeutics & Biotechnology Division, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology, Daejeon, Korea
| | - Heh-In Im
- Organoid Standards Initiative
- Behavioral and Molecular Neuroscience, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul, Korea
| | - Sun-Ju Ahn
- Organoid Standards Initiative
- Department of Biophysics, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, Korea
- Institute of Quantum Biophysics, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, Korea
| | - Woong Sun
- Department of Anatomy, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- Organoid Standards Initiative
| | - Ji Hun Yang
- Next & Bio Inc., Seoul, Korea
- Organoid Standards Initiative
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You S, Han X, Xu Y, Sui L, Song K, Yao Q. High expression of SLC7A1 in high-grade serous ovarian cancer promotes tumor progression and is involved in MAPK/ERK pathway and EMT. Cancer Med 2024; 13:e7217. [PMID: 38752472 PMCID: PMC11097251 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.7217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 04/01/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Our previous studies have shown that upregulation of SLC7A1 in epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) tumor cells significantly increases cancer cell proliferation, migration, and cisplatin resistance; however, the molecular mechanism by which SLC7A1 functions in EOC remains unknown. In later studies, we found that SLC7A1 is also highly expressed in the interstitial portion of high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC), but the significance of this high expression in the interstitial remains unclear. Here, we showed the Interstitial high expression of SLC7A1 in HGSOC by immunohistochemistry. SLC7A1 enriched in cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) was upregulated by TGF-β1. Transwell assay, scratch assay, cck8 assay and cell adhesion assay showed that SLC7A1 highly expressed in CAFs promoted tumor cells invasion, migration and metastasis in vitro. The effect of SLC7A1 on MAPK and EMT pathway proteins in ovarian cancer (OC) was verified by RNA sequencing and western blotting. Overexpression of SLC7A1 in OC is involved in MAPK/ ERK pathway and EMT. In general, in HGSOC, CAFs overexpressing SLC7A1 supported the migration and invasion of tumor cells; SLC7A1 is highly expressed in ovarian cancer and is involved in ERK phosphorylation and EMT signaling in MAPK signaling pathway. This suggests that SLC7A1 may be a potential therapeutic target for OC metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shijing You
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyThe Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao UniversityQingdaoShandongChina
| | - Xiahui Han
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyThe Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao UniversityQingdaoShandongChina
| | - Yuance Xu
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyThe Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao UniversityQingdaoShandongChina
| | - Lei Sui
- Department of Gynecological OncologyAffiliated Qingdao Central Hospital of Qingdao UniversityQingdaoShandongChina
| | - Kejuan Song
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyThe Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao UniversityQingdaoShandongChina
| | - Qin Yao
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyThe Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao UniversityQingdaoShandongChina
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Choe MS, Yeo HC, Kim JS, Lee J, Lee HJ, Kim HR, Baek KM, Jung NY, Choi M, Lee MY. Simple modeling of familial Alzheimer's disease using human pluripotent stem cell-derived cerebral organoid technology. Stem Cell Res Ther 2024; 15:118. [PMID: 38659053 PMCID: PMC11040922 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-024-03732-1] [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: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cerebral organoids (COs) are the most advanced in vitro models that resemble the human brain. The use of COs as a model for Alzheimer's disease (AD), as well as other brain diseases, has recently gained attention. This study aimed to develop a human AD CO model using normal human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) that recapitulates the pathological phenotypes of AD and to determine the usefulness of this model for drug screening. METHODS We established AD hPSC lines from normal hPSCs by introducing genes that harbor familial AD mutations, and the COs were generated using these hPSC lines. The pathological features of AD, including extensive amyloid-β (Aβ) accumulation, tauopathy, and neurodegeneration, were analyzed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, Amylo-Glo staining, thioflavin-S staining, immunohistochemistry, Bielschowsky's staining, and western blot analysis. RESULTS The AD COs exhibited extensive Aβ accumulation. The levels of paired helical filament tau and neurofibrillary tangle-like silver deposits were highly increased in the AD COs. The number of cells immunoreactive for cleaved caspase-3 was significantly increased in the AD COs. In addition, treatment of AD COs with BACE1 inhibitor IV, a β-secretase inhibitor, and compound E, a γ-secretase inhibitor, significantly attenuated the AD pathological features. CONCLUSION Our model effectively recapitulates AD pathology. Hence, it is a valuable platform for understanding the mechanisms underlying AD pathogenesis and can be used to test the efficacy of anti-AD drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mu Seog Choe
- Department of Molecular Physiology, College of Pharmacy, Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Vessel-Organ Interaction Research Center (VOICE, MRC), Kyungpook National University, 41566, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Han Cheol Yeo
- Department of Molecular Physiology, College of Pharmacy, Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Vessel-Organ Interaction Research Center (VOICE, MRC), Kyungpook National University, 41566, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Joong Sun Kim
- Department of Veterinary Anatomy, College of Veterinary Medicine, Chonnam National University, 61186, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
| | - Jean Lee
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Seoul National University, 03080, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hae Jun Lee
- Division of Radiation Biomedical Research, Korea Institute of Radiological & Medical Sciences (KIRAMS), 01812, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyung-Ryong Kim
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Dentistry, Jeonbuk National University, 54896, Jeonju, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyung Min Baek
- Department of Cardiovascular and Neurologic Disease, College of Oriental Medicine, Daegu Haany University, 42158, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Na-Yeon Jung
- Department of Neurology, Pusan National University Yangsan Hospital, Pusan National University School of Medicine, 50612, Yangsan, Republic of Korea
| | - Murim Choi
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Seoul National University, 03080, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
| | - Min Young Lee
- Department of Molecular Physiology, College of Pharmacy, Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Vessel-Organ Interaction Research Center (VOICE, MRC), Kyungpook National University, 41566, Daegu, Republic of Korea.
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Kong X, Lyu W, Lin X, Lin C, Feng H, Xu L, Shan K, Wei P, Li J. Itaconate alleviates anesthesia/surgery-induced cognitive impairment by activating a Nrf2-dependent anti-neuroinflammation and neurogenesis via gut-brain axis. J Neuroinflammation 2024; 21:104. [PMID: 38649932 PMCID: PMC11034021 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-024-03103-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) is a common neurological complication of anesthesia and surgery in aging individuals. Neuroinflammation has been identified as a hallmark of POCD. However, safe and effective treatments of POCD are still lacking. Itaconate is an immunoregulatory metabolite derived from the tricarboxylic acid cycle that exerts anti-inflammatory effects by activating the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) pathway. In this study, we investigated the effects and underlying mechanism of 4-octyl itaconate (OI), a cell-permeable itaconate derivative, on POCD in aged mice. METHODS A POCD animal model was established by performing aseptic laparotomy in 18-month-old male C57BL/6 mice under isoflurane anesthesia while maintaining spontaneous ventilation. OI was intraperitoneally injected into the mice after surgery. Primary microglia and neurons were isolated and treated to lipopolysaccharide (LPS), isoflurane, and OI. Cognitive function, neuroinflammatory responses, as well as levels of gut microbiota and their metabolites were evaluated. To determine the mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effects of OI in POCD, ML385, an antagonist of Nrf2, was administered intraperitoneally. Cognitive function, neuroinflammatory responses, endogenous neurogenesis, neuronal apoptosis, and Nrf2/extracellular signal-related kinases (ERK) signaling pathway were evaluated. RESULTS Our findings revealed that OI treatment significantly alleviated anesthesia/surgery-induced cognitive impairment, concomitant with reduced levels of the neuroinflammatory cytokines IL-1β and IL-6, as well as suppressed activation of microglia and astrocytes in the hippocampus. Similarly, OI treatment inhibited the expression of IL-1β and IL-6 in LPS and isoflurane-induced primary microglia in vitro. Intraperitoneal administration of OI led to alterations in the gut microbiota and promoted the production of microbiota-derived metabolites associated with neurogenesis. We further confirmed that OI promoted endogenous neurogenesis and inhibited neuronal apoptosis in the hippocampal dentate gyrus of aged mice. Mechanistically, we observed a decrease in Nrf2 expression in hippocampal neurons both in vitro and in vivo, which was reversed by OI treatment. We found that Nrf2 was required for OI treatment to inhibit neuroinflammation in POCD. The enhanced POCD recovery and promotion of neurogenesis triggered by OI exposure were, at least partially, mediated by the activation of the Nrf2/ERK signaling pathway. CONCLUSIONS Our findings demonstrate that OI can attenuate anesthesia/surgery-induced cognitive impairment by stabilizing the gut microbiota and activating Nrf2 signaling to restrict neuroinflammation and promote neurogenesis. Boosting endogenous itaconate or supplementation with exogenous itaconate derivatives may represent novel strategies for the treatment of POCD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangyi Kong
- Department of Anesthesiology, Qilu Hospital (Qingdao), Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 758 Hefei Road, Qingdao, China
- Laboratory of Anesthesia and Brain Function, Qilu Hospital (Qingdao), Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 758 Hefei Road, Qingdao, China
| | - Wenyuan Lyu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Qilu Hospital (Qingdao), Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 758 Hefei Road, Qingdao, China
- Laboratory of Anesthesia and Brain Function, Qilu Hospital (Qingdao), Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 758 Hefei Road, Qingdao, China
| | - Xiaojie Lin
- Department of Anesthesiology, Qilu Hospital (Qingdao), Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 758 Hefei Road, Qingdao, China
| | - Chunlong Lin
- Department of Anesthesiology, Qilu Hospital (Qingdao), Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 758 Hefei Road, Qingdao, China
| | - Hao Feng
- Department of Anesthesiology, Qilu Hospital (Qingdao), Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 758 Hefei Road, Qingdao, China
- Laboratory of Anesthesia and Brain Function, Qilu Hospital (Qingdao), Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 758 Hefei Road, Qingdao, China
| | - Lin Xu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Qilu Hospital (Qingdao), Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 758 Hefei Road, Qingdao, China
- Laboratory of Anesthesia and Brain Function, Qilu Hospital (Qingdao), Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 758 Hefei Road, Qingdao, China
| | - Kaiyue Shan
- Department of Anesthesiology, Qilu Hospital (Qingdao), Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 758 Hefei Road, Qingdao, China
- Laboratory of Anesthesia and Brain Function, Qilu Hospital (Qingdao), Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 758 Hefei Road, Qingdao, China
| | - Penghui Wei
- Department of Anesthesiology, Qilu Hospital (Qingdao), Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 758 Hefei Road, Qingdao, China.
- Laboratory of Anesthesia and Brain Function, Qilu Hospital (Qingdao), Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 758 Hefei Road, Qingdao, China.
| | - Jianjun Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, Qilu Hospital (Qingdao), Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 758 Hefei Road, Qingdao, China.
- Laboratory of Anesthesia and Brain Function, Qilu Hospital (Qingdao), Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 758 Hefei Road, Qingdao, China.
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Tan J, Tan YY, Ngian ZK, Chong SY, Rao VK, Wang JW, Zeng X, Ong CT. ApoE maintains neuronal integrity via microRNA and H3K27me3-mediated repression. iScience 2024; 27:109231. [PMID: 38439966 PMCID: PMC10909902 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.109231] [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: 05/01/2023] [Revised: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 03/06/2024] Open
Abstract
ApoE regulates neurogenesis, although how it influences genetic programs remains elusive. Cortical neurons induced from isogenic control and ApoE-/- human neural stem cells (NSCs) recapitulated key transcriptomic signatures of in vivo counterparts identified from single-cell human midbrain. Surprisingly, ApoE expression in NSC and neural progenitor cells (NPCs) is not required for differentiation. Instead, ApoE prevents the over-proliferation of non-neuronal cells during extended neuronal culture when it is not expressed. Elevated miR-199a-5p level in ApoE-/- cells lowers the EZH1 protein and the repressive H3K27me3 mark, a phenotype rescued by miR-199a-5p steric inhibitor. Reduced H3K27me3 at genes linked to extracellular matrix organization and angiogenesis in ApoE-/- NPC correlates with their aberrant expression and phenotypes in neurons. Interestingly, the ApoE coding sequence, which contains many predicted miR-199a-5p binding sites, can repress miR-199a-5p without translating into protein. This suggests that ApoE maintains neurons integrity through the target-directed miRNA degradation of miR-199a-5p, imparting the H3K27me3-mediated repression of non-neuronal genes during differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiazi Tan
- Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117604, Singapore
| | - Yow-Yong Tan
- Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117604, Singapore
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117543, Singapore
| | - Zhen-Kai Ngian
- Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117604, Singapore
| | - Suet-Yen Chong
- Department of Surgery, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 119228, Singapore
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117599, Singapore
| | - Vinay Kumar Rao
- Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117604, Singapore
- Department of Medical Genetics, JSS Medical College, JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research, Mysore 570015, India
| | - Jiong-Wei Wang
- Department of Surgery, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 119228, Singapore
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117599, Singapore
- Nanomedicine Translational Research Programme, Centre for NanoMedicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117609, Singapore
- Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117593, Singapore
| | - Xianmin Zeng
- Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117593, Singapore
- RxCell Inc, Novato, CA 94945, USA
| | - Chin-Tong Ong
- Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117604, Singapore
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117543, Singapore
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Perdaens O, Bottemanne P, van Pesch V. MicroRNAs dysregulated in multiple sclerosis affect the differentiation of CG-4 cells, an oligodendrocyte progenitor cell line. Front Cell Neurosci 2024; 18:1336439. [PMID: 38486710 PMCID: PMC10937391 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2024.1336439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Demyelination is one of the hallmarks of multiple sclerosis (MS). While remyelination occurs during the disease, it is incomplete from the start and strongly decreases with its progression, mainly due to the harm to oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPCs), causing irreversible neurological deficits and contributing to neurodegeneration. Therapeutic strategies promoting remyelination are still very preliminary and lacking within the current treatment panel for MS. Methods In a previous study, we identified 21 microRNAs dysregulated mostly in the CSF of relapsing and/or remitting MS patients. In this study we transfected the mimics/inhibitors of several of these microRNAs separately in an OPC cell line, called CG-4. We aimed (1) to phenotypically characterize their effect on OPC differentiation and (2) to identify corroborating potential mRNA targets via immunocytochemistry, RT-qPCR analysis, RNA sequencing, and Gene Ontology enrichment analysis. Results We observed that the majority of 13 transfected microRNA mimics decreased the differentiation of CG-4 cells. We demonstrate, by RNA sequencing and independent RT-qPCR analyses, that miR-33-3p, miR-34c-5p, and miR-124-5p arrest OPC differentiation at a late progenitor stage and miR-145-5p at a premyelinating stage as evidenced by the downregulation of premyelinating oligodendrocyte (OL) [Tcf7l2, Cnp (except for miR-145-5p)] and mature OL (Plp1, Mbp, and Mobp) markers, whereas only miR-214-3p promotes OPC differentiation. We further propose a comprehensive exploration of their change in cell fate through Gene Ontology enrichment analysis. We finally confirm by RT-qPCR analyses the downregulation of several predicted mRNA targets for each microRNA that possibly support their effect on OPC differentiation by very distinctive mechanisms, of which some are still unexplored in OPC/OL physiology. Conclusion miR-33-3p, miR-34c-5p, and miR-124-5p arrest OPC differentiation at a late progenitor stage and miR-145-5p at a premyelinating stage, whereas miR-214-3p promotes the differentiation of CG-4 cells. We propose several potential mRNA targets and hypothetical mechanisms by which each microRNA exerts its effect. We hereby open new perspectives in the research on OPC differentiation and the pathophysiology of demyelination/remyelination, and possibly even in the search for new remyelinating therapeutic strategies in the scope of MS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Océane Perdaens
- Neurochemistry Group, Institute of NeuroScience, Université catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Pauline Bottemanne
- Bioanalysis and Pharmacology of Bioactive Lipids, Louvain Drug Research Institute, Université catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Vincent van Pesch
- Neurochemistry Group, Institute of NeuroScience, Université catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain), Brussels, Belgium
- Department of Neurology, Cliniques universitaires Saint-Luc, Université catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain), Brussels, Belgium
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Wang X, Zhang Y, Luo S, Zhao K, Gao C, Mei D, Duan Y, Hu S. Restoration of nNOS Expression Rescues Autistic-Like Phenotypes Through Normalization of AMPA Receptor-Mediated Neurotransmission. Mol Neurobiol 2024:10.1007/s12035-024-03997-w. [PMID: 38329681 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-024-03997-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/27/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is associated with a range of abnormalities characterized by deficits in socialization, communication, repetitive behaviors, and restricted interests. We have recently shown that neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) expression was decreased in the basolateral amygdala (BLA) of mice after postnatal valproic acid exposure. Neuronal activity-regulated pentraxin (Narp) could contribute to the regulation of the GluA4 2-amino-3-(5-methyl-3-oxo-1,2-oxazol-4-yl) propanoic acid (AMPA) subunits which are predominantly expressed in interneurons. However, the specific role of nNOS re-expression on excitatory neurotransmitter with relevance to ASD core symptoms in VPA-treated animals remains to be elucidated. Herein, nNOS overexpression using a lentiviral vector and L-arginine-activating PI3K-Akt-mTOR signaling can restore nNOS expression in the BLA induced by VPA. Restoration of nNOS expression in these mice was sufficient to reduce the severity of ASD-like behavioral patterns such that animals exhibited decreases in abnormal social interactions and communication, stereotyped/repetitive behaviors, and anxiety-like traits. Most strikingly, re-expression of nNOS upregulated surface expression of Narp and GluA4 in nNOS-positive interneuron as shown by immunoprecipitation and Western blotting. Whole-cell patch-clamp recordings demonstrated that restoration of nNOS had a significant enhancing effect on AMPA receptor-mediated excitatory glutamatergic synaptic neurotransmission, which was inhibited by disturbing the interaction between Narp and GluA4 in acutely dissociated BLA slices. Overall, these data offer a scientific basis for the additional study of nNOS re-expression as a promising therapeutic target by correcting AMPA receptor-mediated synaptic function in ASD and related neurodevelopmental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaona Wang
- Henan Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou Children's Hospital, Henan Key Laboratory of Children's Genetics and Metabolic Diseases, Henan Children's Neurodevelopment Engineering Research Center, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.
| | - Yaodong Zhang
- Henan Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou Children's Hospital, Henan Key Laboratory of Children's Genetics and Metabolic Diseases, Henan Children's Neurodevelopment Engineering Research Center, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Shuying Luo
- Henan Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou Children's Hospital, Henan Key Laboratory of Children's Genetics and Metabolic Diseases, Henan Children's Neurodevelopment Engineering Research Center, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Ke Zhao
- Henan Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou Children's Hospital, Henan Key Laboratory of Children's Genetics and Metabolic Diseases, Henan Children's Neurodevelopment Engineering Research Center, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Chao Gao
- Department of Rehabilitation, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Daoqi Mei
- Department of Neurology, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yongtao Duan
- Henan Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou Children's Hospital, Henan Key Laboratory of Children's Genetics and Metabolic Diseases, Henan Children's Neurodevelopment Engineering Research Center, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Shunan Hu
- Henan Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou Children's Hospital, Henan Key Laboratory of Children's Genetics and Metabolic Diseases, Henan Children's Neurodevelopment Engineering Research Center, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
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Ma Y, Liu X, Zhou M, Sun W, Jiang B, Liu Q, Wang M, Zou Y, Liu Q, Gong Y, Sun G. CUL4B mutations impair human cortical neurogenesis through PP2A-dependent inhibition of AKT and ERK. Cell Death Dis 2024; 15:121. [PMID: 38331954 PMCID: PMC10853546 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-024-06501-3] [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: 07/18/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024]
Abstract
Mutation in CUL4B gene is one of the most common causes for X-linked intellectual disability (XLID). CUL4B is the scaffold protein in CUL4B-RING ubiquitin ligase (CRL4B) complex. While the roles of CUL4B in cancer progression and some developmental processes like adipogenesis, osteogenesis, and spermatogenesis have been studied, the mechanisms underlying the neurological disorders in patients with CUL4B mutations are poorly understood. Here, using 2D neuronal culture and cerebral organoids generated from the patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells and their isogenic controls, we demonstrate that CUL4B is required to prevent premature cell cycle exit and precocious neuronal differentiation of neural progenitor cells. Moreover, loss-of-function mutations of CUL4B lead to increased synapse formation and enhanced neuronal excitability. Mechanistically, CRL4B complex represses transcription of PPP2R2B and PPP2R2C genes, which encode two isoforms of the regulatory subunit of protein phosphatase 2 A (PP2A) complex, through catalyzing monoubiquitination of H2AK119 in their promoter regions. CUL4B mutations result in upregulated PP2A activity, which causes inhibition of AKT and ERK, leading to premature cell cycle exit. Activation of AKT and ERK or inhibition of PP2A activity in CUL4B mutant organoids rescues the neurogenesis defect. Our work unveils an essential role of CUL4B in human cortical development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanyan Ma
- Key Laboratory of Experimental Teratology, Ministry of Education, Institute of Molecular Medicine and Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
| | - Xiaolin Liu
- Key Laboratory of Experimental Teratology, Ministry of Education, Institute of Molecular Medicine and Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
| | - Min Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Experimental Teratology, Ministry of Education, Institute of Molecular Medicine and Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
| | - Wenjie Sun
- Key Laboratory of Experimental Teratology, Ministry of Education, Institute of Molecular Medicine and Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
| | - Baichun Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Experimental Teratology, Ministry of Education, Institute of Molecular Medicine and Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
| | - Qiao Liu
- Key Laboratory of Experimental Teratology, Ministry of Education, Institute of Molecular Medicine and Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
| | - Molin Wang
- Key Laboratory of Experimental Teratology, Ministry of Education, Institute of Molecular Medicine and Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
| | - Yongxin Zou
- Key Laboratory of Experimental Teratology, Ministry of Education, Institute of Molecular Medicine and Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
| | - Qiji Liu
- Key Laboratory of Experimental Teratology, Ministry of Education, Institute of Molecular Medicine and Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
| | - Yaoqin Gong
- Key Laboratory of Experimental Teratology, Ministry of Education, Institute of Molecular Medicine and Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China.
| | - Gongping Sun
- Key Laboratory of Experimental Teratology, Ministry of Education, Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China.
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10
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Acharya P, Choi NY, Shrestha S, Jeong S, Lee MY. Brain organoids: A revolutionary tool for modeling neurological disorders and development of therapeutics. Biotechnol Bioeng 2024; 121:489-506. [PMID: 38013504 PMCID: PMC10842775 DOI: 10.1002/bit.28606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2023] [Revised: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
Brain organoids are self-organized, three-dimensional (3D) aggregates derived from pluripotent stem cells that have cell types and cellular architectures resembling those of the developing human brain. The current understanding of human brain developmental processes and neurological disorders has advanced significantly with the introduction of this in vitro model. Brain organoids serve as a translational link between two-dimensional (2D) cultures and in vivo models which imitate the neural tube formation at the early and late stages and the differentiation of neuroepithelium with whole-brain regionalization. In addition, the generation of region-specific brain organoids made it possible to investigate the pathogenic and etiological aspects of acquired and inherited brain disease along with drug discovery and drug toxicity testing. In this review article, we first summarize an overview of the existing methods and platforms used for generating brain organoids and their limitations and then discuss the recent advancement in brain organoid technology. In addition, we discuss how brain organoids have been used to model aspects of neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative diseases, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD), Rett syndrome, Zika virus-related microcephaly, Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), and Huntington's disease (HD).
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Affiliation(s)
- Prabha Acharya
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Texas, Denton, Texas, USA
| | - Na Young Choi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Texas, Denton, Texas, USA
- Department of Healthcare Information Technology, Inje University, Gimhae, Republic of Korea
| | - Sunil Shrestha
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Texas, Denton, Texas, USA
| | - Sehoon Jeong
- Department of Healthcare Information Technology, Inje University, Gimhae, Republic of Korea
| | - Moo-Yeal Lee
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Texas, Denton, Texas, USA
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11
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Mellios N, Papageorgiou G, Gorgievski V, Maxson G, Hernandez M, Otero M, Varangis M, Dell'Orco M, Perrone-Bizzozero N, Tzavara E. Regulation of neuronal circHomer1 biogenesis by PKA/CREB/ERK-mediated pathways and effects of glutamate and dopamine receptor blockade. RESEARCH SQUARE 2024:rs.3.rs-3547375. [PMID: 38260249 PMCID: PMC10802743 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-3547375/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
There are currently only very few efficacious drug treatments for SCZ and BD, none of which can significantly ameliorate cognitive symptoms. Thus, further research is needed in elucidating molecular pathways linked to cognitive function and antipsychotic treatment. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are stable brain-enriched non-coding RNAs, derived from the covalent back-splicing of precursor mRNA molecules. CircHomer1 is a neuronal-enriched, activity-dependent circRNA, derived from the precursor of the long HOMER1B mRNA isoform, which is significantly downregulated in the prefrontal cortex of subjects with psychosis and is able to regulate cognitive function. Even though its relevance to psychiatric disorders and its role in brain function and synaptic plasticity have been well established, little is known about the molecular mechanisms that underlie circHomer1 biogenesis in response to neuronal activity and psychiatric drug treatment. Here we suggest that the RNA-binding protein (RBP) FUS positively regulates neuronal circHomer1 expression. Furthermore, we show that the MEK/ERK and PKA/CREB pathways positively regulate neuronal circHomer1 expression, as well as promote the transcription of Fus and Eif4a3, another RBP previously shown to activate circHomer1 biogenesis. We then demonstrate via both in vitro and in vivo studies that NMDA and mGluR5 receptors are upstream modulators of circHomer1 expression. Lastly, we report that in vivo D2R antagonism increases circHomer1 expression, whereas 5HT2AR blockade reduces circHomer1 levels in multiple brain regions. Taken together, this study allows us to gain novel insights into the molecular circuits that underlie the biogenesis of a psychiatric disease-associated circRNA.
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Abstract
Brain development in humans is achieved through precise spatiotemporal genetic control, the mechanisms of which remain largely elusive. Recently, integration of technological advances in human stem cell-based modelling with genome editing has emerged as a powerful platform to establish causative links between genotypes and phenotypes directly in the human system. Here, we review our current knowledge of complex genetic regulation of each key step of human brain development through the lens of evolutionary specialization and neurodevelopmental disorders and highlight the use of human stem cell-derived 2D cultures and 3D brain organoids to investigate human-enriched features and disease mechanisms. We also discuss opportunities and challenges of integrating new technologies to reveal the genetic architecture of human brain development and disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Zhou
- Department of Neuroscience and Mahoney Institute for Neurosciences, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Hongjun Song
- Department of Neuroscience and Mahoney Institute for Neurosciences, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- The Epigenetics Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Guo-Li Ming
- Department of Neuroscience and Mahoney Institute for Neurosciences, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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13
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Chai Y, Lee SSY, Shillington A, Du X, Fok CKM, Yeung KC, Siu GKY, Yuan S, Zheng Z, Tsang HWS, Gu S, Chen Y, Ye T, Ip JPK. Non-canonical C-terminal variant of MeCP2 R344W exhibits enhanced degradation rate. IBRO Neurosci Rep 2023; 15:218-224. [PMID: 37822516 PMCID: PMC10562907 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibneur.2023.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Rett Syndrome (RTT) is a neurodevelopmental disorder caused by pathogenic variants in the MECP2 gene. While the majority of RTT-causing variants are clustered in the methyl-CpG binding domain and NCoR/SMRT interaction domain, we report a female patient with a functionally uncharacterized MECP2 variant in the C-terminal domain, c.1030C>T (R344W). We functionally characterized MECP2-R344W in terms of protein stability, NCoR/SMRT complex interaction, and protein nuclear localization in vitro. MECP2-R344W cells showed an increased protein degradation rate without significant change in NCoR/SMRT complex interaction and nuclear localization pattern, suggesting that enhanced MECP2 degradation is sufficient to cause a Rett Syndrome-like phenotype. This study highlights the pathogenicity of the C-terminal domain in Rett Syndrome, and demonstrates the potential of targeting MECP2 protein stability as a therapeutic approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Chai
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Chinese Academy of Sciences Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Manipulation, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Translational Research for Brain Diseases, The Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science—Shenzhen Fundamental Research Institutions, Shenzhen, China
| | - Sharon Shui Ying Lee
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Amelle Shillington
- Division of Human Genetics, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
| | - Xiaoli Du
- Division of Human Genetics, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
| | - Catalina Ka Man Fok
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Kam Chun Yeung
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Gavin Ka Yu Siu
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Shiyang Yuan
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Zhongyu Zheng
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Hayley Wing Sum Tsang
- Division of Life Science, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience and Molecular Neuroscience Center, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, China
| | - Shen Gu
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Gerald Choa Neuroscience Institute, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- CUHK Shenzhen Research Institute, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yu Chen
- Chinese Academy of Sciences Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Manipulation, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Translational Research for Brain Diseases, The Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science—Shenzhen Fundamental Research Institutions, Shenzhen, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Science, Disease and Drug Development, HKUST Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science—Shenzhen Fundamental Research Institutions, Shenzhen, China
| | - Tao Ye
- Chinese Academy of Sciences Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Manipulation, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Translational Research for Brain Diseases, The Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science—Shenzhen Fundamental Research Institutions, Shenzhen, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Science, Disease and Drug Development, HKUST Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science—Shenzhen Fundamental Research Institutions, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jacque Pak Kan Ip
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Gerald Choa Neuroscience Institute, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- CUHK Shenzhen Research Institute, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, China
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14
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Odabasi Y, Yanasik S, Saglam-Metiner P, Kaymaz Y, Yesil-Celiktas O. Comprehensive Transcriptomic Investigation of Rett Syndrome Reveals Increasing Complexity Trends from Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells to Neurons with Implications for Enriched Pathways. ACS OMEGA 2023; 8:44148-44162. [PMID: 38027357 PMCID: PMC10666228 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.3c06448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Revised: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
Rett syndrome (RTT) is a rare genetic neurodevelopmental disorder that has no cure apart from symptomatic treatments. While intense research efforts are required to fulfill this unmet need, the fundamental challenge is to obtain sufficient patient data. In this study, we used human transcriptomic data of four different sample types from RTT patients including induced pluripotent stem cells, differentiated neural progenitor cells, differentiated neurons, and postmortem brain tissues with an increasing in vivo-like complexity to unveil specific trends in gene expressions across the samples. Based on DEG analysis, we identified F8A3, CNTN6, RPE65, and COL19A1 to have differential expression levels in three sample types and also observed previously reported genes such as MECP2, FOXG1, CACNA1G, SATB2, GABBR2, MEF2C, KCNJ10, and CUX2 in our study. Considering the significantly enriched pathways for each sample type, we observed a consistent increase in numbers from iPSCs to NEUs where MECP2 displayed profound effects. We also validated our GSEA results by using single-cell RNA-seq data. In WGCNA, we elicited a connection among MECP2, TNRC6A, and HOXA5. Our findings highlight the utility of transcriptomic analyses to determine genes that might lead to therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yusuf
Caglar Odabasi
- Department of Bioengineering,
Faculty of Engineering, Ege University, Izmir 35100, Turkey
| | - Sena Yanasik
- Department of Bioengineering,
Faculty of Engineering, Ege University, Izmir 35100, Turkey
| | - Pelin Saglam-Metiner
- Department of Bioengineering,
Faculty of Engineering, Ege University, Izmir 35100, Turkey
| | - Yasin Kaymaz
- Department of Bioengineering,
Faculty of Engineering, Ege University, Izmir 35100, Turkey
| | - Ozlem Yesil-Celiktas
- Department of Bioengineering,
Faculty of Engineering, Ege University, Izmir 35100, Turkey
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15
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Li Y, Zeng PM, Wu J, Luo ZG. Advances and Applications of Brain Organoids. Neurosci Bull 2023; 39:1703-1716. [PMID: 37222855 PMCID: PMC10603019 DOI: 10.1007/s12264-023-01065-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 04/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Understanding the fundamental processes of human brain development and diseases is of great importance for our health. However, existing research models such as non-human primate and mouse models remain limited due to their developmental discrepancies compared with humans. Over the past years, an emerging model, the "brain organoid" integrated from human pluripotent stem cells, has been developed to mimic developmental processes of the human brain and disease-associated phenotypes to some extent, making it possible to better understand the complex structures and functions of the human brain. In this review, we summarize recent advances in brain organoid technologies and their applications in brain development and diseases, including neurodevelopmental, neurodegenerative, psychiatric diseases, and brain tumors. Finally, we also discuss current limitations and the potential of brain organoids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Li
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Peng-Ming Zeng
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Jian Wu
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Zhen-Ge Luo
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China.
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16
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Aksoylu IS, Martin P, Robert F, Szkop KJ, Redmond NE, Bhattacharyya S, Wang J, Chen S, Beauchamp RL, Nobeli I, Pelletier J, Larsson O, Ramesh V. Translatome analysis of tuberous sclerosis complex 1 patient-derived neural progenitor cells reveals rapamycin-dependent and independent alterations. Mol Autism 2023; 14:39. [PMID: 37880800 PMCID: PMC10601155 DOI: 10.1186/s13229-023-00572-3] [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: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is an inherited neurocutaneous disorder caused by mutations in the TSC1 or TSC2 genes, with patients often exhibiting neurodevelopmental (ND) manifestations termed TSC-associated neuropsychiatric disorders (TAND) including autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and intellectual disability. Hamartin (TSC1) and tuberin (TSC2) proteins form a complex inhibiting mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) signaling. Loss of TSC1 or TSC2 activates mTORC1 that, among several targets, controls protein synthesis by inhibiting translational repressor eIF4E-binding proteins. Using TSC1 patient-derived neural progenitor cells (NPCs), we recently reported early ND phenotypic changes, including increased cell proliferation and altered neurite outgrowth in TSC1-null NPCs, which were unaffected by the mTORC1 inhibitor rapamycin. METHODS Here, we used polysome profiling, which quantifies changes in mRNA abundance and translational efficiencies at a transcriptome-wide level, to compare CRISPR-edited TSC1-null with CRISPR-corrected TSC1-WT NPCs generated from one TSC donor (one clone/genotype). To assess the relevance of identified gene expression alterations, we performed polysome profiling in postmortem brains from ASD donors and age-matched controls. We further compared effects on translation of a subset of transcripts and rescue of early ND phenotypes in NPCs following inhibition of mTORC1 using the allosteric inhibitor rapamycin versus a third-generation bi-steric, mTORC1-selective inhibitor RMC-6272. RESULTS Polysome profiling of NPCs revealed numerous TSC1-associated alterations in mRNA translation that were largely recapitulated in human ASD brains. Moreover, although rapamycin treatment partially reversed the TSC1-associated alterations in mRNA translation, most genes related to neural activity/synaptic regulation or ASD were rapamycin-insensitive. In contrast, treatment with RMC-6272 inhibited rapamycin-insensitive translation and reversed TSC1-associated early ND phenotypes including proliferation and neurite outgrowth that were unaffected by rapamycin. CONCLUSIONS Our work reveals ample mRNA translation alterations in TSC1 patient-derived NPCs that recapitulate mRNA translation in ASD brain samples. Further, suppression of TSC1-associated but rapamycin-insensitive translation and ND phenotypes by RMC-6272 unveils potential implications for more efficient targeting of mTORC1 as a superior treatment strategy for TAND.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inci S Aksoylu
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Science for Life Laboratory, Karolinska Institute, 171 77, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Pauline Martin
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, 185 Cambridge Street, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Francis Robert
- Department of Biochemistry and Goodman Cancer Research Institute, McGill University, Montreal, PQ, H3G1Y6, Canada
| | - Krzysztof J Szkop
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Science for Life Laboratory, Karolinska Institute, 171 77, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Nicholas E Redmond
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, 185 Cambridge Street, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Srirupa Bhattacharyya
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, 185 Cambridge Street, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Jennifer Wang
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, 185 Cambridge Street, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Shan Chen
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Science for Life Laboratory, Karolinska Institute, 171 77, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Roberta L Beauchamp
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, 185 Cambridge Street, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Irene Nobeli
- Institute of Structural and Molecular Biology, Department of Biological Sciences,, Birkbeck, University of London, London, WC1E 7HX, UK
| | - Jerry Pelletier
- Department of Biochemistry and Goodman Cancer Research Institute, McGill University, Montreal, PQ, H3G1Y6, Canada
| | - Ola Larsson
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Science for Life Laboratory, Karolinska Institute, 171 77, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Vijaya Ramesh
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, 185 Cambridge Street, Boston, MA, 02114, USA.
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17
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Réthelyi JM, Vincze K, Schall D, Glennon J, Berkel S. The role of insulin/IGF1 signalling in neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric disorders - Evidence from human neuronal cell models. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2023; 153:105330. [PMID: 37516219 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2023.105330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Revised: 07/15/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/31/2023]
Abstract
Insulin and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1) signalling play a central role in the development and maintenance of neurons in the brain, and human neurodevelopmental as well as neuropsychiatric disorders have been linked to impaired insulin and IGF1 signalling. This review focuses on the impairments of the insulin and IGF1 signalling cascade in the context of neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric disorders, based on evidence from human neuronal cell models. Clear evidence was obtained for impaired insulin and IGF1 receptor downstream signalling in neurodevelopmental disorders, while the evidence for its role in neuropsychiatric disorders was less substantial. Human neuronal model systems can greatly add to our knowledge about insulin/IGF1 signalling in the brain, its role in restoring dendritic maturity, and complement results from clinical studies and animal models. Moreover, they represent a useful model for the development of new therapeutic strategies. Further research is needed to systematically investigate the exact role of the insulin/IGF1 signalling cascades in neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric disorders, and to elucidate the respective therapeutic implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- János M Réthelyi
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Katalin Vincze
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary; Doctoral School of Mental Health Sciences, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Dorothea Schall
- Institute of Human Genetics, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jeffrey Glennon
- Conway Institute of Biomedical and Biomolecular Research, School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Simone Berkel
- Institute of Human Genetics, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany; Interdisciplinary Centre of Neurosciences (IZN), Heidelberg University, Germany.
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18
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Szakats S, McAtamney A, Cross H, Wilson MJ. Sex-biased gene and microRNA expression in the developing mouse brain is associated with neurodevelopmental functions and neurological phenotypes. Biol Sex Differ 2023; 14:57. [PMID: 37679839 PMCID: PMC10486049 DOI: 10.1186/s13293-023-00538-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sex differences pose a challenge and an opportunity in biomedical research. Understanding how sex chromosomes and hormones affect disease-causing mechanisms will shed light on the mechanisms underlying predominantly idiopathic sex-biased neurodevelopmental disorders such as ADHD, schizophrenia, and autism. Gene expression is a crucial conduit for the influence of sex on developmental processes; therefore, this study focused on sex differences in gene expression and the regulation of gene expression. The increasing interest in microRNAs (miRNAs), small, non-coding RNAs, for their contribution to normal and pathological neurodevelopment prompted us to test how miRNA expression differs between the sexes in the developing brain. METHODS High-throughput sequencing approaches were used to identify transcripts, including miRNAs, that showed significantly different expression between male and female brains on day 15.5 of development (E15.5). RESULTS Robust sex differences were identified for some genes and miRNAs, confirming the influence of biological sex on RNA. Many miRNAs that exhibit the greatest differences between males and females have established roles in neurodevelopment, implying that sex-biased expression may drive sex differences in developmental processes. In addition to highlighting sex differences for individual miRNAs, gene ontology analysis suggested several broad categories in which sex-biased RNAs might act to establish sex differences in the embryonic mouse brain. Finally, mining publicly available SNP data indicated that some sex-biased miRNAs reside near the genomic regions associated with neurodevelopmental disorders. CONCLUSIONS Together, these findings reinforce the importance of cataloguing sex differences in molecular biology research and highlight genes, miRNAs, and pathways of interest that may be important for sexual differentiation in the mouse and possibly the human brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanna Szakats
- Developmental Genomics Laboratory, Department of Anatomy, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, P.O. Box 56, Dunedin, 9054, New Zealand
| | - Alice McAtamney
- Developmental Genomics Laboratory, Department of Anatomy, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, P.O. Box 56, Dunedin, 9054, New Zealand
| | - Hugh Cross
- Developmental Genomics Laboratory, Department of Anatomy, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, P.O. Box 56, Dunedin, 9054, New Zealand
| | - Megan J Wilson
- Developmental Genomics Laboratory, Department of Anatomy, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, P.O. Box 56, Dunedin, 9054, New Zealand.
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19
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Rabeling A, Goolam M. Cerebral organoids as an in vitro model to study autism spectrum disorders. Gene Ther 2023; 30:659-669. [PMID: 35790793 DOI: 10.1038/s41434-022-00356-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2022] [Revised: 06/01/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are a set of disorders characterised by social and communication deficits caused by numerous genetic lesions affecting brain development. Progress in ASD research has been hampered by the lack of appropriate models, as both 2D cell culture as well as animal models cannot fully recapitulate the developing human brain or the pathogenesis of ASD. Recently, cerebral organoids have been developed to provide a more accurate, 3D in vitro model of human brain development. Cerebral organoids have been shown to recapitulate the foetal brain gene expression profile, transcriptome, epigenome, as well as disease dynamics of both idiopathic and syndromic ASDs. They are thus an excellent tool to investigate development of foetal stage ASDs, as well as interventions that can reverse or rescue the altered phenotypes observed. In this review, we discuss the development of cerebral organoids, their recent applications in the study of both syndromic and idiopathic ASDs, their use as an ASD drug development platform, as well as limitations of their use in ASD research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexa Rabeling
- Department of Human Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, 7925, South Africa
| | - Mubeen Goolam
- Department of Human Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, 7925, South Africa.
- UCT Neuroscience Institute, Cape Town, South Africa.
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20
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Kim SH, Chang MY. Application of Human Brain Organoids-Opportunities and Challenges in Modeling Human Brain Development and Neurodevelopmental Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:12528. [PMID: 37569905 PMCID: PMC10420018 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241512528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Revised: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Brain organoids are three-dimensional (3D) structures derived from human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) that reflect early brain organization. These organoids contain different cell types, including neurons and glia, similar to those found in the human brain. Human brain organoids provide unique opportunities to model features of human brain development that are not well-reflected in animal models. Compared with traditional cell cultures and animal models, brain organoids offer a more accurate representation of human brain development and function, rendering them suitable models for neurodevelopmental diseases. In particular, brain organoids derived from patients' cells have enabled researchers to study diseases at different stages and gain a better understanding of disease mechanisms. Multi-brain regional assembloids allow for the investigation of interactions between distinct brain regions while achieving a higher level of consistency in molecular and functional characterization. Although organoids possess promising features, their usefulness is limited by several unresolved constraints, including cellular stress, hypoxia, necrosis, a lack of high-fidelity cell types, limited maturation, and circuit formation. In this review, we discuss studies to overcome the natural limitations of brain organoids, emphasizing the importance of combinations of all neural cell types, such as glia (astrocyte, oligodendrocytes, and microglia) and vascular cells. Additionally, considering the similarity of organoids to the developing brain, regionally patterned brain organoid-derived neural stem cells (NSCs) could serve as a scalable source for cell replacement therapy. We highlight the potential application of brain organoid-derived cells in disease cell therapy within this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soo-hyun Kim
- Department of Biomedical Science, Graduate School of Biomedical Science and Engineering, Seoul 04763, Republic of Korea;
- Biomedical Research Institute, Hanyang University, Seoul 04763, Republic of Korea
| | - Mi-Yoon Chang
- Department of Biomedical Science, Graduate School of Biomedical Science and Engineering, Seoul 04763, Republic of Korea;
- Biomedical Research Institute, Hanyang University, Seoul 04763, Republic of Korea
- Department of Premedicine, College of Medicine, Hanyang University, Seoul 04763, Republic of Korea
- Hanyang Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Hanyang University, Seoul 04763, Republic of Korea
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21
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Adlakha YK. Human 3D brain organoids: steering the demolecularization of brain and neurological diseases. Cell Death Discov 2023; 9:221. [PMID: 37400464 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-023-01523-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2023] [Revised: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Understanding of human brain development, dysfunction and neurological diseases has remained limited and challenging due to inability to recapitulate human brain-specific features in animal models. Though the anatomy and physiology of the human brain has been understood in a remarkable way using post-mortem, pathological samples of human and animal models, however, modeling of human brain development and neurological diseases remains a challenge owing to distinct complexity of human brain. In this perspective, three-dimensional (3D) brain organoids have shown a beam of light. Tremendous growth in stem cell technologies has permitted the differentiation of pluripotent stem cells under 3D culture conditions into brain organoids, which recapitulate the unique features of human brain in many ways and also offer the detailed investigation of brain development, dysfunction and neurological diseases. Their translational value has also emerged and will benefit the society once the protocols for the upscaling of brain organoids are in place. Here, we summarize new advancements in methods for generation of more complex brain organoids including vascularized and mixed lineage tissue from PSCs. How synthetic biomaterials and microfluidic technology is boosting brain organoid development, has also been highlighted. We discuss the applications of brain organoids in studying preterm birth associated brain dysfunction; viral infections mediated neuroinflammation, neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative diseases. We also highlight the translational value of brain organoids and current challenges that the field is experiencing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yogita K Adlakha
- Amity Institute of Molecular Medicine and Stem Cell Research, Amity University, Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India.
- Maternal and Child Health Domain, Translational Health Science and Technology Institute (THSTI), Faridabad, Haryana, India.
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22
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Kilpatrick S, Irwin C, Singh KK. Human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC) and organoid models of autism: opportunities and limitations. Transl Psychiatry 2023; 13:217. [PMID: 37344450 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-023-02510-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Revised: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder caused by genetic or environmental perturbations during early development. Diagnoses are dependent on the identification of behavioral abnormalities that likely emerge well after the disorder is established, leaving critical developmental windows uncharacterized. This is further complicated by the incredible clinical and genetic heterogeneity of the disorder that is not captured in most mammalian models. In recent years, advancements in stem cell technology have created the opportunity to model ASD in a human context through the use of pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs), which can be used to generate 2D cellular models as well as 3D unguided- and region-specific neural organoids. These models produce profoundly intricate systems, capable of modeling the developing brain spatiotemporally to reproduce key developmental milestones throughout early development. When complemented with multi-omics, genome editing, and electrophysiology analysis, they can be used as a powerful tool to profile the neurobiological mechanisms underlying this complex disorder. In this review, we will explore the recent advancements in hPSC-based modeling, discuss present and future applications of the model to ASD research, and finally consider the limitations and future directions within the field to make this system more robust and broadly applicable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Savannah Kilpatrick
- Donald K. Johnson Eye Institute, Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Science, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Courtney Irwin
- Donald K. Johnson Eye Institute, Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Karun K Singh
- Donald K. Johnson Eye Institute, Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada.
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
- Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
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23
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Xu Z, Yang J, Xin X, Liu C, Li L, Mei X, Li M. Merits and challenges of iPSC-derived organoids for clinical applications. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1188905. [PMID: 37305682 PMCID: PMC10250752 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1188905] [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: 03/18/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) have entered an unprecedented state of development since they were first generated. They have played a critical role in disease modeling, drug discovery, and cell replacement therapy, and have contributed to the evolution of disciplines such as cell biology, pathophysiology of diseases, and regenerative medicine. Organoids, the stem cell-derived 3D culture systems that mimic the structure and function of organs in vitro, have been widely used in developmental research, disease modeling, and drug screening. Recent advances in combining iPSCs with 3D organoids are facilitating further applications of iPSCs in disease research. Organoids derived from embryonic stem cells, iPSCs, and multi-tissue stem/progenitor cells can replicate the processes of developmental differentiation, homeostatic self-renewal, and regeneration due to tissue damage, offering the potential to unravel the regulatory mechanisms of development and regeneration, and elucidate the pathophysiological processes involved in disease mechanisms. Herein, we have summarized the latest research on the production scheme of organ-specific iPSC-derived organoids, the contribution of these organoids in the treatment of various organ-related diseases, in particular their contribution to COVID-19 treatment, and have discussed the unresolved challenges and shortcomings of these models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziran Xu
- The Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Lequn Branch, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Jiaxu Yang
- Department of Neonatology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Xianyi Xin
- Department of Pediatric Cardiovascular Medicine, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Chengrun Liu
- The Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Lisha Li
- The Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Xianglin Mei
- Department of pathology, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Meiying Li
- The Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
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24
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Rodrigues DC, Mufteev M, Yuki KE, Narula A, Wei W, Piekna A, Liu J, Pasceri P, Rissland OS, Wilson MD, Ellis J. Buffering of transcription rate by mRNA half-life is a conserved feature of Rett syndrome models. Nat Commun 2023; 14:1896. [PMID: 37019888 PMCID: PMC10076348 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-37339-6] [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: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Transcriptional changes in Rett syndrome (RTT) are assumed to directly correlate with steady-state mRNA levels, but limited evidence in mice suggests that changes in transcription can be compensated by post-transcriptional regulation. We measure transcription rate and mRNA half-life changes in RTT patient neurons using RATEseq, and re-interpret nuclear and whole-cell RNAseq from Mecp2 mice. Genes are dysregulated by changing transcription rate or half-life and are buffered when both change. We utilized classifier models to predict the direction of transcription rate changes and find that combined frequencies of three dinucleotides are better predictors than CA and CG. MicroRNA and RNA-binding Protein (RBP) motifs are enriched in 3'UTRs of genes with half-life changes. Nuclear RBP motifs are enriched on buffered genes with increased transcription rate. We identify post-transcriptional mechanisms in humans and mice that alter half-life or buffer transcription rate changes when a transcriptional modulator gene is mutated in a neurodevelopmental disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deivid C Rodrigues
- Developmental & Stem Cell Biology, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, M5G 0A4, Canada
| | - Marat Mufteev
- Developmental & Stem Cell Biology, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, M5G 0A4, Canada
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Kyoko E Yuki
- Genetics & Genome Biology, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, M5G 0A4, Canada
| | - Ashrut Narula
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 1A8, Canada
- Molecular Medicine, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, M5G 0A4, Canada
| | - Wei Wei
- Developmental & Stem Cell Biology, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, M5G 0A4, Canada
| | - Alina Piekna
- Developmental & Stem Cell Biology, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, M5G 0A4, Canada
| | - Jiajie Liu
- Developmental & Stem Cell Biology, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, M5G 0A4, Canada
| | - Peter Pasceri
- Developmental & Stem Cell Biology, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, M5G 0A4, Canada
| | - Olivia S Rissland
- Molecular Medicine, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, M5G 0A4, Canada
- RNA Bioscience Initiative and Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Genetics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Michael D Wilson
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 1A8, Canada
- Genetics & Genome Biology, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, M5G 0A4, Canada
| | - James Ellis
- Developmental & Stem Cell Biology, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, M5G 0A4, Canada.
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 1A8, Canada.
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25
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Wang L, Owusu-Hammond C, Sievert D, Gleeson JG. Stem Cell-Based Organoid Models of Neurodevelopmental Disorders. Biol Psychiatry 2023; 93:622-631. [PMID: 36759260 PMCID: PMC10022535 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2023.01.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Revised: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
The past decade has seen an explosion in the identification of genetic causes of neurodevelopmental disorders, including Mendelian, de novo, and somatic factors. These discoveries provide opportunities to understand cellular and molecular mechanisms as well as potential gene-gene and gene-environment interactions to support novel therapies. Stem cell-based models, particularly human brain organoids, can capture disease-associated alleles in the context of the human genome, engineered to mirror disease-relevant aspects of cellular complexity and developmental timing. These models have brought key insights into neurodevelopmental disorders as diverse as microcephaly, autism, and focal epilepsy. However, intrinsic organoid-to-organoid variability, low levels of certain brain-resident cell types, and long culture times required to reach maturity can impede progress. Several recent advances incorporate specific morphogen gradients, mixtures of diverse brain cell types, and organoid engraftment into animal models. Together with nonhuman primate organoid comparisons, mechanisms of human neurodevelopmental disorders are emerging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Wang
- From the Department of Neuroscience, Rady Children's Institute for Genomic Medicine, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, California
| | - Charlotte Owusu-Hammond
- From the Department of Neuroscience, Rady Children's Institute for Genomic Medicine, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, California
| | - David Sievert
- From the Department of Neuroscience, Rady Children's Institute for Genomic Medicine, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, California
| | - Joseph G Gleeson
- From the Department of Neuroscience, Rady Children's Institute for Genomic Medicine, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, California.
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26
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Urenda JP, Del Dosso A, Birtele M, Quadrato G. Present and Future Modeling of Human Psychiatric Connectopathies With Brain Organoids. Biol Psychiatry 2023; 93:606-615. [PMID: 36759258 PMCID: PMC11229385 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2022.12.017] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2022] [Revised: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Brain organoids derived from human pluripotent stem cells are emerging as a powerful tool to model cellular aspects of neuropsychiatric disorders, including alterations in cell proliferation, differentiation, migration, and lineage trajectory. To date, most contributions in the field have focused on modeling cellular impairment of the cerebral cortex, with few studies probing dysfunction in local network connectivity. However, it is increasingly more apparent that these psychiatric disorders are connectopathies involving multiple brain structures and the connections between them. Therefore, the lack of reproducible anatomical features in these 3-dimensional cultures represents a major bottleneck for effectively modeling brain connectivity at the micro(cellular) level and at the macroscale level between brain regions. In this perspective, we review the use of current organoid protocols to model neuropsychiatric disorders with a specific emphasis on the potential and limitations of the current strategies to model impairments in functional connectivity. Finally, we discuss the importance of adopting interdisciplinary strategies to establish next-generation, multiregional organoids that can model, with higher fidelity, the dysfunction in the development and functionality of long-range connections within the brain of patients affected by psychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean-Paul Urenda
- Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Ashley Del Dosso
- Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Marcella Birtele
- Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Giorgia Quadrato
- Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California.
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27
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Aksoylu IS, Martin P, Robert F, Szkop KJ, Redmond NE, Chen S, Beauchamp RL, Nobeli I, Pelletier J, Larsson O, Ramesh V. Translatome analysis of Tuberous Sclerosis Complex-1 patient-derived neural progenitor cells reveal rapamycin-dependent and independent alterations. RESEARCH SQUARE 2023:rs.3.rs-2702044. [PMID: 37034588 PMCID: PMC10081384 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-2702044/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/30/2023]
Abstract
Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is an inherited neurocutaneous disorder caused by mutations in TSC1 or TSC2 genes, with patients often exhibiting neurodevelopmental (ND) manifestations termed TSC-associated neuropsychiatric disorders (TAND) including autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The hamartin-tuberin (TSC1-TSC2) protein complex inactivates mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) signaling, leading to increased protein synthesis via inactivation of translational repressor eIF4E-binding proteins (4E-BPs). In TSC1-null neural progenitor cells (NPCs), we previously reported early ND phenotypic changes, including increased proliferation/altered neurite outgrowth, which were unaffected by mTORC1-inhibitor rapamycin. Here, using polysome-profiling to quantify translational efficiencies at a transcriptome-wide level, we observed numerous TSC1-dependent alterations in NPCs, largely recapitulated in post-mortem brains from ASD donors. Although rapamycin partially reversed TSC1-associated alterations, most neural activity/synaptic- or ASD-related genes remained insensitive but were inhibited by third-generation bi-steric, mTORC1-selective inhibitor RMC-6272, which also reversed altered ND phenotypes. Together these data reveal potential implications for treatment of TAND.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inci S. Aksoylu
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Science for Life Laboratory, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
- These authors contributed equally to this work
| | - Pauline Martin
- Ctr. for Genomic Med., Department of Neurology, Massachusetts Gen. Hosp., Boston, MA
- These authors contributed equally to this work
| | - Francis Robert
- Department of Biochem. and Goodman Cancer Res. Ctr., McGill Univ., Montreal, QC, Canada
- These authors contributed equally to this work
| | - Krzysztof J. Szkop
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Science for Life Laboratory, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
- These authors contributed equally to this work
| | - Nicholas E. Redmond
- Ctr. for Genomic Med., Department of Neurology, Massachusetts Gen. Hosp., Boston, MA
| | - Shan Chen
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Science for Life Laboratory, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Roberta L. Beauchamp
- Ctr. for Genomic Med., Department of Neurology, Massachusetts Gen. Hosp., Boston, MA
| | - Irene Nobeli
- Department of Biol. Sciences, Inst. of Structural and Mol. Biology, Birkbeck, Univ. of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jerry Pelletier
- Department of Biochem. and Goodman Cancer Res. Ctr., McGill Univ., Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Ola Larsson
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Science for Life Laboratory, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Vijaya Ramesh
- Ctr. for Genomic Med., Department of Neurology, Massachusetts Gen. Hosp., Boston, MA
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28
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Rouleau N, Murugan NJ, Kaplan DL. Functional bioengineered models of the central nervous system. NATURE REVIEWS BIOENGINEERING 2023; 1:252-270. [PMID: 37064657 PMCID: PMC9903289 DOI: 10.1038/s44222-023-00027-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023]
Abstract
The functional complexity of the central nervous system (CNS) is unparalleled in living organisms. Its nested cells, circuits and networks encode memories, move bodies and generate experiences. Neural tissues can be engineered to assemble model systems that recapitulate essential features of the CNS and to investigate neurodevelopment, delineate pathophysiology, improve regeneration and accelerate drug discovery. In this Review, we discuss essential structure-function relationships of the CNS and examine materials and design considerations, including composition, scale, complexity and maturation, of cell biology-based and engineering-based CNS models. We highlight region-specific CNS models that can emulate functions of the cerebral cortex, hippocampus, spinal cord, neural-X interfaces and other regions, and investigate a range of applications for CNS models, including fundamental and clinical research. We conclude with an outlook to future possibilities of CNS models, highlighting the engineering challenges that remain to be overcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Rouleau
- Department of Health Sciences, Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo, Ontario Canada
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, MA USA
| | - Nirosha J. Murugan
- Department of Health Sciences, Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo, Ontario Canada
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, MA USA
| | - David L. Kaplan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, MA USA
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29
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Transition from Animal-Based to Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (iPSCs)-Based Models of Neurodevelopmental Disorders: Opportunities and Challenges. Cells 2023; 12:cells12040538. [PMID: 36831205 PMCID: PMC9954744 DOI: 10.3390/cells12040538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2022] [Revised: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) arise from the disruption of highly coordinated mechanisms underlying brain development, which results in impaired sensory, motor and/or cognitive functions. Although rodent models have offered very relevant insights to the field, the translation of findings to clinics, particularly regarding therapeutic approaches for these diseases, remains challenging. Part of the explanation for this failure may be the genetic differences-some targets not being conserved between species-and, most importantly, the differences in regulation of gene expression. This prompts the use of human-derived models to study NDDS. The generation of human induced pluripotent stem cells (hIPSCs) added a new suitable alternative to overcome species limitations, allowing for the study of human neuronal development while maintaining the genetic background of the donor patient. Several hIPSC models of NDDs already proved their worth by mimicking several pathological phenotypes found in humans. In this review, we highlight the utility of hIPSCs to pave new paths for NDD research and development of new therapeutic tools, summarize the challenges and advances of hIPSC-culture and neuronal differentiation protocols and discuss the best way to take advantage of these models, illustrating this with examples of success for some NDDs.
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30
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Fu MP, Merrill SM, Sharma M, Gibson WT, Turvey SE, Kobor MS. Rare diseases of epigenetic origin: Challenges and opportunities. Front Genet 2023; 14:1113086. [PMID: 36814905 PMCID: PMC9939656 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2023.1113086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Rare diseases (RDs), more than 80% of which have a genetic origin, collectively affect approximately 350 million people worldwide. Progress in next-generation sequencing technology has both greatly accelerated the pace of discovery of novel RDs and provided more accurate means for their diagnosis. RDs that are driven by altered epigenetic regulation with an underlying genetic basis are referred to as rare diseases of epigenetic origin (RDEOs). These diseases pose unique challenges in research, as they often show complex genetic and clinical heterogeneity arising from unknown gene-disease mechanisms. Furthermore, multiple other factors, including cell type and developmental time point, can confound attempts to deconvolute the pathophysiology of these disorders. These challenges are further exacerbated by factors that contribute to epigenetic variability and the difficulty of collecting sufficient participant numbers in human studies. However, new molecular and bioinformatics techniques will provide insight into how these disorders manifest over time. This review highlights recent studies addressing these challenges with innovative solutions. Further research will elucidate the mechanisms of action underlying unique RDEOs and facilitate the discovery of treatments and diagnostic biomarkers for screening, thereby improving health trajectories and clinical outcomes of affected patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maggie P. Fu
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada,Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada,BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Sarah M. Merrill
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada,Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada,BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Mehul Sharma
- BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada,Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, BC Children’s Hospital, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - William T. Gibson
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada,BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Stuart E. Turvey
- BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada,Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, BC Children’s Hospital, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Michael S. Kobor
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada,Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada,BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada,*Correspondence: Michael S. Kobor,
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31
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Modeling Autism Spectrum Disorders with Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Brain Organoids. Biomolecules 2023; 13:biom13020260. [PMID: 36830629 PMCID: PMC9953447 DOI: 10.3390/biom13020260] [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: 12/16/2022] [Revised: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are a group of complex neurodevelopmental disorders that affect communication and social interactions and present with restricted interests and repetitive behavior patterns. The susceptibility to ASD is strongly influenced by genetic/heritable factors; however, there is still a large gap in understanding the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the neurobiology of ASD. Significant progress has been made in identifying ASD risk genes and the possible convergent pathways regulated by these gene networks during development. The breakthrough of cellular reprogramming technology has allowed the generation of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) from individuals with syndromic and idiopathic ASD, providing patient-specific cell models for mechanistic studies. In the past decade, protocols for developing brain organoids from these cells have been established, leading to significant advances in the in vitro reproducibility of the early steps of human brain development. Here, we reviewed the most relevant literature regarding the application of brain organoids to the study of ASD, providing the current state of the art, and discussing the impact of such models on the field, limitations, and opportunities for future development.
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Liu C, Liu J, Gong H, Liu T, Li X, Fan X. Implication of Hippocampal Neurogenesis in Autism Spectrum Disorder: Pathogenesis and Therapeutic Implications. Curr Neuropharmacol 2023; 21:2266-2282. [PMID: 36545727 PMCID: PMC10556385 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x21666221220155455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Revised: 11/12/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a cluster of heterogeneous neurodevelopmental conditions with atypical social communication and repetitive sensory-motor behaviors. The formation of new neurons from neural precursors in the hippocampus has been unequivocally demonstrated in the dentate gyrus of rodents and non-human primates. Accumulating evidence sheds light on how the deficits in the hippocampal neurogenesis may underlie some of the abnormal behavioral phenotypes in ASD. In this review, we describe the current evidence concerning pre-clinical and clinical studies supporting the significant role of hippocampal neurogenesis in ASD pathogenesis, discuss the possibility of improving hippocampal neurogenesis as a new strategy for treating ASD, and highlight the prospect of emerging pro-neurogenic therapies for ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuanqi Liu
- Department of Military Cognitive Psychology, School of Psychology, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
- Battalion 5 of Cadet Brigade, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Jiayin Liu
- Department of Military Cognitive Psychology, School of Psychology, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
- Battalion 5 of Cadet Brigade, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Hong Gong
- Department of Military Cognitive Psychology, School of Psychology, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Tianyao Liu
- Department of Military Cognitive Psychology, School of Psychology, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Xin Li
- Department of Military Cognitive Psychology, School of Psychology, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
- Army 953 Hospital, Shigatse Branch of Xinqiao Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Shigatse, China
| | - Xiaotang Fan
- Department of Military Cognitive Psychology, School of Psychology, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
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Shen W, Jiang N, Zhou W. What can traditional Chinese medicine do for adult neurogenesis? Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1158228. [PMID: 37123359 PMCID: PMC10130459 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1158228] [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: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Adult neurogenesis plays a crucial role in cognitive function and mood regulation, while aberrant adult neurogenesis contributes to various neurological and psychiatric diseases. With a better understanding of the significance of adult neurogenesis, the demand for improving adult neurogenesis is increasing. More and more research has shown that traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), including TCM prescriptions (TCMPs), Chinese herbal medicine, and bioactive components, has unique advantages in treating neurological and psychiatric diseases by regulating adult neurogenesis at various stages, including proliferation, differentiation, and maturation. In this review, we summarize the progress of TCM in improving adult neurogenesis and the key possible mechanisms by which TCM may benefit it. Finally, we suggest the possible strategies of TCM to improve adult neurogenesis in the treatment of neuropsychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Shen
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, China
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing, China
| | - Ning Jiang
- Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, China
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Ning Jiang, ; Wenxia Zhou,
| | - Wenxia Zhou
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, China
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Ning Jiang, ; Wenxia Zhou,
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Xu YJ, Liu PP, Yan ZZ, Mi TW, Wang YY, Li Q, Teng ZQ, Liu CM. KW-2449 and VPA exert therapeutic effects on human neurons and cerebral organoids derived from MECP2-null hESCs. Stem Cell Res Ther 2022; 13:534. [PMID: 36575558 PMCID: PMC9795779 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-022-03216-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rett syndrome (RTT), mainly caused by mutations in methyl-CpG binding protein 2 (MECP2), is one of the most prevalent neurodevelopmental disorders in girls. However, the underlying mechanism of MECP2 remains largely unknown and currently there is no effective treatment available for RTT. METHODS We generated MECP2-KO human embryonic stem cells (hESCs), and differentiated them into neurons and cerebral organoids to investigate phenotypes of MECP2 loss-of-function, potential therapeutic agents, and the underlying mechanism by transcriptome sequencing. RESULTS We found that MECP2 deletion caused reduced number of hESCs-derived neurons and simplified dendritic morphology. Moreover, MECP2-KO cortical organoids exhibited fewer neural progenitor cells and neurons at day 60. Electrophysiological recordings showed that MECP2 deletion altered synaptic activity in organoids. Transcriptome analysis of organoids identified many genes in the PI3K-AKT pathway downregulated following MECP2 deletion. Treatment with either KW-2449 or VPA, small molecules for the activation of PI3K-AKT signaling pathway, alleviated neuronal deficits and transcriptome changes in MECP2-KO human neuronal models. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that KW-2449 and VPA might be promising drugs for RTT treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya-Jie Xu
- grid.9227.e0000000119573309State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101 China ,grid.410726.60000 0004 1797 8419Savaid Medical School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049 China ,grid.9227.e0000000119573309Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101 China ,grid.512959.3Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing, 100101 China
| | - Pei-Pei Liu
- grid.9227.e0000000119573309State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101 China ,grid.410726.60000 0004 1797 8419Savaid Medical School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049 China ,grid.9227.e0000000119573309Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101 China ,grid.512959.3Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing, 100101 China
| | - Zhong-Ze Yan
- grid.9227.e0000000119573309State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101 China ,grid.410726.60000 0004 1797 8419Savaid Medical School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049 China ,grid.9227.e0000000119573309Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101 China ,grid.512959.3Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing, 100101 China
| | - Ting-Wei Mi
- grid.9227.e0000000119573309State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101 China
| | - Ying-Ying Wang
- grid.9227.e0000000119573309State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101 China ,grid.410726.60000 0004 1797 8419Savaid Medical School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049 China ,grid.9227.e0000000119573309Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101 China ,grid.512959.3Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing, 100101 China
| | - Qian Li
- grid.9227.e0000000119573309State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101 China ,grid.410726.60000 0004 1797 8419Savaid Medical School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049 China ,grid.9227.e0000000119573309Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101 China ,grid.512959.3Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing, 100101 China
| | - Zhao-Qian Teng
- grid.9227.e0000000119573309State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101 China ,grid.410726.60000 0004 1797 8419Savaid Medical School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049 China ,grid.9227.e0000000119573309Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101 China ,grid.512959.3Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing, 100101 China
| | - Chang-Mei Liu
- grid.9227.e0000000119573309State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101 China ,grid.410726.60000 0004 1797 8419Savaid Medical School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049 China ,grid.9227.e0000000119573309Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101 China ,grid.512959.3Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing, 100101 China
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Tan Z, Li W, Cheng X, Zhu Q, Zhang X. Non-Coding RNAs in the Regulation of Hippocampal Neurogenesis and Potential Treatment Targets for Related Disorders. Biomolecules 2022; 13:biom13010018. [PMID: 36671403 PMCID: PMC9855933 DOI: 10.3390/biom13010018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Revised: 12/17/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), including miRNAs, lncRNAs, circRNAs, and piRNAs, do not encode proteins. Nonetheless, they have critical roles in a variety of cellular activities-such as development, neurogenesis, degeneration, and the response to injury to the nervous system-via protein translation, RNA splicing, gene activation, silencing, modifications, and editing; thus, they may serve as potential targets for disease treatment. The activity of adult neural stem cells (NSCs) in the subgranular zone of the hippocampal dentate gyrus critically influences hippocampal function, including learning, memory, and emotion. ncRNAs have been shown to be involved in the regulation of hippocampal neurogenesis, including proliferation, differentiation, and migration of NSCs and synapse formation. The interaction among ncRNAs is complex and diverse and has become a major topic within the life science. This review outlines advances in research on the roles of ncRNAs in modulating NSC bioactivity in the hippocampus and discusses their potential applications in the treatment of illnesses affecting the hippocampus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhengye Tan
- Department of Anatomy, Institute of Neurobiology, Medical School, Co-Innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China
| | - Wen Li
- Department of Anatomy, Institute of Neurobiology, Medical School, Co-Innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China
| | - Xiang Cheng
- Department of Anatomy, Institute of Neurobiology, Medical School, Co-Innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China
| | - Qing Zhu
- School of Pharmacy, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China
- Key Laboratory of Inflammation and Molecular Drug Target of Jiangsu Province, Nantong 226001, China
| | - Xinhua Zhang
- Department of Anatomy, Institute of Neurobiology, Medical School, Co-Innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China
- Central Lab, Yancheng Third People’s Hospital, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Yancheng 224001, China
- Correspondence:
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Pan B, Han B, Zhu X, Wang Y, Ji H, Weng J, Liu Y. Dysfunctional microRNA-144-3p/ZBTB20/ERK/CREB1 signalling pathway is associated with MK-801-induced schizophrenia-like abnormalities. Brain Res 2022; 1798:148153. [DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2022.148153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2022] [Revised: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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Damianidou E, Mouratidou L, Kyrousi C. Research models of neurodevelopmental disorders: The right model in the right place. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:1031075. [PMID: 36340790 PMCID: PMC9630472 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.1031075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 10/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) are a heterogeneous group of impairments that affect the development of the central nervous system leading to abnormal brain function. NDDs affect a great percentage of the population worldwide, imposing a high societal and economic burden and thus, interest in this field has widely grown in recent years. Nevertheless, the complexity of human brain development and function as well as the limitations regarding human tissue usage make their modeling challenging. Animal models play a central role in the investigation of the implicated molecular and cellular mechanisms, however many of them display key differences regarding human phenotype and in many cases, they partially or completely fail to recapitulate them. Although in vitro two-dimensional (2D) human-specific models have been highly used to address some of these limitations, they lack crucial features such as complexity and heterogeneity. In this review, we will discuss the advantages, limitations and future applications of in vivo and in vitro models that are used today to model NDDs. Additionally, we will describe the recent development of 3-dimensional brain (3D) organoids which offer a promising approach as human-specific in vitro models to decipher these complex disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleni Damianidou
- University Mental Health, Neurosciences and Precision Medicine Research Institute “Costas Stefanis”, Athens, Greece
| | - Lidia Mouratidou
- University Mental Health, Neurosciences and Precision Medicine Research Institute “Costas Stefanis”, Athens, Greece
- First Department of Psychiatry, Medical School, Eginition Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Christina Kyrousi
- University Mental Health, Neurosciences and Precision Medicine Research Institute “Costas Stefanis”, Athens, Greece
- First Department of Psychiatry, Medical School, Eginition Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
- *Correspondence: Christina Kyrousi,
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Mok RSF, Zhang W, Sheikh TI, Pradeepan K, Fernandes IR, DeJong LC, Benigno G, Hildebrandt MR, Mufteev M, Rodrigues DC, Wei W, Piekna A, Liu J, Muotri AR, Vincent JB, Muller L, Martinez-Trujillo J, Salter MW, Ellis J. Wide spectrum of neuronal and network phenotypes in human stem cell-derived excitatory neurons with Rett syndrome-associated MECP2 mutations. Transl Psychiatry 2022; 12:450. [PMID: 36253345 PMCID: PMC9576700 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-022-02216-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2022] [Revised: 10/01/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Rett syndrome (RTT) is a severe neurodevelopmental disorder primarily caused by heterozygous loss-of-function mutations in the X-linked gene MECP2 that is a global transcriptional regulator. Mutations in the methyl-CpG binding domain (MBD) of MECP2 disrupt its interaction with methylated DNA. Here, we investigate the effect of a novel MECP2 L124W missense mutation in the MBD of an atypical RTT patient with preserved speech in comparison to severe MECP2 null mutations. L124W protein had a limited ability to disrupt heterochromatic chromocenters due to decreased binding dynamics. We isolated two pairs of isogenic WT and L124W induced pluripotent stem cells. L124W induced excitatory neurons expressed stable protein, exhibited increased input resistance and decreased voltage-gated Na+ and K+ currents, and their neuronal dysmorphology was limited to decreased dendritic complexity. Three isogenic pairs of MECP2 null neurons had the expected more extreme morphological and electrophysiological phenotypes. We examined development and maturation of L124W and MECP2 null excitatory neural network activity using micro-electrode arrays. Relative to isogenic controls, L124W neurons had an increase in synchronous network burst frequency, in contrast to MECP2 null neurons that suffered a significant decrease in synchronous network burst frequency and a transient extension of network burst duration. A biologically motivated computational neural network model shows the observed changes in network dynamics are explained by changes in intrinsic Na+ and K+ currents in individual neurons. Our multilevel results demonstrate that RTT excitatory neurons show a wide spectrum of morphological, electrophysiological and circuitry phenotypes that are dependent on the severity of the MECP2 mutation.
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Grants
- R01 MH108528 NIMH NIH HHS
- MOP-133423 CIHR
- R01 MH109885 NIMH NIH HHS
- FDN-154336 CIHR
- R01 MH100175 NIMH NIH HHS
- Col Harland Sanders Rett Syndrome Research Fund at the University of Toronto (to J.E.), SFARI (Research grant #514918 to J.E. and J.M-T), CIHR (MOP-133423 to J.E. and M.W.S.; ERARE Team Grant ERT161303 to J.E.), CIHR foundation grant (FDN-154336 to M.W.S), Ontario Brain Institute (POND Network to J.E.), McLaughlin Centre Accelerator grant (to J.E.), John Evans Leadership Fund & Ontario Research Fund (to J.E), Canada Research Chair in Stem Cell Models of Childhood Disease (to J.E.), Beta Sigma Phi International Endowment Fund (to J.E.).
- BrainsCAN at Western University through the Canada First Research Excellence Fund (CFREF) (to GB, KP, LM, JMT). NSERC Postgraduate Scholarship–Doctoral (PGS-D) Scholarship to KP.
- Trainee support was provided by Restracomp (to LCD).
- National Institutes of Health (NIH) grants # R01MH108528, R01MH109885, and R01MH1000175 to ARM.
- Ontario Rett Syndrome Association to JBV.
- SFARI (Research grant #514918 to J.E. and J.M-T), BrainsCAN at Western University through the Canada First Research Excellence Fund (CFREF) (to GB, KP, LM, JMT)
- CIHR (MOP-133423 to J.E. and M.W.S.; CIHR foundation grant (FDN-154336 to M.W.S),
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca S F Mok
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 1A8, Canada
- Developmental & Stem Cell Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, M5G 0A4, Canada
| | - Wenbo Zhang
- Neurosciences & Mental Health Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, M5G 0A4, ON, Canada
| | - Taimoor I Sheikh
- Molecular Neuropsychiatry & Development (MiND) Lab, Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, M5T 1R8, Canada
| | - Kartik Pradeepan
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Department of Psychiatry, Neuroscience Graduate Program, Robarts Research and Brain and Mind Institutes, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, N6A 5B7, Canada
| | - Isabella R Fernandes
- University of California San Diego, School of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics/Rady Children's Hospital San Diego, Department of Cellular & Molecular Medicine, Stem Cell Program, La Jolla, CA, 92037-0695, USA
| | - Leah C DeJong
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 1A8, Canada
- Developmental & Stem Cell Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, M5G 0A4, Canada
| | - Gabriel Benigno
- Department of Applied Mathematics, Robarts Research Institute, Brain and Mind Institute, Western University, London, ON, N6A 5B7, Canada
| | - Matthew R Hildebrandt
- Developmental & Stem Cell Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, M5G 0A4, Canada
| | - Marat Mufteev
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 1A8, Canada
- Developmental & Stem Cell Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, M5G 0A4, Canada
| | - Deivid C Rodrigues
- Developmental & Stem Cell Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, M5G 0A4, Canada
| | - Wei Wei
- Developmental & Stem Cell Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, M5G 0A4, Canada
| | - Alina Piekna
- Developmental & Stem Cell Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, M5G 0A4, Canada
| | - Jiajie Liu
- Developmental & Stem Cell Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, M5G 0A4, Canada
| | - Alysson R Muotri
- University of California San Diego, School of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics/Rady Children's Hospital San Diego, Department of Cellular & Molecular Medicine, Stem Cell Program, La Jolla, CA, 92037-0695, USA
- Department of Pediatrics/Rady Children's Hospital, Department of Cellular & Molecular Medicine, Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny, Archealization Center, Kavli Institute, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
| | - John B Vincent
- Molecular Neuropsychiatry & Development (MiND) Lab, Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, M5T 1R8, Canada
| | - Lyle Muller
- Department of Applied Mathematics, Robarts Research Institute, Brain and Mind Institute, Western University, London, ON, N6A 5B7, Canada
| | - Julio Martinez-Trujillo
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Department of Psychiatry, Neuroscience Graduate Program, Robarts Research and Brain and Mind Institutes, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, N6A 5B7, Canada
| | - Michael W Salter
- Neurosciences & Mental Health Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, M5G 0A4, ON, Canada
- Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - James Ellis
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 1A8, Canada.
- Developmental & Stem Cell Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, M5G 0A4, Canada.
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Abstract
The current understanding of neurological diseases is derived mostly from direct analysis of patients and from animal models of disease. However, most patient studies do not capture the earliest stages of disease development and offer limited opportunities for experimental intervention, so rarely yield complete mechanistic insights. The use of animal models relies on evolutionary conservation of pathways involved in disease and is limited by an inability to recreate human-specific processes. In vitro models that are derived from human pluripotent stem cells cultured in 3D have emerged as a new model system that could bridge the gap between patient studies and animal models. In this Review, we summarize how such organoid models can complement classical approaches to accelerate neurological research. We describe our current understanding of neurodevelopment and how this process differs between humans and other animals, making human-derived models of disease essential. We discuss different methodologies for producing organoids and how organoids can be and have been used to model neurological disorders, including microcephaly, Zika virus infection, Alzheimer disease and other neurodegenerative disorders, and neurodevelopmental diseases, such as Timothy syndrome, Angelman syndrome and tuberous sclerosis. We also discuss the current limitations of organoid models and outline how organoids can be used to revolutionize research into the human brain and neurological diseases. In this Review, Eichmüller and Knoblich discuss how human brain organoids can recapitulate the unique processes that occur in human brain development and how they can complement classical approaches to revolutionize research into neurological diseases. Development of the human brain involves unique processes that are relevant to neurological disease but cannot be studied in animal models, so alternative model systems are required. Organoids are 3D human cell culture models that originate from pluripotent stem cells and recapitulate the hallmarks of human neurodevelopment, enabling studies of human brain development in vitro. Specific mutations can be introduced into organoids to study their effects on neurodevelopment; combined with high-throughput screening methods, this approach can determine the disease relevance of mutations in human tissue. To study specific diseases, brain organoids can be generated from induced pluripotent stem cells from individual patients, thereby preserving the specific genetic background of the individual and generating an insightful model. Through recapitulation of previously inaccessible periods of human brain development, brain organoids have enabled identification of novel mechanisms that underlie neurodevelopmental, neurodegenerative and infectious diseases. Combining organoids, patient research and animal models enables us to take full advantage of each of these systems and will provide unprecedented insights into neurodevelopment and neurological diseases.
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Knowles JK, Helbig I, Metcalf CS, Lubbers LS, Isom LL, Demarest S, Goldberg EM, George AL, Lerche H, Weckhuysen S, Whittemore V, Berkovic SF, Lowenstein DH. Precision medicine for genetic epilepsy on the horizon: Recent advances, present challenges, and suggestions for continued progress. Epilepsia 2022; 63:2461-2475. [PMID: 35716052 PMCID: PMC9561034 DOI: 10.1111/epi.17332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Revised: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
The genetic basis of many epilepsies is increasingly understood, giving rise to the possibility of precision treatments tailored to specific genetic etiologies. Despite this, current medical therapy for most epilepsies remains imprecise, aimed primarily at empirical seizure reduction rather than targeting specific disease processes. Intellectual and technological leaps in diagnosis over the past 10 years have not yet translated to routine changes in clinical practice. However, the epilepsy community is poised to make impressive gains in precision therapy, with continued innovation in gene discovery, diagnostic ability, and bioinformatics; increased access to genetic testing and counseling; fuller understanding of natural histories; agility and rigor in preclinical research, including strategic use of emerging model systems; and engagement of an evolving group of stakeholders (including patient advocates, governmental resources, and clinicians and scientists in academia and industry). In each of these areas, we highlight notable examples of recent progress, new or persistent challenges, and future directions. The future of precision medicine for genetic epilepsy looks bright if key opportunities on the horizon can be pursued with strategic and coordinated effort.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliet K. Knowles
- Department of Neurology, Division of Child Neurology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Ingo Helbig
- Division of Neurology, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Epilepsy NeuroGenetics Initiative, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of Biomedical and Health Informatics, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of Neurology, University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Institute of Clinical Molecular Biology, University of Kiel, Kiel, Germany
- Department of Neuropediatrics, University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel, Germany
| | - Cameron S. Metcalf
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Laura S. Lubbers
- Citizens United for Research in Epilepsy, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Lori L. Isom
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Scott Demarest
- Department of Pediatrics and Neurology, University of Colorado, School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Ethan M. Goldberg
- Division of Neurology, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Epilepsy NeuroGenetics Initiative, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of Neurology, University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Alfred L. George
- Department of Pharmacology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Holger Lerche
- Department of Neurology and Epileptology, Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Sarah Weckhuysen
- Division of Neurology, University Hospital Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
- Applied and Translational Neurogenomics Group, Vlaams Instituut voor Biotechnologie Center for Molecular Neurology, Antwerp, Belgium
- Translational Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Science, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
- μNEURO Research Center of Excellence, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Vicky Whittemore
- Division of Neuroscience, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, Maryland, USA
| | - Samuel F. Berkovic
- Epilepsy Research Centre, Department of Medicine, Austin Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Daniel H. Lowenstein
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
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41
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Sheridan SD, Horng JE, Perlis RH. Patient-Derived In Vitro Models of Microglial Function and Synaptic Engulfment in Schizophrenia. Biol Psychiatry 2022; 92:470-479. [PMID: 35232567 PMCID: PMC10039432 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2022.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2021] [Revised: 12/19/2021] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Multiple lines of evidence implicate dysregulated microglia-mediated synaptic pruning in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia. In vitro human cellular studies represent a promising means of pursuing this hypothesis, complementing efforts with animal models and postmortem human data while addressing their limitations. The challenges in culturing homogeneous populations of cells derived from postmortem or surgical biopsy brain material from patients, and their limited availability, has led to a focus on differentiation of induced pluripotent stem cells. These methods too have limitations, in that they disrupt the epigenome and can demonstrate line-to-line variability due in part to extended time in culture, partial reprogramming, and/or residual epigenetic memory from the cell source, yielding large technical artifacts. Yet another strategy uses direct transdifferentiation of peripheral mononuclear blood cells, or umbilical cord blood cells, to microglia-like cells. Any of these approaches can be paired with patient-derived synaptosomes from differentiated neurons as a simpler alternative to co-culture. Patient-derived microglia models may facilitate identification of novel modulators of synaptic pruning and identification of biomarkers that may allow more targeted early interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven D Sheridan
- Center for Genomic Medicine and Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts; Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Joy E Horng
- Center for Genomic Medicine and Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts; Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Roy H Perlis
- Center for Genomic Medicine and Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts; Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts.
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New Insights on the Regulation of the Insulin-Degrading Enzyme: Role of microRNAs and RBPs. Cells 2022; 11:cells11162538. [PMID: 36010613 PMCID: PMC9406717 DOI: 10.3390/cells11162538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Revised: 08/04/2022] [Accepted: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The evident implication of the insulin-degrading enzyme (IDE) in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), among its capacity to degrade insulin and amyloid-β peptide (Aβ), suggests that IDE could be an essential link in the relation between hyperinsulinemia, insulin resistance and AD. However, little is known about the cellular and molecular regulation of IDE expression, and even less has been explored regarding the post-transcriptional regulation of IDE, although it represents a great molecular target of interest for therapeutic treatments. We recently described that miR-7, a novel candidate for linking AD and T2DM at the molecular level, regulates IDE and other key genes in both pathologies, including some key genes involved in the insulin signaling pathway. Here, we explored whether other miRNAs as well as other post-transcriptional regulators, such as RNA binding proteins (RBP), could potentially participate in the regulation of IDE expression in vitro. Our data showed that in addition to miR-7, miR-125, miR-490 and miR-199 regulate IDE expression at the post-transcriptional level. Moreover, we also found that IDE contains multiple potential binding sites for several RBPs, and a narrow-down prediction analysis led us to speculate on a novel regulation of IDE by RALY and HuD. Taken together, these results demonstrate the novel players controlling IDE expression that could represent potential therapeutical targets to treat several metabolic diseases with a high impact on human health, including AD and T2DM.
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43
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Wang YH, Chen YW, Xiao WL, Li XL, Feng L, Liu YL, Duan XX. MiR-214-3p Prevents the Development of Perioperative Neurocognitive Disorders in Elderly Rats. Curr Med Sci 2022; 42:871-884. [PMID: 35451808 DOI: 10.1007/s11596-022-2572-x] [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: 05/26/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to identify microRNAs (miRNAs) involved in the development of perioperative neurocognitive disorders (PND). METHODS Plasma exosomal miRNA expression was examined in patients before and after cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) using microarray and qRT-PCR and these patients were diagnosed as PND later. Elderly rats were subjected to CPB, and the cognitive functions were examined. Bioinformatics analysis was conducted to predict the targets of miR-214-3p. Rats were administered rno-miR-214-3p agomir before or after CPB to investigate the role of miR-214-3p in PND development. RESULTS We identified 76 differentially expressed plasma exosomal miRNAs in PND patients after surgery (P<0.05, ∣log2FC∣>0.58), including the upregulated hsa-miR-214-3p (P=0.002399392). Prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2 (PTGS2) was predicted as a miR-214-3p target. In rats, CPB reduced the platform crossing numbers and target quadrant stay time, accompanied with hippocampal neuronal necrosis. The rno-miR-214-3p level was significantly increased in plasma exosomes but decreased in rat hippocampus after surgery, exhibiting a negative correlation (P<0.001, r=-0.762). A negative correlation between miR-214-3p and PTGS2 protein expression was also observed in the hippocampus after surgery. Importantly, rno-miR-214-3p agomir treatment, before or after surgery, significantly increased the platform crossing numbers (P=0.035) and target quadrant stay time (P=0.029) compared with negative control. Hippocampal PTGS2 protein level was increased in the untreated surgery group and decreased in response to rno-miR-214-3p agomir treatment before or after surgery (both P<0.05 vs. negative control). CONCLUSION These data suggest that miR-214-3p/PTGS2 signaling contributes to the development of PND, serving as a potential therapeutic target for PND.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Hao Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, China
- Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, China
- Department of Anesthesiology, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, China
| | - Yong-Wang Chen
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, China
- Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, China
- Department of Anesthesiology, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, China
| | - Wan-Li Xiao
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, China
- Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, China
- Department of Anesthesiology, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, China
| | - Xue-Lian Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, China
- Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, China
- Department of Anesthesiology, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, China
| | - Lan Feng
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, China
- Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, China
- Department of Anesthesiology, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, China
| | - Yu-Lin Liu
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, China
- Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, China
- Department of Anesthesiology, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, China
| | - Xiao-Xia Duan
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, China.
- Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, China.
- Department of Anesthesiology, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, China.
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44
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Yildirim M, Delepine C, Feldman D, Pham VA, Chou S, Ip J, Nott A, Tsai LH, Ming GL, So PTC, Sur M. Label-free three-photon imaging of intact human cerebral organoids for tracking early events in brain development and deficits in Rett syndrome. eLife 2022; 11:78079. [PMID: 35904330 PMCID: PMC9337854 DOI: 10.7554/elife.78079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Human cerebral organoids are unique in their development of progenitor-rich zones akin to ventricular zones from which neuronal progenitors differentiate and migrate radially. Analyses of cerebral organoids thus far have been performed in sectioned tissue or in superficial layers due to their high scattering properties. Here, we demonstrate label-free three-photon imaging of whole, uncleared intact organoids (~2 mm depth) to assess early events of early human brain development. Optimizing a custom-made three-photon microscope to image intact cerebral organoids generated from Rett Syndrome patients, we show defects in the ventricular zone volumetric structure of mutant organoids compared to isogenic control organoids. Long-term imaging live organoids reveals that shorter migration distances and slower migration speeds of mutant radially migrating neurons are associated with more tortuous trajectories. Our label-free imaging system constitutes a particularly useful platform for tracking normal and abnormal development in individual organoids, as well as for screening therapeutic molecules via intact organoid imaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Murat Yildirim
- Picower Institute of Learning and Memory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, United States.,Department of Neuroscience, Cleveland Clinic Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland, United States.,Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, United States
| | - Chloe Delepine
- Picower Institute of Learning and Memory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, United States.,Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, United States
| | - Danielle Feldman
- Picower Institute of Learning and Memory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, United States.,Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, United States
| | - Vincent A Pham
- Picower Institute of Learning and Memory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, United States.,Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, United States
| | - Stephanie Chou
- Picower Institute of Learning and Memory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, United States.,Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, United States
| | - Jacque Ip
- Picower Institute of Learning and Memory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, United States.,Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, United States.,School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Alexi Nott
- Picower Institute of Learning and Memory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, United States.,Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, United States
| | - Li-Huei Tsai
- Picower Institute of Learning and Memory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, United States.,Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, United States
| | - Guo-Li Ming
- Department of Neuroscience and Mahoney Institute for Neurosciences, Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, United States
| | - Peter T C So
- Deparment of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, United States
| | - Mriganka Sur
- Picower Institute of Learning and Memory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, United States.,Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, United States
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45
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Jiang CC, Lin LS, Long S, Ke XY, Fukunaga K, Lu YM, Han F. Signalling pathways in autism spectrum disorder: mechanisms and therapeutic implications. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2022; 7:229. [PMID: 35817793 PMCID: PMC9273593 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-022-01081-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2022] [Revised: 06/19/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a prevalent and complex neurodevelopmental disorder which has strong genetic basis. Despite the rapidly rising incidence of autism, little is known about its aetiology, risk factors, and disease progression. There are currently neither validated biomarkers for diagnostic screening nor specific medication for autism. Over the last two decades, there have been remarkable advances in genetics, with hundreds of genes identified and validated as being associated with a high risk for autism. The convergence of neuroscience methods is becoming more widely recognized for its significance in elucidating the pathological mechanisms of autism. Efforts have been devoted to exploring the behavioural functions, key pathological mechanisms and potential treatments of autism. Here, as we highlight in this review, emerging evidence shows that signal transduction molecular events are involved in pathological processes such as transcription, translation, synaptic transmission, epigenetics and immunoinflammatory responses. This involvement has important implications for the discovery of precise molecular targets for autism. Moreover, we review recent insights into the mechanisms and clinical implications of signal transduction in autism from molecular, cellular, neural circuit, and neurobehavioural aspects. Finally, the challenges and future perspectives are discussed with regard to novel strategies predicated on the biological features of autism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen-Chen Jiang
- International Joint Laboratory for Drug Target of Critical Illnesses; Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular & Cerebrovascular Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Li-Shan Lin
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Sen Long
- Department of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Seventh People's Hospital, Mental Health Center Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310013, China
| | - Xiao-Yan Ke
- Child Mental Health Research Center, Nanjing Brain Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, China
| | - Kohji Fukunaga
- Department of CNS Drug Innovation, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University, Sendai, 980-8578, Japan
| | - Ying-Mei Lu
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China.
| | - Feng Han
- International Joint Laboratory for Drug Target of Critical Illnesses; Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular & Cerebrovascular Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China. .,Institute of Brain Science, The Affiliated Brain Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, China. .,Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, 215002, China.
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46
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Lu S, Chen Y, Wang Z. Advances in the pathogenesis of Rett syndrome using cell models. Animal Model Exp Med 2022; 5:532-541. [PMID: 35785421 PMCID: PMC9773312 DOI: 10.1002/ame2.12236] [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: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Rett syndrome (RTT) is a progressive neurodevelopmental disorder that occurs mainly in girls with a range of typical symptoms of autism spectrum disorders. MeCP2 protein loss-of-function in neural lineage cells is the main cause of RTT pathogenicity. As it is still hard to understand the mechanism of RTT on the basis of only clinical patients or animal models, cell models cultured in vitro play indispensable roles. Here we reviewed the research progress in the pathogenesis of RTT at the cellular level, summarized the preclinical-research-related applications, and prospected potential future development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sijia Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Institute of Primate Translational MedicineKunming University of Science and TechnologyKunmingChina,Yunnan Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical ResearchKunmingChina
| | - Yongchang Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Institute of Primate Translational MedicineKunming University of Science and TechnologyKunmingChina,Yunnan Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical ResearchKunmingChina
| | - Zhengbo Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Institute of Primate Translational MedicineKunming University of Science and TechnologyKunmingChina,Yunnan Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical ResearchKunmingChina
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47
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Peng D, Fu M, Wang M, Wei Y, Wei X. Targeting TGF-β signal transduction for fibrosis and cancer therapy. Mol Cancer 2022; 21:104. [PMID: 35461253 PMCID: PMC9033932 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-022-01569-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 306] [Impact Index Per Article: 153.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) has long been identified with its intensive involvement in early embryonic development and organogenesis, immune supervision, tissue repair, and adult homeostasis. The role of TGF-β in fibrosis and cancer is complex and sometimes even contradictory, exhibiting either inhibitory or promoting effects depending on the stage of the disease. Under pathological conditions, overexpressed TGF-β causes epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition, cancer-associated fibroblast (CAF) formation, which leads to fibrotic disease, and cancer. Given the critical role of TGF-β and its downstream molecules in the progression of fibrosis and cancers, therapeutics targeting TGF-β signaling appears to be a promising strategy. However, due to potential systemic cytotoxicity, the development of TGF-β therapeutics has lagged. In this review, we summarized the biological process of TGF-β, with its dual role in fibrosis and tumorigenesis, and the clinical application of TGF-β-targeting therapies.
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48
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Yang Q, Hong Y, Zhao T, Song H, Ming GL. What Makes Organoids Good Models of Human Neurogenesis? Front Neurosci 2022; 16:872794. [PMID: 35495031 PMCID: PMC9048596 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.872794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Human neurogenesis occurs mainly in embryonic, fetal, and neonatal stages and generates tremendously diverse neural cell types that constitute the human nervous system. Studies on human neurogenesis have been limited due to a lack of access to human embryonic and fetal tissues. Brain organoids derived from human pluripotent stem cells not only recapitulate major developmental processes during neurogenesis, but also exhibit human-specific features, thus providing an unprecedented opportunity to study human neurodevelopment. First, three-dimensional brain organoids resemble early human neurogenesis with diverse stem cell pools, including the presence of primate-enriched outer radial glia cells. Second, brain organoids recapitulate human neurogenesis at the cellular level, generating diverse neuronal cell types and forming stratified cortical layers. Third, brain organoids also capture gliogenesis with the presence of human-specific astrocytes. Fourth, combined with genome-editing technologies, brain organoids are promising models for investigating functions of human-specific genes at different stages of human neurogenesis. Finally, human organoids derived from patient iPSCs can recapitulate specific disease phenotypes, providing unique models for studying developmental brain disorders of genetic and environmental causes, and for mechanistic studies and drug screening. The aim of this review is to illustrate why brain organoids are good models to study various steps of human neurogenesis, with a focus on corticogenesis. We also discuss limitations of current brain organoid models and future improvements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Yang
- Department of Neuroscience and Mahoney Institute for Neurosciences, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Yan Hong
- Department of Neuroscience and Mahoney Institute for Neurosciences, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Ting Zhao
- Department of Neuroscience and Mahoney Institute for Neurosciences, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Hongjun Song
- Department of Neuroscience and Mahoney Institute for Neurosciences, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States,Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States,Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States,The Epigenetics Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Guo-li Ming
- Department of Neuroscience and Mahoney Institute for Neurosciences, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States,Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States,Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States,Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States,*Correspondence: Guo-li Ming,
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49
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Martinelli I, Tayebati SK, Tomassoni D, Nittari G, Roy P, Amenta F. Brain and Retinal Organoids for Disease Modeling: The Importance of In Vitro Blood–Brain and Retinal Barriers Studies. Cells 2022; 11:cells11071120. [PMID: 35406683 PMCID: PMC8997725 DOI: 10.3390/cells11071120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Revised: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Brain and retinal organoids are functional and dynamic in vitro three-dimensional (3D) structures derived from pluripotent stem cells that spontaneously organize themselves to their in vivo counterparts. Here, we review the main literature data of how these organoids have been developed through different protocols and how they have been technically analyzed. Moreover, this paper reviews recent advances in using organoids to model neurological and retinal diseases, considering their potential for translational applications but also pointing out their limitations. Since the blood–brain barrier (BBB) and blood–retinal barrier (BRB) are understood to play a fundamental role respectively in brain and eye functions, both in health and in disease, we provide an overview of the progress in the development techniques of in vitro models as reliable and predictive screening tools for BBB and BRB-penetrating compounds. Furthermore, we propose potential future directions for brain and retinal organoids, in which dedicated biobanks will represent a novel tool for neuroscience and ophthalmology research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilenia Martinelli
- School of Medicinal and Health Products Sciences, University of Camerino, 62032 Camerino, Italy; (S.K.T.); (G.N.); (F.A.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Seyed Khosrow Tayebati
- School of Medicinal and Health Products Sciences, University of Camerino, 62032 Camerino, Italy; (S.K.T.); (G.N.); (F.A.)
| | - Daniele Tomassoni
- School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, 62032 Camerino, Italy; (D.T.); (P.R.)
| | - Giulio Nittari
- School of Medicinal and Health Products Sciences, University of Camerino, 62032 Camerino, Italy; (S.K.T.); (G.N.); (F.A.)
| | - Proshanta Roy
- School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, 62032 Camerino, Italy; (D.T.); (P.R.)
| | - Francesco Amenta
- School of Medicinal and Health Products Sciences, University of Camerino, 62032 Camerino, Italy; (S.K.T.); (G.N.); (F.A.)
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50
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Borghi R, Magliocca V, Trivisano M, Specchio N, Tartaglia M, Bertini E, Compagnucci C. Modeling PCDH19-CE: From 2D Stem Cell Model to 3D Brain Organoids. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23073506. [PMID: 35408865 PMCID: PMC8998847 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23073506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Revised: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
PCDH19 clustering epilepsy (PCDH19-CE) is a genetic disease characterized by a heterogeneous phenotypic spectrum ranging from focal epilepsy with rare seizures and normal cognitive development to severe drug-resistant epilepsy associated with intellectual disability and autism. Unfortunately, little is known about the pathogenic mechanism underlying this disease and an effective treatment is lacking. Studies with zebrafish and murine models have provided insights on the function of PCDH19 during brain development and how its altered function causes the disease, but these models fail to reproduce the human phenotype. Induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technology has provided a complementary experimental approach for investigating the pathogenic mechanisms implicated in PCDH19-CE during neurogenesis and studying the pathology in a more physiological three-dimensional (3D) environment through the development of brain organoids. We report on recent progress in the development of human brain organoids with a particular focus on how this 3D model may shed light on the pathomechanisms implicated in PCDH19-CE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rossella Borghi
- Genetics and Rare Diseases Research Division, Bambino Gesù Children’s Research Hospital, IRCCS, 00165 Rome, Italy; (R.B.); (V.M.); (M.T.); (E.B.)
| | - Valentina Magliocca
- Genetics and Rare Diseases Research Division, Bambino Gesù Children’s Research Hospital, IRCCS, 00165 Rome, Italy; (R.B.); (V.M.); (M.T.); (E.B.)
| | - Marina Trivisano
- Department of Neurosciences, Rare and Complex Epilepsy Unit, Division of Neurology, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, Full Member of European Reference Network EpiCARE, 00165 Rome, Italy; (M.T.); (N.S.)
| | - Nicola Specchio
- Department of Neurosciences, Rare and Complex Epilepsy Unit, Division of Neurology, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, Full Member of European Reference Network EpiCARE, 00165 Rome, Italy; (M.T.); (N.S.)
| | - Marco Tartaglia
- Genetics and Rare Diseases Research Division, Bambino Gesù Children’s Research Hospital, IRCCS, 00165 Rome, Italy; (R.B.); (V.M.); (M.T.); (E.B.)
| | - Enrico Bertini
- Genetics and Rare Diseases Research Division, Bambino Gesù Children’s Research Hospital, IRCCS, 00165 Rome, Italy; (R.B.); (V.M.); (M.T.); (E.B.)
| | - Claudia Compagnucci
- Genetics and Rare Diseases Research Division, Bambino Gesù Children’s Research Hospital, IRCCS, 00165 Rome, Italy; (R.B.); (V.M.); (M.T.); (E.B.)
- Correspondence:
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