1
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Vojnits K, de León A, Rathore H, Liao S, Zhao M, Gibon J, Pakpour S. ROS-dependent degeneration of human neurons induced by environmentally relevant levels of micro- and nanoplastics of diverse shapes and forms. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 469:134017. [PMID: 38518696 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.134017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2024] [Revised: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/24/2024]
Abstract
Our study explores the pressing issue of micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) inhalation and their subsequent penetration into the brain, highlighting a significant environmental health concern. We demonstrate that MNPs can indeed penetrate murine brain, warranting further investigation into their neurotoxic effects in humans. We then proceed to test the impact of MNPs at environmentally relevant concentrations, with focusing on variations in size and shape. Our findings reveal that these MNPs induce oxidative stress, cytotoxicity, and neurodegeneration in human neurons, with cortical neurons being more susceptible than nociceptors. Furthermore, we examine the role of biofilms on MNPs, demonstrating that MNPs can serve as a vehicle for pathogenic biofilms that significantly exacerbate these neurotoxic effects. This sequence of investigations reveals that minimal MNPs accumulation can cause oxidative stress and neurodegeneration in human neurons, significantly risking brain health and highlights the need to understand the neurological consequences of inhaling MNPs. Overall, our developed in vitro testing battery has significance in elucidating the effects of environmental factors and their associated pathological mechanisms in human neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kinga Vojnits
- School of Engineering, University of British Columbia, Kelowna, BC, Canada
| | - Andrés de León
- School of Engineering, University of British Columbia, Kelowna, BC, Canada; Department of Biology, University of British Columbia, Kelowna, BC, Canada
| | - Harneet Rathore
- School of Engineering, University of British Columbia, Kelowna, BC, Canada
| | - Sophia Liao
- School of Engineering, University of British Columbia, Kelowna, BC, Canada
| | - Michael Zhao
- School of Engineering, University of British Columbia, Kelowna, BC, Canada
| | - Julien Gibon
- Department of Biology, University of British Columbia, Kelowna, BC, Canada; Office of Vice-Principal, Research and Innovation, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Sepideh Pakpour
- School of Engineering, University of British Columbia, Kelowna, BC, Canada.
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2
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Chen YL, Feng XL, Tam KW, Fan CY, Cheung MPL, Yang YT, Wong S, Shum DKY, Chan YS, Cheung CW, Cheung M, Liu JA. Intrinsic and extrinsic actions of human neural progenitors with SUFU inhibition promote tissue repair and functional recovery from severe spinal cord injury. NPJ Regen Med 2024; 9:13. [PMID: 38519518 PMCID: PMC10959923 DOI: 10.1038/s41536-024-00352-4] [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: 07/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Neural progenitor cells (NPCs) derived from human pluripotent stem cells(hPSCs) provide major cell sources for repairing damaged neural circuitry and enabling axonal regeneration after spinal cord injury (SCI). However, the injury niche and inadequate intrinsic factors in the adult spinal cord restrict the therapeutic potential of transplanted NPCs. The Sonic Hedgehog protein (Shh) has crucial roles in neurodevelopment by promoting the formation of motorneurons and oligodendrocytes as well as its recently described neuroprotective features in response to the injury, indicating its essential role in neural homeostasis and tissue repair. In this study, we demonstrate that elevated SHH signaling in hNPCs by inhibiting its negative regulator, SUFU, enhanced cell survival and promoted robust neuronal differentiation with extensive axonal outgrowth, counteracting the harmful effects of the injured niche. Importantly, SUFU inhibition in NPCs exert non-cell autonomous effects on promoting survival and neurogenesis of endogenous cells and modulating the microenvironment by reducing suppressive barriers around lesion sites. The combined beneficial effects of SUFU inhibition in hNPCs resulted in the effective reconstruction of neuronal connectivity with the host and corticospinal regeneration, significantly improving neurobehavioral recovery in recipient animals. These results demonstrate that SUFU inhibition confers hNPCs with potent therapeutic potential to overcome extrinsic and intrinsic barriers in transplantation treatments for SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong-Long Chen
- Department of Anaesthesiology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Xiang-Lan Feng
- Department of Anaesthesiology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Kin-Wai Tam
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Chao-Yang Fan
- Department of Neuroscience, Tat Chee Avenue, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - May Pui-Lai Cheung
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Yong-Ting Yang
- Department of Neuroscience, Tat Chee Avenue, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Stanley Wong
- Department of Anaesthesiology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Daisy Kwok-Yan Shum
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Ying-Shing Chan
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Chi-Wai Cheung
- Department of Anaesthesiology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Hong Kong sanatorium hospital, Hong Kong, China
| | - Martin Cheung
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Jessica Aijia Liu
- Department of Anaesthesiology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
- Department of Neuroscience, Tat Chee Avenue, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
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3
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Klickstein JA, Johnson MA, Antonoudiou P, Maguire J, Paulo JA, Gygi SP, Weihl C, Raman M. ALS-related p97 R155H mutation disrupts lysophagy in iPSC-derived motor neurons. Stem Cell Reports 2024; 19:366-382. [PMID: 38335961 PMCID: PMC10937112 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2024.01.002] [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: 07/11/2023] [Revised: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Mutations in the AAA+ ATPase p97 cause multisystem proteinopathy 1, which includes amyotrophic lateral sclerosis; however, the pathogenic mechanisms that contribute to motor neuron loss remain obscure. Here, we use two induced pluripotent stem cell models differentiated into spinal motor neurons to investigate how p97 mutations perturb the motor neuron proteome. Using quantitative proteomics, we find that motor neurons harboring the p97 R155H mutation have deficits in the selective autophagy of lysosomes (lysophagy). p97 R155H motor neurons are unable to clear damaged lysosomes and have reduced viability. Lysosomes in mutant motor neurons have increased pH compared with wild-type cells. The clearance of damaged lysosomes involves UBXD1-p97 interaction, which is disrupted in mutant motor neurons. Finally, inhibition of the ATPase activity of p97 using the inhibitor CB-5083 rescues lysophagy defects in mutant motor neurons. These results add to the evidence that endo-lysosomal dysfunction is a key aspect of disease pathogenesis in p97-related disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob A Klickstein
- Department of Developmental Molecular and Chemical Biology, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA
| | - Michelle A Johnson
- Department of Developmental Molecular and Chemical Biology, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA
| | | | - Jamie Maguire
- Department of Neuroscience, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA
| | - Joao A Paulo
- Department of Cell Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Steve P Gygi
- Department of Cell Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Chris Weihl
- Department of Neurology, Washington University at St. Louis, St. Louis, MO
| | - Malavika Raman
- Department of Developmental Molecular and Chemical Biology, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA.
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4
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Thiry L, Sirois J, Durcan TM, Stifani S. Generation of human iPSC-derived phrenic-like motor neurons to model respiratory motor neuron degeneration in ALS. Commun Biol 2024; 7:238. [PMID: 38418587 PMCID: PMC10901792 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-024-05925-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/01/2024] Open
Abstract
The fatal motor neuron (MN) disease Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is characterized by progressive MN degeneration. Phrenic MNs (phMNs) controlling the activity of the diaphragm are prone to degeneration in ALS, leading to death by respiratory failure. Understanding of the mechanisms of phMN degeneration in ALS is limited, mainly because human experimental models to study phMNs are lacking. Here we describe a method enabling the derivation of phrenic-like MNs from human iPSCs (hiPSC-phMNs) within 30 days. This protocol uses an optimized combination of small molecules followed by cell-sorting based on a cell-surface protein enriched in hiPSC-phMNs, and is highly reproducible using several hiPSC lines. We show further that hiPSC-phMNs harbouring ALS-associated amplification of the C9orf72 gene progressively lose their electrophysiological activity and undergo increased death compared to isogenic controls. These studies establish a previously unavailable protocol to generate human phMNs offering a disease-relevant system to study mechanisms of respiratory MN dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louise Thiry
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Montreal Neurological Institute-Hospital, McGill University, 3801, rue University, Montreal, QC, H3A 2B4, Canada
- Early Drug Discovery Unit, Montreal Neurological Institute-Hospital, McGill University, 3801, rue University, Montreal, QC, H3A 2B4, Canada
| | - Julien Sirois
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Montreal Neurological Institute-Hospital, McGill University, 3801, rue University, Montreal, QC, H3A 2B4, Canada
- Early Drug Discovery Unit, Montreal Neurological Institute-Hospital, McGill University, 3801, rue University, Montreal, QC, H3A 2B4, Canada
| | - Thomas M Durcan
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Montreal Neurological Institute-Hospital, McGill University, 3801, rue University, Montreal, QC, H3A 2B4, Canada
- Early Drug Discovery Unit, Montreal Neurological Institute-Hospital, McGill University, 3801, rue University, Montreal, QC, H3A 2B4, Canada
| | - Stefano Stifani
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Montreal Neurological Institute-Hospital, McGill University, 3801, rue University, Montreal, QC, H3A 2B4, Canada.
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5
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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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6
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Xu Z, Liu S, Xue X, Li W, Fu J, Deng CX. Rapid responses of human pluripotent stem cells to cyclic mechanical strains applied to integrin by acoustic tweezing cytometry. Sci Rep 2023; 13:18030. [PMID: 37865697 PMCID: PMC10590420 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-45397-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Acoustic tweezing cytometry (ATC) is an ultrasound-based biophysical technique that has shown the capability to promote differentiation of human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs). This study systematically examined how hPSCs respond to cyclic mechanical strains applied by ATC via displacement of integrin-bound microbubbles (averaged diameter of 4.3 µm) using ultrasound pulses (acoustic pressure 0.034 MPa, center frequency 1.24 MHz and pulse repetition frequency 1 Hz). Our data show downregulation of pluripotency marker Octamer-binding transcription factor 4 (OCT4) by at least 10% and increased nuclear localization of Yes-associated protein (YAP) by almost 100% in hPSCs immediately after ATC application for as short as 1 min and 5 min respectively. Analysis of the movements of integrin-anchored microbubbles under ATC stimulations reveals different stages of viscoelastic characteristic behavior and increasing deformation of the integrin-cytoskeleton (CSK) linkage. The peak displacement of integrin-bound microbubbles increased from 1.45 ± 0.16 to 4.74 ± 0.67 μm as the duty cycle of ultrasound pulses increased from 5% to 50% or the duration of each ultrasound pulse increased from 0.05 to 0.5 s. Real-time tracking of integrin-bound microbubbles during ATC application detects high correlation of microbubble displacements with OCT4 downregulation in hPSCs. Together, our data showing fast downregulation of OCT4 in hPSCs in respond to ATC stimulations highlight the unique mechanosensitivity of hPSCs to integrin-targeted cyclic force/strain dependent on the pulse duration or duty cycle of ultrasound pulses, providing insights into the mechanism of ATC-induced accelerated differentiation of hPSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaoyi Xu
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Shiying Liu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Xufeng Xue
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Weiping Li
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Jianping Fu
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA.
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA.
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA.
| | - Cheri X Deng
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA.
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA.
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7
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Yang M, Liu M, Sánchez YF, Avazzadeh S, Quinlan LR, Liu G, Lu Y, Yang G, O'Brien T, Henshall DC, Hardiman O, Shen S. A novel protocol to derive cervical motor neurons from induced pluripotent stem cells for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Stem Cell Reports 2023; 18:1870-1883. [PMID: 37595581 PMCID: PMC10545486 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2023.07.004] [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: 03/12/2023] [Revised: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (sALS) is the majority of ALS, and the lack of appropriate disease models has hindered its research. Induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technology now permits derivation of iPSCs from somatic cells of sALS patients to investigate disease phenotypes and mechanisms. Most existing differentiation protocols are time-consuming or low efficient in generating motor neurons (MNs). Here we report a rapid and simple protocol to differentiate MNs in monolayer culture using small molecules, which led to nearly pure neural stem cells in 6 days, robust OLIG2+ pMNs (73%-91%) in 12 days, enriched CHAT+ cervical spinal MNs (sMNs) (88%-97%) in 18 days, and functionally mature sMNs in 28 days. This simple and reproducible protocol permitted the identification of hyperexcitability phenotypes in our sALS iPSC-derived sMNs, and its application in neurodegenerative diseases should facilitate in vitro disease modeling, drug screening, and the development of cell therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meimei Yang
- Regenerative Medicine Institute, School of Medicine, University of Galway, H91 W2TY Galway, Ireland; FutureNeuro SFI Research Centre for Chronic and Rare Neurological Diseases and Department of Physiology & Medical Physics, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, D02 YN77 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Min Liu
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Hebei Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang 050024, China
| | - Yajaira Feller Sánchez
- Cellular Physiology Research Laboratory and CÚRAM SFI Centre for Research in Medical Devices, School of Medicine, University of Galway, H91 TK33 Galway, Ireland
| | - Sahar Avazzadeh
- Cellular Physiology Research Laboratory and CÚRAM SFI Centre for Research in Medical Devices, School of Medicine, University of Galway, H91 TK33 Galway, Ireland
| | - Leo R Quinlan
- Cellular Physiology Research Laboratory and CÚRAM SFI Centre for Research in Medical Devices, School of Medicine, University of Galway, H91 TK33 Galway, Ireland
| | - Gang Liu
- Department of Cardiology, The First Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Hebei Key Laboratory of Cardiac Injury Repair Mechanism Study, Hebei Key Laboratory of Heart and Metabolism, Hebei Engineering Research Center of Intelligent Medical Clinical Application, Hebei International Joint Research Center for Structural Heart Disease, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Yin Lu
- College of Pharmacy, Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Prevention and Treatment of Tumor, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210023, China
| | - Guangming Yang
- College of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210023, China
| | - Timothy O'Brien
- Regenerative Medicine Institute, School of Medicine, University of Galway, H91 W2TY Galway, Ireland
| | - David C Henshall
- FutureNeuro SFI Research Centre for Chronic and Rare Neurological Diseases and Department of Physiology & Medical Physics, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, D02 YN77 Dublin, Ireland; Department of Physiology and Medical Physics, RCSI University of Medicine & Health Sciences, D02 YN77 Dublin, Ireland.
| | - Orla Hardiman
- FutureNeuro SFI Research Centre for Chronic and Rare Neurological Diseases and Department of Physiology & Medical Physics, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, D02 YN77 Dublin, Ireland; Academic Unit of Neurology, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College Dublin, 152-160 Pearse Street, Dublin 2, Ireland.
| | - Sanbing Shen
- Regenerative Medicine Institute, School of Medicine, University of Galway, H91 W2TY Galway, Ireland; FutureNeuro SFI Research Centre for Chronic and Rare Neurological Diseases and Department of Physiology & Medical Physics, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, D02 YN77 Dublin, Ireland.
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8
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Liu JA, Tam KW, Chen YL, Feng X, Chan CWL, Lo ALH, Wu KLK, Hui MN, Wu MH, Chan KKK, Cheung MPL, Cheung CW, Shum DKY, Chan YS, Cheung M. Transplanting Human Neural Stem Cells with ≈50% Reduction of SOX9 Gene Dosage Promotes Tissue Repair and Functional Recovery from Severe Spinal Cord Injury. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2023:e2205804. [PMID: 37296073 PMCID: PMC10369238 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202205804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2022] [Revised: 04/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Neural stem cells (NSCs) derived from human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) are considered a major cell source for reconstructing damaged neural circuitry and enabling axonal regeneration. However, the microenvironment at the site of spinal cord injury (SCI) and inadequate intrinsic factors limit the therapeutic potential of transplanted NSCs. Here, it is shown that half dose of SOX9 in hPSCs-derived NSCs (hNSCs) results in robust neuronal differentiation bias toward motor neuron lineage. The enhanced neurogenic potency is partly attributed to the reduction of glycolysis. These neurogenic and metabolic properties retain after transplantation of hNSCs with reduced SOX9 expression in a contusive SCI rat model without the need for growth factor-enriched matrices. Importantly, the grafts exhibit excellent integration properties, predominantly differentiate into motor neurons, reduce glial scar matrix accumulation to facilitate long-distance axon growth and neuronal connectivity with the host as well as dramatically improve locomotor and somatosensory function in recipient animals. These results demonstrate that hNSCs with half SOX9 gene dosage can overcome extrinsic and intrinsic barriers, representing a powerful therapeutic potential for transplantation treatments for SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Aijia Liu
- Department of Anaesthesiology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Department of Neuroscience, Tat Chee Avenue, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Kin Wai Tam
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Yong Long Chen
- Department of Anaesthesiology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Xianglan Feng
- Department of Anaesthesiology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Christy Wing Lam Chan
- Department of Neuroscience, Tat Chee Avenue, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Amos Lok Hang Lo
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Kenneth Lap-Kei Wu
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Man-Ning Hui
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Ming-Hoi Wu
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Ken Kwok-Keung Chan
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - May Pui Lai Cheung
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Chi Wai Cheung
- Department of Anaesthesiology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Daisy Kwok-Yan Shum
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Ying-Shing Chan
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Martin Cheung
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
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9
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Xu B, Yin M, Yang Y, Zou Y, Liu W, Qiao L, Zhang J, Wang Z, Wu Y, Shen H, Sun M, Liu W, Xue W, Fan Y, Zhang Q, Chen B, Wu X, Shi Y, Lu F, Zhao Y, Xiao Z, Dai J. Transplantation of neural stem progenitor cells from different sources for severe spinal cord injury repair in rat. Bioact Mater 2023; 23:300-313. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bioactmat.2022.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2022] [Revised: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
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10
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Xu HJ, Yao Y, Yao F, Chen J, Li M, Yang X, Li S, Lu F, Hu P, He S, Peng G, Jing N. Generation of functional posterior spinal motor neurons from hPSCs-derived human spinal cord neural progenitor cells. CELL REGENERATION (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2023; 12:15. [PMID: 36949352 PMCID: PMC10033800 DOI: 10.1186/s13619-023-00159-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 02/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/24/2023]
Abstract
Spinal motor neurons deficiency results in a series of devastating disorders such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) and spinal cord injury (SCI). These disorders are currently incurable, while human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs)-derived spinal motor neurons are promising but suffered from inappropriate regional identity and functional immaturity for the study and treatment of posterior spinal cord related injuries. In this study, we have established human spinal cord neural progenitor cells (hSCNPCs) via hPSCs differentiated neuromesodermal progenitors (NMPs) and demonstrated the hSCNPCs can be continuously expanded up to 40 passages. hSCNPCs can be rapidly differentiated into posterior spinal motor neurons with high efficiency. The functional maturity has been examined in detail. Moreover, a co-culture scheme which is compatible for both neural and muscular differentiation is developed to mimic the neuromuscular junction (NMJ) formation in vitro. Together, these studies highlight the potential avenues for generating clinically relevant spinal motor neurons and modeling neuromuscular diseases through our defined hSCNPCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- He Jax Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yao Yao
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Fenyong Yao
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Jiehui Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Meishi Li
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Center for Cell Lineage and Development, CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, GIBH-HKU Guangdong-Hong Kong Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Research Centre, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510530, China
| | - Xianfa Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Guangzhou Laboratory/Bioland Laboratory, Guangzhou, 510005, China
| | - Sheng Li
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China
- Xinhua Hospital affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 20023, China
| | - Fangru Lu
- Center for Cell Lineage and Development, CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, GIBH-HKU Guangdong-Hong Kong Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Research Centre, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510530, China
| | - Ping Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Guangzhou Laboratory/Bioland Laboratory, Guangzhou, 510005, China
- Xinhua Hospital affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 20023, China
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Shuijin He
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China.
| | - Guangdun Peng
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
- Center for Cell Lineage and Development, CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, GIBH-HKU Guangdong-Hong Kong Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Research Centre, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510530, China.
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China.
- Center for Cell Lineage and Atlas, Bioland Laboratory, Guangzhou, 510005, China.
| | - Naihe Jing
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
- Guangzhou Laboratory/Bioland Laboratory, Guangzhou, 510005, China.
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China.
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11
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Castellanos-Montiel MJ, Chaineau M, Franco-Flores AK, Haghi G, Carrillo-Valenzuela D, Reintsch WE, Chen CXQ, Durcan TM. An Optimized Workflow to Generate and Characterize iPSC-Derived Motor Neuron (MN) Spheroids. Cells 2023; 12:cells12040545. [PMID: 36831212 PMCID: PMC9954647 DOI: 10.3390/cells12040545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2023] [Revised: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
A multitude of in vitro models based on induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived motor neurons (MNs) have been developed to investigate the underlying causes of selective MN degeneration in motor neuron diseases (MNDs). For instance, spheroids are simple 3D models that have the potential to be generated in large numbers that can be used across different assays. In this study, we generated MN spheroids and developed a workflow to analyze them. To start, the morphological profiling of the spheroids was achieved by developing a pipeline to obtain measurements of their size and shape. Next, we confirmed the expression of different MN markers at the transcript and protein levels by qPCR and immunocytochemistry of tissue-cleared samples, respectively. Finally, we assessed the capacity of the MN spheroids to display functional activity in the form of action potentials and bursts using a microelectrode array approach. Although most of the cells displayed an MN identity, we also characterized the presence of other cell types, namely interneurons and oligodendrocytes, which share the same neural progenitor pool with MNs. In summary, we successfully developed an MN 3D model, and we optimized a workflow that can be applied to perform its morphological, gene expression, protein, and functional profiling over time.
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12
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Davis D, Vajaria R, Delivopoulos E, Vasudevan N. Localisation of oestrogen receptors in stem cells and in stem cell-derived neurons of the mouse. J Neuroendocrinol 2023; 35:e13220. [PMID: 36510342 PMCID: PMC10909416 DOI: 10.1111/jne.13220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Revised: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Oestrogen receptors (ER) transduce the effects of the endogenous ligand, 17β-estradiol in cells to regulate a number of important processes such as reproduction, neuroprotection, learning and memory and anxiety. The ERα or ERβ are classical intracellular nuclear hormone receptors while some of their variants or novel proteins such as the G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR), GPER1/GPR30 are reported to localise in intracellular as well as plasma membrane locations. Although the brain is an important target for oestrogen with oestrogen receptors expressed differentially in various nuclei, subcellular organisation and crosstalk between these receptors is under-explored. Using an adapted protocol that is rapid, we first generated neurons from mouse embryonic stem cells. Our immunocytochemistry approach shows that the full length ERα (ERα-66) and for the first time, that an ERα variant, ERα-36, as well as GPER1 is present in embryonic stem cells. In addition, these receptors typically decrease their nuclear localisation as neuronal maturation proceeds. Finally, although these ERs are present in many subcellular compartments such as the nucleus and plasma membrane, we show that they are specifically not colocalised with each other, suggesting that they initiate distinct signalling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- DeAsia Davis
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Reading, Reading, UK
| | - Ruby Vajaria
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Reading, Reading, UK
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13
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Castillo Bautista CM, Sterneckert J. Progress and challenges in directing the differentiation of human iPSCs into spinal motor neurons. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 10:1089970. [PMID: 36684437 PMCID: PMC9849822 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.1089970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Motor neuron (MN) diseases, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, progressive bulbar palsy, primary lateral sclerosis and spinal muscular atrophy, cause progressive paralysis and, in many cases, death. A better understanding of the molecular mechanisms of pathogenesis is urgently needed to identify more effective therapies. However, studying MNs has been extremely difficult because they are inaccessible in the spinal cord. Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) can generate a theoretically limitless number of MNs from a specific patient, making them powerful tools for studying MN diseases. However, to reach their potential, iPSCs need to be directed to efficiently differentiate into functional MNs. Here, we review the reported differentiation protocols for spinal MNs, including induction with small molecules, expression of lineage-specific transcription factors, 2-dimensional and 3-dimensional cultures, as well as the implementation of microfluidics devices and co-cultures with other cell types, including skeletal muscle. We will summarize the advantages and disadvantages of each strategy. In addition, we will provide insights into how to address some of the remaining challenges, including reproducibly obtaining mature and aged MNs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jared Sterneckert
- Center for Regenerative Therapies TU Dresden (CRTD), Technische Universität (TU) Dresden, Dresden, Germany,Medical Faculty Carl Gustav Carus of TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany,*Correspondence: Jared Sterneckert,
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14
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The Efficiency of Direct Maturation: the Comparison of Two hiPSC Differentiation Approaches into Motor Neurons. Stem Cells Int 2022; 2022:1320950. [DOI: 10.1155/2022/1320950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2022] [Revised: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Motor neurons (MNs) derived from human-induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSC) hold great potential for the treatment of various motor neurodegenerative diseases as transplantations with a low-risk of rejection are made possible. There are many hiPSC differentiation protocols that pursue to imitate the multistep process of motor neurogenesis in vivo. However, these often apply viral vectors, feeder cells, or antibiotics to generate hiPSC and MNs, limiting their translational potential. In this study, a virus-, feeder-, and antibiotic-free method was used for reprogramming hiPSC, which were maintained in culture medium produced under clinical good manufacturing practice. Differentiation into MNs was performed with standardized, chemically defined, and antibiotic-free culture media. The identity of hiPSC, neuronal progenitors, and mature MNs was continuously verified by the detection of specific markers at the genetic and protein level via qRT-PCR, flow cytometry, Western Blot, and immunofluorescence. MNX1- and ChAT-positive motoneuronal progenitor cells were formed after neural induction via dual-SMAD inhibition and expansion. For maturation, an approach aiming to directly mature these progenitors was compared to an approach that included an additional differentiation step for further specification. Although both approaches generated mature MNs expressing characteristic postmitotic markers, the direct maturation approach appeared to be more efficient. These results provide new insights into the suitability of two standardized differentiation approaches for generating mature MNs, which might pave the way for future clinical applications.
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15
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Saha S, Dey MJ, Promon SK, Araf Y. Pathogenesis and potential therapeutic application of stem cells transplantation in Huntington’s disease. Regen Ther 2022; 21:406-412. [PMID: 36196447 PMCID: PMC9513215 DOI: 10.1016/j.reth.2022.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Revised: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Huntington's disease (HD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder which is caused due to repetitive CAG or glutamine expression along the coding region of the Huntington gene. This disease results in certain movement abnormalities, affective disturbances, dementia and cognitive impairments. To this date, there is no proper cure for this rare and fatal neurological condition but there have been certain advancements in the field of genetic animal model research studies to elucidate the understanding of the pathogenesis of this condition. Currently, HD follows a certain therapeutic approach which just relieves the symptoms but doesn't cure the underlying cause of the disease. Stem cell therapy can be a breakthrough in developing a potential cure for this condition. In this review, we have discussed the pathogenesis and the efficacy and clinical practicality of the therapeutic application of stem cell transplantation in Huntington's disease. The application of this groundbreaking therapy on genetically altered animal models has been listed and analyzed in brief.
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16
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Modeling Movement Disorders via Generation of hiPSC-Derived Motor Neurons. Cells 2022; 11:cells11233796. [PMID: 36497056 PMCID: PMC9737271 DOI: 10.3390/cells11233796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2022] [Revised: 11/19/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Generation of motor neurons (MNs) from human-induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) overcomes the limited access to human brain tissues and provides an unprecedent approach for modeling MN-related diseases. In this review, we discuss the recent progression in understanding the regulatory mechanisms of MN differentiation and their applications in the generation of MNs from hiPSCs, with a particular focus on two approaches: induction by small molecules and induction by lentiviral delivery of transcription factors. At each induction stage, different culture media and supplements, typical growth conditions and cellular morphology, and specific markers for validation of cell identity and quality control are specifically discussed. Both approaches can generate functional MNs. Currently, the major challenges in modeling neurological diseases using iPSC-derived neurons are: obtaining neurons with high purity and yield; long-term neuron culture to reach full maturation; and how to culture neurons more physiologically to maximize relevance to in vivo conditions.
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17
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Luo HM, Xu J, Huang DX, Chen YQ, Liu YZ, Li YJ, Chen H. Mitochondrial dysfunction of induced pluripotent stem cells-based neurodegenerative disease modeling and therapeutic strategy. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:1030390. [DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.1030390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs) are disorders in which neurons are lost owing to various factors, resulting in a series of dysfunctions. Their rising prevalence and irreversibility have brought physical pain to patients and economic pressure to both individuals and society. However, the pathogenesis of NDDs has not yet been fully elucidated, hampering the use of precise medication. Induced pluripotent stem cell (IPSC) modeling provides a new method for drug discovery, and exploring the early pathological mechanisms including mitochondrial dysfunction, which is not only an early but a prominent pathological feature of NDDs. In this review, we summarize the iPSC modeling approach of Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, as well as outline typical mitochondrial dysfunction and recapitulate corresponding therapeutic strategies.
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18
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Sasserath T, Robertson AL, Mendez R, Hays TT, Smith E, Cooper H, Akanda N, Rumsey JW, Guo X, Farkhondeh A, Pradhan M, Baumgaertel K, Might M, Rodems S, Zheng W, Hickman JJ. An induced pluripotent stem cell-derived NMJ platform for study of the NGLY1-Congenital Disorder of Deglycosylation. ADVANCED THERAPEUTICS 2022; 5:2200009. [PMID: 36589922 PMCID: PMC9798846 DOI: 10.1002/adtp.202200009] [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: 01/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
There are many neurological rare diseases where animal models have proven inadequate or do not currently exist. NGLY1 Deficiency, a congenital disorder of deglycosylation, is a rare disease that predominantly affects motor control, especially control of neuromuscular action. In this study, NGLY1-deficient, patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) were differentiated into motoneurons (MNs) to identify disease phenotypes analogous to clinical disease pathology with significant deficits apparent in the NGLY1-deficient lines compared to the control. A neuromuscular junction (NMJ) model was developed using patient and wild type (WT) MNs to study functional differences between healthy and diseased NMJs. Reduced axon length, increased and shortened axon branches, MN action potential (AP) bursting and decreased AP firing rate and amplitude were observed in the NGLY1-deficient MNs in monoculture. When transitioned to the NMJ-coculture system, deficits in NMJ number, stability, failure rate, and synchronicity with indirect skeletal muscle (SkM) stimulation were observed. This project establishes a phenotypic NGLY1 model for investigation of possible therapeutics and investigations into mechanistic deficits in the system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trevor Sasserath
- Hesperos, Inc., 12501 Research Parkway, Suite 100, Orlando, FL 32826 USA
| | - Ashley L Robertson
- Hesperos, Inc., 12501 Research Parkway, Suite 100, Orlando, FL 32826 USA
| | - Roxana Mendez
- University of Central Florida, NanoScience Technology Center, 12424 Research Parkway, Suite 400, Orlando, FL 32826 USA
| | - Tristan T Hays
- Hesperos, Inc., 12501 Research Parkway, Suite 100, Orlando, FL 32826 USA
| | - Ethan Smith
- Hesperos, Inc., 12501 Research Parkway, Suite 100, Orlando, FL 32826 USA
| | - Helena Cooper
- Hesperos, Inc., 12501 Research Parkway, Suite 100, Orlando, FL 32826 USA
| | - Nesar Akanda
- University of Central Florida, NanoScience Technology Center, 12424 Research Parkway, Suite 400, Orlando, FL 32826 USA
| | - John W Rumsey
- Hesperos, Inc., 12501 Research Parkway, Suite 100, Orlando, FL 32826 USA
| | - Xiufang Guo
- University of Central Florida, NanoScience Technology Center, 12424 Research Parkway, Suite 400, Orlando, FL 32826 USA
| | - Atena Farkhondeh
- National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, 9800 Medical Center Drive, Building C, Room 310W Rockville, MD 20850, USA
| | - Manisha Pradhan
- National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, 9800 Medical Center Drive, Building C, Room 310W Rockville, MD 20850, USA
| | - Karsten Baumgaertel
- Travere Therapeutics, 3611 Valley Centre Drive, Suite 300, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Matthew Might
- University of Alabama at Birmingham, Hugh Kaul Precision Medicine Institute, 510 20th St S, Office 858B, Birmingham, AL 35210, USA
| | - Steven Rodems
- Travere Therapeutics, 3611 Valley Centre Drive, Suite 300, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Wei Zheng
- National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, 9800 Medical Center Drive, Building C, Room 310W Rockville, MD 20850, USA
| | - James J Hickman
- Hesperos, Inc., 12501 Research Parkway, Suite 100, Orlando, FL 32826 USA
- University of Central Florida, NanoScience Technology Center, 12424 Research Parkway, Suite 400, Orlando, FL 32826 USA
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19
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Costamagna D, Casters V, Beltrà M, Sampaolesi M, Van Campenhout A, Ortibus E, Desloovere K, Duelen R. Autologous iPSC-Derived Human Neuromuscular Junction to Model the Pathophysiology of Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia. Cells 2022; 11:3351. [PMID: 36359747 PMCID: PMC9655384 DOI: 10.3390/cells11213351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2022] [Revised: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Hereditary spastic paraplegia (HSP) is a heterogeneous group of genetic neurodegenerative disorders, characterized by progressive lower limb spasticity and weakness resulting from retrograde axonal degeneration of motor neurons (MNs). Here, we generated in vitro human neuromuscular junctions (NMJs) from five HSP patient-specific induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC) lines, by means of microfluidic strategy, to model disease-relevant neuropathologic processes. The strength of our NMJ model lies in the generation of lower MNs and myotubes from autologous hiPSC origin, maintaining the genetic background of the HSP patient donors in both cell types and in the cellular organization due to the microfluidic devices. Three patients characterized by a mutation in the SPG3a gene, encoding the ATLASTIN GTPase 1 protein, and two patients with a mutation in the SPG4 gene, encoding the SPASTIN protein, were included in this study. Differentiation of the HSP-derived lines gave rise to lower MNs that could recapitulate pathological hallmarks, such as axonal swellings with accumulation of Acetyl-α-TUBULIN and reduction of SPASTIN levels. Furthermore, NMJs from HSP-derived lines were lower in number and in contact point complexity, denoting an impaired NMJ profile, also confirmed by some alterations in genes encoding for proteins associated with microtubules and responsible for axonal transport. Considering the complexity of HSP, these patient-derived neuronal and skeletal muscle cell co-cultures offer unique tools to study the pathologic mechanisms and explore novel treatment options for rescuing axonal defects and diverse cellular processes, including membrane trafficking, intracellular motility and protein degradation in HSP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Domiziana Costamagna
- Stem Cell and Developmental Biology, Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- Research Group for Neurorehabilitation, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Valérie Casters
- Research Group for Neurorehabilitation, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Marc Beltrà
- Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Torino, 10125 Torino, Italy
| | - Maurilio Sampaolesi
- Stem Cell and Developmental Biology, Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Anja Van Campenhout
- Locomotor and Neurological Disorder, Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, University Hospitals Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Els Ortibus
- Locomotor and Neurological Disorder, Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, University Hospitals Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Kaat Desloovere
- Research Group for Neurorehabilitation, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- Clinical Motion Analysis Laboratory, University Hospitals Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Robin Duelen
- Stem Cell and Developmental Biology, Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
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20
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Li WY, Deng LX, Zhai FG, Wang XY, Li ZG, Wang Y. Chx10+V2a interneurons in spinal motor regulation and spinal cord injury. Neural Regen Res 2022; 18:933-939. [PMID: 36254971 PMCID: PMC9827767 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.355746] [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] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Chx10-expressing V2a (Chx10+V2a) spinal interneurons play a large role in the excitatory drive of motoneurons. Chemogenetic ablation studies have demonstrated the essential nature of Chx10+V2a interneurons in the regulation of locomotor initiation, maintenance, alternation, speed, and rhythmicity. The role of Chx10+V2a interneurons in locomotion and autonomic nervous system regulation is thought to be robust, but their precise role in spinal motor regulation and spinal cord injury have not been fully explored. The present paper reviews the origin, characteristics, and functional roles of Chx10+V2a interneurons with an emphasis on their involvement in the pathogenesis of spinal cord injury. The diverse functional properties of these cells have only been substantiated by and are due in large part to their integration in a variety of diverse spinal circuits. Chx10+V2a interneurons play an integral role in conferring locomotion, which integrates various corticospinal, mechanosensory, and interneuron pathways. Moreover, accumulating evidence suggests that Chx10+V2a interneurons also play an important role in rhythmic patterning maintenance, left-right alternation of central pattern generation, and locomotor pattern generation in higher order mammals, likely conferring complex locomotion. Consequently, the latest research has focused on postinjury transplantation and noninvasive stimulation of Chx10+V2a interneurons as a therapeutic strategy, particularly in spinal cord injury. Finally, we review the latest preclinical study advances in laboratory derivation and stimulation/transplantation of these cells as a strategy for the treatment of spinal cord injury. The evidence supports that the Chx10+V2a interneurons act as a new therapeutic target for spinal cord injury. Future optimization strategies should focus on the viability, maturity, and functional integration of Chx10+V2a interneurons transplanted in spinal cord injury foci.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Yuan Li
- Institute of Neural Tissue Engineering, Mudanjiang College of Medicine, Mudanjiang, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Ling-Xiao Deng
- Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Group, Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Feng-Guo Zhai
- Department of Pharmacy, Mudanjiang College of Medicine, Mudanjiang, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Xiao-Yu Wang
- Institute of Neural Tissue Engineering, Mudanjiang College of Medicine, Mudanjiang, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Zhi-Gang Li
- Department of General Surgery, Hongqi Hospital, Mudanjiang College of Medicine, Mudanjiang, Heilongjiang Province, China,Correspondence to: Ying Wang, ; Zhi-Gang Li, .
| | - Ying Wang
- Institute of Neural Tissue Engineering, Mudanjiang College of Medicine, Mudanjiang, Heilongjiang Province, China,Correspondence to: Ying Wang, ; Zhi-Gang Li, .
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21
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Amorós MA, Choi ES, Cofré AR, Dokholyan NV, Duzzioni M. Motor neuron-derived induced pluripotent stem cells as a drug screening platform for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:962881. [PMID: 36105357 PMCID: PMC9467621 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.962881] [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: 06/06/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The development of cell culture models that recapitulate the etiology and features of nervous system diseases is central to the discovery of new drugs and their translation onto therapies. Neuronal tissues are inaccessible due to skeletal constraints and the invasiveness of the procedure to obtain them. Thus, the emergence of induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technology offers the opportunity to model different neuronal pathologies. Our focus centers on iPSCs derived from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients, whose pathology remains in urgent need of new drugs and treatment. In this sense, we aim to revise the process to obtain motor neurons derived iPSCs (iPSC-MNs) from patients with ALS as a drug screening model, review current 3D-models and offer a perspective on bioinformatics as a powerful tool that can aid in the progress of finding new pharmacological treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana A. Amorós
- Laboratory of Pharmacological Innovation, Institute of Biological Sciences and Health, Federal University of Alagoas, Maceió, Alagoas, Brazil
| | - Esther S. Choi
- Department of Pharmacology, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, United States
| | - Axel R. Cofré
- Laboratory of Pharmacological Innovation, Institute of Biological Sciences and Health, Federal University of Alagoas, Maceió, Alagoas, Brazil
| | - Nikolay V. Dokholyan
- Department of Pharmacology, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, United States
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, United States
| | - Marcelo Duzzioni
- Laboratory of Pharmacological Innovation, Institute of Biological Sciences and Health, Federal University of Alagoas, Maceió, Alagoas, Brazil
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22
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Rumsey JW, Lorance C, Jackson M, Sasserath T, McAleer CW, Long CJ, Goswami A, Russo MA, Raja SM, Gable KL, Emmett D, Hobson-Webb LD, Chopra M, Howard JF, Guptill JT, Storek MJ, Alonso-Alonso M, Atassi N, Panicker S, Parry G, Hammond T, Hickman JJ. Classical Complement Pathway Inhibition in a "Human-On-A-Chip" Model of Autoimmune Demyelinating Neuropathies. ADVANCED THERAPEUTICS 2022; 5:2200030. [PMID: 36211621 PMCID: PMC9540753 DOI: 10.1002/adtp.202200030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 07/21/2023]
Abstract
Chronic autoimmune demyelinating neuropathies are a group of rare neuromuscular disorders with complex, poorly characterized etiology. Here we describe a phenotypic, human-on-a-chip (HoaC) electrical conduction model of two rare autoimmune demyelinating neuropathies, chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) and multifocal motor neuropathy (MMN), and explore the efficacy of TNT005, a monoclonal antibody inhibitor of the classical complement pathway. Patient sera was shown to contain anti-GM1 IgM and IgG antibodies capable of binding to human primary Schwann cells and induced pluripotent stem cell derived motoneurons. Patient autoantibody binding was sufficient to activate the classical complement pathway resulting in detection of C3b and C5b-9 deposits. A HoaC model, using a microelectrode array with directed axonal outgrowth over the electrodes treated with patient sera, exhibited reductions in motoneuron action potential frequency and conduction velocity. TNT005 rescued the serum-induced complement deposition and functional deficits while treatment with an isotype control antibody had no rescue effect. These data indicate that complement activation by CIDP and MMN patient serum is sufficient to mimic neurophysiological features of each disease and that complement inhibition with TNT005 was sufficient to rescue these pathological effects and provide efficacy data included in an investigational new drug application, demonstrating the model's translational potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- John W Rumsey
- Hesperos, Inc., 12501 Research Parkway, Suite 100, Orlando, FL 32826
| | - Case Lorance
- Hesperos, Inc., 12501 Research Parkway, Suite 100, Orlando, FL 32826
| | - Max Jackson
- Hesperos, Inc., 12501 Research Parkway, Suite 100, Orlando, FL 32826
| | - Trevor Sasserath
- Hesperos, Inc., 12501 Research Parkway, Suite 100, Orlando, FL 32826
| | | | | | - Arindom Goswami
- NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida, USA
| | - Melissa A Russo
- Division of Neuromuscular Disease, Department of Neurology, Duke University Medical Center, Box 3403, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Shruti M Raja
- Division of Neuromuscular Disease, Department of Neurology, Duke University Medical Center, Box 3403, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Karissa L Gable
- Division of Neuromuscular Disease, Department of Neurology, Duke University Medical Center, Box 3403, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Doug Emmett
- Division of Neuromuscular Disease, Department of Neurology, Duke University Medical Center, Box 3403, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Lisa D Hobson-Webb
- Division of Neuromuscular Disease, Department of Neurology, Duke University Medical Center, Box 3403, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Manisha Chopra
- Department of Neurology, The University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill, School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - James F Howard
- Department of Neurology, The University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill, School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Jeffrey T Guptill
- Division of Neuromuscular Disease, Department of Neurology, Duke University Medical Center, Box 3403, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Michael J Storek
- Sanofi, Immunology and Inflammation, 225 2 Ave, Waltham, MA, 02451 USA
| | | | - Nazem Atassi
- Sanofi, Neurology Early Development, 50 Binney Street, Cambridge, MA, 02142 USA
| | - Sandip Panicker
- Bioverativ, a Sanofi company, 225 2 Ave, Waltham, MA, 02451 USA
| | - Graham Parry
- Bioverativ, a Sanofi company, 225 2 Ave, Waltham, MA, 02451 USA
| | - Timothy Hammond
- Sanofi, Neurological Diseases, 49 New York Ave, Framingham, MA, 01701 USA
| | - James J Hickman
- Hesperos, Inc., 12501 Research Parkway, Suite 100, Orlando, FL 32826
- NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida, USA
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23
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Kim JW, Choi YY, Park SH, Ha JH, Lee HU, Kang T, Sun W, Chung BG. Microfluidic electrode array chip for electrical stimulation-mediated axonal regeneration. LAB ON A CHIP 2022; 22:2122-2130. [PMID: 35388823 DOI: 10.1039/d1lc01158h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The precise manipulation of the neural stem cell (NSC)-derived neural differentiation is still challenging, and there is a technological barrier to regulate the axonal regeneration in a controlled manner. Here, we developed a microfluidic chip integrated with a microelectrode array as an axonal guidance platform. The microfluidic electrode array chip consisted of two compartments and a bridge microchannel that could isolate and guide the axons. We demonstrated that the NSCs were largely differentiated into neural cells as the electric field was applied to the microfluidic electrode array chip. We also confirmed the synergistic effects of the electrical stimulation (ES) and neurotrophic factor (NF) on axonal outgrowth. This microfluidic electrode array chip can serve as a central nervous system (CNS) model for axonal injury and regeneration. Therefore, it could be a potentially powerful tool for an in vitro model of the axonal regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji Woon Kim
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Sogang University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Yoon Young Choi
- Institute of Integrated Biotechnology, Sogang University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Si-Hyung Park
- Department of Anatomy, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
| | - Jang Ho Ha
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Sogang University, Seoul, Korea.
| | - Hee Uk Lee
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Sogang University, Seoul, Korea.
| | - Taewook Kang
- Institute of Integrated Biotechnology, Sogang University, Seoul, Korea
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Sogang University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Woong Sun
- Department of Anatomy, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
| | - Bong Geun Chung
- Institute of Integrated Biotechnology, Sogang University, Seoul, Korea
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Sogang University, Seoul, Korea.
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24
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Catela C, Chen Y, Weng Y, Wen K, Kratsios P. Control of spinal motor neuron terminal differentiation through sustained Hoxc8 gene activity. eLife 2022; 11:70766. [PMID: 35315772 PMCID: PMC8940177 DOI: 10.7554/elife.70766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 03/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinal motor neurons (MNs) constitute cellular substrates for several movement disorders. Although their early development has received much attention, how spinal MNs become and remain terminally differentiated is poorly understood. Here, we determined the transcriptome of mouse MNs located at the brachial domain of the spinal cord at embryonic and postnatal stages. We identified novel transcription factors (TFs) and terminal differentiation genes (e.g. ion channels, neurotransmitter receptors, adhesion molecules) with continuous expression in MNs. Interestingly, genes encoding homeodomain TFs (e.g. HOX, LIM), previously implicated in early MN development, continue to be expressed postnatally, suggesting later functions. To test this idea, we inactivated Hoxc8 at successive stages of mouse MN development and observed motor deficits. Our in vivo findings suggest that Hoxc8 is not only required to establish, but also maintain expression of several MN terminal differentiation markers. Data from in vitro generated MNs indicate Hoxc8 acts directly and is sufficient to induce expression of terminal differentiation genes. Our findings dovetail recent observations in Caenorhabditis elegans MNs, pointing toward an evolutionarily conserved role for Hox in neuronal terminal differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catarina Catela
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Chicago, Chicago, United States.,University of Chicago Neuroscience Institute, Chicago, United States
| | - Yihan Chen
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Chicago, Chicago, United States.,University of Chicago Neuroscience Institute, Chicago, United States
| | - Yifei Weng
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Chicago, Chicago, United States.,University of Chicago Neuroscience Institute, Chicago, United States
| | - Kailong Wen
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Chicago, Chicago, United States.,University of Chicago Neuroscience Institute, Chicago, United States
| | - Paschalis Kratsios
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Chicago, Chicago, United States.,University of Chicago Neuroscience Institute, Chicago, United States
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25
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Kim D, Kim S, Sung A, Patel N, Wong N, Conboy MJ, Conboy IM. Autologous treatment for ALS with implication for broad neuroprotection. Transl Neurodegener 2022; 11:16. [PMID: 35272709 PMCID: PMC8915496 DOI: 10.1186/s40035-022-00290-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2021] [Accepted: 02/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is characterized by a progressive loss of motor neurons (MNs), leading to paralysis, respiratory failure and death within 2–5 years of diagnosis. The exact mechanisms of sporadic ALS, which comprises 90% of all cases, remain unknown. In familial ALS, mutations in superoxide dismutase (SOD1) cause 10% of cases. Methods ALS patient-derived human-induced pluripotent stem cells (ALS hiPSCs, harboring the SOD1AV4 mutation), were differentiated to MNs (ALS-MNs). The neuroprotective effects of conditioned medium (CM) of hESCs (H9), wt hiPSCs (WTC-11) and the ALS iPSCs, on MN apoptosis and viability, formation and maintenance of neurites, mitochondrial activity and expression of inflammatory genes, were examined. For in vivo studies, 200 μl of CM from the ALS iPSCs (CS07 and CS053) was injected subcutaneously into the ALS model mice (transgenic for the human SOD1G93A mutation). Animal agility and strength, muscle innervation and mass, neurological score, onset of paralysis and lifespan of the ALS mice were assayed. After observing significant disease-modifying effects, the CM was characterized biochemically by fractionation, comparative proteomics, and epigenetic screens for the dependence on pluripotency. CM of fibroblasts that were differentiated from the wt hiPSCs lacked any neuroprotective activity and was used as a negative control throughout the studies. Results The secretome of PSCs including the ALS patient iPSCs was neuroprotective in the H2O2 model. In the model with pathogenic SOD1 mutation, ALS iPSC-CM attenuated all examined hallmarks of ALS pathology, rescued human ALS-MNs from denervation and death, restored mitochondrial health, and reduced the expression of inflammatory genes. The ALS iPSC-CM also improved neuro-muscular health and function, and delayed paralysis and morbidity in ALS mice. Compared side by side, cyclosporine (CsA), a mitochondrial membrane blocker that prevents the leakage of mitochondrial DNA, failed to avert the death of ALS-MNs, although CsA and ALS iPSC-CM equally stabilized MN mitochondria and attenuated inflammatory genes. Biochemical characterization, comparative proteomics, and epigenetic screen all suggested that it was the interactome of several key proteins from different fractions of PSC-CM that delivered the multifaceted neuroprotection. Conclusions This work introduces and mechanistically characterizes a new biologic for treating ALS and other complex neurodegenerative diseases. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s40035-022-00290-5.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daehwan Kim
- Department of Bioengineering and QB3 Institute, University of California, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA
| | - Subin Kim
- Department of Bioengineering and QB3 Institute, University of California, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA
| | - Ashley Sung
- Department of Bioengineering and QB3 Institute, University of California, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA
| | - Neetika Patel
- Department of Bioengineering and QB3 Institute, University of California, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA
| | - Nathan Wong
- Department of Bioengineering and QB3 Institute, University of California, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA
| | - Michael J Conboy
- Department of Bioengineering and QB3 Institute, University of California, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA
| | - Irina M Conboy
- Department of Bioengineering and QB3 Institute, University of California, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA.
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26
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Patient-Specific iPSCs-Based Models of Neurodegenerative Diseases: Focus on Aberrant Calcium Signaling. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23020624. [PMID: 35054808 PMCID: PMC8776084 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23020624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2021] [Revised: 12/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/31/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The development of cell reprogramming technologies became a breakthrough in the creation of new models of human diseases, including neurodegenerative pathologies. The iPSCs-based models allow for the studying of both hereditary and sporadic cases of pathologies and produce deep insight into the molecular mechanisms underlying neurodegeneration. The use of the cells most vulnerable to a particular pathology makes it possible to identify specific pathological mechanisms and greatly facilitates the task of selecting the most effective drugs. To date, a large number of studies on patient-specific models of neurodegenerative diseases has been accumulated. In this review, we focused on the alterations of such a ubiquitous and important intracellular regulatory pathway as calcium signaling. Here, we reviewed and analyzed the data obtained from iPSCs-based models of different neurodegenerative disorders that demonstrated aberrant calcium signaling.
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27
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Giacomelli E, Vahsen BF, Calder EL, Xu Y, Scaber J, Gray E, Dafinca R, Talbot K, Studer L. Human stem cell models of neurodegeneration: From basic science of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis to clinical translation. Cell Stem Cell 2022; 29:11-35. [PMID: 34995492 PMCID: PMC8785905 DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2021.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases are characterized by progressive cell loss leading to disruption of the structure and function of the central nervous system. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) was among the first of these disorders modeled in patient-specific iPSCs, and recent findings have translated into some of the earliest iPSC-inspired clinical trials. Focusing on ALS as an example, we evaluate the status of modeling neurodegenerative diseases using iPSCs, including methods for deriving and using disease-relevant neuronal and glial lineages. We further highlight the remaining challenges in exploiting the full potential of iPSC technology for understanding and potentially treating neurodegenerative diseases such as ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Giacomelli
- The Center for Stem Cell Biology, Developmental Biology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute for Cancer Research, New York, NY, USA
| | - Björn F Vahsen
- Oxford Motor Neuron Disease Centre, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Elizabeth L Calder
- The Center for Stem Cell Biology, Developmental Biology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute for Cancer Research, New York, NY, USA
| | - Yinyan Xu
- Oxford Motor Neuron Disease Centre, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK; Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (CAMS), CAMS Oxford Institute (COI), Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7FZ, UK
| | - Jakub Scaber
- Oxford Motor Neuron Disease Centre, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Elizabeth Gray
- Oxford Motor Neuron Disease Centre, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Ruxandra Dafinca
- Oxford Motor Neuron Disease Centre, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Kevin Talbot
- Oxford Motor Neuron Disease Centre, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK.
| | - Lorenz Studer
- The Center for Stem Cell Biology, Developmental Biology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute for Cancer Research, New York, NY, USA.
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28
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Thiry L, Clément JP, Haag R, Kennedy TE, Stifani S. Optimization of Long-Term Human iPSC-Derived Spinal Motor Neuron Culture Using a Dendritic Polyglycerol Amine-Based Substrate. ASN Neuro 2022; 14:17590914211073381. [PMID: 35023784 PMCID: PMC8784909 DOI: 10.1177/17590914211073381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2021] [Revised: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) derived from healthy and diseased individuals can give rise to many cell types, facilitating the study of mechanisms of development, human disease modeling, and early drug target validation. In this context, experimental model systems based on hiPSC-derived motor neurons (MNs) have been used to study MN diseases such as spinal muscular atrophy and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Modeling MN disease using hiPSC-based approaches requires culture conditions that can recapitulate in a dish the events underlying differentiation, maturation, aging, and death of MNs. Current hiPSC-derived MN-based applications are often hampered by limitations in our ability to monitor MN morphology, survival, and other functional properties over a prolonged timeframe, underscoring the need for improved long-term culture conditions. Here we describe a cytocompatible dendritic polyglycerol amine (dPGA) substrate-based method for prolonged culture of hiPSC-derived MNs. We provide evidence that MNs cultured on dPGA-coated dishes are more amenable to long-term study of cell viability, molecular identity, and spontaneous network electrophysiological activity. The present study has the potential to improve hiPSC-based studies of human MN biology and disease.We describe the use of a new coating substrate providing improved conditions for long-term cultures of human iPSC-derived motor neurons, thus allowing evaluation of cell viability, molecular identity, spontaneous network electrophysiological activity, and single-cell RNA sequencing of mature motor neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louise Thiry
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Montreal Neurological Institute-Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Jean-Pierre Clément
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Montreal Neurological Institute-Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Rainer Haag
- Institute of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Timothy E Kennedy
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Montreal Neurological Institute-Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Stefano Stifani
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Montreal Neurological Institute-Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
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29
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Mahmoodi N, Ai J, Hassannejad Z, Ebrahimi-Barough S, Hasanzadeh E, Nekounam H, Vaccaro AR, Rahimi-Movaghar V. Improving motor neuron-like cell differentiation of hEnSCs by the combination of epothilone B loaded PCL microspheres in optimized 3D collagen hydrogel. Sci Rep 2021; 11:21722. [PMID: 34741076 PMCID: PMC8571364 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-01071-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2021] [Accepted: 10/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord regeneration is limited due to various obstacles and complex pathophysiological events after injury. Combination therapy is one approach that recently garnered attention for spinal cord injury (SCI) recovery. A composite of three-dimensional (3D) collagen hydrogel containing epothilone B (EpoB)-loaded polycaprolactone (PCL) microspheres (2.5 ng/mg, 10 ng/mg, and 40 ng/mg EpoB/PCL) were fabricated and optimized to improve motor neuron (MN) differentiation efficacy of human endometrial stem cells (hEnSCs). The microspheres were characterized using liquid chromatography-mass/mass spectrometry (LC-mas/mas) to assess the drug release and scanning electron microscope (SEM) for morphological assessment. hEnSCs were isolated, then characterized by flow cytometry, and seeded on the optimized 3D composite. Based on cell morphology and proliferation, cross-linked collagen hydrogels with and without 2.5 ng/mg EpoB loaded PCL microspheres were selected as the optimized formulations to compare the effect of EpoB release on MN differentiation. After differentiation, the expression of MN markers was estimated by real-time PCR and immunofluorescence (IF). The collagen hydrogel containing the EpoB group had the highest HB9 and ISL-1 expression and the longest neurite elongation. Providing a 3D permissive environment with EpoB, significantly improves MN-like cell differentiation and maturation of hEnSCs and is a promising approach to replace lost neurons after SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Narges Mahmoodi
- Sina Trauma and Surgery Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Jafar Ai
- Department of Tissue Engineering and Applied Cell Sciences, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zahra Hassannejad
- Pediatric Urology and Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Tissue, Cell and Gene Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Somayeh Ebrahimi-Barough
- Department of Tissue Engineering and Applied Cell Sciences, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Elham Hasanzadeh
- Immunogenetics Research Center, Department of Tissue Engineering and Applied Cell Sciences, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Houra Nekounam
- Department of Medical Nanotechnology, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Alexander R Vaccaro
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Rothman Institute, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Vafa Rahimi-Movaghar
- Sina Trauma and Surgery Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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30
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Zhao A, Pan Y, Cai S. Patient-Specific Cells for Modeling and Decoding Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: Advances and Challenges. Stem Cell Rev Rep 2021; 16:482-502. [PMID: 31916190 DOI: 10.1007/s12015-019-09946-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Motor neuron loss or degeneration is the typical characteristic of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), which often leads to weakness, paralysis, or even death. The underlying mechanisms of motor neuron degeneration and ALS progression remain elusive, and there is no effective treatment for ALS. The advances of stem cells and reprogramming techniques has made it possible to generate patient-specific motor neurons as cell models for studying disease mechanisms and drug discovery. This review comprehensively discusses recent approaches to generate motor neurons from stem cells and somatic cells and highlights the application of induced motor neurons to modeling ALS diseases, dissecting the pathogenesis, and screening new drugs. New perspectives are also discussed on generating patient-specific motor neuron subtypes that are affected by ALS or creating 3D spinal cord organoid models for better recapitulating and understanding ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andong Zhao
- Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, China
| | - Yu Pan
- Department of Trauma and Orthopedics, The 2nd Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, The Affiliated Baoan Hospital of Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, 518101, China.
| | - Sa Cai
- Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, China.
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31
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Nango H, Kosuge Y. Present State and Future Perspectives of Prostaglandins as a Differentiation Factor in Motor Neurons. Cell Mol Neurobiol 2021; 42:2097-2108. [PMID: 34032949 DOI: 10.1007/s10571-021-01104-4] [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: 01/26/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Spinal motor neurons have the longest axons that innervate the skeletal muscles of the central nervous system. Motor neuron diseases caused by spinal motor neuron cell death are incurable due to the unique and irreplaceable nature of their neural circuits. Understanding the mechanisms of neurogenesis, neuritogenesis, and synaptogenesis in motor neurons will allow investigators to develop new in vitro models and regenerative therapies for motor neuron diseases. In particular, small molecules can directly reprogram and convert into neural stem cells and neurons, and promote neuron-like cell differentiation. Prostaglandins are known to have a role in the differentiation and tissue regeneration of several cell types and organs. However, the involvement of prostaglandins in the differentiation of motor neurons from neural stem cells is poorly understood. The general cell line used in research on motor neuron diseases is the mouse neuroblastoma and spinal motor neuron fusion cell line NSC-34. Recently, our laboratory reported that prostaglandin E2 and prostaglandin D2 enhanced the conversion of NSC-34 cells into motor neuron-like cells with neurite outgrowth. Moreover, we found that prostaglandin E2-differentiated NSC-34 cells had physiological and electrophysiological properties of mature motor neurons. In this review article, we provide contemporary evidence on the effects of prostaglandins, particularly prostaglandin E2 and prostaglandin D2, on differentiation and neural conversion. We also discuss the potential of prostaglandins as candidates for the development of new therapeutic drugs for motor neuron diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroshi Nango
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nihon University, 7-7-1 Narashinodai, Funabashi-shi, Chiba, 274-8555, Japan
| | - Yasuhiro Kosuge
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nihon University, 7-7-1 Narashinodai, Funabashi-shi, Chiba, 274-8555, Japan.
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32
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Cutarelli A, Martínez-Rojas VA, Tata A, Battistella I, Rossi D, Arosio D, Musio C, Conti L. A Monolayer System for the Efficient Generation of Motor Neuron Progenitors and Functional Motor Neurons from Human Pluripotent Stem Cells. Cells 2021; 10:cells10051127. [PMID: 34066970 PMCID: PMC8151197 DOI: 10.3390/cells10051127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 04/27/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Methods for the conversion of human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) into motor neurons (MNs) have opened to the generation of patient-derived in vitro systems that can be exploited for MN disease modelling. However, the lack of simplified and consistent protocols and the fact that hiPSC-derived MNs are often functionally immature yet limit the opportunity to fully take advantage of this technology, especially in research aimed at revealing the disease phenotypes that are manifested in functionally mature cells. In this study, we present a robust, optimized monolayer procedure to rapidly convert hiPSCs into enriched populations of motor neuron progenitor cells (MNPCs) that can be further amplified to produce a large number of cells to cover many experimental needs. These MNPCs can be efficiently differentiated towards mature MNs exhibiting functional electrical and pharmacological neuronal properties. Finally, we report that MN cultures can be long-term maintained, thus offering the opportunity to study degenerative phenomena associated with pathologies involving MNs and their functional, networked activity. These results indicate that our optimized procedure enables the efficient and robust generation of large quantities of MNPCs and functional MNs, providing a valid tool for MNs disease modelling and for drug discovery applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Cutarelli
- Laboratory of Stem Cell Biology, Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology-CIBIO, University of Trento, 38123 Trento, Italy; (A.C.); (A.T.); (I.B.)
| | - Vladimir A. Martínez-Rojas
- Institute of Biophysics (IBF), Trento Unit, National Research Council (CNR) & LabSSAH, Bruno Kessler Foundation (FBK), 38123 Trento, Italy; (V.A.M.-R.); (D.A.); (C.M.)
| | - Alice Tata
- Laboratory of Stem Cell Biology, Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology-CIBIO, University of Trento, 38123 Trento, Italy; (A.C.); (A.T.); (I.B.)
| | - Ingrid Battistella
- Laboratory of Stem Cell Biology, Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology-CIBIO, University of Trento, 38123 Trento, Italy; (A.C.); (A.T.); (I.B.)
| | - Daniela Rossi
- Laboratory for Research on Neurodegenerative Disorders, Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri IRCCS, 27100 Pavia, Italy;
| | - Daniele Arosio
- Institute of Biophysics (IBF), Trento Unit, National Research Council (CNR) & LabSSAH, Bruno Kessler Foundation (FBK), 38123 Trento, Italy; (V.A.M.-R.); (D.A.); (C.M.)
| | - Carlo Musio
- Institute of Biophysics (IBF), Trento Unit, National Research Council (CNR) & LabSSAH, Bruno Kessler Foundation (FBK), 38123 Trento, Italy; (V.A.M.-R.); (D.A.); (C.M.)
| | - Luciano Conti
- Laboratory of Stem Cell Biology, Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology-CIBIO, University of Trento, 38123 Trento, Italy; (A.C.); (A.T.); (I.B.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-0461-285216
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33
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Olmsted ZT, Paluh JL. Stem Cell Neurodevelopmental Solutions for Restorative Treatments of the Human Trunk and Spine. Front Cell Neurosci 2021; 15:667590. [PMID: 33981202 PMCID: PMC8107236 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2021.667590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The ability to reliably repair spinal cord injuries (SCI) will be one of the greatest human achievements realized in regenerative medicine. Until recently, the cellular path to this goal has been challenging. However, as detailed developmental principles are revealed in mouse and human models, their application in the stem cell community brings trunk and spine embryology into efforts to advance human regenerative medicine. New models of posterior embryo development identify neuromesodermal progenitors (NMPs) as a major bifurcation point in generating the spinal cord and somites and is leading to production of cell types with the full range of axial identities critical for repair of trunk and spine disorders. This is coupled with organoid technologies including assembloids, circuitoids, and gastruloids. We describe a paradigm for applying developmental principles towards the goal of cell-based restorative therapies to enable reproducible and effective near-term clinical interventions.
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34
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Sakalem ME, De Sibio MT, da Costa FADS, de Oliveira M. Historical evolution of spheroids and organoids, and possibilities of use in life sciences and medicine. Biotechnol J 2021; 16:e2000463. [PMID: 33491924 DOI: 10.1002/biot.202000463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2020] [Revised: 12/22/2020] [Accepted: 12/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND An impressive percentage of biomedical advances were achieved through animal research and cell culture investigations. For drug testing and disease researches, both animal models and preclinical trials with cell cultures are extremely important, but present some limitations, such as ethical concern and inability of representing complex tissues and organs. 3D cell cultures arise providing a more realistic in vitro representation of tissues and organs. Environment and cell type in 3D cultures can represent in vivo conditions and thus provide accurate data on cell-to-cell interactions, and cultivation techniques are based on a scaffold, usually hydrogel or another polymeric material, or without scaffold, such as suspended microplates, magnetic levitation, and microplates for spheroids with ultra-low fixation coating. PURPOSE AND SCOPE This review aims at presenting an updated summary of the most common 3D cell culture models available, as well as a historical background of their establishment and possible applications. SUMMARY Even though 3D culturing is incapable of replacing other current research types, they will continue to substitute some unnecessary animal experimentation, as well as complement monolayer cultures. CONCLUSION In this aspect, 3D culture emerges as a valuable alternative to the investigation of functional, biochemical, and molecular aspects of human pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Maria Teresa De Sibio
- Department of Internal Clinic, Botucatu Medicine School of the Sao Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, Brazil
| | - Felipe Allan da Silva da Costa
- Department of Bioprocesses and Biotechnology, School of Agricultural Sciences of the Sao Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, Brazil
| | - Miriane de Oliveira
- Department of Internal Clinic, Botucatu Medicine School of the Sao Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, Brazil
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Fannon OM, Bithell A, Whalley BJ, Delivopoulos E. A Fiber Alginate Co-culture Platform for the Differentiation of mESC and Modeling of the Neural Tube. Front Neurosci 2021; 14:524346. [PMID: 33510605 PMCID: PMC7835723 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2020.524346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2020] [Accepted: 12/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Alginate hydrogels are a commonly used substrate for in vitro 3D cell culture. These naturally derived biomaterials are highly tunable, biocompatible, and can be designed to mimic the elastic modulus of the adult brain at 1% w/v solution. Recent studies show that the molecular weight of the alginate can affect cell viability and differentiation. The relationship between the molecular weight, viscosity and ratio of G:M monomers of alginate hydrogels is complex, and the balance between these factors must be carefully considered when deciding on a suitable alginate hydrogel for stem cell research. This study investigates the formation of embryoid bodies (EB) from mouse embryonic stem cells, using low molecular weight (LMW) and high molecular weight (HMW) alginates. The cells are differentiated using a retinoic acid-based protocol, and the resulting aggregates are sectioned and stained for the presence of stem cells and the three germ layers (endoderm, mesoderm, and ectoderm). The results highlight that aggregates within LMW and HMW alginate are true EBs, as demonstrated by positive staining for markers of the three germ layers. Using tubular alginate scaffolds, formed with an adapted gradient maker protocol, we also propose a novel 3D platform for the patterned differentiation of mESCs, based on gradients of retinoic acid produced in situ by lateral motor column (LMC) motor neurons. The end product of our platform will be of great interest as it can be further developed into a powerful model of neural tube development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Orla M Fannon
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Reading, Reading, United Kingdom
| | - Angela Bithell
- School of Pharmacy, University of Reading, Reading, United Kingdom
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Sasai N, Kadoya M, Ong Lee Chen A. Neural induction: Historical views and application to pluripotent stem cells. Dev Growth Differ 2021; 63:26-37. [PMID: 33289091 DOI: 10.1111/dgd.12703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2020] [Revised: 10/22/2020] [Accepted: 11/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Embryonic stem (ES) cells are a useful experimental material to recapitulate the differentiation steps of early embryos, which are usually invisible and inaccessible from outside of the body, especially in mammals. ES cells have greatly facilitated the analyses of gene expression profiles and cell characteristics. In addition, understanding the mechanisms during neural differentiation is important for clinical purposes, such as developing new therapeutic methods or regenerative medicine. As neurons have very limited regenerative ability, neurodegenerative diseases are usually intractable, and patients suffer from the disease throughout their lifetimes. The functional cells generated from ES cells in vitro could replace degenerative areas by transplantation. In this review, we will first demonstrate the historical views and widely accepted concepts regarding the molecular mechanisms of neural induction and positional information to produce the specific types of neurons in model animals. Next, we will describe how these concepts have recently been applied to the research in the establishment of the methodology of neural differentiation from mammalian ES cells. Finally, we will focus on examples of the applications of differentiation systems to clinical purposes. Overall, the discussion will focus on how historical developmental studies are applied to state-of-the-art stem cell research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noriaki Sasai
- Developmental Biomedical Science, Nara Institute of Science and Technology, Ikoma, Japan
| | - Minori Kadoya
- Developmental Biomedical Science, Nara Institute of Science and Technology, Ikoma, Japan
| | - Agnes Ong Lee Chen
- Developmental Biomedical Science, Nara Institute of Science and Technology, Ikoma, Japan
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37
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Guo X, Smith V, Jackson M, Tran M, Thomas M, Patel A, Lorusso E, Nimbalkar S, Cai Y, McAleer CW, Wang Y, Long CJ, Hickman JJ. A Human-Based Functional NMJ System for Personalized ALS Modeling and Drug Testing. ADVANCED THERAPEUTICS 2020; 3:2000133. [PMID: 33709015 PMCID: PMC7942691 DOI: 10.1002/adtp.202000133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2020] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Loss of the neuromuscular junction (NMJ) is an early and critical hallmark in all forms of ALS. The study design was to develop a functional NMJ disease model by integrating motoneurons (MNs) differentiated from multiple ALS-patients' induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and primary human muscle into a chambered system. NMJ functionality was tested by recording myotube contractions while stimulating MNs by field electrodes and a set of clinically relevant parameters were defined to characterize the NMJ function. Three ALS lines were analyzed, 2 with SOD1 mutations and 1 with a FUS mutation. The ALS-MNs reproduced pathological phenotypes, including increased axonal varicosities, reduced axonal branching and elongation and increased excitability. These MNs formed functional NMJs with wild type muscle, but with significant deficits in NMJ quantity, fidelity and fatigue index. Furthermore, treatment with the Deana protocol was found to correct the NMJ deficits in all the ALS mutant lines tested. Quantitative analysis also revealed the variations inherent in each mutant lines. This functional NMJ system provides a platform for the study of both fALS and sALS and has the capability of being adapted into subtype-specific or patient-specific models for ALS etiological investigation and patient stratification for drug testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiufang Guo
- NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, 12424 Research Parkway, Suite 400, Orlando, FL 32826, USA
| | - Virginia Smith
- NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, 12424 Research Parkway, Suite 400, Orlando, FL 32826, USA
| | - Max Jackson
- NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, 12424 Research Parkway, Suite 400, Orlando, FL 32826, USA
| | - My Tran
- NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, 12424 Research Parkway, Suite 400, Orlando, FL 32826, USA
| | - Michael Thomas
- NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, 12424 Research Parkway, Suite 400, Orlando, FL 32826, USA
| | - Aakash Patel
- NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, 12424 Research Parkway, Suite 400, Orlando, FL 32826, USA
| | - Eric Lorusso
- NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, 12424 Research Parkway, Suite 400, Orlando, FL 32826, USA
| | - Siddharth Nimbalkar
- NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, 12424 Research Parkway, Suite 400, Orlando, FL 32826, USA
| | - Yunqing Cai
- NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, 12424 Research Parkway, Suite 400, Orlando, FL 32826, USA
| | - Christopher W. McAleer
- NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, 12424 Research Parkway, Suite 400, Orlando, FL 32826, USA
| | - Ying Wang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, 305 Weill Hall, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
| | - Christopher J. Long
- NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, 12424 Research Parkway, Suite 400, Orlando, FL 32826, USA
| | - James J. Hickman
- NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, 12424 Research Parkway, Suite 400, Orlando, FL 32826, USA
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Zhao AD, Qin H, Sun ML, Ma K, Fu XB. Efficient and rapid conversion of human astrocytes and ALS mouse model spinal cord astrocytes into motor neuron-like cells by defined small molecules. Mil Med Res 2020; 7:42. [PMID: 32892745 PMCID: PMC7487818 DOI: 10.1186/s40779-020-00271-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2020] [Accepted: 08/27/2020] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Motor neuron degeneration or loss in the spinal cord is the characteristic phenotype of motor neuron diseases or spinal cord injuries. Being proliferative and located near neurons, astrocytes are considered ideal cell sources for regenerating neurons. METHODS We selected and tested different combinations of the small molecules for inducing the conversion of human and mouse astrocytes into neurons. Microscopic imaging and immunocytochemistry analyses were used to characterize the morphology and phenotype of the induced neurons while RT-qPCR was utilized to analyze changes in gene expression. In addition, whole-cell patch-clamp recordings were measured to examine the electrophysiological properties of induced neurons. RESULTS The results showed that human astrocytes could be rapidly and efficiently converted into motor neuron-like cells by treatment with defined small molecules, with a yield of over 85% motor neuron-like cells attained. The induced motor neuron-like cells expressed the pan-neuronal markers TUJ1, MAP2, NeuN, and Synapsin 1 and motor neuron markers HB9, ISL1, CHAT, and VAChT. During the conversion process, the cells did not pass through a proliferative neural progenitor cell intermediate. The induced motor neurons were functional, showing the electrophysiological properties of neurons. The same chemical cocktail could induce spinal cord astrocytes from an amyotrophic lateral sclerosis mouse model carrying a SOD1 mutation to become motor neuron-like cells that exhibited a decrease in cell survival and an increase in oxidative stress compared to that observed in wild-type MNs derived from healthy mice. Moreover, the chemical induction reduced oxidative stress in the mutant astrocytes. CONCLUSION The results of the present study demonstrated the feasibility of chemically converting human and mouse astrocytes into motor neuron-like cells that are useful for neurodegenerative disease modeling and regenerative medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- An-Dong Zhao
- Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300070, China.,Research Center for Tissue Repair and Regeneration affiliated to the Medical Innovation Research Division and 4th Medical Center, PLA General Hospital and PLA Medical College, 28 Fu Xing Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100853, P. R. China
| | - Hua Qin
- Research Center for Tissue Repair and Regeneration affiliated to the Medical Innovation Research Division and 4th Medical Center, PLA General Hospital and PLA Medical College, 28 Fu Xing Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100853, P. R. China.,PLA Key Laboratory of Tissue Repair and Regenerative Medicine and Beijing Key Research Laboratory of Skin Injury, Repair and Regeneration, Beijing, 100048, China
| | - Meng-Li Sun
- Research Center for Tissue Repair and Regeneration affiliated to the Medical Innovation Research Division and 4th Medical Center, PLA General Hospital and PLA Medical College, 28 Fu Xing Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100853, P. R. China.,PLA Key Laboratory of Tissue Repair and Regenerative Medicine and Beijing Key Research Laboratory of Skin Injury, Repair and Regeneration, Beijing, 100048, China
| | - Kui Ma
- Research Center for Tissue Repair and Regeneration affiliated to the Medical Innovation Research Division and 4th Medical Center, PLA General Hospital and PLA Medical College, 28 Fu Xing Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100853, P. R. China.,PLA Key Laboratory of Tissue Repair and Regenerative Medicine and Beijing Key Research Laboratory of Skin Injury, Repair and Regeneration, Beijing, 100048, China
| | - Xiao-Bing Fu
- Research Center for Tissue Repair and Regeneration affiliated to the Medical Innovation Research Division and 4th Medical Center, PLA General Hospital and PLA Medical College, 28 Fu Xing Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100853, P. R. China. .,PLA Key Laboratory of Tissue Repair and Regenerative Medicine and Beijing Key Research Laboratory of Skin Injury, Repair and Regeneration, Beijing, 100048, China. .,Research Unit of Trauma Care, Tissue Repair and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100048, China.
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Patel A, Rumsey JW, Lorance C, Long CJ, Lee B, Tetard L, Lambert S, Hickman JJ. Myelination and Node of Ranvier Formation in a Human Motoneuron-Schwann Cell Serum-Free Coculture. ACS Chem Neurosci 2020; 11:2615-2623. [PMID: 32786317 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.0c00287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Myelination and node of Ranvier formation play an important role in the rapid conduction of nerve impulses, referred to as saltatory conduction, along axons in the peripheral nervous system. We report a human-human myelination model using human primary Schwann cells (SCs) and human-induced pluripotent stem-cell-derived motoneurons utilizing a serum-free medium supplemented with ascorbate to induce myelination, where 41.6% of SCs expressed the master transcription factor for myelination, early growth response protein 2. After 30 days in coculture, myelin segments were visualized using immunocytochemistry for myelin basic protein surrounding neurofilament-stained motor neuron axons, which was confirmed via 3D confocal Raman microscopy, a viable alternative for transmission electron microscopy analysis. The myelination efficiency was 65%, and clusters of voltage-gated sodium channels and the paranodal protein contactin-associated protein 1 indicated node of Ranvier formation. This model has applications to study remyelination and demyelinating diseases, including Charcot-Marie Tooth disorder, Guillian-Barre syndrome, and anti-myelin-associated glycoprotein peripheral neuropathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aakash Patel
- NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, 12424 Research Parkway, Suite 400, Orlando, Florida 32826, United States
| | - John W. Rumsey
- Hesperos Inc., 12501 Research Parkway, Suite 100, Orlando, Florida 32826, United States
| | - Case Lorance
- Hesperos Inc., 12501 Research Parkway, Suite 100, Orlando, Florida 32826, United States
| | - Christopher J. Long
- Hesperos Inc., 12501 Research Parkway, Suite 100, Orlando, Florida 32826, United States
| | - Briana Lee
- NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, 12424 Research Parkway, Suite 400, Orlando, Florida 32826, United States
| | - Laurene Tetard
- NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, 12424 Research Parkway, Suite 400, Orlando, Florida 32826, United States
| | - Stephen Lambert
- NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, 12424 Research Parkway, Suite 400, Orlando, Florida 32826, United States
| | - James J. Hickman
- NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, 12424 Research Parkway, Suite 400, Orlando, Florida 32826, United States
- Hesperos Inc., 12501 Research Parkway, Suite 100, Orlando, Florida 32826, United States
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Deng Y, Zhou Z, Ji W, Lin S, Wang M. METTL1-mediated m 7G methylation maintains pluripotency in human stem cells and limits mesoderm differentiation and vascular development. Stem Cell Res Ther 2020; 11:306. [PMID: 32698871 PMCID: PMC7374972 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-020-01814-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2020] [Revised: 07/01/2020] [Accepted: 07/06/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background 7-Methylguanosine (m7G) is one of the most conserved modifications in nucleosides within tRNAs and rRNAs. It plays essential roles in the regulation of mRNA export, splicing, and translation. Recent studies highlighted the importance of METTL1-mediated m7G tRNA methylome in the self-renewal of mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs) through its ability to regulate mRNA translation. However, the exact mechanisms by which METTL1 regulates pluripotency and differentiation in human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) remain unknown. In this study, we evaluated the functions and underlying molecular mechanisms of METTL1 in regulating hiPSC self-renewal and differentiation in vivo and in vitro. Methods By establishing METTL1 knockdown (KD) hiPSCs, gene expression profiling was performed by RNA sequencing followed by pathway analyses. Anti-m7G northwestern assay was used to identify m7G modifications in tRNAs and mRNAs. Polysome profiling was used to assess the translation efficiency of the major pluripotent transcription factors. Moreover, the in vitro and in vivo differentiation capacities of METTL1-KD hiPSCs were assessed in embryoid body (EB) formation and teratoma formation assays. Results METTL1 silencing resulted in alterations in the global m7G profile in hiPSCs and reduced the translational efficiency of stem cell marker genes. METTL1-KD hiPSCs exhibited reduced pluripotency with slower cell cycling. Moreover, METTL1 silencing accelerates hiPSC differentiation into EBs and promotes the expression of mesoderm-related genes. Similarly, METTL1 knockdown enhances teratoma formation and mesoderm differentiation in vivo by promoting cell proliferation and angiogenesis in nude mice. Conclusion Our findings provided novel insight into the critical role of METTL1-mediated m7G modification in the regulation of hiPSC pluripotency and differentiation, as well as its potential roles in vascular development and the treatment of vascular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yujie Deng
- Center for Translational Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China.,Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510000, China
| | - Zhongyang Zhou
- Center for Translational Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Weidong Ji
- Center for Translational Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Shuibin Lin
- Center for Translational Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China.
| | - Min Wang
- Center for Translational Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China.
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41
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Nango H, Kosuge Y, Sato M, Shibukawa Y, Aono Y, Saigusa T, Ito Y, Ishige K. Highly Efficient Conversion of Motor Neuron-Like NSC-34 Cells into Functional Motor Neurons by Prostaglandin E 2. Cells 2020; 9:cells9071741. [PMID: 32708195 PMCID: PMC7409148 DOI: 10.3390/cells9071741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2020] [Revised: 07/10/2020] [Accepted: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Motor neuron diseases are a group of progressive neurological disorders that degenerate motor neurons. The neuroblastoma × spinal cord hybrid cell line NSC-34 is widely used as an experimental model in studies of motor neuron diseases. However, the differentiation efficiency of NSC-34 cells to neurons is not always sufficient. We have found that prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) induces morphological differentiation in NSC-34 cells. The present study investigated the functional properties of PGE2-differentiated NSC-34 cells. Retinoic acid (RA), a widely-used agent inducing cell differentiation, facilitated neuritogenesis, which peaked on day 7, whereas PGE2-induced neuritogenesis took only 2 days to reach the same level. Whole-cell patch-clamp recordings showed that the current threshold of PGE2-treated cell action potentials was lower than that of RA-treated cells. PGE2 and RA increased the protein expression levels of neuronal differentiation markers, microtubule-associated protein 2c and synaptophysin, and to the same extent, motor neuron-specific markers HB9 and Islet-1. On the other hand, protein levels of choline acetyltransferase and basal release of acetylcholine in PGE2-treated cells were higher than in RA-treated cells. These results suggest that PGE2 is a rapid and efficient differentiation-inducing factor for the preparation of functionally mature motor neurons from NSC-34 cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroshi Nango
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nihon University, 7-7-1 Narashinodai, Funabashi-shi, Chiba 274-8555, Japan; (H.N.); (Y.I.)
| | - Yasuhiro Kosuge
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nihon University, 7-7-1 Narashinodai, Funabashi-shi, Chiba 274-8555, Japan; (H.N.); (Y.I.)
- Correspondence: (Y.K.); (K.I.); Tel.: +81-47-465-4027 (Y.K.)
| | - Masaki Sato
- Department of Physiology, Tokyo Dental College, 2-9-18 Kanda-Misakicho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-0061, Japan; (M.S.); (Y.S.)
- Department of Biology Tokyo Dental College, 2-9-7 Kandasurugadai, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-0062, Japan
| | - Yoshiyuki Shibukawa
- Department of Physiology, Tokyo Dental College, 2-9-18 Kanda-Misakicho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-0061, Japan; (M.S.); (Y.S.)
| | - Yuri Aono
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Dentistry at Matsudo, Nihon University, 2-870-1 Sakaechonishi, Matsudo-shi, Chiba 271-8587, Japan; (Y.A.); (T.S.)
| | - Tadashi Saigusa
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Dentistry at Matsudo, Nihon University, 2-870-1 Sakaechonishi, Matsudo-shi, Chiba 271-8587, Japan; (Y.A.); (T.S.)
| | - Yoshihisa Ito
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nihon University, 7-7-1 Narashinodai, Funabashi-shi, Chiba 274-8555, Japan; (H.N.); (Y.I.)
- Pharmacy Education Center, Yokohama University of Pharmacy, 601 Matanocho, Totuka-ku, Yokohama 245-0066, Japan
| | - Kumiko Ishige
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nihon University, 7-7-1 Narashinodai, Funabashi-shi, Chiba 274-8555, Japan; (H.N.); (Y.I.)
- Correspondence: (Y.K.); (K.I.); Tel.: +81-47-465-4027 (Y.K.)
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Abstract
Organs-on-chips are broadly defined as microfabricated surfaces or devices designed to engineer cells into microscale tissues with native-like features and then extract physiologically relevant readouts at scale. Because they are generally compatible with patient-derived cells, these technologies can address many of the human relevance limitations of animal models. As a result, organs-on-chips have emerged as a promising new paradigm for patient-specific disease modeling and drug development. Because neuromuscular diseases span a broad range of rare conditions with diverse etiology and complex pathophysiology, they have been especially challenging to model in animals and thus are well suited for organ-on-chip approaches. In this Review, we first briefly summarize the challenges in neuromuscular disease modeling with animal models. Next, we describe a variety of existing organ-on-chip approaches for neuromuscular tissues, including a survey of cell sources for both muscle and nerve, and two- and three-dimensional neuromuscular tissue-engineering techniques. Although researchers have made tremendous advances in modeling neuromuscular diseases on a chip, the remaining challenges in cell sourcing, cell maturity, tissue assembly and readout capabilities limit their integration into the drug development pipeline today. However, as the field advances, models of healthy and diseased neuromuscular tissues on a chip, coupled with animal models, have vast potential as complementary tools for modeling multiple aspects of neuromuscular diseases and identifying new therapeutic strategies. Summary: Modeling neuromuscular diseases is challenging due to their complex etiology and pathophysiology. Here, we review the cell sources and tissue-engineering procedures that are being integrated as emerging neuromuscular disease models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey W Santoso
- Laboratory for Living Systems Engineering, Department of Biomedical Engineering, USC Viterbi School of Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | - Megan L McCain
- Laboratory for Living Systems Engineering, Department of Biomedical Engineering, USC Viterbi School of Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA .,Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Keck School of Medicine of USC, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
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Hosseini Farahabadi SS, Ghaedi K, Shoaraye-Nejati A, Nasr-Esfahani MH. Full small molecule conversion of human fibroblasts to neuroectodermal cells via a cocktail of Dorsomorphin and Trichostatin A. Regen Ther 2020; 15:44-52. [PMID: 33426201 PMCID: PMC7770348 DOI: 10.1016/j.reth.2020.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2020] [Revised: 04/27/2020] [Accepted: 05/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
A revolutionary new approach to produce efficient cells is to induce transdifferentiation to make it conventional in therapeutic strategies. In this paper, we describe a brief cocktail of small molecules including Dorsomorphin (DSM) and Trichostatin A (TSA) to produce safe neuroectodermal cells as a resource to produce various types of nervous system cells for a safe cytotherapy. Furthermore, in order to optimize this strategy, we implemented a cocktail of neurotrophic factors to enhance the viability of the cell. This modification was accompanied by pretreatment of the culture dishes with a combination of poly-l-ornithine and laminin and fibronectin. In order to decrease the length of protocol and transdifferentiation variation concomitantly, TSA was utilized as an epigenetic modulator. Finally, this improved protocol mediated neuroectodermal conversion of human fibroblasts within 12 days with an average efficiency of 24%, promising a fast strategy to produce neuroectodermal cells applicable for therapeutic purposes in neural damages. Here we induce neural cells by a cocktail consists of two small molecules of DSM and TSA. Our protocol is a 12 day protocol with the efficiency of 24% which is a more efficient one in comparison to previous protocols inducing neural cells. Consequently, our protocol shortens the path of in vitro and preclinical studies in the field of neural conversion and neuroregeneration. Full small molecule conversion of human fibroblasts to neuroectodermal cells became feasible. Application of only 2 small molecules made this conversion possible. A 12 day protocol with average efficiency of 24% promises a fast strategy to produce converted human neuroectodermal cells for cytotherapy goals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samaneh Sadat Hosseini Farahabadi
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology and Microbiology, Faculty of Biological Science and Technology, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran.,Department of Cellular Biotechnology at Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Kamran Ghaedi
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology and Microbiology, Faculty of Biological Science and Technology, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran.,Department of Cellular Biotechnology at Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Alireza Shoaraye-Nejati
- Department of Cellular Biotechnology at Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Mohammad-Hossein Nasr-Esfahani
- Department of Cellular Biotechnology at Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, Isfahan, Iran
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Thiry L, Hamel R, Pluchino S, Durcan T, Stifani S. Characterization of Human iPSC-derived Spinal Motor Neurons by Single-cell RNA Sequencing. Neuroscience 2020; 450:57-70. [PMID: 32380268 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2020.04.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2020] [Revised: 04/23/2020] [Accepted: 04/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) offer the opportunity to generate specific cell types from healthy and diseased individuals, allowing the study of mechanisms of early human development, modelling a variety of human diseases, and facilitating the development of new therapeutics. Human iPSC-based applications are often limited by the variability among iPSC lines originating from a single donor, as well as the heterogeneity among specific cell types that can be derived from iPSCs. The ability to deeply phenotype different iPSC-derived cell types is therefore of primary importance to the successful and informative application of this technology. Here we describe a combination of motor neuron (MN) derivation and single-cell RNA sequencing approaches to generate and characterize specific MN subtypes obtained from human iPSCs. Our studies provide evidence for rapid and robust generation of MN progenitor cells that can give rise to a heterogenous population of MNs. Approximately 58% of human iPSC-derived MNs display molecular characteristics of lateral motor column MNs, with a number of molecularly distinct subpopulations present within this MN group. Roughly 19% of induced MNs resemble hypaxial motor column MNs, while ∼6% of induced MNs have features of median motor column MNs. The present study has the potential to improve our understanding of iPSC-derived MN subtype function and dysfunction, possibly leading to improved iPSC-based applications for the study of human MN biology and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louise Thiry
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Montreal Neurological Institute-Hospital, McGill University, 3801, rue University, Montreal (Quebec) H3A 2B4, Canada
| | - Regan Hamel
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Clifford Allbutt Building - Cambridge Biosciences Campus and NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, University of Cambridge, Hills Road, CB2 0HA Cambridge, UK
| | - Stefano Pluchino
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Clifford Allbutt Building - Cambridge Biosciences Campus and NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, University of Cambridge, Hills Road, CB2 0HA Cambridge, UK
| | - Thomas Durcan
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Montreal Neurological Institute-Hospital, McGill University, 3801, rue University, Montreal (Quebec) H3A 2B4, Canada; Early Drug Discovery Unit, Montreal Neurological Institute-Hospital, Canada
| | - Stefano Stifani
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Montreal Neurological Institute-Hospital, McGill University, 3801, rue University, Montreal (Quebec) H3A 2B4, Canada.
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Mahmoodi N, Ai J, Ebrahimi‐Barough S, Hassannejad Z, Hasanzadeh E, Basiri A, Vaccaro AR, Rahimi‐Movaghar V. Microtubule stabilizer epothilone B as a motor neuron differentiation agent for human endometrial stem cells. Cell Biol Int 2020; 44:1168-1183. [DOI: 10.1002/cbin.11315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2019] [Accepted: 02/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Narges Mahmoodi
- Sina Trauma and Surgery Research Center, Sina HospitalTehran University of Medical Sciences Hasan‐Abad Square, Imam Khomeini Ave. Tehran 11365‐3876 Iran
| | - Jafar Ai
- Department of Tissue Engineering and Applied Cell Sciences, School of Advanced Technologies in MedicineTehran University of Medical Sciences Number 88, Italy Street, Between Ghods Street and Vesal Shirazi Street Tehran 14177‐55469 Iran
| | - Somayeh Ebrahimi‐Barough
- Department of Tissue Engineering and Applied Cell Sciences, School of Advanced Technologies in MedicineTehran University of Medical Sciences Number 88, Italy Street, Between Ghods Street and Vesal Shirazi Street Tehran 14177‐55469 Iran
| | - Zahra Hassannejad
- Pediatric Urology and Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Children's Medical Center, Pediatric Center of ExcellenceTehran University of Medical Sciences No. 62, Dr. Gharibs Street, Keshavarz Boulevard Tehran 1419733151 Iran
| | - Elham Hasanzadeh
- Department of Tissue Engineering, School of Advanced Technologies in MedicineMazandaran University of Medical Sciences Next to Tooba Medical Building, Khazar Boulevard Sari 48471‐91971 Iran
| | - Arefeh Basiri
- Department of Tissue Engineering and Applied Cell Sciences, School of Advanced Technologies in MedicineTehran University of Medical Sciences Number 88, Italy Street, Between Ghods Street and Vesal Shirazi Street Tehran 14177‐55469 Iran
| | - Alexander R. Vaccaro
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Rothman InstituteThomas Jefferson University 1925 Chestnut Street, 5th Floor Philadelphia Pennsylvania 19107 USA
| | - Vafa Rahimi‐Movaghar
- Sina Trauma and Surgery Research Center, Sina HospitalTehran University of Medical Sciences Hasan‐Abad Square, Imam Khomeini Ave. Tehran 11365‐3876 Iran
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46
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Schenke M, Schjeide BM, Püschel GP, Seeger B. Analysis of Motor Neurons Differentiated from Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells for the Use in Cell-Based Botulinum Neurotoxin Activity Assays. Toxins (Basel) 2020; 12:toxins12050276. [PMID: 32344847 PMCID: PMC7291138 DOI: 10.3390/toxins12050276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2020] [Revised: 04/12/2020] [Accepted: 04/23/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Botulinum neurotoxins (BoNTs) are potent neurotoxins produced by bacteria, which inhibit neurotransmitter release, specifically in their physiological target known as motor neurons (MNs). For the potency assessment of BoNTs produced for treatment in traditional and aesthetic medicine, the mouse lethality assay is still used by the majority of manufacturers, which is ethically questionable in terms of the 3Rs principle. In this study, MNs were differentiated from human induced pluripotent stem cells based on three published protocols. The resulting cell populations were analyzed for their MN yield and their suitability for the potency assessment of BoNTs. MNs produce specific gangliosides and synaptic proteins, which are bound by BoNTs in order to be taken up by receptor-mediated endocytosis, which is followed by cleavage of specific soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive-factor attachment receptor (SNARE) proteins required for neurotransmitter release. The presence of receptors and substrates for all BoNT serotypes was demonstrated in MNs generated in vitro. In particular, the MN differentiation protocol based on Du et al. yielded high numbers of MNs in a short amount of time with high expression of BoNT receptors and targets. The resulting cells are more sensitive to BoNT/A1 than the commonly used neuroblastoma cell line SiMa. MNs are, therefore, an ideal tool for being combined with already established detection methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maren Schenke
- Institute for Food Toxicology, Department of Food Toxicology and Replacement/Complementary Methods to Animal Testing, University of Veterinary Medicine, 30173 Hannover, Germany;
| | - Brit-Maren Schjeide
- Institute of Nutritional Science, Department of Nutritional Biochemistry, University of Potsdam, 14558 Nuthetal, Germany; (B.-M.S.); (G.P.P.)
| | - Gerhard P. Püschel
- Institute of Nutritional Science, Department of Nutritional Biochemistry, University of Potsdam, 14558 Nuthetal, Germany; (B.-M.S.); (G.P.P.)
| | - Bettina Seeger
- Institute for Food Toxicology, Department of Food Toxicology and Replacement/Complementary Methods to Animal Testing, University of Veterinary Medicine, 30173 Hannover, Germany;
- Correspondence:
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Grosch M, Ittermann S, Rusha E, Greisle T, Ori C, Truong DJJ, O'Neill AC, Pertek A, Westmeyer GG, Drukker M. Nucleus size and DNA accessibility are linked to the regulation of paraspeckle formation in cellular differentiation. BMC Biol 2020; 18:42. [PMID: 32321486 PMCID: PMC7178590 DOI: 10.1186/s12915-020-00770-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2020] [Accepted: 03/16/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Many long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been implicated in general and cell type-specific molecular regulation. Here, we asked what underlies the fundamental basis for the seemingly random appearance of nuclear lncRNA condensates in cells, and we sought compounds that can promote the disintegration of lncRNA condensates in vivo. RESULTS As a basis for comparing lncRNAs and cellular properties among different cell types, we screened lncRNAs in human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) that were differentiated to an atlas of cell lineages. We found that paraspeckles, which form by aggregation of the lncRNA NEAT1, are scaled by the size of the nucleus, and that small DNA-binding molecules promote the disintegration of paraspeckles and other lncRNA condensates. Furthermore, we found that paraspeckles regulate the differentiation of hPSCs. CONCLUSIONS Positive correlation between the size of the nucleus and the number of paraspeckles exist in numerous types of human cells. The tethering and structure of paraspeckles, as well as other lncRNAs, to the genome can be disrupted by small molecules that intercalate in DNA. The structure-function relationship of lncRNAs that regulates stem cell differentiation is likely to be determined by the dynamics of nucleus size and binding site accessibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Markus Grosch
- Institute of Stem Cell Research (ISF), Helmholtz Zentrum München, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Sebastian Ittermann
- Institute of Stem Cell Research (ISF), Helmholtz Zentrum München, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Ejona Rusha
- Institute of Stem Cell Research (ISF), iPSC Core Facility, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Tobias Greisle
- Institute of Stem Cell Research (ISF), Helmholtz Zentrum München, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Chaido Ori
- Institute of Stem Cell Research (ISF), Helmholtz Zentrum München, Neuherberg, Germany.,Comprehensive Pneumology Center (CPC), Helmholtz Zentrum München, Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Munich, Germany
| | | | - Adam C O'Neill
- Institute of Stem Cell Research (ISF), Helmholtz Zentrum München, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Anna Pertek
- Institute of Stem Cell Research (ISF), iPSC Core Facility, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Gil Gregor Westmeyer
- Institute of Biological and Medical Imaging (IBMI), Helmholtz Zentrum München, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Micha Drukker
- Institute of Stem Cell Research (ISF), Helmholtz Zentrum München, Neuherberg, Germany. .,Institute of Stem Cell Research (ISF), iPSC Core Facility, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Neuherberg, Germany.
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48
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Nango H, Kosuge Y, Yoshimura N, Miyagishi H, Kanazawa T, Hashizaki K, Suzuki T, Ishige K. The Molecular Mechanisms Underlying Prostaglandin D 2-Induced Neuritogenesis in Motor Neuron-Like NSC-34 Cells. Cells 2020; 9:E934. [PMID: 32290308 PMCID: PMC7226968 DOI: 10.3390/cells9040934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2020] [Revised: 04/04/2020] [Accepted: 04/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Prostaglandins are a group of physiologically active lipid compounds derived from arachidonic acid. Our previous study has found that prostaglandin E2 promotes neurite outgrowth in NSC-34 cells, which are a model for motor neuron development. However, the effects of other prostaglandins on neuronal differentiation are poorly understood. The present study investigated the effect of prostaglandin D2 (PGD2) on neuritogenesis in NSC-34 cells. Exposure to PGD2 resulted in increased percentages of neurite-bearing cells and neurite length. Although D-prostanoid receptor (DP) 1 and DP2 were dominantly expressed in the cells, BW245C (a DP1 agonist) and 15(R)-15-methyl PGD2 (a DP2 agonist) had no effect on neurite outgrowth. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay demonstrated that PGD2 was converted to 15-deoxy-Δ12,14-prostaglandin J2 (15d-PGJ2) under cell-free conditions. Exogenously applied 15d-PGJ2 mimicked the effect of PGD2 on neurite outgrowth. GW9662, a peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPARγ) antagonist, suppressed PGD2-induced neurite outgrowth. Moreover, PGD2 and 15d-PGJ2 increased the protein expression of Islet-1 (the earliest marker of developing motor neurons), and these increases were suppressed by co-treatment with GW9662. These results suggest that PGD2 induces neuritogenesis in NSC-34 cells and that PGD2-induced neurite outgrowth was mediated by the activation of PPARγ through the metabolite 15d-PGJ2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroshi Nango
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nihon University, 7-7-1 Narashinodai, Funabashi-shi, Chiba 274-8555, Japan
| | - Yasuhiro Kosuge
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nihon University, 7-7-1 Narashinodai, Funabashi-shi, Chiba 274-8555, Japan
| | - Nana Yoshimura
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nihon University, 7-7-1 Narashinodai, Funabashi-shi, Chiba 274-8555, Japan
| | - Hiroko Miyagishi
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nihon University, 7-7-1 Narashinodai, Funabashi-shi, Chiba 274-8555, Japan
| | - Takanori Kanazawa
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Nihon University, 7-7-1 Narashinodai, Funabashi-shi, Chiba 274-8555, Japan
| | - Kaname Hashizaki
- Laboratory of Physical Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Nihon University, 7-7-1 Narashinodai, Funabashi-shi, Chiba 274-8555, Japan
| | - Toyofumi Suzuki
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Nihon University, 7-7-1 Narashinodai, Funabashi-shi, Chiba 274-8555, Japan
| | - Kumiko Ishige
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nihon University, 7-7-1 Narashinodai, Funabashi-shi, Chiba 274-8555, Japan
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Wang T, Lin H, Liu F, Zhang C. Olig2 positive cells derived from hair follicle neural crest stem cells in rats. J Chem Neuroanat 2020; 105:101770. [PMID: 32088378 DOI: 10.1016/j.jchemneu.2020.101770] [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: 08/28/2019] [Revised: 02/17/2020] [Accepted: 02/19/2020] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Motor neuron disease (MND) is a kind of common clinical nervous system disease with typical characteristic of progressive motor neurons degeneration or death. Motor neuron derived from stem cells or motor neuron progenitor cells will be a good choice to be used for treatment of the disease. In this study, we used the combination of 5 small molecular including CHIR99021 (CHIR), SB431542 (SB), DMH1 (DMH), retinoic acid (RA) and Purmorphamine (Pur) to induce hair follicles neural crest stem cells (hfNCSCs) to motor neurons progenitors (MNPs). Valproic acid (VPA) was used to make MNPs proliferation. RA and Pur were used to try to induce MNPs toward motor neurons (MNs) and CpdE was tried for MNs maturation. Nestin, β-tubulin Ш (Tuj1), microtubule associated protein 2 (MAP2), Olig2, choline acetyltransferase (ChAT)and TUBB3 were examined at protein and mRNA levels by immunofluoresence cytochemistry, western blot and real time PCR at 6, 16 and 22 days. Our data showed cells changed into bipolar or multipolar shape forming the cell clusters like scattered rosettes. Nestin expression decreased significantly at 22 days. Compared to 6 days, percentage of Olig2 + MNPs was higher, (88.53 ± 6.67)%, and Olig2 expression at protein and gene level was lower at 22 days. Percentage of MAP2 positive cells increased to (90.62 ± 2.31) % and ChAT positive cells increased to (83.29 ± 6.62) % at 22 days. But no expression of ChAT was examined by western blot and real time PCR. It indicates that these 5 molecular can differentiate hfNCSCs into Olig2 positive cells with a unipotent differentiation toward motor neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Wang
- Department of Anatomy, the Second Military Medical University/Naval Medical University, China
| | - Haiyan Lin
- Department of Anatomy, the Second Military Medical University/Naval Medical University, China.
| | - Fang Liu
- Department of Anatomy, the Second Military Medical University/Naval Medical University, China
| | - Chuansen Zhang
- Department of Anatomy, the Second Military Medical University/Naval Medical University, China
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50
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Kim Y, Jeong J, Choi D. Small-molecule-mediated reprogramming: a silver lining for regenerative medicine. Exp Mol Med 2020; 52:213-226. [PMID: 32080339 PMCID: PMC7062739 DOI: 10.1038/s12276-020-0383-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2019] [Revised: 12/01/2019] [Accepted: 12/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Techniques for reprogramming somatic cells create new opportunities for drug screening, disease modeling, artificial organ development, and cell therapy. The development of reprogramming techniques has grown exponentially since the discovery of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) by the transduction of four factors (OCT3/4, SOX2, c-MYC, and KLF4) in mouse embryonic fibroblasts. Initial studies on iPSCs led to direct-conversion techniques using transcription factors expressed mainly in target cells. However, reprogramming transcription factors with a virus risks integrating viral DNA and can be complicated by oncogenes. To address these problems, many researchers are developing reprogramming methods that use clinically applicable small molecules and growth factors. This review summarizes research trends in reprogramming cells using small molecules and growth factors, including their modes of action. The reprogramming of cells using small molecules to generate viable, safe stem-cell populations could transform stem-cell therapies, disease modeling and artificial organ development. Existing ways of reprogramming cells to generate stem cells carry risks, because the methods used often involve using viral DNA components or oncogenes, genes with the potential to turn cells into tumour cells. Safer, inexpensive alternatives are sought by scientists, and the efficient reprogramming of cells using small molecules and growth factors shows promise. Dongho Choi and co-workers at Hanyang University College of Medicine in Seoul, South Korea, reviewed recent research highlighting how small molecules including chemical compounds, plant derivatives and certain approved drugs are being used effectively to create different stem-cell populations. Recent successes are also contributing valuable insights into how stem cells differentiate into different cell types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yohan Kim
- Department of Surgery, Hanyang University College of Medicine, Seoul, 04763, Korea.,HY Indang Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, Hanyang University, Seoul, 04763, Korea
| | - Jaemin Jeong
- Department of Surgery, Hanyang University College of Medicine, Seoul, 04763, Korea.,HY Indang Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, Hanyang University, Seoul, 04763, Korea
| | - Dongho Choi
- Department of Surgery, Hanyang University College of Medicine, Seoul, 04763, Korea. .,HY Indang Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, Hanyang University, Seoul, 04763, Korea.
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