1
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Heuer SE, Bloss EB, Howell GR. Strategies to dissect microglia-synaptic interactions during aging and in Alzheimer's disease. Neuropharmacology 2024; 254:109987. [PMID: 38705570 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2024.109987] [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: 01/10/2024] [Revised: 04/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024]
Abstract
Age is the largest risk factor for developing Alzheimer's disease (AD), a neurodegenerative disorder that causes a progressive and severe dementia. The underlying cause of cognitive deficits seen in AD is thought to be the disconnection of neural circuits that control memory and executive functions. Insight into the mechanisms by which AD diverges from normal aging will require identifying precisely which cellular events are driven by aging and which are impacted by AD-related pathologies. Since microglia, the brain-resident macrophages, are known to have critical roles in the formation and maintenance of neural circuits through synaptic pruning, they are well-positioned to modulate synaptic connectivity in circuits sensitive to aging or AD. In this review, we provide an overview of the current state of the field and on emerging technologies being employed to elucidate microglia-synaptic interactions in aging and AD. We also discuss the importance of leveraging genetic diversity to study how these interactions are shaped across more realistic contexts. We propose that these approaches will be essential to define specific aging- and disease-relevant trajectories for more personalized therapeutics aimed at reducing the effects of age or AD pathologies on the brain. This article is part of the Special Issue on "Microglia".
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah E Heuer
- The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, ME, 04609, USA; Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, 02111, USA
| | - Erik B Bloss
- The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, ME, 04609, USA; Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, 02111, USA; Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences and Engineering, University of Maine, Orono, ME, 04469, USA.
| | - Gareth R Howell
- The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, ME, 04609, USA; Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, 02111, USA; Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences and Engineering, University of Maine, Orono, ME, 04469, USA.
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2
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Pluchino S, Lombardi I. Crossing species boundaries in regenerative neuroscience with rat-mouse brain chimeras. Lab Anim (NY) 2024; 53:179-180. [PMID: 38886566 PMCID: PMC11216989 DOI: 10.1038/s41684-024-01394-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Pluchino
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences and NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
| | - Ivan Lombardi
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences and NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza, Milan, Italy
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3
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Pereira MF, Shyti R, Testa G. In and out: Benchmarking in vitro, in vivo, ex vivo, and xenografting approaches for an integrative brain disease modeling pipeline. Stem Cell Reports 2024; 19:767-795. [PMID: 38865969 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2024.05.004] [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: 12/11/2022] [Revised: 05/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/11/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Human cellular models and their neuronal derivatives have afforded unprecedented advances in elucidating pathogenic mechanisms of neuropsychiatric diseases. Notwithstanding their indispensable contribution, animal models remain the benchmark in neurobiological research. In an attempt to harness the best of both worlds, researchers have increasingly relied on human/animal chimeras by xenografting human cells into the animal brain. Despite the unparalleled potential of xenografting approaches in the study of the human brain, literature resources that systematically examine their significance and advantages are surprisingly lacking. We fill this gap by providing a comprehensive account of brain diseases that were thus far subjected to all three modeling approaches (transgenic rodents, in vitro human lineages, human-animal xenografting) and provide a critical appraisal of the impact of xenografting approaches for advancing our understanding of those diseases and brain development. Next, we give our perspective on integrating xenografting modeling pipeline with recent cutting-edge technological advancements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marlene F Pereira
- Department of Experimental Oncology, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Via Adamello 16, 20139 Milan, Italy; Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, Via Santa Sofia 9, 20122 Milan, Italy; Neurogenomics Centre, Human Technopole, Viale Rita Levi-Montalcini 1, 20157 Milan, Italy.
| | - Reinald Shyti
- Department of Experimental Oncology, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Via Adamello 16, 20139 Milan, Italy; Neurogenomics Centre, Human Technopole, Viale Rita Levi-Montalcini 1, 20157 Milan, Italy.
| | - Giuseppe Testa
- Department of Experimental Oncology, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Via Adamello 16, 20139 Milan, Italy; Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, Via Santa Sofia 9, 20122 Milan, Italy; Neurogenomics Centre, Human Technopole, Viale Rita Levi-Montalcini 1, 20157 Milan, Italy.
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4
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Gonzalez-Ramos A, Puigsasllosas-Pastor C, Arcas-Marquez A, Tornero D. Updated Toolbox for Assessing Neuronal Network Reconstruction after Cell Therapy. Bioengineering (Basel) 2024; 11:487. [PMID: 38790353 PMCID: PMC11118929 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering11050487] [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: 03/30/2024] [Revised: 05/02/2024] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Cell therapy has proven to be a promising treatment for a range of neurological disorders, including Parkinson Disease, drug-resistant epilepsy, and stroke, by restoring function after brain damage. Nevertheless, evaluating the true effectiveness of these therapeutic interventions requires a deep understanding of the functional integration of grafted cells into existing neural networks. This review explores a powerful arsenal of molecular techniques revolutionizing our ability to unveil functional integration of grafted cells within the host brain. From precise manipulation of neuronal activity to pinpoint the functional contribution of transplanted cells by using opto- and chemo-genetics, to real-time monitoring of neuronal dynamics shedding light on functional connectivity within the reconstructed circuits by using genetically encoded (calcium) indicators in vivo. Finally, structural reconstruction and mapping communication pathways between grafted and host neurons can be achieved by monosynaptic tracing with viral vectors. The cutting-edge toolbox presented here holds immense promise for elucidating the impact of cell therapy on neural circuitry and guiding the development of more effective treatments for neurological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Gonzalez-Ramos
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research at Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Claudia Puigsasllosas-Pastor
- Laboratory of Neural Stem Cells and Brain Damage, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Neurosciences, University of Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
- Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ainhoa Arcas-Marquez
- Laboratory of Neural Stem Cells and Brain Damage, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Neurosciences, University of Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
- Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Daniel Tornero
- Laboratory of Neural Stem Cells and Brain Damage, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Neurosciences, University of Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
- Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), 08036 Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), 28029 Madrid, Spain
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5
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Throesch BT, Bin Imtiaz MK, Muñoz-Castañeda R, Sakurai M, Hartzell AL, James KN, Rodriguez AR, Martin G, Lippi G, Kupriyanov S, Wu Z, Osten P, Izpisua Belmonte JC, Wu J, Baldwin KK. Functional sensory circuits built from neurons of two species. Cell 2024; 187:2143-2157.e15. [PMID: 38670072 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2024.03.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
A central question for regenerative neuroscience is whether synthetic neural circuits, such as those built from two species, can function in an intact brain. Here, we apply blastocyst complementation to selectively build and test interspecies neural circuits. Despite approximately 10-20 million years of evolution, and prominent species differences in brain size, rat pluripotent stem cells injected into mouse blastocysts develop and persist throughout the mouse brain. Unexpectedly, the mouse niche reprograms the birth dates of rat neurons in the cortex and hippocampus, supporting rat-mouse synaptic activity. When mouse olfactory neurons are genetically silenced or killed, rat neurons restore information flow to odor processing circuits. Moreover, they rescue the primal behavior of food seeking, although less well than mouse neurons. By revealing that a mouse can sense the world using neurons from another species, we establish neural blastocyst complementation as a powerful tool to identify conserved mechanisms of brain development, plasticity, and repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin T Throesch
- Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, San Diego, CA, USA; Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Muhammad Khadeesh Bin Imtiaz
- Cecil H. and Ida Green Center for Reproductive Biology Sciences, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | | | - Masahiro Sakurai
- Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, San Diego, CA, USA; Department of Molecular Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Andrea L Hartzell
- Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Kiely N James
- Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, San Diego, CA, USA; Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Alberto R Rodriguez
- Mouse Genetics Core, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Greg Martin
- Mouse Genetics Core, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Giordano Lippi
- Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Sergey Kupriyanov
- Mouse Genetics Core, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Zhuhao Wu
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Pavel Osten
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY, USA
| | - Juan Carlos Izpisua Belmonte
- Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, San Diego, CA, USA; Gene Expression Laboratory, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, San Diego, CA, USA; Altos Labs, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Jun Wu
- Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, San Diego, CA, USA; Department of Molecular Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA; Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA; Cecil H. and Ida Green Center for Reproductive Biology Sciences, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA.
| | - Kristin K Baldwin
- Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, San Diego, CA, USA; Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, San Diego, CA, USA; Department of Genetics and Development, Columbia Stem Cell Initiative, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA.
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6
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Doulames VM, Marquardt LM, Hefferon ME, Baugh NJ, Suhar RA, Wang AT, Dubbin KR, Weimann JM, Palmer TD, Plant GW, Heilshorn SC. Custom-engineered hydrogels for delivery of human iPSC-derived neurons into the injured cervical spinal cord. Biomaterials 2024; 305:122400. [PMID: 38134472 PMCID: PMC10846596 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2023.122400] [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: 06/23/2023] [Revised: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023]
Abstract
Cervical damage is the most prevalent type of spinal cord injury clinically, although few preclinical research studies focus on this anatomical region of injury. Here we present a combinatorial therapy composed of a custom-engineered, injectable hydrogel and human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived deep cortical neurons. The biomimetic hydrogel has a modular design that includes a protein-engineered component to allow customization of the cell-adhesive peptide sequence and a synthetic polymer component to allow customization of the gel mechanical properties. In vitro studies with encapsulated iPSC-neurons were used to select a bespoke hydrogel formulation that maintains cell viability and promotes neurite extension. Following injection into the injured cervical spinal cord in a rat contusion model, the hydrogel biodegraded over six weeks without causing any adverse reaction. Compared to cell delivery using saline, the hydrogel significantly improved the reproducibility of cell transplantation and integration into the host tissue. Across three metrics of animal behavior, this combinatorial therapy significantly improved sensorimotor function by six weeks post transplantation. Taken together, these findings demonstrate that design of a combinatorial therapy that includes a gel customized for a specific fate-restricted cell type can induce regeneration in the injured cervical spinal cord.
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Affiliation(s)
- V M Doulames
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - L M Marquardt
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - M E Hefferon
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - N J Baugh
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - R A Suhar
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - A T Wang
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - K R Dubbin
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - J M Weimann
- Department of Neurosurgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - T D Palmer
- Department of Neurosurgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - G W Plant
- Department of Neurosurgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA.
| | - S C Heilshorn
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA.
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7
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Ghuman H, Kim K, Barati S, Ganguly K. Emergence of task-related spatiotemporal population dynamics in transplanted neurons. Nat Commun 2023; 14:7320. [PMID: 37951968 PMCID: PMC10640594 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-43081-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: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Loss of nervous system tissue after severe brain injury is a main determinant of poor functional recovery. Cell transplantation is a promising method to restore lost tissue and function, yet it remains unclear if transplanted neurons can demonstrate the population level dynamics important for movement control. Here we present a comprehensive approach for long-term single neuron monitoring and manipulation of transplanted embryonic cortical neurons after cortical injury in adult male mice performing a prehension task. The observed patterns of population activity in the transplanted network strongly resembled that of healthy networks. Specifically, the task-related spatiotemporal activity patterns of transplanted neurons could be represented by latent factors that evolve within a low dimensional manifold. We also demonstrate reliable modulation of the transplanted networks using minimally invasive epidural stimulation. Our approach may allow greater insight into how restoration of cell-type specific network dynamics in vivo can restore motor function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harman Ghuman
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Kyungsoo Kim
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Sapeeda Barati
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Karunesh Ganguly
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
- Neurology Service, San Francisco Veterans Affairs Medical Center, San Francisco, CA, USA.
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8
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Yang X, Qi Y, Wang C, Zwang TJ, Rommelfanger NJ, Hong G, Lieber CM. Laminin-coated electronic scaffolds with vascular topography for tracking and promoting the migration of brain cells after injury. Nat Biomed Eng 2023; 7:1282-1292. [PMID: 37814007 DOI: 10.1038/s41551-023-01101-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023]
Abstract
In the adult brain, neural stem cells are largely restricted into spatially discrete neurogenic niches, and hence areas of neuron loss during neurodegenerative disease or following a stroke or traumatic brain injury do not typically repopulate spontaneously. Moreover, understanding neural activity accompanying the neural repair process is hindered by a lack of minimally invasive devices for the chronic measurement of the electrophysiological dynamics in damaged brain tissue. Here we show that 32 individually addressable platinum microelectrodes integrated into laminin-coated branched polymer scaffolds stereotaxically injected to span a hydrogel-filled cortical lesion and deeper regions in the brains of mice promote neural regeneration while allowing for the tracking of migrating host brain cells into the lesion. Chronic measurements of single-unit activity and neural-circuit analyses revealed the establishment of spiking activity in new neurons in the lesion and their functional connections with neurons deeper in the brain. Electronic implants mimicking the topographical and surface properties of brain vasculature may aid the stimulation and tracking of neural-circuit restoration following injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Yang
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA.
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences and Department of Chemistry, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.
| | - Yue Qi
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Beijing Graphene Institute, Beijing, China
| | - Chonghe Wang
- John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Theodore J Zwang
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Neurology, MassGeneral Institute for Neurodegenerative Disease, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA, USA
| | | | - Guosong Hong
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.
| | - Charles M Lieber
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA.
- John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA.
- Lieber Research Group, Lexington, MA, USA.
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9
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Mu J, Hao P, Duan H, Zhao W, Wang Z, Yang Z, Li X. Non-human primate models of focal cortical ischemia for neuronal replacement therapy. J Cereb Blood Flow Metab 2023; 43:1456-1474. [PMID: 37254891 PMCID: PMC10414004 DOI: 10.1177/0271678x231179544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2022] [Revised: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Despite the high prevalence, stroke remains incurable due to the limited regeneration capacity in the central nervous system. Neuronal replacement strategies are highly diverse biomedical fields that attempt to replace lost neurons by utilizing exogenous stem cell transplants, biomaterials, and direct neuronal reprogramming. Although these approaches have achieved encouraging outcomes mostly in the rodent stroke model, further preclinical validation in non-human primates (NHP) is still needed prior to clinical trials. In this paper, we briefly review the recent progress of promising neuronal replacement therapy in NHP stroke studies. Moreover, we summarize the key characteristics of the NHP as highly valuable translational tools and discuss (1) NHP species and their advantages in terms of genetics, physiology, neuroanatomy, immunology, and behavior; (2) various methods for establishing NHP focal ischemic models to study the regenerative and plastic changes associated with motor functional recovery; and (3) a comprehensive analysis of experimentally and clinically accessible outcomes and a potential adaptive mechanism. Our review specifically aims to facilitate the selection of the appropriate NHP cortical ischemic models and efficient prognostic evaluation methods in preclinical stroke research design of neuronal replacement strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiao Mu
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Biomaterials and Neural Regeneration, School of Engineering Medicine, Beihang University, Beijing, China
| | - Peng Hao
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Hongmei Duan
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Wen Zhao
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Zijue Wang
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhaoyang Yang
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoguang Li
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Biomaterials and Neural Regeneration, School of Engineering Medicine, Beihang University, Beijing, China
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
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10
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Lear BP, Moore DL. Moving CNS axon growth and regeneration research into human model systems. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1198041. [PMID: 37425013 PMCID: PMC10324669 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1198041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Axon regeneration is limited in the adult mammalian central nervous system (CNS) due to both intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Rodent studies have shown that developmental age can drive differences in intrinsic axon growth ability, such that embryonic rodent CNS neurons extend long axons while postnatal and adult CNS neurons do not. In recent decades, scientists have identified several intrinsic developmental regulators in rodents that modulate growth. However, whether this developmentally programmed decline in CNS axon growth is conserved in humans is not yet known. Until recently, there have been limited human neuronal model systems, and even fewer age-specific human models. Human in vitro models range from pluripotent stem cell-derived neurons to directly reprogrammed (transdifferentiated) neurons derived from human somatic cells. In this review, we discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each system, and how studying axon growth in human neurons can provide species-specific knowledge in the field of CNS axon regeneration with the goal of bridging basic science studies to clinical trials. Additionally, with the increased availability and quality of 'omics datasets of human cortical tissue across development and lifespan, scientists can mine these datasets for developmentally regulated pathways and genes. As there has been little research performed in human neurons to study modulators of axon growth, here we provide a summary of approaches to begin to shift the field of CNS axon growth and regeneration into human model systems to uncover novel drivers of axon growth.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Darcie L. Moore
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
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11
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El-Danaf RN, Rajesh R, Desplan C. Temporal regulation of neural diversity in Drosophila and vertebrates. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2023; 142:13-22. [PMID: 35623984 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2022.05.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2022] [Revised: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
The generation of neuronal diversity involves temporal patterning mechanisms by which a given progenitor sequentially produces multiple cell types. Several parallels are evident between the brain development programs of Drosophila and vertebrates, such as the successive emergence of specific cell types and the use of combinations of transcription factors to specify cell fates. Furthermore, cell-extrinsic cues such as hormones and signaling pathways have also been shown to be regulatory modules of temporal patterning. Recently, transcriptomic and epigenomic studies using large single-cell sequencing datasets have provided insights into the transcriptional dynamics of neurogenesis in the Drosophila and mammalian central nervous systems. We review these commonalities in the specification of neuronal identity and highlight the conserved or convergent strategies of brain development by discussing temporal patterning mechanisms found in flies and vertebrates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rana N El-Danaf
- Center for Genomics and Systems Biology (CGSB), New York University Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
| | - Raghuvanshi Rajesh
- Center for Genomics and Systems Biology (CGSB), New York University Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Claude Desplan
- Center for Genomics and Systems Biology (CGSB), New York University Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates; Department of Biology, New York University, New York, NY 10003, USA.
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12
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Wan Y, Ding Y. Strategies and mechanisms of neuronal reprogramming. Brain Res Bull 2023; 199:110661. [PMID: 37149266 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2023.110661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Revised: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Traumatic injury and neurodegenerative diseases of the central nervous system (CNS) are difficult to treat due to the poorly regenerative nature of neurons. Engrafting neural stem cells into the CNS is a classic approach for neuroregeneration. Despite great advances, stem cell therapy still faces the challenges of overcoming immunorejection and achieving functional integration. Neuronal reprogramming, a recent innovation, converts endogenous non-neuronal cells (e.g., glial cells) into mature neurons in the adult mammalian CNS. In this review, we summarize the progress of neuronal reprogramming research, mainly focusing on strategies and mechanisms of reprogramming. Furthermore, we highlight the advantages of neuronal reprogramming and outline related challenges. Although the significant development has been made in this field, several findings are controversial. Even so, neuronal reprogramming, especially in vivo reprogramming, is expected to become an effective treatment for CNS neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Wan
- Department of Histology and Embryology, West China School of Preclinical and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Yan Ding
- Department of Histology and Embryology, West China School of Preclinical and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
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13
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Han W, Meißner EM, Neunteibl S, Günther M, Kahnt J, Dolga A, Xie C, Plesnila N, Zhu C, Blomgren K, Culmsee C. Dying transplanted neural stem cells mediate survival bystander effects in the injured brain. Cell Death Dis 2023; 14:173. [PMID: 36854658 PMCID: PMC9975220 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-023-05698-z] [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: 09/13/2021] [Revised: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2023]
Abstract
Neural stem and progenitor cell (NSPC) transplants provide neuroprotection in models of acute brain injury, but the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. Here, we provide evidence that caspase-dependent apoptotic cell death of NSPCs is required for sending survival signals to the injured brain. The secretome of dying NSPCs contains heat-stable proteins, which protect neurons against glutamate-induced toxicity and trophic factor withdrawal in vitro, and from ischemic brain damage in vivo. Our findings support a new concept suggesting a bystander effect of apoptotic NSPCs, which actively promote neuronal survival through the release of a protective "farewell" secretome. Similar protective effects by the secretome of apoptotic NSPC were also confirmed in human neural progenitor cells and neural stem cells but not in mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEF) or human dopaminergic neurons, suggesting that the observed effects are cell type specific and exist for neural progenitor/stem cells across species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Han
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Henan Key Laboratory of Child Brain Injury, Institute of Neuroscience and Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
| | - Eva-Maria Meißner
- Institute of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy, University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Stefanie Neunteibl
- Institute of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy, University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Madeline Günther
- Institute of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy, University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany
- Center for Mind, Brain and Behavior (CMBB), Universities of Marburg and Giessen, Marburg, Germany
| | - Jörg Kahnt
- Max-Planck-Institute for Terrestrial Microbiology, Department of Ecophysiology, Marburg, Germany
| | - Amalia Dolga
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, Molecular Pharmacology - Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Cuicui Xie
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Center for Brain Repair and Rehabilitation, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Nikolaus Plesnila
- Institute for Stroke and Dementia Research (ISD), University Clinic Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Changlian Zhu
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Henan Key Laboratory of Child Brain Injury, Institute of Neuroscience and Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
- Center for Brain Repair and Rehabilitation, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Klas Blomgren
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
- Pediatric Oncology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Carsten Culmsee
- Institute of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy, University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany.
- Center for Mind, Brain and Behavior (CMBB), Universities of Marburg and Giessen, Marburg, Germany.
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14
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Quezada A, Ward C, Bader ER, Zolotavin P, Altun E, Hong S, Killian NJ, Xie C, Batista-Brito R, Hébert JM. An In Vivo Platform for Rebuilding Functional Neocortical Tissue. Bioengineering (Basel) 2023; 10:263. [PMID: 36829757 PMCID: PMC9952056 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering10020263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Revised: 01/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent progress in cortical stem cell transplantation has demonstrated its potential to repair the brain. However, current transplant models have yet to demonstrate that the circuitry of transplant-derived neurons can encode useful function to the host. This is likely due to missing cell types within the grafts, abnormal proportions of cell types, abnormal cytoarchitecture, and inefficient vascularization. Here, we devised a transplant platform for testing neocortical tissue prototypes. Dissociated mouse embryonic telencephalic cells in a liquid scaffold were transplanted into aspiration-lesioned adult mouse cortices. The donor neuronal precursors differentiated into upper and deep layer neurons that exhibited synaptic puncta, projected outside of the graft to appropriate brain areas, became electrophysiologically active within one month post-transplant, and responded to visual stimuli. Interneurons and oligodendrocytes were present at normal densities in grafts. Grafts became fully vascularized by one week post-transplant and vessels in grafts were perfused with blood. With this paradigm, we could also organize cells into layers. Overall, we have provided proof of a concept for an in vivo platform that can be used for developing and testing neocortical-like tissue prototypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Quezada
- Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
- Stem Cell Institute, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
| | - Claire Ward
- Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
| | - Edward R. Bader
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
| | - Pavlo Zolotavin
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Rice University, Houston, TX 77005, USA
| | - Esra Altun
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Rice University, Houston, TX 77005, USA
| | - Sarah Hong
- Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
| | - Nathaniel J. Killian
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
| | - Chong Xie
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Rice University, Houston, TX 77005, USA
| | - Renata Batista-Brito
- Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
- Department of Genetics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
| | - Jean M. Hébert
- Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
- Stem Cell Institute, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
- Department of Genetics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
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15
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Guo Y, Sun Y, Ma M, Huang Y, Zhang S, Tian Q. Djsnon, a downstream gene of Djfoxk1, is required for the regeneration of the planarian central nervous system. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2023; 643:8-15. [PMID: 36584589 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2022.12.074] [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: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Regulators of adult neurogenesis are crucial targets for neuronal repair. Freshwater planarians are ideal model systems for studying neuronal regeneration as they can regenerate their entire central nervous system (CNS) using pluripotent adult stem cells. Here, we identified Djfoxk1 in planarian Dugesia japonica to be required for planarian CNS regeneration. Knockdown of Djfoxk1 inhibits the regeneration of the cephalic ganglia, resulting in the failure of eye regeneration. By RNAi screening of Djfoxk1 downstream genes, we identified Djsnon as another regulator of planarian neuronal regeneration. Inhibition of Djsnon with RNA interference (RNAi) results in similar phenotypes caused by Djfoxk1 RNAi without affecting cell proliferation and wound healing. Our findings show that Djsnon as a downstream gene of Djfoxk1 regulates the regeneration of the planarian CNS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yajun Guo
- School of LifeSciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Yujia Sun
- School of LifeSciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Mengwen Ma
- School of LifeSciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Yongding Huang
- School of LifeSciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Shoutao Zhang
- School of LifeSciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China; Longhu Laboratory of Advanced Immunology, Zhengzhou, Henan, China.
| | - Qingnan Tian
- School of LifeSciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China.
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16
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Jgamadze D, Lim JT, Zhang Z, Harary PM, Germi J, Mensah-Brown K, Adam CD, Mirzakhalili E, Singh S, Gu JB, Blue R, Dedhia M, Fu M, Jacob F, Qian X, Gagnon K, Sergison M, Fruchet O, Rahaman I, Wang H, Xu F, Xiao R, Contreras D, Wolf JA, Song H, Ming GL, Chen HCI. Structural and functional integration of human forebrain organoids with the injured adult rat visual system. Cell Stem Cell 2023; 30:137-152.e7. [PMID: 36736289 PMCID: PMC9926224 DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2023.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2022] [Revised: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Brain organoids created from human pluripotent stem cells represent a promising approach for brain repair. They acquire many structural features of the brain and raise the possibility of patient-matched repair. Whether these entities can integrate with host brain networks in the context of the injured adult mammalian brain is not well established. Here, we provide structural and functional evidence that human brain organoids successfully integrate with the adult rat visual system after transplantation into large injury cavities in the visual cortex. Virus-based trans-synaptic tracing reveals a polysynaptic pathway between organoid neurons and the host retina and reciprocal connectivity between the graft and other regions of the visual system. Visual stimulation of host animals elicits responses in organoid neurons, including orientation selectivity. These results demonstrate the ability of human brain organoids to adopt sophisticated function after insertion into large injury cavities, suggesting a translational strategy to restore function after cortical damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dennis Jgamadze
- Department of Neurosurgery, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - James T Lim
- Department of Neurosurgery, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Zhijian Zhang
- Department of Neuroscience, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Paul M Harary
- Department of Neurosurgery, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - James Germi
- Department of Neurosurgery, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Kobina Mensah-Brown
- Department of Neurosurgery, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Christopher D Adam
- Department of Neurosurgery, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Ehsan Mirzakhalili
- Department of Neurosurgery, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Shikha Singh
- Department of Neurosurgery, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Jiahe Ben Gu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Rachel Blue
- Department of Neurosurgery, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Mehek Dedhia
- Department of Neurosurgery, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Marissa Fu
- Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19129, USA
| | - Fadi Jacob
- Department of Neuroscience, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Xuyu Qian
- Department of Neuroscience, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Kimberly Gagnon
- Department of Neurosurgery, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Matthew Sergison
- Department of Neurosurgery, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Oceane Fruchet
- Department of Neurosurgery, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Imon Rahaman
- Department of Neurosurgery, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Huadong Wang
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Viral Vector Technology in Cell and Gene Therapy Medicinal Products, Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute (BCBDI), Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China; Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science-Shenzhen Fundamental Research Institutions, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Fuqiang Xu
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Viral Vector Technology in Cell and Gene Therapy Medicinal Products, Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute (BCBDI), Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China; Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China; Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science-Shenzhen Fundamental Research Institutions, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Rui Xiao
- Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology, and Informatics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Diego Contreras
- Department of Neuroscience, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - John A Wolf
- Department of Neurosurgery, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Corporal Michael J. Crescenz Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Hongjun Song
- Department of Neuroscience, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; The Epigenetics Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Guo-Li Ming
- Department of Neuroscience, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Han-Chiao Isaac Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Corporal Michael J. Crescenz Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
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17
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Hébert JM. Could an old brain be made young again? Surg Neurol Int 2022; 13:595. [PMID: 36600738 PMCID: PMC9805624 DOI: 10.25259/sni_1132_2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Jean M. Hébert
- Corresponding author: Jean M. Hébert, Department of Neuroscience and Genetics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York City, New York, United States.
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18
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Kaczanowska J, Ganglberger F, Chernomor O, Kargl D, Galik B, Hess A, Moodley Y, von Haeseler A, Bühler K, Haubensak W. Molecular archaeology of human cognitive traits. Cell Rep 2022; 40:111287. [PMID: 36044840 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2022.111287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2019] [Revised: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The brains and minds of our human ancestors remain inaccessible for experimental exploration. Therefore, we reconstructed human cognitive evolution by projecting nonsynonymous/synonymous rate ratios (ω values) in mammalian phylogeny onto the anatomically modern human (AMH) brain. This atlas retraces human neurogenetic selection and allows imputation of ancestral evolution in task-related functional networks (FNs). Adaptive evolution (high ω values) is associated with excitatory neurons and synaptic function. It shifted from FNs for motor control in anthropoid ancestry (60-41 mya) to attention in ancient hominoids (26-19 mya) and hominids (19-7.4 mya). Selection in FNs for language emerged with an early hominin ancestor (7.4-1.7 mya) and was later accompanied by adaptive evolution in FNs for strategic thinking during recent (0.8 mya-present) speciation of AMHs. This pattern mirrors increasingly complex cognitive demands and suggests that co-selection for language alongside strategic thinking may have separated AMHs from their archaic Denisovan and Neanderthal relatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Kaczanowska
- Research Institute of Molecular Pathology (IMP), Vienna Biocenter (VBC), Campus-Vienna-Biocenter 1, 1030 Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Olga Chernomor
- Center for Integrative Bioinformatics Vienna (CIBIV), Max Perutz Labs, University of Vienna, Medical University of Vienna, Dr. Bohr Gasse 9, 1030 Vienna, Austria
| | - Dominic Kargl
- Research Institute of Molecular Pathology (IMP), Vienna Biocenter (VBC), Campus-Vienna-Biocenter 1, 1030 Vienna, Austria; Department of Neuronal Cell Biology, Center for Brain Research, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Bence Galik
- Bioinformatics and Scientific Computing, Vienna Biocenter Core Facilities (VBCF), Dr. Bohr Gasse 3, 1030 Vienna, Austria
| | - Andreas Hess
- Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg, Fahrstrasse 17, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Yoshan Moodley
- Department of Zoology, University of Venda, Private Bag X5050, Thohoyandou, Republic of South Africa
| | - Arndt von Haeseler
- Center for Integrative Bioinformatics Vienna (CIBIV), Max Perutz Labs, University of Vienna, Medical University of Vienna, Dr. Bohr Gasse 9, 1030 Vienna, Austria; Faculty of Computer Science, University of Vienna, Währinger Str. 29, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Katja Bühler
- VRVis Research Center, Donau-City Strasse 11, 1220 Vienna, Austria
| | - Wulf Haubensak
- Research Institute of Molecular Pathology (IMP), Vienna Biocenter (VBC), Campus-Vienna-Biocenter 1, 1030 Vienna, Austria; Department of Neuronal Cell Biology, Center for Brain Research, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
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19
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Seng C, Luo W, Földy C. Circuit formation in the adult brain. Eur J Neurosci 2022; 56:4187-4213. [PMID: 35724981 PMCID: PMC9546018 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.15742] [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: 02/08/2022] [Revised: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Neurons in the mammalian central nervous system display an enormous capacity for circuit formation during development but not later in life. In principle, new circuits could be also formed in adult brain, but the absence of the developmental milieu and the presence of growth inhibition and hundreds of working circuits are generally viewed as unsupportive for such a process. Here, we bring together evidence from different areas of neuroscience—such as neurological disorders, adult‐brain neurogenesis, innate behaviours, cell grafting, and in vivo cell reprogramming—which demonstrates robust circuit formation in adult brain. In some cases, adult‐brain rewiring is ongoing and required for certain types of behaviour and memory, while other cases show significant promise for brain repair in disease models. Together, these examples highlight that the adult brain has higher capacity for structural plasticity than previously recognized. Understanding the underlying mechanisms behind this retained plasticity has the potential to advance basic knowledge regarding the molecular organization of synaptic circuits and could herald a new era of neural circuit engineering for therapeutic repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte Seng
- Laboratory of Neural Connectivity, Brain Research Institute, Faculties of Medicine and Science, University of Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Wenshu Luo
- Laboratory of Neural Connectivity, Brain Research Institute, Faculties of Medicine and Science, University of Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Csaba Földy
- Laboratory of Neural Connectivity, Brain Research Institute, Faculties of Medicine and Science, University of Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland
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20
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Thomas J, Martinez-Reza MF, Thorwirth M, Zarb Y, Conzelmann KK, Hauck SM, Grade S, Götz M. Excessive local host-graft connectivity in aging and amyloid-loaded brain. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2022; 8:eabg9287. [PMID: 35687689 PMCID: PMC9187230 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abg9287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2021] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Transplantation is a clinically relevant approach for brain repair, but much remains to be understood about influences of the disease environment on transplant connectivity. To explore the effect of amyloid pathology in Alzheimer's disease (AD) and aging, we examined graft connectivity using monosynaptic rabies virus tracing in APP/PS1 mice and in 16- to 18-month-old wild-type (WT) mice. Transplanted neurons differentiated within 4 weeks and integrated well into the host visual cortex, receiving input from the appropriate brain regions for this area. Unexpectedly, we found a prominent several-fold increase in local inputs, in both amyloid-loaded and aged environments. State-of-the-art deep proteome analysis using mass spectrometry highlights complement system activation as a common denominator of environments promoting excessive local input connectivity. These data therefore reveal the key role of the host pathology in shaping the input connectome, calling for caution in extrapolating results from one pathological condition to another.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judith Thomas
- Physiological Genomics, Biomedical Center (BMC), Ludwig-Maximilians Universitaet Muenchen, D-82152 Planegg, Germany
- Institute of Stem Cell Research, Helmholtz Zentrum Muenchen, German Research Center for Environmental Health, D-85764 Neuherberg, Germany
- Graduate School of Systemic Neurosciences, Ludwig-Maximilians Universitaet Muenchen, D-82152 Planegg, Germany
| | - Maria Fernanda Martinez-Reza
- Physiological Genomics, Biomedical Center (BMC), Ludwig-Maximilians Universitaet Muenchen, D-82152 Planegg, Germany
- Institute of Stem Cell Research, Helmholtz Zentrum Muenchen, German Research Center for Environmental Health, D-85764 Neuherberg, Germany
- Graduate School of Systemic Neurosciences, Ludwig-Maximilians Universitaet Muenchen, D-82152 Planegg, Germany
| | - Manja Thorwirth
- Physiological Genomics, Biomedical Center (BMC), Ludwig-Maximilians Universitaet Muenchen, D-82152 Planegg, Germany
- Institute of Stem Cell Research, Helmholtz Zentrum Muenchen, German Research Center for Environmental Health, D-85764 Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Yvette Zarb
- Physiological Genomics, Biomedical Center (BMC), Ludwig-Maximilians Universitaet Muenchen, D-82152 Planegg, Germany
- Institute of Stem Cell Research, Helmholtz Zentrum Muenchen, German Research Center for Environmental Health, D-85764 Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Karl-Klaus Conzelmann
- Max von Pettenkofer-Institute of Virology, Medical Faculty and Gene Center, Ludwig-Maximilians Universitaet Muenchen, D-81377 Muenchen, Germany
| | - Stefanie M. Hauck
- Research Unit Protein Science and Metabolomics and Proteomics Core, Helmholtz Zentrum Muenchen, German Research Center for Environmental Health, D-85764 Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Sofia Grade
- Physiological Genomics, Biomedical Center (BMC), Ludwig-Maximilians Universitaet Muenchen, D-82152 Planegg, Germany
- Institute of Stem Cell Research, Helmholtz Zentrum Muenchen, German Research Center for Environmental Health, D-85764 Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Magdalena Götz
- Physiological Genomics, Biomedical Center (BMC), Ludwig-Maximilians Universitaet Muenchen, D-82152 Planegg, Germany
- Institute of Stem Cell Research, Helmholtz Zentrum Muenchen, German Research Center for Environmental Health, D-85764 Neuherberg, Germany
- SYNERGY, Excellence Cluster for Systems Neurology, Ludwig-Maximilians Universitaet Muenchen, D-82152 Planegg, Germany
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21
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Grade S, Thomas J, Zarb Y, Thorwirth M, Conzelmann KK, Hauck SM, Götz M. Brain injury environment critically influences the connectivity of transplanted neurons. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2022; 8:eabg9445. [PMID: 35687687 PMCID: PMC9187233 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abg9445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Cell transplantation is a promising approach for the reconstruction of neuronal circuits after brain damage. Transplanted neurons integrate with remarkable specificity into circuitries of the mouse cerebral cortex affected by neuronal ablation. However, it remains unclear how neurons perform in a local environment undergoing reactive gliosis, inflammation, macrophage infiltration, and scar formation, as in traumatic brain injury (TBI). To elucidate this, we transplanted cells from the embryonic mouse cerebral cortex into TBI-injured, inflamed-only, or intact cortex of adult mice. Brain-wide quantitative monosynaptic rabies virus (RABV) tracing unraveled graft inputs from correct regions across the brain in all conditions, with pronounced quantitative differences: scarce in intact and inflamed brain versus exuberant after TBI. In the latter, the initial overshoot is followed by pruning, with only a few input neurons persisting at 3 months. Proteomic profiling identifies candidate molecules for regulation of the synaptic yield, a pivotal parameter to tailor for functional restoration of neuronal circuits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofia Grade
- Physiological Genomics, Biomedical Center, Ludwig-Maximilians University Munich, 82152 Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
- Institute of Stem Cell Research, Helmholtz Center Munich, German Center for Environmental Health, 82152 Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
- Corresponding author. (S.G.); (S.M.H.); (M.G.)
| | - Judith Thomas
- Physiological Genomics, Biomedical Center, Ludwig-Maximilians University Munich, 82152 Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
- Institute of Stem Cell Research, Helmholtz Center Munich, German Center for Environmental Health, 82152 Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
- Graduate School of Systemic Neuroscience, Ludwig-Maximilians University Munich, 82152 Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Yvette Zarb
- Physiological Genomics, Biomedical Center, Ludwig-Maximilians University Munich, 82152 Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
- Institute of Stem Cell Research, Helmholtz Center Munich, German Center for Environmental Health, 82152 Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Manja Thorwirth
- Physiological Genomics, Biomedical Center, Ludwig-Maximilians University Munich, 82152 Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
- Institute of Stem Cell Research, Helmholtz Center Munich, German Center for Environmental Health, 82152 Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Karl-Klaus Conzelmann
- Max von Pettenkofer Institute Virology, Medical Faculty and Gene Center, Ludwig-Maximilians University Munich, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Stefanie M. Hauck
- Research Unit Protein Science and Metabolomics and Proteomics Core, Helmholtz Center Munich, German Center for Environmental Health, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany
- Corresponding author. (S.G.); (S.M.H.); (M.G.)
| | - Magdalena Götz
- Physiological Genomics, Biomedical Center, Ludwig-Maximilians University Munich, 82152 Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
- Institute of Stem Cell Research, Helmholtz Center Munich, German Center for Environmental Health, 82152 Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
- SYNERGY, Excellence Cluster of Systems Neurology, Biomedical Center, Ludwig-Maximilians University Munich, 82152 Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
- Corresponding author. (S.G.); (S.M.H.); (M.G.)
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22
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Varga BV, Faiz M, Pivonkova H, Khelifi G, Yang H, Gao S, Linderoth E, Zhen M, Karadottir RT, Hussein SM, Nagy A. Signal requirement for cortical potential of transplantable human neuroepithelial stem cells. Nat Commun 2022; 13:2844. [PMID: 35606347 PMCID: PMC9126949 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-29839-8] [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: 11/28/2019] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The cerebral cortex develops from dorsal forebrain neuroepithelial progenitor cells. Following the initial expansion of the progenitor cell pool, these cells generate neurons of all the cortical layers and then astrocytes and oligodendrocytes. Yet, the regulatory pathways that control the expansion and maintenance of the progenitor cell pool are currently unknown. Here we define six basic pathway components that regulate proliferation of cortically specified human neuroepithelial stem cells (cNESCs) in vitro without the loss of cerebral cortex developmental potential. We show that activation of FGF and inhibition of BMP and ACTIVIN A signalling are required for long-term cNESC proliferation. We also demonstrate that cNESCs preserve dorsal telencephalon-specific potential when GSK3, AKT and nuclear CATENIN-β1 activity are low. Remarkably, regulation of these six pathway components supports the clonal expansion of cNESCs. Moreover, cNESCs differentiate into lower- and upper-layer cortical neurons in vitro and in vivo. The identification of mechanisms that drive the neuroepithelial stem cell self-renewal and differentiation and preserve this potential in vitro is key to developing regenerative and cell-based therapeutic approaches to treat neurological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Balazs V Varga
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada. .,Wellcome - MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Puddicombe Way, Cambridge, UK.
| | - Maryam Faiz
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Surgery, Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Helena Pivonkova
- Wellcome - MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Puddicombe Way, Cambridge, UK
| | - Gabriel Khelifi
- Cancer Research Center, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada.,CHU of Québec-Université Laval Research Center, Oncology Division, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Huijuan Yang
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Shangbang Gao
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Emma Linderoth
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Mei Zhen
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Ragnhildur Thora Karadottir
- Wellcome - MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Puddicombe Way, Cambridge, UK.,Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Samer M Hussein
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Cancer Research Center, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada.,CHU of Québec-Université Laval Research Center, Oncology Division, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Andras Nagy
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada. .,Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, and Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada. .,Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
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23
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Krzyspiak J, Khodakhah K, Hébert JM. Potential Variables for Improved Reproducibility of Neuronal Cell Grafts at Stroke Sites. Cells 2022; 11:1656. [PMID: 35626693 PMCID: PMC9139220 DOI: 10.3390/cells11101656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Revised: 05/14/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Interest is growing in using cell replacements to repair the damage caused by an ischemic stroke. Yet, the usefulness of cell transplants can be limited by the variability observed in their successful engraftment. For example, we recently showed that, although the inclusion of donor-derived vascular cells was necessary for the formation of large grafts (up to 15 mm3) at stroke sites in mice, the size of the grafts overall remained highly variable. Such variability can be due to differences in the cells used for transplantation or the host environment. Here, as possible factors affecting engraftment, we test host sex, host age, the extent of ischemic damage, time of transplant after ischemia, minor differences in donor cell maturity, and cell viability at the time of transplantation. We find that graft size at stroke sites correlates with the size of ischemic damage, host sex (females having graft sizes that correlate with damage), donor cell maturity, and host age, but not with the time of transplant after stroke. A general linear model revealed that graft size is best predicted by stroke severity combined with donor cell maturity. These findings can serve as a guide to improving the reproducibility of cell-based repair therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Krzyspiak
- Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, NY 10461, USA; (J.K.); (K.K.)
- Stem Cell Institute, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, NY 10461, USA
| | - Kamran Khodakhah
- Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, NY 10461, USA; (J.K.); (K.K.)
| | - Jean M. Hébert
- Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, NY 10461, USA; (J.K.); (K.K.)
- Stem Cell Institute, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, NY 10461, USA
- Department of Genetics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, NY 10461, USA
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24
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Selective plasticity of callosal neurons in the adult contralesional cortex following murine traumatic brain injury. Nat Commun 2022; 13:2659. [PMID: 35551446 PMCID: PMC9098892 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-29992-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) results in deficits that are often followed by recovery. The contralesional cortex can contribute to this process but how distinct contralesional neurons and circuits respond to injury remains to be determined. To unravel adaptations in the contralesional cortex, we used chronic in vivo two-photon imaging. We observed a general decrease in spine density with concomitant changes in spine dynamics over time. With retrograde co-labeling techniques, we showed that callosal neurons are uniquely affected by and responsive to TBI. To elucidate circuit connectivity, we used monosynaptic rabies tracing, clearing techniques and histology. We demonstrate that contralesional callosal neurons adapt their input circuitry by strengthening ipsilateral connections from pre-connected areas. Finally, functional in vivo two-photon imaging demonstrates that the restoration of pre-synaptic circuitry parallels the restoration of callosal activity patterns. Taken together our study thus delineates how callosal neurons structurally and functionally adapt following a contralateral murine TBI. Which contralesional circuits adapt after traumatic brain injury (TBI) is unclear. Here the authors used in vivo imaging, retrograde labeling, rabies tracing, clearing and functional imaging to demonstrate that callosal neurons selectively adapt after TBI in mice.
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25
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Krzyspiak J, Yan J, Ghosh HS, Galinski B, Lituma PJ, Alvina K, Quezada A, Kee S, Grońska-Pęski M, Tai YD, McDermott K, Gonçalves JT, Zukin RS, Weiser DA, Castillo PE, Khodakhah K, Hébert JM. Donor-derived vasculature is required to support neocortical cell grafts after stroke. Stem Cell Res 2022; 59:102642. [PMID: 34971934 DOI: 10.1016/j.scr.2021.102642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Revised: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Neural precursor cells (NPCs) transplanted into the adult neocortex generate neurons that synaptically integrate with host neurons, supporting the possibility of achieving functional tissue repair. However, poor survival and functional neuronal recovery of transplanted NPCs greatly limits engraftment. Here, we test the hypothesis that combining blood vessel-forming vascular cells with neuronal precursors improves engraftment. By transplanting mixed embryonic neocortical cells into adult mice with neocortical strokes, we show that transplant-derived neurons synapse with appropriate targets while donor vascular cells form vessels that fuse with the host vasculature to perfuse blood within the graft. Although all grafts became vascularized, larger grafts had greater contributions of donor-derived vessels that increased as a function of their distance from the host-graft border. Moreover, excluding vascular cells from the donor cell population strictly limited graft size. Thus, inclusion of vessel-forming vascular cells with NPCs is required for more efficient engraftment and ultimately for tissue repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Krzyspiak
- Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA; Stem Cell Institute, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Jingqi Yan
- Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Hiyaa S Ghosh
- Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA; Department of Genetics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Basia Galinski
- Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA; Department of Genetics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Pablo J Lituma
- Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Karina Alvina
- Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Alexandra Quezada
- Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA; Stem Cell Institute, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Samantha Kee
- Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Marta Grońska-Pęski
- Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA; Stem Cell Institute, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Yi De Tai
- Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA; University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Kelsey McDermott
- Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - J Tiago Gonçalves
- Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA; Stem Cell Institute, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - R Suzanne Zukin
- Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Daniel A Weiser
- Department of Genetics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Pablo E Castillo
- Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Kamran Khodakhah
- Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Jean M Hébert
- Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA; Stem Cell Institute, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA; Department of Genetics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA.
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26
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Tornero D. Neuronal circuitry reconstruction after stem cell therapy in damaged brain. Neural Regen Res 2022; 17:1959-1960. [PMID: 35142674 PMCID: PMC8848622 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.335145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Tornero
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Neuroscience and Production and Validation Center of Advanced Therapies (Creatio), University of Barcelona; August Pi I Sunyer Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBAPS); Network Center for Biomedical Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED), Barcelona, Spain
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27
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Ceto S, Courtine G. Optogenetic Interrogation of Circuits Following Neurotrauma. Front Mol Neurosci 2022; 14:803856. [PMID: 34975403 PMCID: PMC8716760 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2021.803856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Biological and engineering strategies for neural repair and recovery from neurotrauma continue to emerge at a rapid pace. Until recently, studies of the impact of neurotrauma and repair strategies on the reorganization of the central nervous system have focused on broadly defined circuits and pathways. Optogenetic modulation and recording methods now enable the interrogation of precisely defined neuronal populations in the brain and spinal cord, allowing unprecedented precision in electrophysiological and behavioral experiments. This mini-review summarizes the spectrum of light-based tools that are currently available to probe the properties and functions of well-defined neuronal subpopulations in the context of neurotrauma. In particular, we highlight the challenges to implement these tools in damaged and reorganizing tissues, and we discuss best practices to overcome these obstacles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven Ceto
- Center for Neuroprosthetics and Brain Mind Institute, School of Life Sciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland.,Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV) and University of Lausanne (UNIL), Lausanne, Switzerland.,Defitech Center for Interventional Neurotherapies (.NeuroRestore), EPFL/CHUV/UNIL, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Grégoire Courtine
- Center for Neuroprosthetics and Brain Mind Institute, School of Life Sciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland.,Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV) and University of Lausanne (UNIL), Lausanne, Switzerland.,Defitech Center for Interventional Neurotherapies (.NeuroRestore), EPFL/CHUV/UNIL, Lausanne, Switzerland.,Department of Neurosurgery, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland
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28
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Physical exercise promotes integration of grafted cells and functional recovery in an acute stroke rat model. Stem Cell Reports 2022; 17:276-288. [PMID: 35030322 PMCID: PMC8828662 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2021.12.006] [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: 10/27/2020] [Revised: 12/08/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Human neural progenitor cell (hNPC) transplantation holds great potential to treat neurological diseases. However, hNPC grafts take a long time to differentiate into mature neurons due to their intrinsically prolonged developmental timetable. Here, we report that postoperative physical exercise (PE), a prevailing rehabilitation intervention, promotes the neuronal commitment, maturation, and integration of engrafted hNPCs, evidenced by forming more synapses, receiving more synaptic input from host neurons, and showing higher neuronal activity levels. More important, NPC transplantation, combined with PE, shows significant improvement in both structural and behavioral outcomes in stroke-damaged rats. PE enhances ingrowth of blood vessels around the infarction region and neural tract reorganization along the ischemic boundary. The combination of NPC transplantation and postoperative PE creates both a neurotrophic/growth factor-enriched proneuronal microenvironment and an ideal condition for activity-dependent plasticity to give full play to its effects. Our study provides a potential approach to treating patients with stroke injury. Physical exercise boosts the maturation and integration of engrafted human NPCs This strategy brings about both structural and behavioral improvements in stroke rats This strategy creates a neurotrophic factor-enriched microenvironment Activity-dependent plasticity is also involved in this process
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29
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Zhang B, Trapp A, Kerepesi C, Gladyshev VN. Emerging rejuvenation strategies-Reducing the biological age. Aging Cell 2022; 21:e13538. [PMID: 34972247 PMCID: PMC8761015 DOI: 10.1111/acel.13538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2021] [Revised: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Several interventions have recently emerged that were proposed to reverse rather than just attenuate aging, but the criteria for what it takes to achieve rejuvenation remain controversial. Distinguishing potential rejuvenation therapies from other longevity interventions, such as those that slow down aging, is challenging, and these anti-aging strategies are often referred to interchangeably. We suggest that the prerequisite for a rejuvenation intervention is a robust, sustained, and systemic reduction in biological age, which can be assessed by biomarkers of aging, such as epigenetic clocks. We discuss known and putative rejuvenation interventions and comparatively analyze them to explore underlying mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bohan Zhang
- Division of GeneticsDepartment of MedicineHarvard Medical SchoolBrigham and Women’s HospitalBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Alexandre Trapp
- Division of GeneticsDepartment of MedicineHarvard Medical SchoolBrigham and Women’s HospitalBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Csaba Kerepesi
- Division of GeneticsDepartment of MedicineHarvard Medical SchoolBrigham and Women’s HospitalBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Vadim N. Gladyshev
- Division of GeneticsDepartment of MedicineHarvard Medical SchoolBrigham and Women’s HospitalBostonMassachusettsUSA
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30
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Direct neuronal reprogramming: Fast forward from new concepts toward therapeutic approaches. Neuron 2021; 110:366-393. [PMID: 34921778 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2021.11.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2021] [Revised: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 11/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Differentiated cells have long been considered fixed in their identity. However, about 20 years ago, the first direct conversion of glial cells into neurons in vitro opened the field of "direct neuronal reprogramming." Since then, neuronal reprogramming has achieved the generation of fully functional, mature neurons with remarkable efficiency, even in diseased brain environments. Beyond their clinical implications, these discoveries provided basic insights into crucial mechanisms underlying conversion of specific cell types into neurons and maintenance of neuronal identity. Here we discuss such principles, including the importance of the starter cell for shaping the outcome of neuronal reprogramming. We further highlight technical concerns for in vivo reprogramming and propose a code of conduct to avoid artifacts and pitfalls. We end by pointing out next challenges for development of less invasive cell replacement therapies for humans.
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31
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Kawai M, Imaizumi K, Ishikawa M, Shibata S, Shinozaki M, Shibata T, Hashimoto S, Kitagawa T, Ago K, Kajikawa K, Shibata R, Kamata Y, Ushiba J, Koga K, Furue H, Matsumoto M, Nakamura M, Nagoshi N, Okano H. Long-term selective stimulation of transplanted neural stem/progenitor cells for spinal cord injury improves locomotor function. Cell Rep 2021; 37:110019. [PMID: 34818559 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2021.110019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2021] [Revised: 10/06/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
In cell transplantation therapy for spinal cord injury (SCI), grafted human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived neural stem/progenitor cells (hiPSC-NS/PCs) mainly differentiate into neurons, forming synapses in a process similar to neurodevelopment. In the developing nervous system, the activity of immature neurons has an important role in constructing and maintaining new synapses. Thus, we investigate how enhancing the activity of transplanted hiPSC-NS/PCs affects both the transplanted cells themselves and the host tissue. We find that chemogenetic stimulation of hiPSC-derived neural cells enhances cell activity and neuron-to-neuron interactions in vitro. In a rodent model of SCI, consecutive and selective chemogenetic stimulation of transplanted hiPSC-NS/PCs also enhances the expression of synapse-related genes and proteins in surrounding host tissues and prevents atrophy of the injured spinal cord, thereby improving locomotor function. These findings provide a strategy for enhancing activity within the graft to improve the efficacy of cell transplantation therapy for SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Momotaro Kawai
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan; Department of Physiology, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Kent Imaizumi
- Department of Physiology, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Mitsuru Ishikawa
- Department of Physiology, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Shinsuke Shibata
- Department of Physiology, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan; Division of Microscopic Anatomy, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, 1-757 Asahimachi-dori, Chuo-ku, Niigata City, Niigata 951-8510, Japan
| | - Munehisa Shinozaki
- Department of Physiology, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Takahiro Shibata
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan; Department of Physiology, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Shogo Hashimoto
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan; Department of Physiology, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Takahiro Kitagawa
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan; Department of Physiology, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Kentaro Ago
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan; Department of Physiology, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Keita Kajikawa
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan; Department of Physiology, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Reo Shibata
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan; Department of Physiology, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Yasuhiro Kamata
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan; Department of Physiology, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Junichi Ushiba
- Department of Biosciences and Informatics, Faculty of Science and Technology, Keio University, 3-14-1 Hiyoshi, Kohoku, Yokohama 223-8522, Japan
| | - Keisuke Koga
- Department of Neurophysiology, Hyogo College of Medicine, 1-1 Mukogawa-cho, Nishinomiya, Hyogo 663-8501, Japan
| | - Hidemasa Furue
- Department of Neurophysiology, Hyogo College of Medicine, 1-1 Mukogawa-cho, Nishinomiya, Hyogo 663-8501, Japan
| | - Morio Matsumoto
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Masaya Nakamura
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Narihito Nagoshi
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan.
| | - Hideyuki Okano
- Department of Physiology, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan.
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32
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Kim IK, Park JH, Kim B, Hwang KC, Song BW. Recent advances in stem cell therapy for neurodegenerative disease: Three dimensional tracing and its emerging use. World J Stem Cells 2021; 13:1215-1230. [PMID: 34630859 PMCID: PMC8474717 DOI: 10.4252/wjsc.v13.i9.1215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2021] [Revised: 05/20/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative disease is a brain disorder caused by the loss of structure and function of neurons that lowers the quality of human life. Apart from the limited potential for endogenous regeneration, stem cell-based therapies hold considerable promise for maintaining homeostatic tissue regeneration and enhancing plasticity. Despite many studies, there remains insufficient evidence for stem cell tracing and its correlation with endogenous neural cells in brain tissue with three-dimensional structures. Recent advancements in tissue optical clearing techniques have been developed to overcome the existing shortcomings of cross-sectional tissue analysis in thick and complex tissues. This review focuses on recent progress of stem cell treatments to improve neurodegenerative disease, and introduces tissue optical clearing techniques that can implement a three-dimensional image as a proof of concept. This review provides a more comprehensive understanding of stem cell tracing that will play an important role in evaluating therapeutic efficacy and cellular interrelationship for regeneration in neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Il-Kwon Kim
- Institute for Bio-Medical Convergence, Catholic Kwandong University International St. Mary’s Hospital, Incheon Metropolitan City 22711, South Korea
- Institute for Bio-Medical Convergence, College of Medicine, Catholic Kwandong University, Gangwon-do 25601, South Korea
| | - Jun-Hee Park
- Institute for Bio-Medical Convergence, Catholic Kwandong University International St. Mary’s Hospital, Incheon Metropolitan City 22711, South Korea
| | - Bomi Kim
- Institute for Bio-Medical Convergence, Catholic Kwandong University International St. Mary’s Hospital, Incheon Metropolitan City 22711, South Korea
| | - Ki-Chul Hwang
- Institute for Bio-Medical Convergence, Catholic Kwandong University International St. Mary’s Hospital, Incheon Metropolitan City 22711, South Korea
- Institute for Bio-Medical Convergence, College of Medicine, Catholic Kwandong University, Gangwon-do 25601, South Korea
| | - Byeong-Wook Song
- Institute for Bio-Medical Convergence, Catholic Kwandong University International St. Mary’s Hospital, Incheon Metropolitan City 22711, South Korea
- Institute for Bio-Medical Convergence, College of Medicine, Catholic Kwandong University, Gangwon-do 25601, South Korea.
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33
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Lentini C, d'Orange M, Marichal N, Trottmann MM, Vignoles R, Foucault L, Verrier C, Massera C, Raineteau O, Conzelmann KK, Rival-Gervier S, Depaulis A, Berninger B, Heinrich C. Reprogramming reactive glia into interneurons reduces chronic seizure activity in a mouse model of mesial temporal lobe epilepsy. Cell Stem Cell 2021; 28:2104-2121.e10. [PMID: 34592167 PMCID: PMC8657801 DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2021.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2020] [Revised: 07/20/2021] [Accepted: 09/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Reprogramming brain-resident glial cells into clinically relevant induced neurons (iNs) is an emerging strategy toward replacing lost neurons and restoring lost brain functions. A fundamental question is now whether iNs can promote functional recovery in pathological contexts. We addressed this question in the context of therapy-resistant mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (MTLE), which is associated with hippocampal seizures and degeneration of hippocampal GABAergic interneurons. Using a MTLE mouse model, we show that retrovirus-driven expression of Ascl1 and Dlx2 in reactive hippocampal glia in situ, or in cortical astroglia grafted in the epileptic hippocampus, causes efficient reprogramming into iNs exhibiting hallmarks of interneurons. These induced interneurons functionally integrate into epileptic networks and establish GABAergic synapses onto dentate granule cells. MTLE mice with GABAergic iNs show a significant reduction in both the number and cumulative duration of spontaneous recurrent hippocampal seizures. Thus glia-to-neuron reprogramming is a potential disease-modifying strategy to reduce seizures in therapy-resistant epilepsy. Retroviruses target reactive hippocampal glia proliferating in a mouse model of mesial temporal lobe epilepsy Ascl1 and Dlx2 reprogram reactive glia into GABAergic interneurons in the epileptic hippocampus Induced interneurons establish GABAergic synapses onto dentate granule cells Induced interneurons reduce chronic epileptic activity in the hippocampus
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Affiliation(s)
- Célia Lentini
- Univ Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Inserm, Stem Cell and Brain Research Institute U1208, 69500 Bron, France
| | - Marie d'Orange
- Univ Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Inserm, Stem Cell and Brain Research Institute U1208, 69500 Bron, France
| | - Nicolás Marichal
- Centre for Developmental Neurobiology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London SE1 1UL, UK; MRC Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, King's College London, London SE1 1UL, UK
| | - Marie-Madeleine Trottmann
- Univ Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Inserm, Stem Cell and Brain Research Institute U1208, 69500 Bron, France
| | - Rory Vignoles
- Univ Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Inserm, Stem Cell and Brain Research Institute U1208, 69500 Bron, France
| | - Louis Foucault
- Univ Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Inserm, Stem Cell and Brain Research Institute U1208, 69500 Bron, France
| | - Charlotte Verrier
- Univ Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Inserm, Stem Cell and Brain Research Institute U1208, 69500 Bron, France
| | - Céline Massera
- Univ Grenoble Alpes, Inserm U1216, Grenoble Institut des Neurosciences, 38000 Grenoble, France
| | - Olivier Raineteau
- Univ Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Inserm, Stem Cell and Brain Research Institute U1208, 69500 Bron, France
| | - Karl-Klaus Conzelmann
- Max von Pettenkofer-Institute Virology, Medical Faculty & Gene Center, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Sylvie Rival-Gervier
- Univ Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Inserm, INRAE, Stem Cell and Brain Research Institute U1208, CSC USC1361, 69500 Bron, France
| | - Antoine Depaulis
- Univ Grenoble Alpes, Inserm U1216, Grenoble Institut des Neurosciences, 38000 Grenoble, France
| | - Benedikt Berninger
- Centre for Developmental Neurobiology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London SE1 1UL, UK; MRC Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, King's College London, London SE1 1UL, UK; Institute of Physiological Chemistry, University Medical Center, Johannes Gutenberg University, 55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - Christophe Heinrich
- Univ Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Inserm, Stem Cell and Brain Research Institute U1208, 69500 Bron, France.
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Tang Y, Wu Q, Gao M, Ryu E, Pei Z, Kissinger ST, Chen Y, Rao AK, Xiang Z, Wang T, Li W, Chen G, Chubykin AA. Restoration of Visual Function and Cortical Connectivity After Ischemic Injury Through NeuroD1-Mediated Gene Therapy. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:720078. [PMID: 34490268 PMCID: PMC8416524 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.720078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2021] [Accepted: 07/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Neural circuits underlying brain functions are vulnerable to damage, including ischemic injury, leading to neuronal loss and gliosis. Recent technology of direct conversion of endogenous astrocytes into neurons in situ can simultaneously replenish the neuronal population and reverse the glial scar. However, whether these newly reprogrammed neurons undergo normal development, integrate into the existing neuronal circuit, and acquire functional properties specific for this circuit is not known. We investigated the effect of NeuroD1-mediated in vivo direct reprogramming on visual cortical circuit integration and functional recovery in a mouse model of ischemic injury. After performing electrophysiological extracellular recordings and two-photon calcium imaging of reprogrammed cells in vivo and mapping the synaptic connections formed onto these cells ex vivo, we discovered that NeuroD1 reprogrammed neurons were integrated into the cortical microcircuit and acquired direct visual responses. Furthermore, following visual experience, the reprogrammed neurons demonstrated maturation of orientation selectivity and functional connectivity. Our results show that NeuroD1-reprogrammed neurons can successfully develop and integrate into the visual cortical circuit leading to vision recovery after ischemic injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Tang
- Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue Institute for Integrative Neuroscience, Purdue Autism Research Center, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States
| | - Qiuyu Wu
- Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue Institute for Integrative Neuroscience, Purdue Autism Research Center, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States
| | - Mang Gao
- Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue Institute for Integrative Neuroscience, Purdue Autism Research Center, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States
| | - Esther Ryu
- Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue Institute for Integrative Neuroscience, Purdue Autism Research Center, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States
| | - Zifei Pei
- Department of Biology, Huck Institutes of Life Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States
| | - Samuel T. Kissinger
- Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue Institute for Integrative Neuroscience, Purdue Autism Research Center, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States
| | - Yuchen Chen
- Department of Biology, Huck Institutes of Life Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States
| | - Abhinav K. Rao
- Department of Biology, Huck Institutes of Life Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States
| | - Zongqin Xiang
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Tao Wang
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wen Li
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Gong Chen
- Department of Biology, Huck Institutes of Life Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Alexander A. Chubykin
- Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue Institute for Integrative Neuroscience, Purdue Autism Research Center, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States
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35
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Götz M, Bocchi R. Neuronal replacement: Concepts, achievements, and call for caution. Curr Opin Neurobiol 2021; 69:185-192. [PMID: 33984604 PMCID: PMC8411662 DOI: 10.1016/j.conb.2021.03.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2021] [Revised: 03/21/2021] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Regenerative approaches have made such a great progress, now aiming toward replacing the exact neurons lost upon injury or neurodegeneration. Transplantation and direct reprogramming approaches benefit from identification of molecular programs for neuronal subtype specification, allowing engineering of more precise neuronal subtypes. Disentangling subtype diversity from dynamic transcriptional states presents a challenge now. Adequate identity and connectivity is a prerequisite to restore neuronal network function, which is achieved by transplanted neurons generating the correct output and input, depending on the location and injury condition. Direct neuronal reprogramming of local glial cells has also made great progress in achieving high efficiency of conversion, with adequate output connectivity now aiming toward the goal of replacing neurons in a noninvasive approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena Götz
- Physiological Genomics, Biomedical Center (BMC), Ludwig-Maximilians-Universitaet (LMU), Großhaderner Str. 9, 82152 Planegg/Martinsried, Germany; Helmholtz Center Munich, Biomedical Center (BMC), Institute of Stem Cell Research, Großhaderner Str. 9, 82152 Planegg/Martinsried, Germany; SyNergy Excellence Cluster, Munich, Germany.
| | - Riccardo Bocchi
- Physiological Genomics, Biomedical Center (BMC), Ludwig-Maximilians-Universitaet (LMU), Großhaderner Str. 9, 82152 Planegg/Martinsried, Germany; Helmholtz Center Munich, Biomedical Center (BMC), Institute of Stem Cell Research, Großhaderner Str. 9, 82152 Planegg/Martinsried, Germany.
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36
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Rayon T, Briscoe J. Cross-species comparisons and in vitro models to study tempo in development and homeostasis. Interface Focus 2021; 11:20200069. [PMID: 34055305 PMCID: PMC8086913 DOI: 10.1098/rsfs.2020.0069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Time is inherent to biological processes. It determines the order of events and the speed at which they take place. However, we still need to refine approaches to measure the course of time in biological systems and understand what controls the pace of development. Here, we argue that the comparison of biological processes across species provides molecular insight into the timekeeping mechanisms in biology. We discuss recent findings and the open questions in the field and highlight the use of in vitro systems as tools to investigate cell-autonomous control as well as the coordination of temporal mechanisms within tissues. Further, we discuss the relevance of studying tempo for tissue transplantation, homeostasis and lifespan.
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37
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Islam R, Drecun S, Varga BV, Vonderwalde I, Siu R, Nagy A, Morshead CM. Transplantation of Human Cortically-Specified Neuroepithelial Progenitor Cells Leads to Improved Functional Outcomes in a Mouse Model of Stroke. Front Cell Neurosci 2021; 15:654290. [PMID: 33994947 PMCID: PMC8116536 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2021.654290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2021] [Accepted: 04/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Stroke is a leading cause of death and long-term disability worldwide. Current therapeutic options are limited in terms of their time for implementation and efficacy in promoting recovery. Cell transplantation has been shown to have promise in several animal models however significant challenges remain, including the optimal source of cells to promote neural repair. Here, we report on the use of a population of human ESC derived, cortically specified, neuroepithelial precursor cells (cNEPs) that are neurally restricted in their lineage potential. CNEPs have the potential to give rise to mature neural cell types following transplantation, including neurons, astrocytes and oligodendrocytes. With a view towards translation, we sought to determine whether this human cell source was effective in promoting improved functional outcomes following stroke. Undifferentiated cNEPs were transplanted in a pre-clinical endothelin-1 (ET-1) model of ischemic motor cortical stroke in immunocompromised SCID-beige mice and cellular and functional outcomes were assessed. We demonstrate that cNEP transplantation in the acute phase (4 days post-stroke) improves motor function as early as 20 days post-stroke, compared to stroke-injured, non-transplanted mice. At the time of recovery, a small fraction (<6%) of the transplanted cNEPs are observed within the stroke injury site. The surviving cells expressed the immature neuronal marker, doublecortin, with no differentiation into mature neural phenotypes. At longer survival times (40 days), the majority of recovered, transplanted mice had a complete absence of surviving cNEPS. Hence, human cNEPs grafted at early times post-stroke support the observed functional recovery following ET-1 stroke but their persistence is not required, thereby supporting a by-stander effect rather than cell replacement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rehnuma Islam
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Stasja Drecun
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Balazs V. Varga
- Wellcome Trust-Medical Research Council Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Ilan Vonderwalde
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Ricky Siu
- Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Andras Nagy
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Cindi M. Morshead
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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38
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McIntyre WB, Pieczonka K, Khazaei M, Fehlings MG. Regenerative replacement of neural cells for treatment of spinal cord injury. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2021; 21:1411-1427. [PMID: 33830863 DOI: 10.1080/14712598.2021.1914582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) results from primary physical injury to the spinal cord, which initiates a secondary cascade of neural cell death. Current therapeutic approaches can attenuate the consequences of the primary and secondary events, but do not address the degenerative aspects of SCI. Transplantation of neural stem/progenitor cells (NPCs) for the replacement of the lost/damaged neural cells is suggested here as a regenerative approach that is complementary to current therapeutics.Areas Covered: This review addresses how neurons, oligodendrocytes, and astrocytes are impacted by traumatic SCI, and how current research in regenerative-NPC therapeutics aims to restore their functionality. Methods used to enhance graft survival, as well as bias progenitor cells towards neuronal, oligodendrogenic, and astroglia lineages are discussed.Expert Opinion: Despite an NPC's ability to differentiate into neurons, oligodendrocytes, and astrocytes in the transplant environment, their potential therapeutic efficacy requires further optimization prior to translation into the clinic. Considering the temporospatial identity of NPCs could promote neural repair in region specific injuries throughout the spinal cord. Moreover, understanding which cells are targeted by NPC-derived myelinating cells can help restore physiologically-relevant myelin patterns. Finally, the duality of astrocytes is discussed, outlining their context-dependent importance in the treatment of SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- William Brett McIntyre
- Division of Genetics and Development, Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Katarzyna Pieczonka
- Division of Genetics and Development, Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Mohamad Khazaei
- Division of Genetics and Development, Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Michael G Fehlings
- Division of Genetics and Development, Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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39
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Palma-Tortosa S, Coll-San Martin B, Kokaia Z, Tornero D. Neuronal Replacement in Stem Cell Therapy for Stroke: Filling the Gap. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:662636. [PMID: 33889578 PMCID: PMC8056014 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.662636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Stem cell therapy using human skin-derived neural precursors holds much promise for the treatment of stroke patients. Two main mechanisms have been proposed to give rise to the improved recovery in animal models of stroke after transplantation of these cells. First, the so called by-stander effect, which could modulate the environment during early phases after brain tissue damage, resulting in moderate improvements in the outcome of the insult. Second, the neuronal replacement and functional integration of grafted cells into the impaired brain circuitry, which will result in optimum long-term structural and functional repair. Recently developed sophisticated research tools like optogenetic control of neuronal activity and rabies virus monosynaptic tracing, among others, have made it possible to provide solid evidence about the functional integration of grafted cells and its contribution to improved recovery in animal models of brain damage. Moreover, previous clinical trials in patients with Parkinson’s Disease represent a proof of principle that stem cell-based neuronal replacement could work in humans. Our studies with in vivo and ex vivo transplantation of human skin-derived cells neurons in animal model of stroke and organotypic cultures of adult human cortex, respectively, also support the hypothesis that human somatic cells reprogrammed into neurons can get integrated in the human lesioned neuronal circuitry. In the present short review, we summarized our data and recent studies from other groups supporting the above hypothesis and opening new avenues for development of the future clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Palma-Tortosa
- Laboratory of Stem Cells and Restorative Neurology, Lund Stem Cell Center, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Berta Coll-San Martin
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Neuroscience and Production and Validation Center of Advanced Therapies (Creatio), University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,August Pi I Sunyer Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Zaal Kokaia
- Laboratory of Stem Cells and Restorative Neurology, Lund Stem Cell Center, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Daniel Tornero
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Neuroscience and Production and Validation Center of Advanced Therapies (Creatio), University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,August Pi I Sunyer Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
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40
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Björklund A, Parmar M. Dopamine Cell Therapy: From Cell Replacement to Circuitry Repair. JOURNAL OF PARKINSONS DISEASE 2021; 11:S159-S165. [PMID: 33814467 PMCID: PMC8543294 DOI: 10.3233/jpd-212609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Cell therapy for Parkinson's disease (PD) is aimed to replace the degenerated midbrain dopamine (mDA) neurons and restore DA neurotransmission in the denervated forebrain targets. A limitation of the intrastriatal grafting approach, which is currently used in clinical trials, is that the mDA neurons are implanted into the target area, in most cases the putamen, and not in the ventral midbrain where they normally reside. This ectopic location of the cells may limit their functionality due to the lack of appropriate afferent regulation from the host. Homotopic transplantation, into the substantia nigra, is now being pursued in rodent PD models as a way to achieve more complete circuitry repair. Intranigral grafts of mDA neurons, derived from human embryonic stem cells, have the capacity to re-establish the nigrostriatal and mesolimbic pathways in their entirety and restore dense functional innervations in striatal, limbic and cortical areas. Tracing of host afferent inputs using the rabies tracing technique shows that the afferent connectivity of grafts implanted in the nigra matches closely that of the intrinsic mDA system, suggesting a degree of circuitry reconstruction that exceeds what has been achieved before. This approach holds great promise, but to match the larger size of the human brain, and the 10 times greater distance between substantia nigra and its forebrain targets, it may be necessary to find ways to improve the growth capacity of the grafted mDA neurons, pointing to a combined approach where growth promoting factors are used to enhance the performance of mDA neuron grafts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anders Björklund
- Department of Experimental Medical Science, Developmental and Regenerative Neurobiology, Wallenberg Neuroscience Center, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Malin Parmar
- Department of Experimental Medical Science, Developmental and Regenerative Neurobiology, Wallenberg Neuroscience Center, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
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41
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Mansour AA, Schafer ST, Gage FH. Cellular complexity in brain organoids: Current progress and unsolved issues. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2021; 111:32-39. [DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2020.05.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2019] [Revised: 03/31/2020] [Accepted: 05/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
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42
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Combined Cell Therapy in the Treatment of Neurological Disorders. Biomedicines 2020; 8:biomedicines8120613. [PMID: 33333803 PMCID: PMC7765161 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines8120613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2020] [Revised: 12/11/2020] [Accepted: 12/12/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Cell therapy of neurological diseases is gaining momentum. Various types of stem/progenitor cells and their derivatives have shown positive therapeutic results in animal models of neurological disorders and in clinical trials. Each tested cell type proved to have its advantages and flaws and unique cellular and molecular mechanism of action, prompting the idea to test combined transplantation of two or more types of cells (combined cell therapy). This review summarizes the results of combined cell therapy of neurological pathologies reported up to this point. The number of papers describing experimental studies or clinical trials addressing this subject is still limited. However, its successful application to the treatment of neurological pathologies including stroke, spinal cord injury, neurodegenerative diseases, Duchenne muscular dystrophy, and retinal degeneration has been reported in both experimental and clinical studies. The advantages of combined cell therapy can be realized by simple summation of beneficial effects of different cells. Alternatively, one kind of cells can support the survival and functioning of the other by enhancing the formation of optimum environment or immunomodulation. No significant adverse events were reported. Combined cell therapy is a promising approach for the treatment of neurological disorders, but further research needs to be conducted.
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43
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Zhen H, Deng H, Song Q, Zheng M, Yuan Z, Cao Z, Pang Q, Zhao B. The Wnt/Ca 2+ signaling pathway is essential for the regeneration of GABAergic neurons in planarian Dugesia japonica. FASEB J 2020; 34:16567-16580. [PMID: 33094857 DOI: 10.1096/fj.201903040rr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2019] [Revised: 09/17/2020] [Accepted: 10/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
The growth and differentiation of neurons are critical events in the establishment of proper neuron connectivity and function. Planarians have a remarkable ability to completely regenerate a functional nervous system from a pluripotent stem cell population. Thus, planarians provide a powerful model to identify genes required for neuronal differentiation in vivo. The Wnt/Ca2+ signaling pathway is crucial for cancer development, arousing inflammatory responses, and neurodegeneration. We analyzed the expression patterns and RNAi phenotypes for members of the Wnt/Ca2+ signaling pathway in the planarian, Dugesia japonica. The expression of DjWnt5a, DjPLC-β, DjCamKII, and DjCaln during regeneration was surprisingly similar and revealing in the regenerated brain. RNAi knockdown of DjWnt5a, DjPLC-β, DjCamKII, and DjCaln led to defects in regenerated brains including brain partial deletions, incompact phenotypes at the posterior of the new brain, and lateral branches, which could not regenerate. Furthermore, the expressions of GAD and the number of GABAergic neurons decreased. Together, these results suggest that the Wnt/Ca2+ signaling pathway is required for GABAergic neuron regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Zhen
- Laboratory of Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, Shandong University of Technology, Shandong, China
| | - Hongkuan Deng
- Laboratory of Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, Shandong University of Technology, Shandong, China.,School of Life Sciences, Shandong University of Technology, Shandong, China
| | - Qian Song
- Laboratory of Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, Shandong University of Technology, Shandong, China
| | - Mingyue Zheng
- College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China
| | - Zuoqing Yuan
- Laboratory of Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, Shandong University of Technology, Shandong, China.,School of Life Sciences, Shandong University of Technology, Shandong, China
| | - Zhonghong Cao
- Laboratory of Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, Shandong University of Technology, Shandong, China.,School of Life Sciences, Shandong University of Technology, Shandong, China
| | - Qiuxiang Pang
- School of Life Sciences, Shandong University of Technology, Shandong, China
| | - Bosheng Zhao
- Laboratory of Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, Shandong University of Technology, Shandong, China
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44
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Xiong M, Tao Y, Gao Q, Feng B, Yan W, Zhou Y, Kotsonis TA, Yuan T, You Z, Wu Z, Xi J, Haberman A, Graham J, Block J, Zhou W, Chen Y, Zhang SC. Human Stem Cell-Derived Neurons Repair Circuits and Restore Neural Function. Cell Stem Cell 2020; 28:112-126.e6. [PMID: 32966778 DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2020.08.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2019] [Revised: 05/11/2020] [Accepted: 08/21/2020] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Although cell transplantation can rescue motor defects in Parkinson's disease (PD) models, whether and how grafts functionally repair damaged neural circuitry in the adult brain is not known. We transplanted hESC-derived midbrain dopamine (mDA) or cortical glutamate neurons into the substantia nigra or striatum of a mouse PD model and found extensive graft integration with host circuitry. Axonal pathfinding toward the dorsal striatum was determined by the identity of the grafted neurons, and anatomical presynaptic inputs were largely dependent on graft location, whereas inhibitory versus excitatory input was dictated by the identity of grafted neurons. hESC-derived mDA neurons display A9 characteristics and restore functionality of the reconstructed nigrostriatal circuit to mediate improvements in motor function. These results indicate similarity in cell-type-specific pre- and post-synaptic integration between transplant-reconstructed circuit and endogenous neural networks, highlighting the capacity of hPSC-derived neuron subtypes for specific circuit repair and functional restoration in the adult brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Man Xiong
- Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital, Fudan University, 399 Wanyuan Road, Shanghai 201102, China
| | - Yezheng Tao
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA; Program in Neuroscience & Behavioral Disorders, Duke-NUS Medical School, 169857 Singapore, Singapore
| | - Qinqin Gao
- Institute of Neuroscience, Key Laboratory of Primate Neurobiology, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Ban Feng
- Institute of Neuroscience, Key Laboratory of Primate Neurobiology, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Wei Yan
- Institute of Neuroscience, Key Laboratory of Primate Neurobiology, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China; University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yingying Zhou
- Institute of Neuroscience, Key Laboratory of Primate Neurobiology, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Thomas A Kotsonis
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Tingli Yuan
- Institute of Neuroscience, Key Laboratory of Primate Neurobiology, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Zhiwen You
- Institute of Neuroscience, Key Laboratory of Primate Neurobiology, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China; University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Ziyan Wu
- Institute of Neuroscience, Key Laboratory of Primate Neurobiology, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Jiajie Xi
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | | | - Julia Graham
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Jasper Block
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Wenhao Zhou
- Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital, Fudan University, 399 Wanyuan Road, Shanghai 201102, China
| | - Yuejun Chen
- Institute of Neuroscience, Key Laboratory of Primate Neurobiology, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China; Shanghai Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence Technology, Shanghai 201210, China.
| | - Su-Chun Zhang
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA; Department of Neuroscience, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA; Department of Neurology, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA; Program in Neuroscience & Behavioral Disorders, Duke-NUS Medical School, 169857 Singapore, Singapore
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45
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Nishida F, Zappa Villar MF, Zanuzzi CN, Sisti MS, Camiña AE, Reggiani PC, Portiansky EL. Intracerebroventricular Delivery of Human Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stem Cells as a Promising Therapy for Repairing the Spinal Cord Injury Induced by Kainic Acid. Stem Cell Rev Rep 2020; 16:167-180. [PMID: 31760626 DOI: 10.1007/s12015-019-09934-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a common pathological condition that leads to permanent or temporal loss of motor and autonomic functions. Kainic acid (KA), an agonist of kainate receptors, a type of ionotropic glutamate receptor, is widely used to induce experimental neurodegeneration models of CNS. Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSC) therapy applied at the injured nervous tissue have emerged as a promising therapeutic treatment. Here we used a validated SCI experimental model in which an intraparenchymal injection of KA into the C5 segment of rat spinal cord induced an excitotoxic lesion. Three days later, experimental animals were treated with an intracerebroventricular injection of human umbilical cord (hUC) MSC whereas control group only received saline solution. Sensory and motor skills as well as neuronal and glial reaction of both groups were recorded. Differences in motor behavior, neuronal counting and glial responses were observed between hUC-MSC-treated and untreated rats. According to the obtained results, we suggest that hUC-MSC therapy delivered into the fourth ventricle using the intracerebroventricular via can exert a neuroprotective or neurorestorative effect on KA-injected animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabián Nishida
- Image Analysis Laboratory, School of Veterinary Sciences, National University of La Plata (UNLP), Calles 60 y 118, 1900, La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,National Research Council of Science and Technology (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - María F Zappa Villar
- National Research Council of Science and Technology (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina.,INIBIOLP, School of Medical Sciences, UNLP, La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Department of Histology and of Embryology B, School of Medical Sciences, UNLP, La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Carolina N Zanuzzi
- Image Analysis Laboratory, School of Veterinary Sciences, National University of La Plata (UNLP), Calles 60 y 118, 1900, La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina. .,National Research Council of Science and Technology (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina. .,Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Veterinary Sciences, UNLP, La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - María S Sisti
- Image Analysis Laboratory, School of Veterinary Sciences, National University of La Plata (UNLP), Calles 60 y 118, 1900, La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,National Research Council of Science and Technology (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Agustina E Camiña
- Image Analysis Laboratory, School of Veterinary Sciences, National University of La Plata (UNLP), Calles 60 y 118, 1900, La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Paula C Reggiani
- National Research Council of Science and Technology (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina.,INIBIOLP, School of Medical Sciences, UNLP, La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Department of Histology and of Embryology B, School of Medical Sciences, UNLP, La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Enrique L Portiansky
- Image Analysis Laboratory, School of Veterinary Sciences, National University of La Plata (UNLP), Calles 60 y 118, 1900, La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,National Research Council of Science and Technology (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
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46
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Ceto S, Sekiguchi KJ, Takashima Y, Nimmerjahn A, Tuszynski MH. Neural Stem Cell Grafts Form Extensive Synaptic Networks that Integrate with Host Circuits after Spinal Cord Injury. Cell Stem Cell 2020; 27:430-440.e5. [PMID: 32758426 DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2020.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2020] [Revised: 05/11/2020] [Accepted: 07/08/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Neural stem/progenitor cell (NSPC) grafts can integrate into sites of spinal cord injury (SCI) and generate neuronal relays across lesions that can provide functional benefit. To determine if and how grafts become synaptically organized and connect with host systems, we performed calcium imaging of NSPC grafts in SCI sites in vivo and in adult spinal cord slices. NSPC grafts organize into localized and spontaneously active synaptic networks. Optogenetic stimulation of host corticospinal tract axons regenerating into grafts elicited distinct and segregated neuronal network responses throughout the graft. Moreover, optogenetic stimulation of graft-derived axons extending from the graft into the denervated spinal cord also triggered local host neuronal network responses. In vivo imaging revealed that behavioral stimulation likewise elicited focal synaptic responses within grafts. Thus neural progenitor grafts can form functional synaptic subnetworks whose activity patterns resemble intact spinal cord.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven Ceto
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA; Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA; Veterans Administration Medical Center, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92161, USA.
| | - Kohei J Sekiguchi
- Waitt Advanced Biophotonics Center, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Yoshio Takashima
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA; Veterans Administration Medical Center, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92161, USA
| | - Axel Nimmerjahn
- Waitt Advanced Biophotonics Center, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Mark H Tuszynski
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA; Veterans Administration Medical Center, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92161, USA.
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47
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Wang Z, Wang S, Xu T, Hong C, Cheng M, Zhu P, Lin J, Su D, Miao C. Cerebral organoids transplantation improves neurological motor function in rat brain injury. CNS Neurosci Ther 2020; 26:682-697. [PMID: 32087606 PMCID: PMC7298981 DOI: 10.1111/cns.13286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2019] [Revised: 12/17/2019] [Accepted: 12/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Cerebral organoids (COs) have been used for studying brain development, neural disorders, and species-specific drug pharmacology and toxicology, but the potential of COs transplantation therapy for brain injury remains to be answered. METHODS With preparation of traumatic brain injury (TBI) model of motor dysfunction, COs at 55 and 85 days (55 and 85 d-CO) were transplanted into damaged motor cortex separately to identify better transplantation donor for brain injury. Further, the feasibility, effectiveness, and underlying mechanism of COs transplantation therapy for brain injury were explored. RESULTS 55 d-CO was demonstrated as better transplantation donor than 85 d-CO, evidenced by more neurogenesis and higher cell survival rate without aggravating apoptosis and inflammation after transplantation into damaged motor cortex. Cells from transplanted COs had the potential of multilinage differentiation to mimic in-vivo brain cortical development, support region-specific reconstruction of damaged motor cortex, form neurotransmitter-related neurons, and migrate into different brain regions along corpus callosum. Moreover, COs transplantation upregulated hippocampal neural connection proteins and neurotrophic factors. Notably, COs transplantation improved neurological motor function and reduced brain damage. CONCLUSIONS This study revealed 55 d-CO as better transplantation donor and demonstrated the feasibility and efficacy of COs transplantation in TBI, hoping to provide first-hand preclinical evidence of COs transplantation for brain injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi Wang
- Department of PharmacologySecond Military Medical University/Naval Medical UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Shu‐Na Wang
- Department of PharmacologySecond Military Medical University/Naval Medical UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Tian‐Ying Xu
- Department of PharmacologySecond Military Medical University/Naval Medical UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Chen Hong
- Department of PharmacologySecond Military Medical University/Naval Medical UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Ming‐He Cheng
- Department of PharmacologySecond Military Medical University/Naval Medical UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Peng‐Xi Zhu
- Department of PharmacologySecond Military Medical University/Naval Medical UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Jian‐Sheng Lin
- Integrative Physiology of the Brain Arousal SystemsCRNL, INSERM U1028‐CNRS UMR 5292School of MedicineClaude Bernard UniversityLyonFrance
| | - Ding‐Feng Su
- Department of PharmacologySecond Military Medical University/Naval Medical UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Chao‐Yu Miao
- Department of PharmacologySecond Military Medical University/Naval Medical UniversityShanghaiChina
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48
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Grønning Hansen M, Laterza C, Palma-Tortosa S, Kvist G, Monni E, Tsupykov O, Tornero D, Uoshima N, Soriano J, Bengzon J, Martino G, Skibo G, Lindvall O, Kokaia Z. Grafted human pluripotent stem cell-derived cortical neurons integrate into adult human cortical neural circuitry. Stem Cells Transl Med 2020; 9:1365-1377. [PMID: 32602201 PMCID: PMC7581452 DOI: 10.1002/sctm.20-0134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2020] [Revised: 05/27/2020] [Accepted: 06/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Several neurodegenerative diseases cause loss of cortical neurons, leading to sensory, motor, and cognitive impairments. Studies in different animal models have raised the possibility that transplantation of human cortical neuronal progenitors, generated from pluripotent stem cells, might be developed into a novel therapeutic strategy for disorders affecting cerebral cortex. For example, we have shown that human long‐term neuroepithelial‐like stem (lt‐NES) cell‐derived cortical neurons, produced from induced pluripotent stem cells and transplanted into stroke‐injured adult rat cortex, improve neurological deficits and establish both afferent and efferent morphological and functional connections with host cortical neurons. So far, all studies with human pluripotent stem cell‐derived neurons have been carried out using xenotransplantation in animal models. Whether these neurons can integrate also into adult human brain circuitry is unknown. Here, we show that cortically fated lt‐NES cells, which are able to form functional synaptic networks in cell culture, differentiate to mature, layer‐specific cortical neurons when transplanted ex vivo onto organotypic cultures of adult human cortex. The grafted neurons are functional and establish both afferent and efferent synapses with adult human cortical neurons in the slices as evidenced by immuno‐electron microscopy, rabies virus retrograde monosynaptic tracing, and whole‐cell patch‐clamp recordings. Our findings provide the first evidence that pluripotent stem cell‐derived neurons can integrate into adult host neural networks also in a human‐to‐human grafting situation, thereby supporting their potential future clinical use to promote recovery by neuronal replacement in the patient's diseased brain.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Cecilia Laterza
- Lund Stem Cell Center, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.,Laboratory of Stem Cells and Restorative Neurology, Lund Stem Cell Center, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Sara Palma-Tortosa
- Lund Stem Cell Center, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.,Laboratory of Stem Cells and Restorative Neurology, Lund Stem Cell Center, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Giedre Kvist
- Lund Stem Cell Center, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.,Laboratory of Stem Cells and Restorative Neurology, Lund Stem Cell Center, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Emanuela Monni
- Lund Stem Cell Center, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.,Laboratory of Stem Cells and Restorative Neurology, Lund Stem Cell Center, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Oleg Tsupykov
- Bogomoletz Institute of Physiology and State Institute of Genetic and Regenerative Medicine, Kyiv, Ukraine
| | - Daniel Tornero
- Laboratory of Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Institute of Neurosciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Naomi Uoshima
- Lund Stem Cell Center, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.,Laboratory of Stem Cells and Restorative Neurology, Lund Stem Cell Center, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Jordi Soriano
- Departament de Física de la Matèria Condensada, Institute of Complex Systems (UBICS), Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Johan Bengzon
- Lund Stem Cell Center, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.,Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, University Hospital, Lund, Sweden
| | - Gianvito Martino
- Institute of Experimental Neurology, Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute and Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Galyna Skibo
- Bogomoletz Institute of Physiology and State Institute of Genetic and Regenerative Medicine, Kyiv, Ukraine
| | - Olle Lindvall
- Lund Stem Cell Center, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.,Laboratory of Stem Cells and Restorative Neurology, Lund Stem Cell Center, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Zaal Kokaia
- Lund Stem Cell Center, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.,Laboratory of Stem Cells and Restorative Neurology, Lund Stem Cell Center, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
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49
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Liang C, Chen Y, Jiang X, Zou M, Yang Z, Li H, Peng L. Pikachurin Is Partially Involved in the Synaptic Connection Between Donor and Host Cells in Late-Stage rd1 Mice Following Conspecific Photoreceptor Transplantation. Stem Cells Dev 2020; 29:786-794. [PMID: 32178579 DOI: 10.1089/scd.2019.0268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Photoreceptor transplantation can rescue the retinal function of late-stage rd1 mice. Many studies have used synaptic markers to suggest that there are synaptic connections after transplantation, but how donor and host cells are connected remains unknown. Many molecules are needed for triad ribbon synapse formation in wild-type mice. Among them, pikachurin is an important extracellular matrix protein that bridges the pre- and postsynaptic components. To investigate the mechanism of the synaptic connection between donor photoreceptor and host retina, we studied the expression of pikachurin in late-stage rd1 mice before and after transplantation. The results showed that the full-length form of pikachurin could still be detected in the degenerated retina. After photoreceptors were transplanted to the subretinal space of rd1 or wild-type mice, pikachurin was detected in the cytoplasm of most donor photoreceptor cells. Pikachurin puncta may represent the cleaved form of the protein and may indicate synapse generation, but it was barely observed in the donor mass of wild-type mice (3.83 ± 3.17 puncta per 100 donor cells). In contrast, pikachurin puncta could be found in the graft of the rd1 mouse retina, but the number was low (21.35 ± 9.48 puncta per 100 donor cells). In addition, 54.12 ± 8.45% of bassoon puncta were paired with pikachurin puncta and 45.5 ± 6.33% were not, indicating that there were fewer pikachurin puncta than bassoon. These results suggest that pikachurin is involved in only a portion of the synaptic connection between the donor photoreceptor and host retina.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Liang
- Department of Ophthalmology and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,Research Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - YingYing Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - XiaoShuang Jiang
- Department of Ophthalmology and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Ming Zou
- Department of Ophthalmology and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Zhen Yang
- Research Core Facility, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - HuiFang Li
- Research Core Facility, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - LanYa Peng
- Department of Medical, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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50
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Andreoli E, Petrenko V, Constanthin PE, Contestabile A, Bocchi R, Egervari K, Quairiaux C, Salmon P, Kiss JZ. Transplanted Embryonic Neurons Improve Functional Recovery by Increasing Activity in Injured Cortical Circuits. Cereb Cortex 2020; 30:4708-4725. [PMID: 32266929 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhaa075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2019] [Revised: 02/07/2020] [Accepted: 03/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Transplantation of appropriate neuronal precursors after injury is a promising strategy to reconstruct cortical circuits, but the efficiency of these approaches remains limited. Here, we applied targeted apoptosis to selectively ablate layer II/III pyramidal neurons in the rat juvenile cerebral cortex and attempted to replace lost neurons with their appropriate embryonic precursors by transplantation. We demonstrate that grafted precursors do not migrate to replace lost neurons but form vascularized clusters establishing reciprocal synaptic contacts with host networks and show functional integration. These heterotopic neuronal clusters significantly enhance the activity of the host circuits without causing epileptic seizures and attenuate the apoptotic injury-induced functional deficits in electrophysiological and behavioral tests. Chemogenetic activation of grafted neurons further improved functional recovery, and the persistence of the graft was necessary for maintaining restored functions in adult animals. Thus, implanting neuronal precursors capable to form synaptically integrated neuronal clusters combined with activation-based approaches represents a useful strategy for helping long-term functional recovery following brain injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evgenia Andreoli
- Department of Basic Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, 1 Rue Michel Servet, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Volodymyr Petrenko
- Department of Basic Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, 1 Rue Michel Servet, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Paul Eugène Constanthin
- Department of Basic Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, 1 Rue Michel Servet, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Alessandro Contestabile
- Department of Basic Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, 1 Rue Michel Servet, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Riccardo Bocchi
- Department of Basic Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, 1 Rue Michel Servet, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Kristof Egervari
- Department of Basic Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, 1 Rue Michel Servet, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Charles Quairiaux
- Department of Basic Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, 1 Rue Michel Servet, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Patrick Salmon
- Department of Basic Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, 1 Rue Michel Servet, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Jozsef Zoltan Kiss
- Department of Basic Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, 1 Rue Michel Servet, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland
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