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Hao P, Yang Z, So KF, Li X. A core scientific problem in the treatment of central nervous system diseases: newborn neurons. Neural Regen Res 2024; 19:2588-2601. [PMID: 38595278 PMCID: PMC11168522 DOI: 10.4103/nrr.nrr-d-23-01775] [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: 11/24/2023] [Revised: 01/06/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024] Open
Abstract
It has long been asserted that failure to recover from central nervous system diseases is due to the system's intricate structure and the regenerative incapacity of adult neurons. Yet over recent decades, numerous studies have established that endogenous neurogenesis occurs in the adult central nervous system, including humans'. This has challenged the long-held scientific consensus that the number of adult neurons remains constant, and that new central nervous system neurons cannot be created or renewed. Herein, we present a comprehensive overview of the alterations and regulatory mechanisms of endogenous neurogenesis following central nervous system injury, and describe novel treatment strategies that target endogenous neurogenesis and newborn neurons in the treatment of central nervous system injury. Central nervous system injury frequently results in alterations of endogenous neurogenesis, encompassing the activation, proliferation, ectopic migration, differentiation, and functional integration of endogenous neural stem cells. Because of the unfavorable local microenvironment, most activated neural stem cells differentiate into glial cells rather than neurons. Consequently, the injury-induced endogenous neurogenesis response is inadequate for repairing impaired neural function. Scientists have attempted to enhance endogenous neurogenesis using various strategies, including using neurotrophic factors, bioactive materials, and cell reprogramming techniques. Used alone or in combination, these therapeutic strategies can promote targeted migration of neural stem cells to an injured area, ensure their survival and differentiation into mature functional neurons, and facilitate their integration into the neural circuit. Thus can integration replenish lost neurons after central nervous system injury, by improving the local microenvironment. By regulating each phase of endogenous neurogenesis, endogenous neural stem cells can be harnessed to promote effective regeneration of newborn neurons. This offers a novel approach for treating central nervous system injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Hao
- 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
| | - Kwok-Fai So
- Guangdong-HongKong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Ministry of Education CNS Regeneration Collaborative Joint Laboratory, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
- Bioland Laboratory (Guangzhou Regenerative Medicine and Health Guangdong Laboratory), Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
- Department of Ophthalmology and State Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administration Region, China
- Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
- Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Xiaoguang Li
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, China
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Xiang Z, He S, Chen R, Liu S, Liu M, Xu L, Zheng J, Jiang Z, Ma L, Sun Y, Qin Y, Chen Y, Li W, Wang X, Chen G, Lei W. Two-photon live imaging of direct glia-to-neuron conversion in the mouse cortex. Neural Regen Res 2024; 19:1781-1788. [PMID: 38103245 PMCID: PMC10960291 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.386401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Revised: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
JOURNAL/nrgr/04.03/01300535-202408000-00032/figure1/v/2023-12-16T180322Z/r/image-tiff Over the past decade, a growing number of studies have reported transcription factor-based in situ reprogramming that can directly convert endogenous glial cells into functional neurons as an alternative approach for neuroregeneration in the adult mammalian central nervous system. However, many questions remain regarding how a terminally differentiated glial cell can transform into a delicate neuron that forms part of the intricate brain circuitry. In addition, concerns have recently been raised around the absence of astrocyte-to-neuron conversion in astrocytic lineage-tracing mice. In this study, we employed repetitive two-photon imaging to continuously capture the in situ astrocyte-to-neuron conversion process following ectopic expression of the neural transcription factor NeuroD1 in both proliferating reactive astrocytes and lineage-traced astrocytes in the mouse cortex. Time-lapse imaging over several weeks revealed the step-by-step transition from a typical astrocyte with numerous short, tapered branches to a typical neuron with a few long neurites and dynamic growth cones that actively explored the local environment. In addition, these lineage-converting cells were able to migrate radially or tangentially to relocate to suitable positions. Furthermore, two-photon Ca2+ imaging and patch-clamp recordings confirmed that the newly generated neurons exhibited synchronous calcium signals, repetitive action potentials, and spontaneous synaptic responses, suggesting that they had made functional synaptic connections within local neural circuits. In conclusion, we directly visualized the step-by-step lineage conversion process from astrocytes to functional neurons in vivo and unambiguously demonstrated that adult mammalian brains are highly plastic with respect to their potential for neuroregeneration and neural circuit reconstruction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zongqin Xiang
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration (GHMICR), Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
- Laboratory for Neuroimmunology in Health and Diseases, Guangzhou First People's Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Shu He
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration (GHMICR), Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Rongjie Chen
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration (GHMICR), Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Shanggong Liu
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration (GHMICR), Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Minhui Liu
- VIB-KU Leuven Center for Brain & Disease Research, Leuven, Flemish Region, Belgium
| | - Liang Xu
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration (GHMICR), Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Jiajun Zheng
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Zhouquan Jiang
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration (GHMICR), Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Long Ma
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration (GHMICR), Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Ying Sun
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration (GHMICR), Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Yongpeng Qin
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration (GHMICR), Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Yi Chen
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration (GHMICR), Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Wen Li
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration (GHMICR), Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Xiangyu Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Gong Chen
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration (GHMICR), Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Wenliang Lei
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration (GHMICR), Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
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3
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Mseis-Jackson N, Sharma M, Li H. Controlling the Expression Level of the Neuronal Reprogramming Factors for a Successful Reprogramming Outcome. Cells 2024; 13:1223. [PMID: 39056804 PMCID: PMC11274869 DOI: 10.3390/cells13141223] [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: 06/24/2024] [Revised: 07/16/2024] [Accepted: 07/19/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Neuronal reprogramming is a promising approach for making major advancement in regenerative medicine. Distinct from the approach of induced pluripotent stem cells, neuronal reprogramming converts non-neuronal cells to neurons without going through a primitive stem cell stage. In vivo neuronal reprogramming brings this approach to a higher level by changing the cell fate of glial cells to neurons in neural tissue through overexpressing reprogramming factors. Despite the ongoing debate over the validation and interpretation of newly generated neurons, in vivo neuronal reprogramming is still a feasible approach and has the potential to become clinical treatment with further optimization and refinement. Here, we discuss the major neuronal reprogramming factors (mostly pro-neurogenic transcription factors during development), especially the significance of their expression levels during neurogenesis and the reprogramming process focusing on NeuroD1. In the developing central nervous system, these pro-neurogenic transcription factors usually elicit distinct spatiotemporal expression patterns that are critical to their function in generating mature neurons. We argue that these dynamic expression patterns may be similarly needed in the process of reprogramming adult cells into neurons and further into mature neurons with subtype identities. We also summarize the existing approaches and propose new ones that control gene expression levels for a successful reprogramming outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie Mseis-Jackson
- Department of Neuroscience & Regenerative Medicine, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA;
| | - Mehek Sharma
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science & Mathematics, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA;
| | - Hedong Li
- Department of Neuroscience & Regenerative Medicine, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA;
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Alhadidi QM, Bahader GA, Arvola O, Kitchen P, Shah ZA, Salman MM. Astrocytes in functional recovery following central nervous system injuries. J Physiol 2024; 602:3069-3096. [PMID: 37702572 DOI: 10.1113/jp284197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes are increasingly recognised as partaking in complex homeostatic mechanisms critical for regulating neuronal plasticity following central nervous system (CNS) insults. Ischaemic stroke and traumatic brain injury are associated with high rates of disability and mortality. Depending on the context and type of injury, reactive astrocytes respond with diverse morphological, proliferative and functional changes collectively known as astrogliosis, which results in both pathogenic and protective effects. There is a large body of research on the negative consequences of astrogliosis following brain injuries. There is also growing interest in how astrogliosis might in some contexts be protective and help to limit the spread of the injury. However, little is known about how astrocytes contribute to the chronic functional recovery phase following traumatic and ischaemic brain insults. In this review, we explore the protective functions of astrocytes in various aspects of secondary brain injury such as oedema, inflammation and blood-brain barrier dysfunction. We also discuss the current knowledge on astrocyte contribution to tissue regeneration, including angiogenesis, neurogenesis, synaptogenesis, dendrogenesis and axogenesis. Finally, we discuss diverse astrocyte-related factors that, if selectively targeted, could form the basis of astrocyte-targeted therapeutic strategies to better address currently untreatable CNS disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qasim M Alhadidi
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Pharmacy, Al-Yarmok University College, Diyala, Iraq
| | - Ghaith A Bahader
- Department of Medicinal and Biological Chemistry, College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, USA
| | - Oiva Arvola
- Division of Anaesthesiology, Jorvi Hospital, Department of Anaesthesiology, Intensive Care and Pain Medicine, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
- Stem Cells and Metabolism Research Program, Research Programs Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Philip Kitchen
- College of Health and Life Sciences, Aston University, Birmingham, UK
| | - Zahoor A Shah
- Department of Medicinal and Biological Chemistry, College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, USA
| | - Mootaz M Salman
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Kavli Institute for NanoScience Discovery, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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Chen H, Xiang J, Liu Y, Pi W, Zhang H, Wu L, Liu Y, Ji S, Li Y, Cui S, Liu K, Fu X, Sun X. Customized Proteinaceous Nanoformulation for In Vivo Chemical Reprogramming. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024; 36:e2311845. [PMID: 38720198 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202311845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Revised: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
Sweat gland (SwG) regeneration is crucial for the functional rehabilitation of burn patients. In vivo chemical reprogramming that harnessing the patient's own cells in damaged tissue is of substantial interest to regenerate organs endogenously by pharmacological manipulation, which could compensate for tissue loss in devastating diseases and injuries, for example, burns. However, achieving in vivo chemical reprogramming is challenging due to the low reprogramming efficiency and an unfavorable tissue environment. Herein, this work has developed a functionalized proteinaceous nanoformulation delivery system containing prefabricated epidermal growth factor structure for on-demand delivery of a cocktail of seven SwG reprogramming components to the dermal site. Such a chemical reprogramming system can efficiently induce the conversion of epidermal keratinocytes into SwG myoepithelial cells, resulting in successful in situ regeneration of functional SwGs. Notably, in vivo chemical reprogramming of SwGs is achieved for the first time with an impressive efficiency of 30.6%, surpassing previously reported efficiencies. Overall, this proteinaceous nanoformulation provides a platform for coordinating the target delivery of multiple pharmacological agents and facilitating in vivo SwG reprogramming by chemicals. This advancement greatly improves the clinical accessibility of in vivo reprogramming and offers a non-surgical, non-viral, and cell-free strategy for in situ SwG regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huating Chen
- Research Center for Tissue Repair and Regeneration affiliated to the Medical Innovation Research Department, PLA General Hospital and PLA Medical College, State Key Laboratory of Trauma and Chemical Poisoning, PLA Key Laboratory of Tissue Repair and Regenerative Medicine and Beijing Key Research Laboratory of Skin Injury, Repair and Regeneration, Research Unit of Trauma Care, Tissue Repair and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, 2019RU051, Beijing, 100048, P. R. China
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences School of Basic Medicine Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730, P. R. China
| | - Jiangbing Xiang
- Research Center for Tissue Repair and Regeneration affiliated to the Medical Innovation Research Department, PLA General Hospital and PLA Medical College, State Key Laboratory of Trauma and Chemical Poisoning, PLA Key Laboratory of Tissue Repair and Regenerative Medicine and Beijing Key Research Laboratory of Skin Injury, Repair and Regeneration, Research Unit of Trauma Care, Tissue Repair and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, 2019RU051, Beijing, 100048, P. R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, 163 Xianlin Avenue, Nanjing, 210093, China
| | - Yawei Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Rare Earth Resource Utilization, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun, 130022, China
| | - Wei Pi
- Research Center for Tissue Repair and Regeneration affiliated to the Medical Innovation Research Department, PLA General Hospital and PLA Medical College, State Key Laboratory of Trauma and Chemical Poisoning, PLA Key Laboratory of Tissue Repair and Regenerative Medicine and Beijing Key Research Laboratory of Skin Injury, Repair and Regeneration, Research Unit of Trauma Care, Tissue Repair and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, 2019RU051, Beijing, 100048, P. R. China
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences School of Basic Medicine Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730, P. R. China
| | - Hongliang Zhang
- Research Center for Tissue Repair and Regeneration affiliated to the Medical Innovation Research Department, PLA General Hospital and PLA Medical College, State Key Laboratory of Trauma and Chemical Poisoning, PLA Key Laboratory of Tissue Repair and Regenerative Medicine and Beijing Key Research Laboratory of Skin Injury, Repair and Regeneration, Research Unit of Trauma Care, Tissue Repair and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, 2019RU051, Beijing, 100048, P. R. China
| | - Lu Wu
- Research Center for Tissue Repair and Regeneration affiliated to the Medical Innovation Research Department, PLA General Hospital and PLA Medical College, State Key Laboratory of Trauma and Chemical Poisoning, PLA Key Laboratory of Tissue Repair and Regenerative Medicine and Beijing Key Research Laboratory of Skin Injury, Repair and Regeneration, Research Unit of Trauma Care, Tissue Repair and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, 2019RU051, Beijing, 100048, P. R. China
| | - Yiqiong Liu
- Research Center for Tissue Repair and Regeneration affiliated to the Medical Innovation Research Department, PLA General Hospital and PLA Medical College, State Key Laboratory of Trauma and Chemical Poisoning, PLA Key Laboratory of Tissue Repair and Regenerative Medicine and Beijing Key Research Laboratory of Skin Injury, Repair and Regeneration, Research Unit of Trauma Care, Tissue Repair and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, 2019RU051, Beijing, 100048, P. R. China
| | - Shuaifei Ji
- Research Center for Tissue Repair and Regeneration affiliated to the Medical Innovation Research Department, PLA General Hospital and PLA Medical College, State Key Laboratory of Trauma and Chemical Poisoning, PLA Key Laboratory of Tissue Repair and Regenerative Medicine and Beijing Key Research Laboratory of Skin Injury, Repair and Regeneration, Research Unit of Trauma Care, Tissue Repair and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, 2019RU051, Beijing, 100048, P. R. China
| | - Yan Li
- Research Center for Tissue Repair and Regeneration affiliated to the Medical Innovation Research Department, PLA General Hospital and PLA Medical College, State Key Laboratory of Trauma and Chemical Poisoning, PLA Key Laboratory of Tissue Repair and Regenerative Medicine and Beijing Key Research Laboratory of Skin Injury, Repair and Regeneration, Research Unit of Trauma Care, Tissue Repair and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, 2019RU051, Beijing, 100048, P. R. China
| | - Shaoyuan Cui
- Department of Nephrology, the First Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Kidney Diseases, Beijing, 100048, P. R. China
| | - Kai Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Rare Earth Resource Utilization, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun, 130022, China
- Engineering Research Center of Advanced Rare Earth Materials (Ministry of Education), Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Xiaobing Fu
- Research Center for Tissue Repair and Regeneration affiliated to the Medical Innovation Research Department, PLA General Hospital and PLA Medical College, State Key Laboratory of Trauma and Chemical Poisoning, PLA Key Laboratory of Tissue Repair and Regenerative Medicine and Beijing Key Research Laboratory of Skin Injury, Repair and Regeneration, Research Unit of Trauma Care, Tissue Repair and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, 2019RU051, Beijing, 100048, P. R. China
| | - Xiaoyan Sun
- Research Center for Tissue Repair and Regeneration affiliated to the Medical Innovation Research Department, PLA General Hospital and PLA Medical College, State Key Laboratory of Trauma and Chemical Poisoning, PLA Key Laboratory of Tissue Repair and Regenerative Medicine and Beijing Key Research Laboratory of Skin Injury, Repair and Regeneration, Research Unit of Trauma Care, Tissue Repair and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, 2019RU051, Beijing, 100048, P. R. China
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Liang S, Zhou J, Yu X, Lu S, Liu R. Neuronal conversion from glia to replenish the lost neurons. Neural Regen Res 2024; 19:1446-1453. [PMID: 38051886 PMCID: PMC10883502 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.386400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT Neuronal injury, aging, and cerebrovascular and neurodegenerative diseases such as cerebral infarction, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, frontotemporal dementia, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and Huntington's disease are characterized by significant neuronal loss. Unfortunately, the neurons of most mammals including humans do not possess the ability to self-regenerate. Replenishment of lost neurons becomes an appealing therapeutic strategy to reverse the disease phenotype. Transplantation of pluripotent neural stem cells can supplement the missing neurons in the brain, but it carries the risk of causing gene mutation, tumorigenesis, severe inflammation, and obstructive hydrocephalus induced by brain edema. Conversion of neural or non-neural lineage cells into functional neurons is a promising strategy for the diseases involving neuron loss, which may overcome the above-mentioned disadvantages of neural stem cell therapy. Thus far, many strategies to transform astrocytes, fibroblasts, microglia, Müller glia, NG2 cells, and other glial cells to mature and functional neurons, or for the conversion between neuronal subtypes have been developed through the regulation of transcription factors, polypyrimidine tract binding protein 1 (PTBP1), and small chemical molecules or are based on a combination of several factors and the location in the central nervous system. However, some recent papers did not obtain expected results, and discrepancies exist. Therefore, in this review, we discuss the history of neuronal transdifferentiation, summarize the strategies for neuronal replenishment and conversion from glia, especially astrocytes, and point out that biosafety, new strategies, and the accurate origin of the truly converted neurons in vivo should be focused upon in future studies. It also arises the attention of replenishing the lost neurons from glia by gene therapies such as up-regulation of some transcription factors or down-regulation of PTBP1 or drug interference therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiyu Liang
- National Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- School of Chemical Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jing Zhou
- Department of Geriatric Rehabilitation, Beijing Rehabilitation Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaolin Yu
- National Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Shuai Lu
- National Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Ruitian Liu
- National Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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Fischer G, Bättig L, Stienen MN, Curt A, Fehlings MG, Hejrati N. Advancements in neuroregenerative and neuroprotective therapies for traumatic spinal cord injury. Front Neurosci 2024; 18:1372920. [PMID: 38812974 PMCID: PMC11133582 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2024.1372920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024] Open
Abstract
Traumatic spinal cord injuries (SCIs) continue to be a major healthcare concern, with a rising prevalence worldwide. In response to this growing medical challenge, considerable scientific attention has been devoted to developing neuroprotective and neuroregenerative strategies aimed at improving the prognosis and quality of life for individuals with SCIs. This comprehensive review aims to provide an up-to-date and thorough overview of the latest neuroregenerative and neuroprotective therapies currently under investigation. These strategies encompass a multifaceted approach that include neuropharmacological interventions, cell-based therapies, and other promising strategies such as biomaterial scaffolds and neuro-modulation therapies. In addition, the review discusses the importance of acute clinical management, including the role of hemodynamic management as well as timing and technical aspects of surgery as key factors mitigating the secondary injury following SCI. In conclusion, this review underscores the ongoing scientific efforts to enhance patient outcomes and quality of life, focusing on upcoming strategies for the management of traumatic SCI. Each section provides a working knowledge of the fundamental preclinical and patient trials relevant to clinicians while underscoring the pathophysiologic rationale for the therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregor Fischer
- Department of Neurosurgery, Cantonal Hospital St.Gallen, Medical School of St.Gallen, St.Gallen, Switzerland
- Spine Center of Eastern Switzerland, Cantonal Hospital St.Gallen, Medical School of St.Gallen, St.Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Linda Bättig
- Department of Neurosurgery, Cantonal Hospital St.Gallen, Medical School of St.Gallen, St.Gallen, Switzerland
- Spine Center of Eastern Switzerland, Cantonal Hospital St.Gallen, Medical School of St.Gallen, St.Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Martin N. Stienen
- Department of Neurosurgery, Cantonal Hospital St.Gallen, Medical School of St.Gallen, St.Gallen, Switzerland
- Spine Center of Eastern Switzerland, Cantonal Hospital St.Gallen, Medical School of St.Gallen, St.Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Armin Curt
- Spinal Cord Injury Center, University Hospital Balgrist, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Michael G. Fehlings
- Division of Neurosurgery and Spine Program, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Division of Genetics and Development, Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Nader Hejrati
- Department of Neurosurgery, Cantonal Hospital St.Gallen, Medical School of St.Gallen, St.Gallen, Switzerland
- Spine Center of Eastern Switzerland, Cantonal Hospital St.Gallen, Medical School of St.Gallen, St.Gallen, Switzerland
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Tan Z, Qin S, Liu H, Huang X, Pu Y, He C, Yuan Y, Su Z. Small molecules reprogram reactive astrocytes into neuronal cells in the injured adult spinal cord. J Adv Res 2024; 59:111-127. [PMID: 37380102 PMCID: PMC11081968 DOI: 10.1016/j.jare.2023.06.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2023] [Revised: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Ectopic expression of transcription factor-mediated in vivo neuronal reprogramming provides promising strategy to compensate for neuronal loss, while its further clinical application may be hindered by delivery and safety concerns. As a novel and attractive alternative, small molecules may offer a non-viral and non-integrative chemical approach for reprogramming cell fates. Recent definitive evidences have shown that small molecules can convert non-neuronal cells into neurons in vitro. However, whether small molecules alone can induce neuronal reprogramming in vivo remains largely unknown. OBJECTIVES To identify chemical compounds that can induce in vivo neuronal reprogramming in the adult spinal cord. METHODS Immunocytochemistry, immunohistochemistry, qRT-PCR and fate-mapping are performed to analyze the role of small molecules in reprogramming astrocytes into neuronal cells in vitro and in vivo. RESULTS By screening, we identify a chemical cocktail with only two chemical compounds that can directly and rapidly reprogram cultured astrocytes into neuronal cells. Importantly, this chemical cocktail can also successfully trigger neuronal reprogramming in the injured adult spinal cord without introducing exogenous genetic factors. These chemically induced cells showed typical neuronal morphologies and neuron-specific marker expression and could become mature and survive for more than 12 months. Lineage tracing indicated that the chemical compound-converted neuronal cells mainly originated from post-injury spinal reactive astrocytes. CONCLUSION Our proof-of-principle study demonstrates that in vivo glia-to-neuron conversion can be manipulated in a chemical compound-based manner. Albeit our current chemical cocktail has a lowreprogramming efficiency, it will bring in vivo cell fate reprogramming closer to clinical application in brain and spinal cord repair. Future studies should focus on further refining our chemical cocktail and reprogramming approach to boost the reprogramming efficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zijian Tan
- Institute of Neuroscience, Key Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology of Ministry of Education and the Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Shangyao Qin
- Institute of Neuroscience, Key Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology of Ministry of Education and the Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Hong Liu
- Institute of Neuroscience, Key Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology of Ministry of Education and the Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Xiao Huang
- Institute of Neuroscience, Key Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology of Ministry of Education and the Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Yingyan Pu
- Institute of Neuroscience, Key Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology of Ministry of Education and the Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Cheng He
- Institute of Neuroscience, Key Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology of Ministry of Education and the Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Yimin Yuan
- Institute of Neuroscience, Key Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology of Ministry of Education and the Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China.
| | - Zhida Su
- Institute of Neuroscience, Key Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology of Ministry of Education and the Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China.
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Finkel Z, Esteban F, Rodriguez B, Clifford T, Joseph A, Alostaz H, Dalmia M, Gutierrez J, Tamasi MJ, Zhang SM, Simone J, Petekci H, Nath S, Escott M, Garg SK, Gormley AJ, Kumar S, Gulati S, Cai L. AAV6 mediated Gsx1 expression in neural stem progenitor cells promotes neurogenesis and restores locomotor function after contusion spinal cord injury. Neurotherapeutics 2024; 21:e00362. [PMID: 38664194 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurot.2024.e00362] [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: 12/04/2023] [Revised: 03/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Genomic screened homeobox 1 (Gsx1 or Gsh1) is a neurogenic transcription factor required for the generation of excitatory and inhibitory interneurons during spinal cord development. In the adult, lentivirus (LV) mediated Gsx1 expression promotes neural regeneration and functional locomotor recovery in a mouse model of lateral hemisection spinal cord injury (SCI). The LV delivery method is clinically unsafe due to insertional mutations to the host DNA. In addition, the most common clinical case of SCI is contusion/compression. In this study, we identify that adeno-associated virus serotype 6 (AAV6) preferentially infects neural stem/progenitor cells (NSPCs) in the injured spinal cord. Using a rat model of contusion SCI, we demonstrate that AAV6 mediated Gsx1 expression promotes neurogenesis, increases the number of neuroblasts/immature neurons, restores excitatory/inhibitory neuron balance and serotonergic neuronal activity through the lesion core, and promotes locomotor functional recovery. Our findings support that AAV6 preferentially targets NSPCs for gene delivery and confirmed Gsx1 efficacy in clinically relevant rat model of contusion SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zachary Finkel
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rutgers University, 599 Taylor Rd, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Fatima Esteban
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rutgers University, 599 Taylor Rd, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Brianna Rodriguez
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rutgers University, 599 Taylor Rd, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Tanner Clifford
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rutgers University, 599 Taylor Rd, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Adelina Joseph
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rutgers University, 599 Taylor Rd, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Hani Alostaz
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rutgers University, 599 Taylor Rd, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Mridul Dalmia
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rutgers University, 599 Taylor Rd, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Juan Gutierrez
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rutgers University, 599 Taylor Rd, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA; University of California, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA
| | - Matthew J Tamasi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rutgers University, 599 Taylor Rd, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Samuel Ming Zhang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rutgers University, 599 Taylor Rd, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Jonah Simone
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rutgers University, 599 Taylor Rd, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Hafize Petekci
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rutgers University, 599 Taylor Rd, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Susmita Nath
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rutgers University, 599 Taylor Rd, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Miriam Escott
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rutgers University, 599 Taylor Rd, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Shivam Kumar Garg
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rutgers University, 599 Taylor Rd, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Adam J Gormley
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rutgers University, 599 Taylor Rd, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Suneel Kumar
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rutgers University, 599 Taylor Rd, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Sonia Gulati
- NeuroNovus Therapeutics Inc., 135 E 57th St., New York, NY 10022, USA
| | - Li Cai
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rutgers University, 599 Taylor Rd, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA; NeuroNovus Therapeutics Inc., 135 E 57th St., New York, NY 10022, USA.
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10
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Umeyama T, Matsuda T, Nakashima K. Lineage Reprogramming: Genetic, Chemical, and Physical Cues for Cell Fate Conversion with a Focus on Neuronal Direct Reprogramming and Pluripotency Reprogramming. Cells 2024; 13:707. [PMID: 38667322 PMCID: PMC11049106 DOI: 10.3390/cells13080707] [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: 04/02/2024] [Revised: 04/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Although lineage reprogramming from one cell type to another is becoming a breakthrough technology for cell-based therapy, several limitations remain to be overcome, including the low conversion efficiency and subtype specificity. To address these, many studies have been conducted using genetics, chemistry, physics, and cell biology to control transcriptional networks, signaling cascades, and epigenetic modifications during reprogramming. Here, we summarize recent advances in cellular reprogramming and discuss future directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taichi Umeyama
- Department of Stem Cell Biology and Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 819-0395, Japan
| | - Taito Matsuda
- Department of Stem Cell Biology and Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 819-0395, Japan
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11
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Sharifi-Kelishadi M, Zare L, Fathollahi Y, Javan M. Conversion of Astrocyte Cell Lines to Oligodendrocyte Progenitor Cells Using Small Molecules and Transplantation to Animal Model of Multiple Sclerosis. J Mol Neurosci 2024; 74:40. [PMID: 38594388 DOI: 10.1007/s12031-024-02206-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
Astrocytes, the most prevalent cells in the central nervous system (CNS), can be transformed into neurons and oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPCs) using specific transcription factors and some chemicals. In this study, we present a cocktail of small molecules that target different signaling pathways to promote astrocyte conversion to OPCs. Astrocytes were transferred to an OPC medium and exposed for five days to a small molecule cocktail containing CHIR99021, Forskolin, Repsox, LDN, VPA and Thiazovivin before being preserved in the OPC medium for an additional 10 days. Once reaching the OPC morphology, induced cells underwent immunocytofluorescence evaluation for OPC markers while checked for lacking the astrocyte markers. To test the in vivo differentiation capabilities, induced OPCs were transplanted into demyelinated mice brains treated with cuprizone over 12 weeks. Two distinct lines of astrocytes demonstrated the potential of conversion to OPCs using this small molecule cocktail as verified by morphological changes and the expression of PDGFR and O4 markers as well as the terminal differentiation to oligodendrocytes expressing MBP. Following transplantation into demyelinated mice brains, induced OPCs effectively differentiated into mature oligodendrocytes. The generation of OPCs from astrocytes via a small molecule cocktail may provide a new avenue for producing required progenitors necessary for myelin repair in diseases characterized by the loss of myelin such as multiple sclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Leila Zare
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
- Institute for Brain and Cognition, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Yaghoub Fathollahi
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
- Institute for Brain and Cognition, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Javan
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran.
- Institute for Brain and Cognition, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran.
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran.
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12
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Zhao J, Liu S, Xiang X, Zhu X. Versatile strategies for adult neurogenesis: avenues to repair the injured brain. Neural Regen Res 2024; 19:774-780. [PMID: 37843211 PMCID: PMC10664121 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.382224] [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: 10/22/2022] [Revised: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Brain injuries due to trauma or stroke are major causes of adult death and disability. Unfortunately, few interventions are effective for post-injury repair of brain tissue. After a long debate on whether endogenous neurogenesis actually happens in the adult human brain, there is now substantial evidence to support its occurrence. Although neurogenesis is usually significantly stimulated by injury, the reparative potential of endogenous differentiation from neural stem/progenitor cells is usually insufficient. Alternatively, exogenous stem cell transplantation has shown promising results in animal models, but limitations such as poor long-term survival and inefficient neuronal differentiation make it still challenging for clinical use. Recently, a high focus was placed on glia-to-neuron conversion under single-factor regulation. Despite some inspiring results, the validity of this strategy is still controversial. In this review, we summarize historical findings and recent advances on neurogenesis strategies for neurorepair after brain injury. We also discuss their advantages and drawbacks, as to provide a comprehensive account of their potentials for further studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junyi Zhao
- The Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute (BCBDI), Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Siyu Liu
- The Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute (BCBDI), Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Xianyuan Xiang
- The Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute (BCBDI), Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China
- Faculty of Life and Health Sciences, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Xinzhou Zhu
- The Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute (BCBDI), Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China
- Faculty of Life and Health Sciences, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China
- Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science-Shenzhen Fundamental Research Institutions, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China
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13
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Alizadeh SD, Jalalifar MR, Ghodsi Z, Sadeghi-Naini M, Malekzadeh H, Rahimi G, Mojtabavi K, Shool S, Eskandari Z, Masoomi R, Kiani S, Harrop J, Rahimi-Movaghar V. Reprogramming of astrocytes to neuronal-like cells in spinal cord injury: a systematic review. Spinal Cord 2024; 62:133-142. [PMID: 38448665 DOI: 10.1038/s41393-024-00969-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Revised: 02/17/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
STUDY DESIGN A Systematic Review OBJECTIVES: To determine the therapeutic efficacy of in vivo reprogramming of astrocytes into neuronal-like cells in animal models of spinal cord injury (SCI). METHODS PRISMA 2020 guidelines were utilized, and search engines Medline, Web of Science, Scopus, and Embase until June 2023 were used. Studies that examined the effects of converting astrocytes into neuron-like cells with any vector in all animal models were included, while conversion from other cells except for spinal astrocytes, chemical mechanisms to provide SCI models, brain injury population, and conversion without in-vivo experience were excluded. The risk of bias was calculated independently. RESULTS 5302 manuscripts were initially identified and after eligibility assessment, 43 studies were included for full-text analysis. After final analysis, 13 manuscripts were included. All were graded as high-quality assessments. The transduction factors Sox2, Oct4, Klf4, fibroblast growth factor 4 (Fgf4) antibody, neurogenic differentiation 1 (Neurod1), zinc finger protein 521 (Zfp521), ginsenoside Rg1, and small molecules (LDN193189, CHIR99021, and DAPT) could effectively reprogramme astrocytes into neuron-like cells. The process was enhanced by p21-p53, or Notch signaling knockout, valproic acid, or chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan inhibitors. The type of mature neurons was both excitatory and inhibitory. CONCLUSION Astrocyte reprogramming to neuronal-like cells in an animal model after SCI appears promising. The molecular and functional improvements after astrocyte reprogramming were demonstrated in vivo, and further investigation is required in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seyed Danial Alizadeh
- Sina Trauma and Surgery Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Faculty of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Mohammad-Rasoul Jalalifar
- Sina Trauma and Surgery Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Faculty of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Zahra Ghodsi
- Sina Trauma and Surgery Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Brain and Spinal Cord Injury Research Center, Neuroscience Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohsen Sadeghi-Naini
- Department of neurosurgery, Lorestan University of medical sciences, Khoram-Abad, Iran
| | - Hamid Malekzadeh
- Sina Trauma and Surgery Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Brain and Spinal Cord Injury Research Center, Neuroscience Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Golnoosh Rahimi
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Science and Culture, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Stem Cell and Developmental Biology, Cell Science Research Center, ROYAN Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Cell Science Research Center, ROYAN Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Kurosh Mojtabavi
- Sina Trauma and Surgery Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Neuroscience Department, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Sina Shool
- Sina Trauma and Surgery Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Faculty of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zahra Eskandari
- Department of Management, Faculty of Social Sciences and Economics, Alzahra University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Rasoul Masoomi
- Sina Trauma and Surgery Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sahar Kiani
- Department of Stem Cell and Developmental Biology, Cell Science Research Center, ROYAN Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Cell Science Research Center, ROYAN Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - James Harrop
- Department of Neurosurgery, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Vafa Rahimi-Movaghar
- Sina Trauma and Surgery Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
- Brain and Spinal Cord Injury Research Center, Neuroscience Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shariati Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
- Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran.
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14
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Gerber YN, Perrin FE. In vivo astrocyte reprogramming following spinal cord injury. Neural Regen Res 2024; 19:487-488. [PMID: 37721266 PMCID: PMC10581580 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.380893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Revised: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | - Florence E. Perrin
- MMDN, University of Montpellier, EPHE, INSERM, Montpellier, France
- Institut Universitaire de France (IUF), Paris, France
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15
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Tai W, Du X, Chen C, Xu XM, Zhang CL, Wu W. NG2 glia reprogramming induces robust axonal regeneration after spinal cord injury. iScience 2024; 27:108895. [PMID: 38318363 PMCID: PMC10839253 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.108895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2023] [Revised: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) often leads to neuronal loss, axonal degeneration, and behavioral dysfunction. We recently show that in vivo reprogramming of NG2 glia produces new neurons, reduces glial scaring, and ultimately leads to improved function after SCI. By examining endogenous neurons, we here unexpectedly uncover that NG2 glia reprogramming also induces robust axonal regeneration of the corticospinal tract and serotonergic neurons. Such reprogramming-induced axonal regeneration may contribute to the reconstruction of neural networks essential for behavioral recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjiao Tai
- Department of Molecular Biology and Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Xiaolong Du
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Group, Stark Neuroscience Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Chen Chen
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Group, Stark Neuroscience Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Xiao-Ming Xu
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Group, Stark Neuroscience Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Chun-Li Zhang
- Department of Molecular Biology and Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Wei Wu
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Group, Stark Neuroscience Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
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16
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Cho HE, Lee S, Seo JH, Kang SW, Choi WA, Cho SR. In Vivo Reprogramming Using Yamanaka Factors in the CNS: A Scoping Review. Cells 2024; 13:343. [PMID: 38391956 PMCID: PMC10886652 DOI: 10.3390/cells13040343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2024] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Central nervous system diseases, particularly neurodegenerative disorders, pose significant challenges in medicine. These conditions, characterized by progressive neuronal loss, have remained largely incurable, exacting a heavy toll on individuals and society. In recent years, in vivo reprogramming using Yamanaka factors has emerged as a promising approach for central nervous system regeneration. This technique involves introducing transcription factors, such as Oct4, Sox2, Klf4, and c-Myc, into adult cells to induce their conversion into neurons. This review summarizes the current state of in vivo reprogramming research in the central nervous system, focusing on the use of Yamanaka factors. In vivo reprogramming using Yamanaka factors has shown promising results in several animal models of central nervous system diseases. Studies have demonstrated that this approach can promote the generation of new neurons, improve functional outcomes, and reduce scar formation. However, there are still several challenges that need to be addressed before this approach can be translated into clinical practice. These challenges include optimizing the efficiency of reprogramming, understanding the cell of origin for each transcription factor, and developing methods for reprogramming in non-subventricular zone areas. Further research is needed to overcome the remaining challenges, but this approach has the potential to revolutionize the way we treat central nervous system disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han Eol Cho
- Rehabilitation Institute of Neuromuscular Disease, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 06229, Republic of Korea; (H.E.C.); (S.-W.K.)
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Seoul 06229, Republic of Korea
| | - Siwoo Lee
- Graduate Program of Biomedical Engineering, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea;
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Science, Brain Korea 21 Project, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea;
| | - Jung Hwa Seo
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Science, Brain Korea 21 Project, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea;
- Research Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Seong-Woong Kang
- Rehabilitation Institute of Neuromuscular Disease, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 06229, Republic of Korea; (H.E.C.); (S.-W.K.)
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Seoul 06229, Republic of Korea
| | - Won Ah Choi
- Rehabilitation Institute of Neuromuscular Disease, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 06229, Republic of Korea; (H.E.C.); (S.-W.K.)
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Seoul 06229, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung-Rae Cho
- Rehabilitation Institute of Neuromuscular Disease, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 06229, Republic of Korea; (H.E.C.); (S.-W.K.)
- Graduate Program of Biomedical Engineering, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea;
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Science, Brain Korea 21 Project, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea;
- Research Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea
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17
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Sichani AS, Khoddam S, Shakeri S, Tavakkoli Z, Jafroodi AR, Dabbaghipour R, Sisakht M, Fallahi J. Partial Reprogramming as a Method for Regenerating Neural Tissues in Aged Organisms. Cell Reprogram 2024; 26:10-23. [PMID: 38381402 DOI: 10.1089/cell.2023.0123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Aging causes numerous age-related diseases, leading the human species to death. Nevertheless, rejuvenating strategies based on cell epigenetic modifications are a possible approach to counteract disease progression while getting old. Cell reprogramming of adult somatic cells toward pluripotency ought to be a promising tool for age-related diseases. However, researchers do not have control over this process as cells lose their fate, and cause potential cancerous cells or unexpected cell phenotypes. Direct and partial reprogramming were introduced in recent years with distinctive applications. Although direct reprogramming makes cells lose their identity, it has various applications in regeneration medicine. Temporary and regulated in vivo overexpression of Yamanaka factors has been shown in several experimental contexts to be achievable and is used to rejuvenate mice models. This regeneration can be accomplished by altering the epigenetic adult cell signature to the signature of a younger cell. The greatest advantage of partial reprogramming is that this method does not allow cells to lose their identity when they are resetting their epigenetic clock. It is a regimen of short-term Oct3/4, Sox2, Klf4, and c-Myc expression in vivo that prevents full reprogramming to the pluripotent state and avoids both tumorigenesis and the presence of unwanted undifferentiated cells. We know that many neurological age-related diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease, stroke, dementia, and Parkinson's disease, are the main cause of death in the last decades of life. Therefore, scientists have a special tendency regarding neuroregeneration methods to increase human life expectancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Saber Sichani
- Department of Biology, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Somayeh Khoddam
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Shayan Shakeri
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Zahra Tavakkoli
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Arad Ranji Jafroodi
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Reza Dabbaghipour
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mohsen Sisakht
- Department of Molecular Medicine, School of Advanced Medical Sciences and Technologies, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Jafar Fallahi
- Department of Molecular Medicine, School of Advanced Medical Sciences and Technologies, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
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18
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Liu J, Guo Y, Zhang Y, Zhao X, Fu R, Hua S, Xu S. Astrocytes in ischemic stroke: Crosstalk in central nervous system and therapeutic potential. Neuropathology 2024; 44:3-20. [PMID: 37345225 DOI: 10.1111/neup.12928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Revised: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023]
Abstract
In the central nervous system (CNS), a large group of glial cells called astrocytes play important roles in both physiological and disease conditions. Astrocytes participate in the formation of neurovascular units and interact closely with other cells of the CNS, such as microglia and neurons. Stroke is a global disease with high mortality and disability rate, most of which are ischemic stroke. Significant strides in understanding astrocytes have been made over the past few decades. Astrocytes respond strongly to ischemic stroke through a process known as activation or reactivity. Given the important role played by reactive astrocytes (RAs) in different spatial and temporal aspects of ischemic stroke, there is a growing interest in the potential therapeutic role of astrocytes. Currently, interventions targeting astrocytes, such as mediating astrocyte polarization, reducing edema, regulating glial scar formation, and reprogramming astrocytes, have been proven in modulating the progression of ischemic stroke. The aforementioned potential interventions on astrocytes and the crosstalk between astrocytes and other cells of the CNS will be summarized in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jueling Liu
- First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Yuying Guo
- First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Translational Research of TCM Prescription and Syndrome, Tianjin, China
| | - Yunsha Zhang
- School of Integrative Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Xiaoxiao Zhao
- First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Rong Fu
- First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Shengyu Hua
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Shixin Xu
- First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Translational Research of TCM Prescription and Syndrome, Tianjin, China
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19
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Huang L, Lai X, Liang X, Chen J, Yang Y, Xu W, Qin Q, Qin R, Huang X, Xie M, Chen L. A promise for neuronal repair: reprogramming astrocytes into neurons in vivo. Biosci Rep 2024; 44:BSR20231717. [PMID: 38175538 PMCID: PMC10830445 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20231717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2023] [Revised: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Massive loss of neurons following brain injury or disease is the primary cause of central nervous system dysfunction. Recently, much research has been conducted on how to compensate for neuronal loss in damaged parts of the nervous system and thus restore functional connectivity among neurons. Direct somatic cell differentiation into neurons using pro-neural transcription factors, small molecules, or microRNAs, individually or in association, is the most promising form of neural cell replacement therapy available. This method provides a potential remedy for cell loss in a variety of neurodegenerative illnesses, and the development of reprogramming technology has made this method feasible. This article provides a comprehensive review of reprogramming, including the selection and methods of reprogramming starting cell populations as well as the signaling methods involved in this process. Additionally, we thoroughly examine how reprogramming astrocytes into neurons can be applied to treat stroke and other neurodegenerative diseases. Finally, we discuss the challenges of neuronal reprogramming and offer insights about the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lijuan Huang
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China
- State Key Laboratory of Targeting Oncology, National Center for International Research of Bio-Targeting Theranostics, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Bio-Targeting Theranostics, Collaborative Innovation Center for Targeting Tumor Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, 530021, China
| | - Xinyu Lai
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China
- Collaborative Innovation Centre of Regenerative Medicine and Medical BioResource Development and Application Co-constructed by the Province and Ministry, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, 530021, China
| | - Xiaojun Liang
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China
| | - Jiafeng Chen
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China
- State Key Laboratory of Targeting Oncology, National Center for International Research of Bio-Targeting Theranostics, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Bio-Targeting Theranostics, Collaborative Innovation Center for Targeting Tumor Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, 530021, China
| | - Yue Yang
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China
- State Key Laboratory of Targeting Oncology, National Center for International Research of Bio-Targeting Theranostics, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Bio-Targeting Theranostics, Collaborative Innovation Center for Targeting Tumor Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, 530021, China
| | - Wei Xu
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China
- State Key Laboratory of Targeting Oncology, National Center for International Research of Bio-Targeting Theranostics, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Bio-Targeting Theranostics, Collaborative Innovation Center for Targeting Tumor Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, 530021, China
| | - Qingchun Qin
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China
- State Key Laboratory of Targeting Oncology, National Center for International Research of Bio-Targeting Theranostics, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Bio-Targeting Theranostics, Collaborative Innovation Center for Targeting Tumor Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, 530021, China
| | - Rongxing Qin
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China
| | - Xiaoying Huang
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China
| | - Minshan Xie
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China
| | - Li Chen
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China
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20
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Mahmoudi N, Wang Y, Moriarty N, Ahmed NY, Dehorter N, Lisowski L, Harvey AR, Parish CL, Williams RJ, Nisbet DR. Neuronal Replenishment via Hydrogel-Rationed Delivery of Reprogramming Factors. ACS NANO 2024; 18:3597-3613. [PMID: 38221746 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.3c11337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Abstract
The central nervous system's limited capacity for regeneration often leads to permanent neuronal loss following injury. Reprogramming resident reactive astrocytes into induced neurons at the site of injury is a promising strategy for neural repair, but challenges persist in stabilizing and accurately targeting viral vectors for transgene expression. In this study, we employed a bioinspired self-assembling peptide (SAP) hydrogel for the precise and controlled release of a hybrid adeno-associated virus (AAV) vector, AAVDJ, carrying the NeuroD1 neural reprogramming transgene. This method effectively mitigates the issues of high viral dosage at the target site, off-target delivery, and immunogenic reactions, enhancing the vector's targeting and reprogramming efficiency. In vitro, this vector successfully induced neuron formation, as confirmed by morphological, histochemical, and electrophysiological analyses. In vivo, SAP-mediated delivery of AAVDJ-NeuroD1 facilitated the trans-differentiation of reactive host astrocytes into induced neurons, concurrently reducing glial scarring. Our findings introduce a safe and effective method for treating central nervous system injuries, marking a significant advancement in regenerative neuroscience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Negar Mahmoudi
- Laboratory of Advanced Biomaterials, the John Curtin School of Medical Research, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
- ANU College of Engineering & Computer Science, Acton, ACT 2601, Australia
| | - Yi Wang
- The Graeme Clark Institute, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Niamh Moriarty
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Noorya Y Ahmed
- The John Curtin School of Medical Research, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
- The Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Nathalie Dehorter
- The John Curtin School of Medical Research, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
- The Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Leszek Lisowski
- Translational Vectorology Research Unit, Children's Medical Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia
- Vector and Genome Engineering Facility, Children's Medical Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia
- Australian Genome Therapeutics Centre, Children's Medical Research Institute and Sydney Children's Hospitals Network, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology and Innovative Therapies, Military Institute of Medicine, 04-141 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Alan R Harvey
- School of Human Sciences, The University of Western Australia, and Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Clare L Parish
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Richard J Williams
- The Graeme Clark Institute, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia
- IMPACT, School of Medicine, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC 3217, Australia
| | - David R Nisbet
- Laboratory of Advanced Biomaterials, the John Curtin School of Medical Research, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
- The Graeme Clark Institute, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia
- Melbourne Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Science, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia
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21
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Jastrzębski MK, Wójcik P, Stępnicki P, Kaczor AA. Effects of small molecules on neurogenesis: Neuronal proliferation and differentiation. Acta Pharm Sin B 2024; 14:20-37. [PMID: 38239239 PMCID: PMC10793103 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2023.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Revised: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Neurons are believed to be non-proliferating cells. However, neuronal stem cells are still present in certain areas of the adult brain, although their proliferation diminishes with age. Just as with other cells, their proliferation and differentiation are modulated by various mechanisms. These mechanisms are foundational to the strategies developed to induce neuronal proliferation and differentiation, with potential therapeutic applications for neurodegenerative diseases. The most common among these diseases are Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease, associated with the formation of β -amyloid (Aβ ) aggregates which cause a reduction in the number of neurons. Compounds such as LiCl, 4-aminothiazoles, Pregnenolone, ACEA, harmine, D2AAK1, methyl 3,4-dihydroxybenzoate, and shikonin may induce neuronal proliferation/differentiation through the activation of pathways: MAPK ERK, PI3K/AKT, NFκ B, Wnt, BDNF, and NPAS3. Moreover, combinations of these compounds can potentially transform somatic cells into neurons. This transformation process involves the activation of neuron-specific transcription factors such as NEUROD1, NGN2, ASCL1, and SOX2, which subsequently leads to the transcription of downstream genes, culminating in the transformation of somatic cells into neurons. Neurodegenerative diseases are not the only conditions where inducing neuronal proliferation could be beneficial. Consequently, the impact of pro-proliferative compounds on neurons has also been researched in mouse models of Alzheimer's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michał K. Jastrzębski
- Department of Synthesis and Chemical Technology of Pharmaceutical Substances with Computer Modeling Laboratory, Medical University of Lublin, Faculty of Pharmacy, Lublin PL-20093, Poland
| | - Piotr Wójcik
- Department of Synthesis and Chemical Technology of Pharmaceutical Substances with Computer Modeling Laboratory, Medical University of Lublin, Faculty of Pharmacy, Lublin PL-20093, Poland
| | - Piotr Stępnicki
- Department of Synthesis and Chemical Technology of Pharmaceutical Substances with Computer Modeling Laboratory, Medical University of Lublin, Faculty of Pharmacy, Lublin PL-20093, Poland
| | - Agnieszka A. Kaczor
- Department of Synthesis and Chemical Technology of Pharmaceutical Substances with Computer Modeling Laboratory, Medical University of Lublin, Faculty of Pharmacy, Lublin PL-20093, Poland
- School of Pharmacy, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio FI-70211, Finland
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22
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Aqel S, Al-Thani N, Haider MZ, Abdelhady S, Al Thani AA, Kobeissy F, Shaito AA. Biomaterials in Traumatic Brain Injury: Perspectives and Challenges. BIOLOGY 2023; 13:21. [PMID: 38248452 PMCID: PMC10813103 DOI: 10.3390/biology13010021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Revised: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a leading cause of mortality and long-term impairment globally. TBI has a dynamic pathology, encompassing a variety of metabolic and molecular events that occur in two phases: primary and secondary. A forceful external blow to the brain initiates the primary phase, followed by a secondary phase that involves the release of calcium ions (Ca2+) and the initiation of a cascade of inflammatory processes, including mitochondrial dysfunction, a rise in oxidative stress, activation of glial cells, and damage to the blood-brain barrier (BBB), resulting in paracellular leakage. Currently, there are no FDA-approved drugs for TBI, but existing approaches rely on delivering micro- and macromolecular treatments, which are constrained by the BBB, poor retention, off-target toxicity, and the complex pathology of TBI. Therefore, there is a demand for innovative and alternative therapeutics with effective delivery tactics for the diagnosis and treatment of TBI. Tissue engineering, which includes the use of biomaterials, is one such alternative approach. Biomaterials, such as hydrogels, including self-assembling peptides and electrospun nanofibers, can be used alone or in combination with neuronal stem cells to induce neurite outgrowth, the differentiation of human neural stem cells, and nerve gap bridging in TBI. This review examines the inclusion of biomaterials as potential treatments for TBI, including their types, synthesis, and mechanisms of action. This review also discusses the challenges faced by the use of biomaterials in TBI, including the development of biodegradable, biocompatible, and mechanically flexible biomaterials and, if combined with stem cells, the survival rate of the transplanted stem cells. A better understanding of the mechanisms and drawbacks of these novel therapeutic approaches will help to guide the design of future TBI therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Aqel
- Medical Research Center, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha P.O. Box 3050, Qatar
| | - Najlaa Al-Thani
- Research and Development Department, Barzan Holdings, Doha P.O. Box 7178, Qatar
| | - Mohammad Z. Haider
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha P.O. Box 2713, Qatar;
| | - Samar Abdelhady
- Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria 21544, Egypt;
| | - Asmaa A. Al Thani
- Biomedical Research Center and Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Health Science, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha P.O. Box 2713, Qatar;
| | - Firas Kobeissy
- Department of Neurobiology, Center for Neurotrauma, Multiomics & Biomarkers (CNMB), Morehouse School of Medicine, 720 Westview Dr. SW, Atlanta, GA 30310, USA
| | - Abdullah A. Shaito
- Biomedical Research Center, Department of Biomedical Sciences at College of Health Sciences, College of Medicine, Qatar University, Doha P.O. Box 2713, Qatar
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23
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Serrano C, Cananzi S, Shen T, Wang LL, Zhang CL. Simple and Highly Specific Targeting of Resident Microglia with Adeno-Associated Virus. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.12.12.571321. [PMID: 38168285 PMCID: PMC10760038 DOI: 10.1101/2023.12.12.571321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Microglia, as the immune cells of the central nervous system (CNS), play dynamic roles in both health and diseased conditions. The ability to genetically target microglia using viruses is crucial for understanding their functions and advancing microglia-based treatments. We here show that resident microglia can be simply and specifically targeted using adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors containing a 466-bp DNA fragment from the human IBA1 (hIBA1) promoter. This targeting approach is applicable to both resting and reactive microglia. When combining the short hIBA1 promoter with the target sequence of miR124, up to 95% of transduced cells are identified as microglia. Such a simple and highly specific microglia-targeting strategy may be further optimized for research and therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Serrano
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
- Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Sergio Cananzi
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
- Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Tianjin Shen
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
- Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Lei-Lei Wang
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
- Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Chun-Li Zhang
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
- Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
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24
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Liu J, van Beusekom H, Bu X, Chen G, Henrique Rosado de Castro P, Chen X, Chen X, Clarkson AN, Farr TD, Fu Y, Jia J, Jolkkonen J, Kim WS, Korhonen P, Li S, Liang Y, Liu G, Liu G, Liu Y, Malm T, Mao X, Oliveira JM, Modo MM, Ramos‐Cabrer P, Ruscher K, Song W, Wang J, Wang X, Wang Y, Wu H, Xiong L, Yang Y, Ye K, Yu J, Zhou X, Zille M, Masters CL, Walczak P, Boltze J, Ji X, Wang Y. Preserving cognitive function in patients with Alzheimer's disease: The Alzheimer's disease neuroprotection research initiative (ADNRI). NEUROPROTECTION 2023; 1:84-98. [PMID: 38223913 PMCID: PMC10783281 DOI: 10.1002/nep3.23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Revised: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Abstract
The global trend toward aging populations has resulted in an increase in the occurrence of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and associated socioeconomic burdens. Abnormal metabolism of amyloid-β (Aβ) has been proposed as a significant pathomechanism in AD, supported by results of recent clinical trials using anti-Aβ antibodies. Nonetheless, the cognitive benefits of the current treatments are limited. The etiology of AD is multifactorial, encompassing Aβ and tau accumulation, neuroinflammation, demyelination, vascular dysfunction, and comorbidities, which collectively lead to widespread neurodegeneration in the brain and cognitive impairment. Hence, solely removing Aβ from the brain may be insufficient to combat neurodegeneration and preserve cognition. To attain effective treatment for AD, it is necessary to (1) conduct extensive research on various mechanisms that cause neurodegeneration, including advances in neuroimaging techniques for earlier detection and a more precise characterization of molecular events at scales ranging from cellular to the full system level; (2) identify neuroprotective intervention targets against different neurodegeneration mechanisms; and (3) discover novel and optimal combinations of neuroprotective intervention strategies to maintain cognitive function in AD patients. The Alzheimer's Disease Neuroprotection Research Initiative's objective is to facilitate coordinated, multidisciplinary efforts to develop systemic neuroprotective strategies to combat AD. The aim is to achieve mitigation of the full spectrum of pathological processes underlying AD, with the goal of halting or even reversing cognitive decline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Liu
- Department of Neurology, Daping HospitalThird Military Medical UniversityChongqingChina
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Ageing and Brain DiseasesChongqingChina
| | - Heleen van Beusekom
- Division of Experimental Cardiology, Department of Cardiology, Erasmus MCUniversity Medical CenterRotterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Xian‐Le Bu
- Department of Neurology, Daping HospitalThird Military Medical UniversityChongqingChina
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Ageing and Brain DiseasesChongqingChina
- Institute of Brain and IntelligenceThird Military Medical UniversityChongqingChina
| | - Gong Chen
- Guangdong‐HongKong‐Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration (GHMICR)Jinan UniversityGuangzhouGuangdongChina
| | | | - Xiaochun Chen
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Molecular Neurology, Department of Neurology and Geriatrics, Fujian Institute of Geriatrics, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Institute of NeuroscienceFujian Medical UniversityFuzhouFujianChina
| | - Xiaowei Chen
- Institute of Brain and IntelligenceThird Military Medical UniversityChongqingChina
- Guangyang Bay LaboratoryChongqing Institute for Brain and IntelligenceChongqingChina
- Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence TechnologyChinese Academy of SciencesShanghaiChina
| | - Andrew N. Clarkson
- Department of Anatomy, Brain Health Research Centre and Brain Research New ZealandUniversity of OtagoDunedinNew Zealand
| | - Tracy D. Farr
- School of Life SciencesUniversity of NottinghamNottinghamUK
| | - Yuhong Fu
- Brain and Mind Centre & School of Medical SciencesThe University of SydneySydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Jianping Jia
- Innovation Center for Neurological Disorders and Department of Neurology, Xuanwu Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric DiseasesCapital Medical UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Jukka Jolkkonen
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular SciencesUniversity of Eastern FinlandKuopioFinland
| | - Woojin Scott Kim
- Brain and Mind Centre & School of Medical SciencesThe University of SydneySydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Paula Korhonen
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular SciencesUniversity of Eastern FinlandKuopioFinland
| | - Shen Li
- Department of Neurology and Psychiatry, Beijing Shijitan HospitalCapital Medical UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Yajie Liang
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology and Nuclear MedicineUniversity of Maryland School of MedicineBaltimoreMarylandUSA
| | - Guang‐Hui Liu
- University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of ZoologyChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Guiyou Liu
- Beijing Institute of Brain Disorders, Laboratory of Brain Disorders, Ministry of Science and Technology, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain DisordersCapital Medical UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Yu‐Hui Liu
- Department of Neurology, Daping HospitalThird Military Medical UniversityChongqingChina
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Ageing and Brain DiseasesChongqingChina
- Institute of Brain and IntelligenceThird Military Medical UniversityChongqingChina
| | - Tarja Malm
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular SciencesUniversity of Eastern FinlandKuopioFinland
| | - Xiaobo Mao
- Institute for Cell Engineering, Department of NeurologyThe Johns Hopkins University School of MedicineBaltimoreMarylandUSA
| | - Joaquim Miguel Oliveira
- 3B's Research Group, I3Bs—Research Institute on Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics, Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative MedicineUniversity of MinhoGuimarãesPortugal
- ICVS/3B's—PT Government Associate LaboratoryBraga/GuimarãesPortugal
| | - Mike M. Modo
- Department of Bioengineering, McGowan Institute for Regenerative MedicineUniversity of PittsburghPittsburghPennsylvaniaUSA
- Department of Radiology, McGowan Institute for Regenerative MedicineUniversity of PittsburghPittsburghPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Pedro Ramos‐Cabrer
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging LaboratoryCIC BiomaGUNE Research Center, Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA)Donostia‐San SebastianSpain
| | - Karsten Ruscher
- Laboratory for Experimental Brain Research, Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Clinical SciencesLund UniversityLundSweden
| | - Weihong Song
- Institute of Aging, Key Laboratory of Alzheimer's Disease of Zhejiang Province. Zhejiang Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, School of Mental Health and The Affiliated Kangning Hospital, Oujiang Laboratory (Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision and Brain Health)Wenzhou Medical UniversityZhejiangChina
| | - Jun Wang
- Department of Neurology, Daping HospitalThird Military Medical UniversityChongqingChina
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Ageing and Brain DiseasesChongqingChina
| | - Xuanyue Wang
- School of Optometry and Vision ScienceUniversity of New South WalesSydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Yun Wang
- Neuroscience Research Institute, Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic, Medical Sciences, Key Laboratory for Neuroscience, Ministry of Education/National, Health Commission and State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic DrugsPeking UniversityBeijingChina
- PKU‐IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain ResearchPeking UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Haitao Wu
- Department of NeurobiologyBeijing Institute of Basic Medical SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Lize Xiong
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology and Brain Functional Modulation, Clinical Research Center for Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Translational Research Institute of Brain and Brain‐Like Intelligence, Shanghai Fourth People's Hospital, School of MedicineTongji UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Yi Yang
- Department of NeurologyThe First Hospital of Jilin University, Chang ChunJilinChina
| | - Keqiang Ye
- Faculty of Life and Health SciencesBrain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute (BCBDI), Shenzhen Institute of Advanced TechnologyShenzhenChina
| | - Jin‐Tai Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Department of Neurology and Institute of Neurology, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical CollegeFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Xin‐Fu Zhou
- Division of Health Sciences, School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences and Sansom InstituteUniversity of South AustraliaAdelaideSouth AustraliaAustralia
- Suzhou Auzone BiotechSuzhouJiangsuChina
| | - Marietta Zille
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Division of Pharmacology and ToxicologyUniversity of ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Colin L. Masters
- The Florey InstituteThe University of Melbourne, ParkvilleVictoriaAustralia
| | - Piotr Walczak
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology and Nuclear MedicineUniversity of Maryland School of MedicineBaltimoreMarylandUSA
| | | | - Xunming Ji
- Department of NeurosurgeryXuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Yan‐Jiang Wang
- Department of Neurology, Daping HospitalThird Military Medical UniversityChongqingChina
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Ageing and Brain DiseasesChongqingChina
- Institute of Brain and IntelligenceThird Military Medical UniversityChongqingChina
- Guangyang Bay LaboratoryChongqing Institute for Brain and IntelligenceChongqingChina
- Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence TechnologyChinese Academy of SciencesShanghaiChina
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25
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Yao R, Liu M, Liang F, Sun Z, Yang J, Zhou J, Su Q, Liu X. Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Inhibits Neuronal Ferroptosis After Spinal Cord Injury in Mice. Spine (Phila Pa 1976) 2023; 48:1553-1560. [PMID: 37678378 DOI: 10.1097/brs.0000000000004820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/26/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023]
Abstract
STUDY DESIGN Basic science study investigating the potential molecular mechanisms of hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) therapy in mice with spinal cord injury (SCI). OBJECTIVE We aimed to explore the intrinsic mechanisms of HBO for SCI through the lens of ferroptosis in the subacute phase. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA HBO has been observed to facilitate the restoration of neurological function subsequent to SCI. Ferroptosis is a distinct cellular death mechanism that can be distinguished from apoptosis, necrosis, and autophagy. However, the precise relationship between these two phenomena remains poorly understood. METHODS We established an SCI model and employed a range of techniques, including behavioral assessments, electron microscopy, immunofluorescence, RT-qPCR, Western blotting (WB), Glutathione (GSH) measurement, and iron assay, to investigate various aspects of HBO therapy on SCI in mice. These included analyzing mitochondrial morphology, neuronal count, GSH levels, iron levels, and the expression of genes (Acyl-CoA synthetase family member-2, Iron-responsive element-binding protein-2) and proteins (Glutathione peroxidase 4; system Xc-light chain) associated with ferroptosis. The study included three groups: Sham-operated, SCI, and HBO. Group comparisons were performed using one-way analysis of variance and one-way repeated measures analysis of variance, followed by Tukey's post hoc test. Statistical significance was set at a P < 0.05. RESULTS Our findings revealed that HBO therapy significantly enhanced the recovery of lower limb motor function in mice following SCI in the subacute phase. This was accompanied by upregulated expression of GPX4 and system Xc-light chain proteins, elevated GSH levels, increased number of NeuN+ cells, decreased expression of the iron-responsive element-binding protein-2 gene, and reduced iron concentration. CONCLUSIONS Our research suggests that HBO therapy has the potential to be an effective treatment for SCI in the subacute phase by mitigating ferroptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruizhang Yao
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Mo Liu
- Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Fang Liang
- Department of Hyperbaric Oxygen, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhencheng Sun
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Qilu Hospital (Qingdao), Cheeloo College of Medicine Shandong University, Qingdao, China
| | - Jing Yang
- Department of Hyperbaric Oxygen, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Junlin Zhou
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Qingjun Su
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Xuehua Liu
- Department of Hyperbaric Oxygen, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
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26
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Lale Ataei M, Karimipour M, Shahabi P, Soltani-Zangbar H, Pashaiasl M. Human Mesenchymal Stem Cell Transplantation Improved Functional Outcomes Following Spinal Cord Injury Concomitantly with Neuroblast Regeneration. Adv Pharm Bull 2023; 13:806-816. [PMID: 38022812 PMCID: PMC10676545 DOI: 10.34172/apb.2023.058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Revised: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose Spinal cord injury (SCI) is damage to the spinal cord that resulted in irreversible neuronal loss, glial scar formation and axonal injury. Herein, we used the human amniotic fluid mesenchymal stem cells (hAF-MSCs) and their conditioned medium (CM), to investigate their ability in neuroblast and astrocyte production as well as functional recovery following SCI. Methods Fifty-four adult rats were randomly divided into nine groups (n=6), included: Control, SCI, (SCI + DMEM), (SCI + CM), (SCI + MSCs), (SCI + Astrocyte), (SCI + Astrocyte + DMEM), (SCI + Astrocyte + CM) and (SCI + Astrocyte + MSCs). Following laminectomy and SCI induction, DMEM, CM, MSCs, and astrocytes were injected. Western blot was performed to explore the levels of the Sox2 protein in the MSCs-CM. The immunofluorescence staining against doublecortin (DCX) and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) was done. Finally, Basso-Beattie-Brenham (BBB) locomotor test was conducted to assess the neurological outcomes. Results Our results showed that the MSCs increased the number of endogenous DCX-positive cells and decreased the number of GFAP-positive cells by mediating juxtacrine and paracrine mechanisms (P<0.001). Transplanted human astrocytes were converted to neuroblasts rather than astrocytes under influence of MSCs and CM in the SCI. Moreover, functional recovery indexes were promoted in those groups that received MSCs and CM. Conclusion Taken together, our data indicate the MSCs via juxtacrine and paracrine pathways could direct the spinal cord endogenous neural stem cells (NSCs) to the neuroblasts lineage which indicates the capability of the MSCs in the increasing of the number of DCX-positive cells and astrocytes decline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Lale Ataei
- Neuroscience Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Mohammad Karimipour
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Parviz Shahabi
- Drug Applied Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Hamid Soltani-Zangbar
- Department of Neuroscience and Cognition, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Maryam Pashaiasl
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
- Department of Reproductive Biology, Faculty of Advanced Medical Science, Tabriz University of Medical Science, Tabriz, Iran
- Women’s Reproductive Health Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
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Xia X, Huang Y, Peng B, Wang T, Yi R, Zhao Y, Jiang J, Dai F, Fan Y, Li P, Tu Y, Zhang L, Fang H, Chen L. High-Yield Synthesis of Sodium Chlorides of Unconventional Stoichiometries. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2023; 35:e2303072. [PMID: 37436786 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202303072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Revised: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2023]
Abstract
Abnormal salt crystals with unconventional stoichiometries, such as Na2 Cl, Na3 Cl, K2 Cl, and CaCl crystals that have been explored in reduced graphene oxide membranes (rGOMs) or diamond anvil cells, hold great promise in applications due to their unique electronic, magnetic, and optical properties predicted in theory. However, the low content of these crystals, only <1% in rGOM, limits their research interest and utility in applications. Here, a high-yield synthesis of 2D abnormal crystals with unconventional stoichiometries is reported, which is achieved by applying negative potential on rGOM. A more than tenfold increase in the abnormal Na2 Cl crystals is obtained using a potential of -0.6 V, resulting in an atomic content of 13.4 ± 4.7% for Na on rGOM. Direct observations by transmission electron microscopy and piezoresponse force microscopy demonstrates a unique piezoelectric behavior arising from 2D Na2 Cl crystals with square structure. The output voltage increases from 0 to ≈180 mV in the broad 0-150° bending angle regime, which meets the voltage requirement of most nanodevices in realistic applications. Density functional theory calculations reveal that the applied negative potential of the graphene surface can strengthen the effect of the Na+ -π interaction and reduce the electrostatic repulsion between cations, making more Na2 Cl crystals formed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinming Xia
- School of Physical Science and Technology, Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315211, China
- School of Physical Science and Technology & Microelectronics Industry Research Institute, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, China
| | - Yingying Huang
- School of Physics, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237, China
| | - Bingquan Peng
- Wenzhou Institute, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325000, China
| | - Tao Wang
- School of Physical Science and Technology, Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315211, China
- Department of Optical Engineering, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou, 311300, China
| | - Ruobing Yi
- MOE Key Laboratory for Nonequilibrium Synthesis and Modulation of Condensed Matter, School of Physics, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, China
| | - Yimin Zhao
- MOE Key Laboratory for Nonequilibrium Synthesis and Modulation of Condensed Matter, School of Physics, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, China
| | - Jie Jiang
- School of Physical Science and Technology, Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315211, China
| | - Fangfang Dai
- Wenzhou Institute, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325000, China
| | - Yan Fan
- Department of Optical Engineering, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou, 311300, China
| | - Pei Li
- School of Physical Science and Technology, Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315211, China
| | - Yusong Tu
- School of Physical Science and Technology & Microelectronics Industry Research Institute, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- MOE Key Laboratory for Nonequilibrium Synthesis and Modulation of Condensed Matter, School of Physics, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, China
| | - Haiping Fang
- School of Physics, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237, China
- Wenzhou Institute, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325000, China
| | - Liang Chen
- School of Physical Science and Technology, Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315211, China
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Tai W, Zhang CL. In vivo cell fate reprogramming for spinal cord repair. Curr Opin Genet Dev 2023; 82:102090. [PMID: 37506560 PMCID: PMC11025462 DOI: 10.1016/j.gde.2023.102090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2023] [Revised: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) can lead to the loss of motor, sensory, or autonomic function due to neuronal death. Unfortunately, the adult mammalian spinal cord has limited intrinsic regenerative capacity, making it difficult to rebuild the neural circuits necessary for functional recovery. However, recent evidence suggests that in vivo fate reprogramming of resident cells that are normally non-neurogenic can generate new neurons. This process also improves the pathological microenvironment, and the new neurons can integrate into the local neural network, resulting in better functional outcomes in SCI animal models. In this concise review, we focus on recent advances while also discussing the challenges, pitfalls, and opportunities in the field of in vivo cell fate reprogramming for spinal cord repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjiao Tai
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA; Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Chun-Li Zhang
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA; Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA.
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29
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Chen X, Sokirniy I, Wang X, Jiang M, Mseis-Jackson N, Williams C, Mayes K, Jiang N, Puls B, Du Q, Shi Y, Li H. MicroRNA-375 Is Induced during Astrocyte-to-Neuron Reprogramming and Promotes Survival of Reprogrammed Neurons when Overexpressed. Cells 2023; 12:2202. [PMID: 37681934 PMCID: PMC10486704 DOI: 10.3390/cells12172202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023] Open
Abstract
While astrocyte-to-neuron (AtN) reprogramming holds great promise in regenerative medicine, the molecular mechanisms that govern this unique biological process remain elusive. To understand the function of miRNAs during the AtN reprogramming process, we performed RNA-seq of both mRNAs and miRNAs on human astrocyte (HA) cultures upon NeuroD1 overexpression. Bioinformatics analyses showed that NeuroD1 not only activated essential neuronal genes to initiate the reprogramming process but also induced miRNA changes in HA. Among the upregulated miRNAs, we identified miR-375 and its targets, neuronal ELAVL genes (nELAVLs), which encode a family of RNA-binding proteins and were also upregulated by NeuroD1. We further showed that manipulating the miR-375 level regulated nELAVLs' expression during NeuroD1-mediated reprogramming. Interestingly, miR-375/nELAVLs were also induced by the reprogramming factors Neurog2 and ASCL1 in HA, suggesting a conserved function to neuronal reprogramming, and by NeuroD1 in the mouse astrocyte culture and spinal cord. Functionally, we showed that miR-375 overexpression improved NeuroD1-mediated reprogramming efficiency by promoting cell survival at early stages in HA and did not appear to compromise the maturation of the reprogrammed neurons. Lastly, overexpression of miR-375-refractory ELAVL4 induced apoptosis and reversed the cell survival-promoting effect of miR-375 during AtN reprogramming. Together, we demonstrated a neuroprotective role of miR-375 during NeuroD1-mediated AtN reprogramming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuanyu Chen
- Department of Neuroscience & Regenerative Medicine, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
| | - Ivan Sokirniy
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Xin Wang
- Department of Biology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Mei Jiang
- Department of Neuroscience & Regenerative Medicine, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
| | - Natalie Mseis-Jackson
- Department of Neuroscience & Regenerative Medicine, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
| | - Christine Williams
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, College of Science & Mathematics, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
| | - Kristopher Mayes
- Department of Neuroscience & Regenerative Medicine, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
| | - Na Jiang
- Department of Neuroscience & Regenerative Medicine, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
| | - Brendan Puls
- Department of Biology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Quansheng Du
- Department of Neuroscience & Regenerative Medicine, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
| | - Yang Shi
- Department of Neuroscience & Regenerative Medicine, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
- Division of Biostatistics and Data Science, Department of Population Health Sciences, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
| | - Hedong Li
- Department of Neuroscience & Regenerative Medicine, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
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Punjani N, Deska-Gauthier D, Hachem LD, Abramian M, Fehlings MG. Neuroplasticity and regeneration after spinal cord injury. NORTH AMERICAN SPINE SOCIETY JOURNAL 2023; 15:100235. [PMID: 37416090 PMCID: PMC10320621 DOI: 10.1016/j.xnsj.2023.100235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Revised: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023]
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a debilitating condition with significant personal, societal, and economic burden. The highest proportion of traumatic injuries occur at the cervical level, which results in severe sensorimotor and autonomic deficits. Following the initial physical damage associated with traumatic injuries, secondary pro-inflammatory, excitotoxic, and ischemic cascades are initiated further contributing to neuronal and glial cell death. Additionally, emerging evidence has begun to reveal that spinal interneurons undergo subtype specific neuroplastic circuit rearrangements in the weeks to months following SCI, contributing to or hindering functional recovery. The current therapeutic guidelines and standards of care for SCI patients include early surgery, hemodynamic regulation, and rehabilitation. Additionally, preclinical work and ongoing clinical trials have begun exploring neuroregenerative strategies utilizing endogenous neural stem/progenitor cells, stem cell transplantation, combinatorial approaches, and direct cell reprogramming. This review will focus on emerging cellular and noncellular regenerative therapies with an overview of the current available strategies, the role of interneurons in plasticity, and the exciting research avenues enhancing tissue repair following SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nayaab Punjani
- Division of Genetics and Development, Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Dylan Deska-Gauthier
- Division of Genetics and Development, Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Laureen D. Hachem
- Division of Genetics and Development, Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Surgery, Division of Neurosurgery and Spine Program, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Madlene Abramian
- Division of Genetics and Development, Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Michael G. Fehlings
- Division of Genetics and Development, Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Surgery, Division of Neurosurgery and Spine Program, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Division of Neurosurgery, Krembil Neuroscience Centre, Toronto Western Hospital, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
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Trotier A, Bagnoli E, Walski T, Evers J, Pugliese E, Lowery M, Kilcoyne M, Fitzgerald U, Biggs M. Micromotion Derived Fluid Shear Stress Mediates Peri-Electrode Gliosis through Mechanosensitive Ion Channels. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2023; 10:e2301352. [PMID: 37518828 PMCID: PMC10520674 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202301352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 06/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023]
Abstract
The development of bioelectronic neural implant technologies has advanced significantly over the past 5 years, particularly in brain-machine interfaces and electronic medicine. However, neuroelectrode-based therapies require invasive neurosurgery and can subject neural tissues to micromotion-induced mechanical shear, leading to chronic inflammation, the formation of a peri-electrode void and the deposition of reactive glial scar tissue. These structures act as physical barriers, hindering electrical signal propagation and reducing neural implant functionality. Although well documented, the mechanisms behind the initiation and progression of these processes are poorly understood. Herein, in silico analysis of micromotion-induced peri-electrode void progression and gliosis is described. Subsequently, ventral mesencephalic cells exposed to milliscale fluid shear stress in vitro exhibited increased expression of gliosis-associated proteins and overexpression of mechanosensitive ion channels PIEZO1 (piezo-type mechanosensitive ion channel component 1) and TRPA1 (transient receptor potential ankyrin 1), effects further confirmed in vivo in a rat model of peri-electrode gliosis. Furthermore, in vitro analysis indicates that chemical inhibition/activation of PIEZO1 affects fluid shear stress mediated astrocyte reactivity in a mitochondrial-dependent manner. Together, the results suggest that mechanosensitive ion channels play a major role in the development of a peri-electrode void and micromotion-induced glial scarring at the peri-electrode region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre Trotier
- SFI Research Centre for Medical Devices (CÚRAM)University of GalwayGalwayH91 W2TYIreland
- Galway Neuroscience CentreUniversity of GalwayGalwayH91 W2TYIreland
| | - Enrico Bagnoli
- SFI Research Centre for Medical Devices (CÚRAM)University of GalwayGalwayH91 W2TYIreland
- Galway Neuroscience CentreUniversity of GalwayGalwayH91 W2TYIreland
| | - Tomasz Walski
- SFI Research Centre for Medical Devices (CÚRAM)University of GalwayGalwayH91 W2TYIreland
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringFaculty of Fundamental Problems of TechnologyWrocław University of Science and TechnologyWroclaw50‐370Poland
| | - Judith Evers
- School of Electrical and Electronic EngineeringUniversity College DublinDublin 4Ireland
| | - Eugenia Pugliese
- SFI Research Centre for Medical Devices (CÚRAM)University of GalwayGalwayH91 W2TYIreland
| | - Madeleine Lowery
- School of Electrical and Electronic EngineeringUniversity College DublinDublin 4Ireland
| | - Michelle Kilcoyne
- SFI Research Centre for Medical Devices (CÚRAM)University of GalwayGalwayH91 W2TYIreland
- Galway Neuroscience CentreUniversity of GalwayGalwayH91 W2TYIreland
- Carbohydrate Signalling GroupDiscipline of MicrobiologyUniversity of GalwayGalwayH91 W2TYIreland
| | - Una Fitzgerald
- SFI Research Centre for Medical Devices (CÚRAM)University of GalwayGalwayH91 W2TYIreland
- Galway Neuroscience CentreUniversity of GalwayGalwayH91 W2TYIreland
| | - Manus Biggs
- SFI Research Centre for Medical Devices (CÚRAM)University of GalwayGalwayH91 W2TYIreland
- Galway Neuroscience CentreUniversity of GalwayGalwayH91 W2TYIreland
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32
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Fang YM, Chen WC, Zheng WJ, Yang YS, Zhang Y, Chen XL, Pei MQ, Lin S, He HF. A cutting-edge strategy for spinal cord injury treatment: resident cellular transdifferentiation. Front Cell Neurosci 2023; 17:1237641. [PMID: 37711511 PMCID: PMC10498389 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2023.1237641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord injury causes varying degrees of motor and sensory function loss. However, there are no effective treatments for spinal cord repair following an injury. Moreover, significant preclinical advances in bioengineering and regenerative medicine have not yet been translated into effective clinical therapies. The spinal cord's poor regenerative capacity makes repairing damaged and lost neurons a critical treatment step. Reprogramming-based neuronal transdifferentiation has recently shown great potential in repair and plasticity, as it can convert mature somatic cells into functional neurons for spinal cord injury repair in vitro and in vivo, effectively halting the progression of spinal cord injury and promoting functional improvement. However, the mechanisms of the neuronal transdifferentiation and the induced neuronal subtypes are not yet well understood. This review analyzes the mechanisms of resident cellular transdifferentiation based on a review of the relevant recent literature, describes different molecular approaches to obtain different neuronal subtypes, discusses the current challenges and improvement methods, and provides new ideas for exploring therapeutic approaches for spinal cord injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Ming Fang
- Department of Anaesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, China
| | - Wei-Can Chen
- Department of Anaesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, China
| | - Wan-Jing Zheng
- Department of Anaesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, China
| | - Yu-Shen Yang
- Department of Anaesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Department of Anaesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, China
| | - Xin-Li Chen
- Department of Anaesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, China
| | - Meng-Qin Pei
- Department of Anaesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, China
| | - Shu Lin
- Centre of Neurological and Metabolic Research, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, China
- Neuroendocrinology Group, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - He-Fan He
- Department of Anaesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, China
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Ohta S, Yamada Y. Exploring the potential of in vivo reprogramming for studying embryonic development, tissue regeneration, and organismal aging. Curr Opin Genet Dev 2023; 81:102067. [PMID: 37356342 DOI: 10.1016/j.gde.2023.102067] [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: 01/13/2023] [Revised: 04/29/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/27/2023]
Abstract
Forced expression of a specific set of transcription factors can reprogram terminally differentiated cells and convert them into induced pluripotent stem cells that correspond to cells in the inner cell mass of the developing embryo. It is now recognized that the scope of the reprogramming factors extends far beyond the stem cell biology. Studies using mouse models demonstrated that the induction of the reprogramming factors promotes cellular reprogramming in vivo. Closer inspection of these mice has revealed that expression of the reprogramming factors results in unique consequences that are not seen when cells are reprogrammed ex vivo, and can provide insights into development, tissue regeneration, cancer, and aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sho Ohta
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan.
| | - Yasuhiro Yamada
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan.
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Chen X, Sokirniy I, Wang X, Jiang M, Mseis-Jackson N, Williams C, Mayes K, Jiang N, Puls B, Du Q, Shi Y, Li H. MicroRNA-375 is induced during astrocyte-to-neuron reprogramming and promotes survival of reprogrammed neurons when overexpressed. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.07.10.548401. [PMID: 37503054 PMCID: PMC10369893 DOI: 10.1101/2023.07.10.548401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
While astrocyte-to-neuron (AtN) reprogramming holds great promise in regenerative medicine, the molecular mechanisms that govern this unique biological process remain elusive. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), as post-transcriptional regulators of gene expression, play crucial roles during development and under various pathological conditions. To understand the function of miRNAs during AtN reprogramming process, we performed RNA-seq of both mRNAs and miRNAs on human astrocyte (HA) cultures upon NeuroD1 overexpression. Bioinformatics analyses showed that NeuroD1 not only activates essential neuronal genes to initiate reprogramming process but also induces miRNA changes in HA. Among the upregulated miRNAs, we identified miR-375 and its targets, neuronal ELAVL genes ( nELAVLs ), which encode a family of RNA-binding proteins and are also upregulated by NeuroD1. We further showed that manipulating miR-375 level regulates nELAVLs expression during NeuroD1-mediated reprogramming. Interestingly, miR-375/ nELAVLs are also induced by reprogramming factors Neurog2 and ASCL1 in HA suggesting a conserved function to neuronal reprogramming, and by NeuroD1 in the mouse astrocyte culture and spinal cord. Functionally, we showed that miR-375 overexpression improves NeuroD1-mediated reprogramming efficiency by promoting cell survival at early stages in HA even in cultures treated with the chemotherapy drug Cisplatin. Moreover, miR-375 overexpression doesn't appear to compromise maturation of the reprogrammed neurons in long term HA cultures. Lastly, overexpression of miR-375-refractory ELAVL4 induces apoptosis and reverses the cell survival-promoting effect of miR-375 during AtN reprogramming. Together, we demonstrate a neuro-protective role of miR-375 during NeuroD1-mediated AtN reprogramming and suggest a strategy of combinatory overexpression of NeuroD1 and miR-375 for improving neuronal reprogramming efficiency.
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Wang LL, Zhang CL. Therapeutic Potential of PTBP1 Inhibition, If Any, Is Not Attributed to Glia-to-Neuron Conversion. Annu Rev Neurosci 2023; 46:1-15. [PMID: 36750409 PMCID: PMC10404630 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-neuro-092822-083410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
A holy grail of regenerative medicine is to replenish the cells that are lost due to disease. The adult mammalian central nervous system (CNS) has, however, largely lost such a regenerative ability. An emerging strategy for the generation of new neurons is through glia-to-neuron (GtN) conversion in vivo, mainly accomplished by the regulation of fate-determining factors. When inhibited, PTBP1, a factor involved in RNA biology, was reported to induce rapid and efficient GtN conversion in multiple regions of the adult CNS. Remarkably, PTBP1 inhibition was also claimed to greatly improve behaviors of mice with neurological diseases or aging. These phenomenal claims, if confirmed, would constitute a significant advancement in regenerative medicine. Unfortunately, neither GtN conversion nor therapeutic potential via PTBP1 inhibition was validated by the results of multiple subsequent replication studies with stringent methods. Here we review these controversial studies and conclude with recommendations for examining GtN conversion in vivo and future investigations of PTBP1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei-Lei Wang
- Department of Molecular Biology and Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA;
| | - Chun-Li Zhang
- Department of Molecular Biology and Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA;
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Li J, Luo W, Xiao C, Zhao J, Xiang C, Liu W, Gu R. Recent advances in endogenous neural stem/progenitor cell manipulation for spinal cord injury repair. Theranostics 2023; 13:3966-3987. [PMID: 37554275 PMCID: PMC10405838 DOI: 10.7150/thno.84133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) can cause severe neurological impairments. Clinically available treatments are quite limited, with unsatisfactory remediation effects. Residing endogenous neural stem/progenitor cells (eNSPCs) tend to differentiate towards astrocytes, leaving only a small fraction towards oligodendrocytes and even fewer towards neurons; this has been suggested as one of the reasons for the failure of autonomous neuronal regeneration. Thus, finding ways to recruit and facilitate the differentiation of eNSPCs towards neurons has been considered a promising strategy for the noninvasive and immune-compatible treatment of SCI. The present manuscript first introduces the responses of eNSPCs after exogenous interventions to boost endogenous neurogenesis in various SCI models. Then, we focus on state-of-art manipulation approaches that enhance the intrinsic neurogenesis capacity and reconstruct the hostile microenvironment, mainly consisting of pharmacological treatments, stem cell-derived exosome administration, gene therapy, functional scaffold implantation, inflammation regulation, and inhibitory element delineation. Facing the extremely complex situation of SCI, combined treatments are also highlighted to provide more clues for future relevant investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jincheng Li
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130033, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenqi Luo
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130033, People's Republic of China
| | - Chunsheng Xiao
- Key Laboratory of Polymer Ecomaterials, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun 130022, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianhui Zhao
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130033, People's Republic of China
| | - Chunyu Xiang
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130033, People's Republic of China
| | - Wanguo Liu
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130033, People's Republic of China
| | - Rui Gu
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130033, People's Republic of China
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Cho S, Aakash P, Lee S, Yoon YS. Endothelial cell direct reprogramming: Past, present, and future. J Mol Cell Cardiol 2023; 180:22-32. [PMID: 37080451 PMCID: PMC10330356 DOI: 10.1016/j.yjmcc.2023.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2023] [Revised: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 04/22/2023]
Abstract
Ischemic cardiovascular disease still remains as a leading cause of morbidity and mortality despite various medical, surgical, and interventional therapy. As such, cell therapy has emerged as an attractive option because it tackles underlying problem of the diseases by inducing neovascularization in ischemic tissue. After overall failure of adult stem or progenitor cells, studies attempted to generate endothelial cells (ECs) from pluripotent stem cells (PSCs). While endothelial cells (ECs) differentiated from PSCs successfully induced vascular regeneration, differentiating volatility and tumorigenic potential is a concern for their clinical applications. Alternatively, direct reprogramming strategies employ lineage-specific factors to change cell fate without achieving pluripotency. ECs have been successfully reprogrammed via ectopic expression of transcription factors (TFs) from endothelial lineage. The reprogrammed ECs induced neovascularization in vitro and in vivo and thus demonstrated their therapeutic value in animal models of vascular insufficiency. Methods of delivering reprogramming factors include lentiviral or retroviral vectors and more clinically relevant, non-integrative adenoviral and episomal vectors. Most studies made use of fibroblast as a source cell for reprogramming, but reprogrammability of other clinically relevant source cell types has to be evaluated. Specific mechanisms and small molecules that are involved in the aforementioned processes tackles challenges associated with direct reprogramming efficiency and maintenance of reprogrammed EC characteristics. After all, this review provides summary of past and contemporary methods of direct endothelial reprogramming and discusses the future direction to overcome these challenges to acquire clinically applicable reprogrammed ECs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seonggeon Cho
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Parthasarathy Aakash
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Sangho Lee
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA.
| | - Young-Sup Yoon
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA; Severance Biomedical Science Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
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Tai W, Du X, Chen C, Xu XM, Zhang CL, Wu W. NG2 Glia Reprogramming Induces Robust Axonal Regeneration After Spinal Cord Injury. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.06.14.544792. [PMID: 37398355 PMCID: PMC10312714 DOI: 10.1101/2023.06.14.544792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/04/2023]
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) often leads to neuronal loss, axonal degeneration and behavioral dysfunction. We recently show that in vivo reprogramming of NG2 glia produces new neurons, reduces glial scaring, and ultimately leads to improved function after SCI. By examining endogenous neurons, we here unexpectedly uncover that NG2 glia reprogramming also induces robust axonal regeneration of the corticospinal tract and serotonergic neurons. Such reprogramming-induced axonal regeneration may contribute to the reconstruction of neural networks essential for behavioral recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjiao Tai
- Department of Molecular Biology and Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
- Authors contributed equally
| | - Xiaolong Du
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Group, Stark Neuroscience Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
- Authors contributed equally
| | - Chen Chen
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Group, Stark Neuroscience Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Xiao-Ming Xu
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Group, Stark Neuroscience Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Chun-Li Zhang
- Department of Molecular Biology and Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Wei Wu
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Group, Stark Neuroscience Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
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Sabourian P, Frounchi M, Kiani S, Mashayekhan S, Kheirabadi MZ, Heydari Y, Ashraf SS. Targeting reactive astrocytes by pH-responsive ligand-bonded polymeric nanoparticles in spinal cord injury. Drug Deliv Transl Res 2023; 13:1842-1855. [PMID: 36689118 DOI: 10.1007/s13346-023-01300-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
In spinal cord injuries, axonal regeneration decreases with the activation of astrocytes followed by glial scar formation. Targeting reactive astrocytes has been recently performed by unsafe viral vectors to inhibit gliosis. In the current study, biocompatible polymeric nanoparticles were selected as an alternative for viruses to target reactive astrocytes for further drug/gene delivery applications. Lipopolysaccharide-bonded chitosan-quantum dots/poly acrylic acid nanoparticles were prepared by ionic gelation method to target reactive astrocytes both in vitro and in spinal cord-injured rats. Owing to their biocompatibility and pH-responsive behavior, chitosan and poly acrylic acid were the main components of nanoparticles. Nanoparticles were then chemically labeled with quantum dots to track the cell uptake and electrostatically interacted with lipopolysaccharide as a targeting ligand. In vitro and in vivo studies were performed in triplicate and all data were expressed as the mean ± the standard error of the mean. Smart nanoparticles with optimum size (61.9 nm) and surface charge (+ 12.5 mV) successfully targeted primary reactive astrocytes extracted from the rat cerebral cortex. In vitro studies represented high cell viability (96%) in the exposure of biocompatible nanoparticles. The pH-responsive behavior of nanoparticles was proved by their internalization into the cell's nuclei due to the swelling and endosomal escape of nanoparticles in acidic pH. In vivo studies demonstrated higher transfection of nanoparticles into reactive astrocytes compared to the neurons. pH-responsive ligand-bonded chitosan-based nanoparticles are good alternatives for viral vectors in targeted delivery applications for the treatment of spinal cord injuries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parinaz Sabourian
- Department of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering, Sharif University of Technology, Azadi Avenue, Tehran, Iran
| | - Masoud Frounchi
- Department of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering, Sharif University of Technology, Azadi Avenue, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Sahar Kiani
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Cell Science Research Center, ROYAN Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Stem Cell and Developmental Biology, Cell Science Research Center, ROYAN Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shohreh Mashayekhan
- Department of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering, Sharif University of Technology, Azadi Avenue, Tehran, Iran
| | - Masoumeh Zarei Kheirabadi
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Cell Science Research Center, ROYAN Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Stem Cell and Developmental Biology, Cell Science Research Center, ROYAN Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Yasaman Heydari
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Cell Science Research Center, ROYAN Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Stem Cell and Developmental Biology, Cell Science Research Center, ROYAN Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Seyed Sajad Ashraf
- Department of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering, Sharif University of Technology, Azadi Avenue, Tehran, Iran
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Wei H, Wu X, Withrow J, Cuevas-Diaz Duran R, Singh S, Chaboub LS, Rakshit J, Mejia J, Rolfe A, Herrera JJ, Horner PJ, Wu JQ. Glial progenitor heterogeneity and key regulators revealed by single-cell RNA sequencing provide insight to regeneration in spinal cord injury. Cell Rep 2023; 42:112486. [PMID: 37149868 PMCID: PMC10511029 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.112486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Revised: 02/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/22/2023] [Indexed: 05/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent studies have revealed the heterogeneous nature of astrocytes; however, how diverse constituents of astrocyte-lineage cells are regulated in adult spinal cord after injury and contribute to regeneration remains elusive. We perform single-cell RNA sequencing of GFAP-expressing cells from sub-chronic spinal cord injury models and identify and compare with the subpopulations in acute-stage data. We find subpopulations with distinct functional enrichment and their identities defined by subpopulation-specific transcription factors and regulons. Immunohistochemistry, RNAscope experiments, and quantification by stereology verify the molecular signature, location, and morphology of potential resident neural progenitors or neural stem cells in the adult spinal cord before and after injury and uncover the populations of the intermediate cells enriched in neuronal genes that could potentially transition into other subpopulations. This study has expanded the knowledge of the heterogeneity and cell state transition of glial progenitors in adult spinal cord before and after injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haichao Wei
- The Department of Neurosurgery, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth), Houston, TX 77030, USA; Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, UT Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Xizi Wu
- The Department of Neurosurgery, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth), Houston, TX 77030, USA; Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, UT Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Joseph Withrow
- The Department of Neurosurgery, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth), Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Raquel Cuevas-Diaz Duran
- Tecnologico de Monterrey, Escuela de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, Monterrey, Nuevo León 64710, Mexico
| | - Simranjit Singh
- The Department of Neurosurgery, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth), Houston, TX 77030, USA; Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, UT Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Lesley S Chaboub
- Center for Neuroregeneration, Department of Neurosurgery, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Jyotirmoy Rakshit
- The Department of Neurosurgery, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth), Houston, TX 77030, USA; Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, UT Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Julio Mejia
- Center for Neuroregeneration, Department of Neurosurgery, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Andrew Rolfe
- The Department of Neurosurgery, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth), Houston, TX 77030, USA; Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, UT Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Juan J Herrera
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Imaging, McGovern Medical School, UTHealth, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Philip J Horner
- Center for Neuroregeneration, Department of Neurosurgery, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
| | - Jia Qian Wu
- The Department of Neurosurgery, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth), Houston, TX 77030, USA; Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, UT Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
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Shafqat A, Albalkhi I, Magableh HM, Saleh T, Alkattan K, Yaqinuddin A. Tackling the glial scar in spinal cord regeneration: new discoveries and future directions. Front Cell Neurosci 2023; 17:1180825. [PMID: 37293626 PMCID: PMC10244598 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2023.1180825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Axonal regeneration and functional recovery are poor after spinal cord injury (SCI), typified by the formation of an injury scar. While this scar was traditionally believed to be primarily responsible for axonal regeneration failure, current knowledge takes a more holistic approach that considers the intrinsic growth capacity of axons. Targeting the SCI scar has also not reproducibly yielded nearly the same efficacy in animal models compared to these neuron-directed approaches. These results suggest that the major reason behind central nervous system (CNS) regeneration failure is not the injury scar but a failure to stimulate axon growth adequately. These findings raise questions about whether targeting neuroinflammation and glial scarring still constitute viable translational avenues. We provide a comprehensive review of the dual role of neuroinflammation and scarring after SCI and how future research can produce therapeutic strategies targeting the hurdles to axonal regeneration posed by these processes without compromising neuroprotection.
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Kiss Bimbova K, Bacova M, Kisucka A, Gálik J, Ileninova M, Kuruc T, Magurova M, Lukacova N. Impact of Endurance Training on Regeneration of Axons, Glial Cells, and Inhibitory Neurons after Spinal Cord Injury: A Link between Functional Outcome and Regeneration Potential within the Lesion Site and in Adjacent Spinal Cord Tissue. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24108616. [PMID: 37239968 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24108616] [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: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Endurance training prior to spinal cord injury (SCI) has a beneficial effect on the activation of signaling pathways responsible for survival, neuroplasticity, and neuroregeneration. It is, however, unclear which training-induced cell populations are essential for the functional outcome after SCI. Adult Wistar rats were divided into four groups: control, six weeks of endurance training, Th9 compression (40 g/15 min), and pretraining + Th9 compression. The animals survived six weeks. Training alone increased the gene expression and protein level of immature CNP-ase oligodendrocytes (~16%) at Th10, and caused rearrangements in neurotrophic regulation of inhibitory GABA/glycinergic neurons at the Th10 and L2 levels, known to contain the interneurons with rhythmogenic potential. Training + SCI upregulated markers for immature and mature (CNP-ase, PLP1) oligodendrocytes by ~13% at the lesion site and caudally, and increased the number of GABA/glycinergic neurons in specific spinal cord regions. In the pretrained SCI group, the functional outcome of hindlimbs positively correlated with the protein levels of CNP-ase, PLP1, and neurofilaments (NF-l), but not with the outgrowing axons (Gap-43) at the lesion site and caudally. These results indicate that endurance training applied before SCI potentiates the repair in damaged spinal cord, and creates a suitable environment for neurological outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarina Kiss Bimbova
- Department of Neurodegeneration, Plasticity and Repair, Institute of Neurobiology, Biomedical Research Centre of Slovak Academy of Sciences, Soltesovej 4-6, 040 01 Kosice, Slovakia
| | - Maria Bacova
- Department of Neurodegeneration, Plasticity and Repair, Institute of Neurobiology, Biomedical Research Centre of Slovak Academy of Sciences, Soltesovej 4-6, 040 01 Kosice, Slovakia
| | - Alexandra Kisucka
- Department of Neurodegeneration, Plasticity and Repair, Institute of Neurobiology, Biomedical Research Centre of Slovak Academy of Sciences, Soltesovej 4-6, 040 01 Kosice, Slovakia
| | - Ján Gálik
- Department of Neurodegeneration, Plasticity and Repair, Institute of Neurobiology, Biomedical Research Centre of Slovak Academy of Sciences, Soltesovej 4-6, 040 01 Kosice, Slovakia
| | - Maria Ileninova
- Department of Neurodegeneration, Plasticity and Repair, Institute of Neurobiology, Biomedical Research Centre of Slovak Academy of Sciences, Soltesovej 4-6, 040 01 Kosice, Slovakia
| | - Tomas Kuruc
- Department of Neurodegeneration, Plasticity and Repair, Institute of Neurobiology, Biomedical Research Centre of Slovak Academy of Sciences, Soltesovej 4-6, 040 01 Kosice, Slovakia
| | - Martina Magurova
- Department of Neurodegeneration, Plasticity and Repair, Institute of Neurobiology, Biomedical Research Centre of Slovak Academy of Sciences, Soltesovej 4-6, 040 01 Kosice, Slovakia
| | - Nadezda Lukacova
- Department of Neurodegeneration, Plasticity and Repair, Institute of Neurobiology, Biomedical Research Centre of Slovak Academy of Sciences, Soltesovej 4-6, 040 01 Kosice, Slovakia
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43
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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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Talifu Z, Liu JY, Pan YZ, Ke H, Zhang CJ, Xu X, Gao F, Yu Y, Du LJ, Li JJ. In vivo astrocyte-to-neuron reprogramming for central nervous system regeneration: a narrative review. Neural Regen Res 2023; 18:750-755. [PMID: 36204831 PMCID: PMC9700087 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.353482] [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] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
The inability of damaged neurons to regenerate within the mature central nervous system (CNS) is a significant neuroscientific challenge. Astrocytes are an essential component of the CNS and participate in many physiological processes including blood-brain barrier formation, axon growth regulation, neuronal support, and higher cognitive functions such as memory. Recent reprogramming studies have confirmed that astrocytes in the mature CNS can be transformed into functional neurons. Building on in vitro work, many studies have demonstrated that astrocytes can be transformed into neurons in different disease models to replace damaged or lost cells. However, many findings in this field are controversial, as the source of new neurons has been questioned. This review summarizes progress in reprogramming astrocytes into neurons in vivo in animal models of spinal cord injury, brain injury, Huntington's disease, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, and other neurodegenerative conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zuliyaer Talifu
- School of Rehabilitation, Capital Medical University; Department of Spinal and Neural Functional Reconstruction, China Rehabilitation Research Center; Chinese Institute of Rehabilitation Science; Center of Neural Injury and Repair, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders; Beijing Key Laboratory of Neural Injury and Rehabilitation, Beijing; School of Rehabilitation Sciences and Engineering, University of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Qingdao, Shandong Province, China
| | - Jia-Yi Liu
- School of Rehabilitation, Capital Medical University; Department of Spinal and Neural Functional Reconstruction, China Rehabilitation Research Center; Chinese Institute of Rehabilitation Science; Center of Neural Injury and Repair, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders; Beijing Key Laboratory of Neural Injury and Rehabilitation, Beijing, China
| | - Yun-Zhu Pan
- School of Rehabilitation, Capital Medical University; Department of Spinal and Neural Functional Reconstruction, China Rehabilitation Research Center; Chinese Institute of Rehabilitation Science; Center of Neural Injury and Repair, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders; Beijing Key Laboratory of Neural Injury and Rehabilitation, Beijing; School of Rehabilitation Sciences and Engineering, University of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Qingdao, Shandong Province, China
| | - Han Ke
- School of Rehabilitation, Capital Medical University; Department of Spinal and Neural Functional Reconstruction, China Rehabilitation Research Center; Chinese Institute of Rehabilitation Science; Center of Neural Injury and Repair, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders; Beijing Key Laboratory of Neural Injury and Rehabilitation, Beijing, China
| | - Chun-Jia Zhang
- School of Rehabilitation, Capital Medical University; Department of Spinal and Neural Functional Reconstruction, China Rehabilitation Research Center; Chinese Institute of Rehabilitation Science; Center of Neural Injury and Repair, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders; Beijing Key Laboratory of Neural Injury and Rehabilitation, Beijing, China
| | - Xin Xu
- School of Rehabilitation, Capital Medical University; Department of Spinal and Neural Functional Reconstruction, China Rehabilitation Research Center; Chinese Institute of Rehabilitation Science; Center of Neural Injury and Repair, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders; Beijing Key Laboratory of Neural Injury and Rehabilitation, Beijing, China
| | - Feng Gao
- School of Rehabilitation, Capital Medical University; Department of Spinal and Neural Functional Reconstruction, China Rehabilitation Research Center; Chinese Institute of Rehabilitation Science; Center of Neural Injury and Repair, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders; Beijing Key Laboratory of Neural Injury and Rehabilitation, Beijing, China
| | - Yan Yu
- School of Rehabilitation, Capital Medical University; Chinese Institute of Rehabilitation Science; Center of Neural Injury and Repair, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders; Beijing Key Laboratory of Neural Injury and Rehabilitation, Beijing, China
| | - Liang-Jie Du
- School of Rehabilitation, Capital Medical University; Department of Spinal and Neural Functional Reconstruction, China Rehabilitation Research Center; Chinese Institute of Rehabilitation Science; Center of Neural Injury and Repair, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders; Beijing Key Laboratory of Neural Injury and Rehabilitation, Beijing, China
| | - Jian-Jun Li
- School of Rehabilitation, Capital Medical University; Department of Spinal and Neural Functional Reconstruction, China Rehabilitation Research Center; Chinese Institute of Rehabilitation Science; Center of Neural Injury and Repair, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders; Beijing Key Laboratory of Neural Injury and Rehabilitation, Beijing; School of Rehabilitation Sciences and Engineering, University of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Qingdao, Shandong Province, China
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Song S, Li Y, Huang J, Cheng S, Zhang Z. Inhibited astrocytic differentiation in neural stem cell-laden 3D bioprinted conductive composite hydrogel scaffolds for repair of spinal cord injury. BIOMATERIALS ADVANCES 2023; 148:213385. [PMID: 36934714 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioadv.2023.213385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2022] [Revised: 01/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023]
Abstract
The emergence of three-dimensional (3D) bioprinting technology has attracted ever-increasing attention in engineered tissue fabrication for stem cell-based tissue repair. However, the in vivo performance of transplanted stem cells in the tissue engineering scaffolds is still a major concern for regenerative medicine researches. Especially for neural stem cell (NSC) transplantation, the uncontrollable differentiation of the NSCs in host often leads to a poor therapeutic effect in nerve tissue repair, such as spinal cord injury (SCI) repair. To address this issue, we have fabricated a conductive composite hydrogel (CCH) scaffold loading with NSCs by 3D bioprinting, for delivering the NSCs to injured spinal cord and repairing the propriospinal nerve circuit. In our strategy, a novel conductive polymer (PEDOT:CSMA,TA) was synthesized and introduced into a photocrosslinkable gelatin/polyethylene glycol physical-gel matrix, thereby forming a composite bioink with well shear-thinning and self-healing properties. The composite bioink we prepared was then printed into the NSC-laden CCH scaffold with high shape fidelity and similar physicochemical properties to native spinal cord tissues. The NSCs encapsulated in the bioprinted CCH scaffold extended their neurites to form superior physical contact with the neighboring cells as well as the electroconductive matrix, and maintained a predominant in vivo neuronal differentiation, accompanying with few astrocytic production in the lesion area after transplantation into the SCI sites. As a result, the removal of glial scar tissues and the regeneration of well-developed nerve fibres sequentially happened, which not only facilitated nerve tissue development, but also accelerated locomotor function recovery in the SCI rats. By exploring the application of conductive biomaterials in stem cell-based SCI therapy, this work represents a feasible, new approach to precisely construct tissue engineering scaffolds for stem cell-based therapy in traumatic SCI and other nervous system diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaoshuai Song
- School of Nano-Tech and Nano-Bionics, University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), 96 Jinzhai Road, Hefei 230026, China; CAS Key Laboratory of Nano-Bio Interface, Division of Nanobiomedicine, Suzhou Institute of Nano-Tech and Nano-Bionics (SINANO), Chinese Academy of Sciences, 398 Ruoshui Road, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Yuxuan Li
- School of Nano-Tech and Nano-Bionics, University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), 96 Jinzhai Road, Hefei 230026, China; CAS Key Laboratory of Nano-Bio Interface, Division of Nanobiomedicine, Suzhou Institute of Nano-Tech and Nano-Bionics (SINANO), Chinese Academy of Sciences, 398 Ruoshui Road, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Jie Huang
- School of Nano-Tech and Nano-Bionics, University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), 96 Jinzhai Road, Hefei 230026, China; CAS Key Laboratory of Nano-Bio Interface, Division of Nanobiomedicine, Suzhou Institute of Nano-Tech and Nano-Bionics (SINANO), Chinese Academy of Sciences, 398 Ruoshui Road, Suzhou 215123, China.
| | - Shengnan Cheng
- School of Nano-Tech and Nano-Bionics, University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), 96 Jinzhai Road, Hefei 230026, China; CAS Key Laboratory of Nano-Bio Interface, Division of Nanobiomedicine, Suzhou Institute of Nano-Tech and Nano-Bionics (SINANO), Chinese Academy of Sciences, 398 Ruoshui Road, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Zhijun Zhang
- School of Nano-Tech and Nano-Bionics, University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), 96 Jinzhai Road, Hefei 230026, China; CAS Key Laboratory of Nano-Bio Interface, Division of Nanobiomedicine, Suzhou Institute of Nano-Tech and Nano-Bionics (SINANO), Chinese Academy of Sciences, 398 Ruoshui Road, Suzhou 215123, China.
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Current Advancements in Spinal Cord Injury Research—Glial Scar Formation and Neural Regeneration. Cells 2023; 12:cells12060853. [PMID: 36980193 PMCID: PMC10046908 DOI: 10.3390/cells12060853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Revised: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a complex tissue injury resulting in permanent and degenerating damage to the central nervous system (CNS). Detrimental cellular processes occur after SCI, including axonal degeneration, neuronal loss, neuroinflammation, reactive gliosis, and scar formation. The glial scar border forms to segregate the neural lesion and isolate spreading inflammation, reactive oxygen species, and excitotoxicity at the injury epicenter to preserve surrounding healthy tissue. The scar border is a physicochemical barrier composed of elongated astrocytes, fibroblasts, and microglia secreting chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans, collogen, and the dense extra-cellular matrix. While this physiological response preserves viable neural tissue, it is also detrimental to regeneration. To overcome negative outcomes associated with scar formation, therapeutic strategies have been developed: the prevention of scar formation, the resolution of the developed scar, cell transplantation into the lesion, and endogenous cell reprogramming. This review focuses on cellular/molecular aspects of glial scar formation, and discusses advantages and disadvantages of strategies to promote regeneration after SCI.
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47
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Gene Therapy for Regenerative Medicine. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:pharmaceutics15030856. [PMID: 36986717 PMCID: PMC10057434 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15030856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Revised: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The development of biological methods over the past decade has stimulated great interest in the possibility to regenerate human tissues. Advances in stem cell research, gene therapy, and tissue engineering have accelerated the technology in tissue and organ regeneration. However, despite significant progress in this area, there are still several technical issues that must be addressed, especially in the clinical use of gene therapy. The aims of gene therapy include utilising cells to produce a suitable protein, silencing over-producing proteins, and genetically modifying and repairing cell functions that may affect disease conditions. While most current gene therapy clinical trials are based on cell- and viral-mediated approaches, non-viral gene transfection agents are emerging as potentially safe and effective in the treatment of a wide variety of genetic and acquired diseases. Gene therapy based on viral vectors may induce pathogenicity and immunogenicity. Therefore, significant efforts are being invested in non-viral vectors to enhance their efficiency to a level comparable to the viral vector. Non-viral technologies consist of plasmid-based expression systems containing a gene encoding, a therapeutic protein, and synthetic gene delivery systems. One possible approach to enhance non-viral vector ability or to be an alternative to viral vectors would be to use tissue engineering technology for regenerative medicine therapy. This review provides a critical view of gene therapy with a major focus on the development of regenerative medicine technologies to control the in vivo location and function of administered genes.
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Li Y, Yang T, Cheng Y, Hou J, Liu Z, Zhao Y, Chen S, Qin Z, Wang C, Song W, Ge H, Li C, Liang L, Guo L, Sun H, Wu LP, Zheng H. Low glutaminase and glycolysis correlate with a high transdifferentiation efficiency in mouse cortex. Cell Prolif 2023; 56:e13422. [PMID: 36786003 DOI: 10.1111/cpr.13422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Both exogenous transcriptional factors and chemical-defined medium can transdifferentiate astrocytes into functional neurons. However, the regional preference for such transdifferentiation has not been fully studied. A previously reported 5C medium was infused into the mouse cortex and striatum to determine the regional preference for transdifferentiation from astrocytes to neurons. The numbers of NeuN+ GFAP+ EdU+ cells (intermediates) and NeuN+ EdU+ cells (end products) were determined by immunofluorescence to explore the regional preference of transdifferentiation. In addition, to optimize the delivery of the transdifferentiation medium, three key growth factors, insulin, bFGF and transferrin, were loaded onto chitosan nanoparticles, mixed with gelatin methacryloyl and tested in animals with motor cortex injury. A higher transdifferentiation efficiency was identified in the mouse cortex. Differences in cellular respiration and the balance between glutaminase (Gls) and glutamine synthetase were confirmed to be key regulators. In addition, the sustained drug release system induced transdifferentiation of cortex astrocytes both in vivo and in vitro, and partially facilitated the behaviour recovery of mice with motor cortex injury. We also applied this method in pigs and obtained consistent results. In summary, low Gls and glycolysis can be used to predict high transdifferentiation efficiency, which may be useful to identify better indications for the current transdifferentiation system. In addition, the current drug delivery system has the potential to treat diseases related to cortex injuries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, GIBH-CUHK Joint Research Laboratory on Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Centre for Regenerative Medicine and Health, Hong Kong Institute of Science & Innovation, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Tingting Yang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, GIBH-CUHK Joint Research Laboratory on Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Centre for Regenerative Medicine and Health, Hong Kong Institute of Science & Innovation, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yingying Cheng
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, GIBH-CUHK Joint Research Laboratory on Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Centre for Regenerative Medicine and Health, Hong Kong Institute of Science & Innovation, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jinfei Hou
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, GIBH-CUHK Joint Research Laboratory on Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Centre for Regenerative Medicine and Health, Hong Kong Institute of Science & Innovation, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China.,Department of Plastic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zhaoming Liu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, GIBH-CUHK Joint Research Laboratory on Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Centre for Regenerative Medicine and Health, Hong Kong Institute of Science & Innovation, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yu Zhao
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, GIBH-CUHK Joint Research Laboratory on Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Centre for Regenerative Medicine and Health, Hong Kong Institute of Science & Innovation, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shiyu Chen
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, GIBH-CUHK Joint Research Laboratory on Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Centre for Regenerative Medicine and Health, Hong Kong Institute of Science & Innovation, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zhaohui Qin
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, GIBH-CUHK Joint Research Laboratory on Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Centre for Regenerative Medicine and Health, Hong Kong Institute of Science & Innovation, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Chenchen Wang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, GIBH-CUHK Joint Research Laboratory on Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Centre for Regenerative Medicine and Health, Hong Kong Institute of Science & Innovation, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China.,Department of Plastic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Weining Song
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, GIBH-CUHK Joint Research Laboratory on Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Centre for Regenerative Medicine and Health, Hong Kong Institute of Science & Innovation, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Haofei Ge
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, GIBH-CUHK Joint Research Laboratory on Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Centre for Regenerative Medicine and Health, Hong Kong Institute of Science & Innovation, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China.,Joint School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Changpeng Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, GIBH-CUHK Joint Research Laboratory on Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Centre for Regenerative Medicine and Health, Hong Kong Institute of Science & Innovation, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lining Liang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, GIBH-CUHK Joint Research Laboratory on Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Centre for Regenerative Medicine and Health, Hong Kong Institute of Science & Innovation, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lin Guo
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, GIBH-CUHK Joint Research Laboratory on Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Centre for Regenerative Medicine and Health, Hong Kong Institute of Science & Innovation, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hao Sun
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, GIBH-CUHK Joint Research Laboratory on Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Centre for Regenerative Medicine and Health, Hong Kong Institute of Science & Innovation, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lin-Ping Wu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, GIBH-CUHK Joint Research Laboratory on Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Centre for Regenerative Medicine and Health, Hong Kong Institute of Science & Innovation, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Hui Zheng
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, GIBH-CUHK Joint Research Laboratory on Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Centre for Regenerative Medicine and Health, Hong Kong Institute of Science & Innovation, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,Joint School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,Institutes for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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Bringuier CM, Noristani HN, Perez JC, Cardoso M, Goze-Bac C, Gerber YN, Perrin FE. Up-Regulation of Astrocytic Fgfr4 Expression in Adult Mice after Spinal Cord Injury. Cells 2023; 12:cells12040528. [PMID: 36831195 PMCID: PMC9954417 DOI: 10.3390/cells12040528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Revised: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) leads to persistent neurological deficits without available curative treatment. After SCI astrocytes within the lesion vicinity become reactive, these undergo major morphological, and molecular transformations. Previously, we reported that following SCI, over 10% of resident astrocytes surrounding the lesion spontaneously transdifferentiate towards a neuronal phenotype. Moreover, this conversion is associated with an increased expression of fibroblast growth factor receptor 4 (Fgfr4), a neural stem cell marker, in astrocytes. Here, we evaluate the therapeutic potential of gene therapy upon Fgfr4 over-expression in mature astrocytes following SCI in adult mice. We found that Fgfr4 over-expression in astrocytes immediately after SCI improves motor function recovery; however, it may display sexual dimorphism. Improved functional recovery is associated with a decrease in spinal cord lesion volume and reduced glial reactivity. Cell-specific transcriptomic profiling revealed concomitant downregulation of Notch signaling, and up-regulation of neurogenic pathways in converting astrocytes. Our findings suggest that gene therapy targeting Fgfr4 over-expression in astrocytes after injury is a feasible therapeutic approach to improve recovery following traumatism of the spinal cord. Moreover, we stress that a sex-dependent response to astrocytic modulation should be considered for the development of effective translational strategies in other neurological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Maida Cardoso
- UMR 5221, Univ. Montpellier, CNRS, 34095 Montpellier, France
| | | | | | - Florence Evelyne Perrin
- MMDN, Univ. Montpellier, EPHE, INSERM, 34095 Montpellier, France
- Institut Universitaire de France (IUF), 75005 Paris, France
- Correspondence:
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Chen G, Yang RY, Chai R, Pan JY, Bao JY, Xia PH, Wang YK, Chen Y, Li Y, Wu J. Knockdown of polypyrimidine tract binding protein facilitates motor function recovery after spinal cord injury. Neural Regen Res 2023; 18:396-403. [PMID: 35900436 PMCID: PMC9396513 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.346463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
After spinal cord injury (SCI), a fibroblast- and microglia-mediated fibrotic scar is formed in the lesion core, and a glial scar is formed around the fibrotic scar as a result of the activation and proliferation of astrocytes. Simultaneously, a large number of neurons are lost in the injured area. Regulating the dense glial scar and replenishing neurons in the injured area are essential for SCI repair. Polypyrimidine tract binding protein (PTB), known as an RNA-binding protein, plays a key role in neurogenesis. Here, we utilized short hairpin RNAs (shRNAs) and antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) to knock down PTB expression. We found that reactive spinal astrocytes from mice were directly reprogrammed into motoneuron-like cells by PTB downregulation in vitro. In a mouse model of compression-induced SCI, adeno-associated viral shRNA-mediated PTB knockdown replenished motoneuron-like cells around the injured area. Basso Mouse Scale scores and forced swim, inclined plate, cold allodynia, and hot plate tests showed that PTB knockdown promoted motor function recovery in mice but did not improve sensory perception after SCI. Furthermore, ASO-mediated PTB knockdown improved motor function restoration by not only replenishing motoneuron-like cells around the injured area but also by modestly reducing the density of the glial scar without disrupting its overall structure. Together, these findings suggest that PTB knockdown may be a promising therapeutic strategy to promote motor function recovery during spinal cord repair.
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