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Liu Z, Pan C, Huang H. The role of axon guidance molecules in the pathogenesis of epilepsy. Neural Regen Res 2025; 20:1244-1257. [PMID: 39075893 DOI: 10.4103/nrr.nrr-d-23-01620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 07/31/2024] Open
Abstract
Current treatments for epilepsy can only manage the symptoms of the condition but cannot alter the initial onset or halt the progression of the disease. Consequently, it is crucial to identify drugs that can target novel cellular and molecular mechanisms and mechanisms of action. Increasing evidence suggests that axon guidance molecules play a role in the structural and functional modifications of neural networks and that the dysregulation of these molecules is associated with epilepsy susceptibility. In this review, we discuss the essential role of axon guidance molecules in neuronal activity in patients with epilepsy as well as the impact of these molecules on synaptic plasticity and brain tissue remodeling. Furthermore, we examine the relationship between axon guidance molecules and neuroinflammation, as well as the structural changes in specific brain regions that contribute to the development of epilepsy. Ample evidence indicates that axon guidance molecules, including semaphorins and ephrins, play a fundamental role in guiding axon growth and the establishment of synaptic connections. Deviations in their expression or function can disrupt neuronal connections, ultimately leading to epileptic seizures. The remodeling of neural networks is a significant characteristic of epilepsy, with axon guidance molecules playing a role in the dynamic reorganization of neural circuits. This, in turn, affects synapse formation and elimination. Dysregulation of these molecules can upset the delicate balance between excitation and inhibition within a neural network, thereby increasing the risk of overexcitation and the development of epilepsy. Inflammatory signals can regulate the expression and function of axon guidance molecules, thus influencing axonal growth, axon orientation, and synaptic plasticity. The dysregulation of neuroinflammation can intensify neuronal dysfunction and contribute to the occurrence of epilepsy. This review delves into the mechanisms associated with the pathogenicity of axon guidance molecules in epilepsy, offering a valuable reference for the exploration of therapeutic targets and presenting a fresh perspective on treatment strategies for this condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zheng Liu
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou Province, China
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2
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Hu D, Cao Y, Cai C, Wang G, Zhou M, Peng L, Fan Y, Lai Q, Gao Z. Establishment of human cerebral organoid systems to model early neural development and assess the central neurotoxicity of environmental toxins. Neural Regen Res 2025; 20:242-252. [PMID: 38767489 PMCID: PMC11246146 DOI: 10.4103/nrr.nrr-d-23-00928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/22/2024] Open
Abstract
JOURNAL/nrgr/04.03/01300535-202501000-00032/figure1/v/2024-05-14T021156Z/r/image-tiff Human brain development is a complex process, and animal models often have significant limitations. To address this, researchers have developed pluripotent stem cell-derived three-dimensional structures, known as brain-like organoids, to more accurately model early human brain development and disease. To enable more consistent and intuitive reproduction of early brain development, in this study, we incorporated forebrain organoid culture technology into the traditional unguided method of brain organoid culture. This involved embedding organoids in matrigel for only 7 days during the rapid expansion phase of the neural epithelium and then removing them from the matrigel for further cultivation, resulting in a new type of human brain organoid system. This cerebral organoid system replicated the temporospatial characteristics of early human brain development, including neuroepithelium derivation, neural progenitor cell production and maintenance, neuron differentiation and migration, and cortical layer patterning and formation, providing more consistent and reproducible organoids for developmental modeling and toxicology testing. As a proof of concept, we applied the heavy metal cadmium to this newly improved organoid system to test whether it could be used to evaluate the neurotoxicity of environmental toxins. Brain organoids exposed to cadmium for 7 or 14 days manifested severe damage and abnormalities in their neurodevelopmental patterns, including bursts of cortical cell death and premature differentiation. Cadmium exposure caused progressive depletion of neural progenitor cells and loss of organoid integrity, accompanied by compensatory cell proliferation at ectopic locations. The convenience, flexibility, and controllability of this newly developed organoid platform make it a powerful and affordable alternative to animal models for use in neurodevelopmental, neurological, and neurotoxicological studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daiyu Hu
- Fundamental Research Center, Shanghai Yangzhi Rehabilitation Hospital (Shanghai Sunshine Rehabilitation Center), School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
- Institute of Geriatrics (Shanghai University), Affiliated Nantong Hospital of Shanghai University (The Sixth People's Hospital of Nantong), Shanghai University School of Medicine, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, China
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Organ Repair, Shanghai University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Arrhythmias, Ministry of Education, Shanghai East Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuanqing Cao
- Fundamental Research Center, Shanghai Yangzhi Rehabilitation Hospital (Shanghai Sunshine Rehabilitation Center), School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
- Institute of Geriatrics (Shanghai University), Affiliated Nantong Hospital of Shanghai University (The Sixth People's Hospital of Nantong), Shanghai University School of Medicine, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, China
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Organ Repair, Shanghai University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Arrhythmias, Ministry of Education, Shanghai East Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Chenglin Cai
- Fundamental Research Center, Shanghai Yangzhi Rehabilitation Hospital (Shanghai Sunshine Rehabilitation Center), School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Arrhythmias, Ministry of Education, Shanghai East Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Guangming Wang
- Fundamental Research Center, Shanghai Yangzhi Rehabilitation Hospital (Shanghai Sunshine Rehabilitation Center), School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Arrhythmias, Ministry of Education, Shanghai East Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Min Zhou
- Institute of Geriatrics (Shanghai University), Affiliated Nantong Hospital of Shanghai University (The Sixth People's Hospital of Nantong), Shanghai University School of Medicine, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, China
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Organ Repair, Shanghai University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Luying Peng
- Key Laboratory of Arrhythmias, Ministry of Education, Shanghai East Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yantao Fan
- Fundamental Research Center, Shanghai Yangzhi Rehabilitation Hospital (Shanghai Sunshine Rehabilitation Center), School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
- Institute of Geriatrics (Shanghai University), Affiliated Nantong Hospital of Shanghai University (The Sixth People's Hospital of Nantong), Shanghai University School of Medicine, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, China
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Organ Repair, Shanghai University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Qiong Lai
- Institute of Geriatrics (Shanghai University), Affiliated Nantong Hospital of Shanghai University (The Sixth People's Hospital of Nantong), Shanghai University School of Medicine, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, China
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Organ Repair, Shanghai University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhengliang Gao
- Fundamental Research Center, Shanghai Yangzhi Rehabilitation Hospital (Shanghai Sunshine Rehabilitation Center), School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
- Institute of Geriatrics (Shanghai University), Affiliated Nantong Hospital of Shanghai University (The Sixth People's Hospital of Nantong), Shanghai University School of Medicine, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, China
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Organ Repair, Shanghai University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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3
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Zhu Y, Huang Y, Tang T, Xie Y. HDAC1 and HDAC2 orchestrate Wnt signaling to regulate neural progenitor transition during brain development. iScience 2024; 27:110600. [PMID: 39224519 PMCID: PMC11367519 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.110600] [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: 04/08/2024] [Revised: 06/19/2024] [Accepted: 07/24/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Tightly controlled neurogenesis is crucial for generating the precise number of neurons and establishing the intricate architecture of the cortex, with deficiencies often leading to neurodevelopmental disorders. Neuroepithelial progenitors (NPs) transit into radial glial progenitors (RGPs) to initiate neural differentiation, yet the governing mechanisms remain elusive. Here, we found that histone deacetylases 1 and 2 (HDAC1/2) mediated suppression of Wnt signaling is essential for the NP-to-RGP transition. Conditional depletion of HDAC1/2 from NPs upregulated Wnt signaling genes, impairing the transition to RGPs and resulting in rosette structures within the neocortex. Multi-omics analysis revealed that HDAC1/2 are critical for downregulating Wnt signaling, identifying Wnt9a as a key target. Overexpression of Wnt9a led to an increased population of NPs and the disruption of cortical organization. Notably, Wnt inhibitor administration partially rescued the disrupted cortical architecture. Our findings reveal the significance of tightly controlled Wnt signaling through epigenetic mechanisms in neocortical development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Zhu
- Department of Anesthesia, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, and Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Yunyun Huang
- Department of Anesthesia, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, and Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Tianxiang Tang
- Department of Anesthesia, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, and Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Yunli Xie
- Department of Anesthesia, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, and Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
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4
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Sánchez-Ramírez E, Ung TPL, Stringari C, Aguilar-Arnal L. Emerging Functional Connections Between Metabolism and Epigenetic Remodeling in Neural Differentiation. Mol Neurobiol 2024; 61:6688-6707. [PMID: 38340204 PMCID: PMC11339152 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-024-04006-w] [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: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
Stem cells possess extraordinary capacities for self-renewal and differentiation, making them highly valuable in regenerative medicine. Among these, neural stem cells (NSCs) play a fundamental role in neural development and repair processes. NSC characteristics and fate are intricately regulated by the microenvironment and intracellular signaling. Interestingly, metabolism plays a pivotal role in orchestrating the epigenome dynamics during neural differentiation, facilitating the transition from undifferentiated NSC to specialized neuronal and glial cell types. This intricate interplay between metabolism and the epigenome is essential for precisely regulating gene expression patterns and ensuring proper neural development. This review highlights the mechanisms behind metabolic regulation of NSC fate and their connections with epigenetic regulation to shape transcriptional programs of stemness and neural differentiation. A comprehensive understanding of these molecular gears appears fundamental for translational applications in regenerative medicine and personalized therapies for neurological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edgar Sánchez-Ramírez
- Departamento de Biología Celular y Fisiología, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Thi Phuong Lien Ung
- Laboratory for Optics and Biosciences, Ecole Polytechnique, CNRS, INSERM, Institut Polytechnique de Paris, Palaiseau, France
| | - Chiara Stringari
- Laboratory for Optics and Biosciences, Ecole Polytechnique, CNRS, INSERM, Institut Polytechnique de Paris, Palaiseau, France
| | - Lorena Aguilar-Arnal
- Departamento de Biología Celular y Fisiología, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico.
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5
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Thalhammer M, Nimpal M, Schulz J, Meedt V, Menegaux A, Schmitz-Koep B, Daamen M, Boecker H, Zimmer C, Priller J, Wolke D, Bartmann P, Hedderich D, Sorg C. Consistently lower volumes across thalamus nuclei in very premature-born adults. Neuroimage 2024; 297:120732. [PMID: 39004408 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2024.120732] [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: 03/27/2024] [Revised: 07/08/2024] [Accepted: 07/11/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Lasting thalamus volume reduction after preterm birth is a prominent finding. However, whether thalamic nuclei volumes are affected differentially by preterm birth and whether nuclei aberrations are relevant for cognitive functioning remains unknown. Using T1-weighted MR-images of 83 adults born very preterm (≤ 32 weeks' gestation; VP) and/or with very low body weight (≤ 1,500 g; VLBW) as well as of 92 full-term born (≥ 37 weeks' gestation) controls, we compared thalamic nuclei volumes of six subregions (anterior, lateral, ventral, intralaminar, medial, and pulvinar) across groups at the age of 26 years. To characterize the functional relevance of volume aberrations, cognitive performance was assessed by full-scale intelligence quotient using the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale and linked to volume reductions using multiple linear regression analyses. Thalamic volumes were significantly lower across all examined nuclei in VP/VLBW adults compared to controls, suggesting an overall rather than focal impairment. Lower nuclei volumes were linked to higher intensity of neonatal treatment, indicating vulnerability to stress exposure after birth. Furthermore, we found that single results for lateral, medial, and pulvinar nuclei volumes were associated with full-scale intelligence quotient in preterm adults, albeit not surviving correction for multiple hypotheses testing. These findings provide evidence that lower thalamic volume in preterm adults is observable across all subregions rather than focused on single nuclei. Data suggest the same mechanisms of aberrant thalamus development across all nuclei after premature birth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa Thalhammer
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Neuroradiology, Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine and Health, Munich, Germany; Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine and Health, TUM-NIC Neuroimaging Center, Munich, Germany.
| | - Mehul Nimpal
- Faculty of Biology, Graduate School of Systemic Neurosciences, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich
| | - Julia Schulz
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Neuroradiology, Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine and Health, Munich, Germany; Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine and Health, TUM-NIC Neuroimaging Center, Munich, Germany
| | - Veronica Meedt
- Faculty of Biology, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich
| | - Aurore Menegaux
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Neuroradiology, Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine and Health, Munich, Germany; Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine and Health, TUM-NIC Neuroimaging Center, Munich, Germany
| | - Benita Schmitz-Koep
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Neuroradiology, Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine and Health, Munich, Germany; Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine and Health, TUM-NIC Neuroimaging Center, Munich, Germany
| | - Marcel Daamen
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Bonn, Clinical Functional Imaging Group, Bonn, Germany; Department of Neonatology and Pediatric Intensive Care, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Henning Boecker
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Bonn, Clinical Functional Imaging Group, Bonn, Germany
| | - Claus Zimmer
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Neuroradiology, Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine and Health, Munich, Germany; Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine and Health, TUM-NIC Neuroimaging Center, Munich, Germany
| | - Josef Priller
- Department of Psychiatry, Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine and Health, Munich, Germany
| | - Dieter Wolke
- Department of Psychology, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK; Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Peter Bartmann
- Department of Neonatology and Pediatric Intensive Care, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Dennis Hedderich
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Neuroradiology, Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine and Health, Munich, Germany; Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine and Health, TUM-NIC Neuroimaging Center, Munich, Germany
| | - Christian Sorg
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Neuroradiology, Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine and Health, Munich, Germany; Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine and Health, TUM-NIC Neuroimaging Center, Munich, Germany; Department of Psychiatry, Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine and Health, Munich, Germany
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6
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Kostović I. Development of the basic architecture of neocortical circuitry in the human fetus as revealed by the coupling spatiotemporal pattern of synaptogenesis along with microstructure and macroscale in vivo MR imaging. Brain Struct Funct 2024:10.1007/s00429-024-02838-9. [PMID: 39102068 DOI: 10.1007/s00429-024-02838-9] [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: 05/21/2024] [Accepted: 07/12/2024] [Indexed: 08/06/2024]
Abstract
In humans, a quantifiable number of cortical synapses appears early in fetal life. In this paper, we present a bridge across different scales of resolution and the distribution of synapses across the transient cytoarchitectonic compartments: marginal zone (MZ), cortical plate (CP), subplate (SP), and in vivo MR images. The tissue of somatosensory cortex (7-26 postconceptional weeks (PCW)) was prepared for electron microscopy, and classified synapses with a determined subpial depth were used for creating histograms matched to the histological sections immunoreacted for synaptic markers and aligned to in vivo MR images (1.5 T) of corresponding fetal ages (maternal indication). Two time periods and laminar patterns of synaptogenesis were identified: an early and midfetal two-compartmental distribution (MZ and SP) and a late fetal three-compartmental distribution (CP synaptogenesis). During both periods, a voluminous, synapse-rich SP was visualized on the in vivo MR. Another novel finding concerns the phase of secondary expansion of the SP (13 PCW), where a quantifiable number of synapses appears in the upper SP. This lamina shows a T2 intermediate signal intensity below the low signal CP. In conclusion, the early fetal appearance of synapses shows early differentiation of putative genetic mechanisms underlying the synthesis, transport and assembly of synaptic proteins. "Pioneering" synapses are likely to play a morphogenetic role in constructing of fundamental circuitry architecture due to interaction between neurons. They underlie spontaneous, evoked, and resting state activity prior to ex utero experience. Synapses can also mediate genetic and environmental triggers, adversely altering the development of cortical circuitry and leading to neurodevelopmental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivica Kostović
- Croatian Institute for Brain Research, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia.
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Hung SC, Dahmoush H, Lee HJ, Chen HC, Guimaraes CV. Prenatal Imaging of Supratentorial Fetal Brain Malformation. Magn Reson Imaging Clin N Am 2024; 32:395-412. [PMID: 38944430 DOI: 10.1016/j.mric.2024.03.002] [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] [Indexed: 07/01/2024]
Abstract
This review article provides a comprehensive overview of fetal MR imaging in supratentorial cerebral malformations. It emphasizes the importance of fetal MR imaging as an adjunct diagnostic tool used alongside ultrasound, improving the detection and characterization of prenatal brain abnormalities. This article reviews a spectrum of cerebral malformations, their MR imaging features, and the clinical implications of these findings. Additionally, it outlines the growing importance of fetal MR imaging in the context of perinatal care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheng-Che Hung
- Division of Neuroradiology, Department of Radiology, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, NC, USA; Biomedical Research Imaging Center, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
| | - Hisham Dahmoush
- Division of Pediatric Neuroradiology, Department of Radiology, Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Han-Jui Lee
- Division of Neuroradiology, Department of Radiology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taiwan; National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taiwan
| | - Hung-Chieh Chen
- National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taiwan; Division of Neuroradiology, Department of Radiology, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taiwan
| | - Carolina V Guimaraes
- Division of Pediatric Radiology, Department of Radiology, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
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Desrosiers J, Caron-Desrochers L, René A, Gaudet I, Pincivy A, Paquette N, Gallagher A. Functional connectivity development in the prenatal and neonatal stages measured by functional magnetic resonance imaging: A systematic review. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2024; 163:105778. [PMID: 38936564 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2024.105778] [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: 12/07/2023] [Revised: 04/28/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024]
Abstract
The prenatal and neonatal periods are two of the most important developmental stages of the human brain. It is therefore crucial to understand normal brain development and how early connections are established during these periods, in order to advance the state of knowledge on altered brain development and eventually identify early brain markers of neurodevelopmental disorders and diseases. In this systematic review (Prospero ID: CRD42024511365), we compiled resting state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies in healthy fetuses and neonates, in order to outline the main characteristics of typical development of the functional brain connectivity during the prenatal and neonatal periods. A systematic search of five databases identified a total of 12 573 articles. Of those, 28 articles met pre-established selection criteria based determined by the authors after surveying and compiling the major limitations reported within the literature. Inclusion criteria were: (1) resting state studies; (2) presentation of original results; (3) use of fMRI with minimum one Tesla; (4) a population ranging from 20 weeks of GA to term birth (around 37-42 weeks of PMA); (5) singleton pregnancy with normal development (absence of any complications known to alter brain development). Exclusion criteria were: (1) preterm studies; (2) post-mortem studies; (3) clinical or pathological studies; (4) twin studies; (5) papers with a sole focus on methodology (i.e. focused on tool and analysis development); (6) volumetric studies; (7) activation map studies; (8) cortical analysis studies; (9) conference papers. A risk of bias assessment was also done to evaluate each article's methodological rigor. 1877 participants were included across all the reviewed articles. Results consistently revealed a developmental gradient of increasing functional brain connectivity from posterior to anterior regions and from proximal-to-distal regions. A decrease in local small-world organization shortly after birth was also observed; small-world characteristics were present in fetuses and newborns, but appeared weaker in the latter group. Also, the posterior-to-anterior gradient could be associated with earlier development of the sensorimotor networks in the posterior regions while more complex higher-order networks (e.g. attention-related) mature later in the anterior regions. The main limitations of this systematic review stem from the inherent limitations of functional imaging in fetuses, mainly: unevenly distributed populations and limited sample sizes; fetal movements in the womb and other imaging obstacles; and a large voxel resolution when imaging a small brain. Another limitation specific to this review is the relatively small number of included articles compared to very a large search result, which may have led to relevant articles having been overlooked.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jérémi Desrosiers
- Neurodevelopmental Optical Imaging Laboratory (LIONLAB), Sainte-Justine University Hospital Research Center, Montreal, QC, Canada; School of Psychoeducation, University of Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Laura Caron-Desrochers
- Neurodevelopmental Optical Imaging Laboratory (LIONLAB), Sainte-Justine University Hospital Research Center, Montreal, QC, Canada; Department of Psychology, University of Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Andréanne René
- Neurodevelopmental Optical Imaging Laboratory (LIONLAB), Sainte-Justine University Hospital Research Center, Montreal, QC, Canada; Department of Psychology, University of Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Isabelle Gaudet
- Neurodevelopmental Optical Imaging Laboratory (LIONLAB), Sainte-Justine University Hospital Research Center, Montreal, QC, Canada; Department of Health Sciences, Université du Québec à Chicoutimi, QC, Canada
| | - Alix Pincivy
- Sainte-Justine University Health Center and Research Center Libraries, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Natacha Paquette
- Neurodevelopmental Optical Imaging Laboratory (LIONLAB), Sainte-Justine University Hospital Research Center, Montreal, QC, Canada; Department of Psychology, University of Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Anne Gallagher
- Neurodevelopmental Optical Imaging Laboratory (LIONLAB), Sainte-Justine University Hospital Research Center, Montreal, QC, Canada; Department of Psychology, University of Montreal, QC, Canada.
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Ning C, Wu X, Zhao X, Lu Z, Yao X, Zhou T, Yi L, Sun Y, Wu S, Liu Z, Huang X, Gao L, Liu J. Epigenomic landscapes during prefrontal cortex development and aging in rhesus. Natl Sci Rev 2024; 11:nwae213. [PMID: 39183748 PMCID: PMC11342245 DOI: 10.1093/nsr/nwae213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2023] [Revised: 06/07/2024] [Accepted: 06/09/2024] [Indexed: 08/27/2024] Open
Abstract
The prefrontal cortex (PFC) is essential for higher-level cognitive functions. How epigenetic dynamics participates in PFC development and aging is largely unknown. Here, we profiled epigenomic landscapes of rhesus monkey PFCs from prenatal to aging stages. The dynamics of chromatin states, including higher-order chromatin structure, chromatin interaction and histone modifications are coordinated to regulate stage-specific gene transcription, participating in distinct processes of neurodevelopment. Dramatic changes of epigenetic signals occur around the birth stage. Notably, genes involved in neuronal cell differentiation and layer specification are pre-configured by bivalent promoters. We identified a cis-regulatory module and the transcription factors (TFs) associated with basal radial glia development, which was associated with large brain size in primates. These TFs include GLI3, CREB5 and SOX9. Interestingly, the genes associated with the basal radial glia (bRG)-associated cis-element module, such as SRY and SOX9, are enriched in sex differentiation. Schizophrenia-associated single nucleotide polymorphisms are more enriched in super enhancers (SEs) than typical enhancers, suggesting that SEs play an important role in neural network wiring. A cis-regulatory element of DBN1 is identified, which is critical for neuronal cell proliferation and synaptic neuron differentiation. Notably, the loss of distal chromatin interaction and H3K27me3 signal are hallmarks of PFC aging, which are associated with abnormal expression of aging-related genes and transposon activation, respectively. Collectively, our findings shed light on epigenetic mechanisms underlying primate brain development and aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Ning
- National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, CAS Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Xi Wu
- National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, CAS Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
- Division of HIV/AIDS and Sex-Transmitted Virus Vaccines, Institute for Biological Product Control, National Institutes for Food and Drug Control (NIFDC), State Key Laboratory of Drug Regulatory Science, Beijing 102629, China
| | - Xudong Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650223, China
| | - Zongyang Lu
- School of Life Science and Technology, Shanghai Tech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Xuelong Yao
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
- GuangzhouNvwa Life Technology Co., Ltd, Guangzhou 510535, China
| | - Tao Zhou
- Shenzhen Neher Neural Plasticity Laboratory, CAS Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Manipulation, The Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Lizhi Yi
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yaoyu Sun
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Shuaishuai Wu
- National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, CAS Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
- Key Laboratory of Epigenetic Regulation and Intervention, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Zhenbo Liu
- National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, CAS Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- Key Laboratory of Epigenetic Regulation and Intervention, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Xingxu Huang
- School of Life Science and Technology, Shanghai Tech University, Shanghai 201210, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital, and Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Lei Gao
- National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, CAS Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- Key Laboratory of Epigenetic Regulation and Intervention, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Jiang Liu
- National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, CAS Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
- Key Laboratory of Epigenetic Regulation and Intervention, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- Center for Excellence in Animal Evolution and Genetics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650223, China
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10
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Yang Z. The Principle of Cortical Development and Evolution. Neurosci Bull 2024:10.1007/s12264-024-01259-2. [PMID: 39023844 DOI: 10.1007/s12264-024-01259-2] [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: 05/29/2024] [Accepted: 06/21/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Human's robust cognitive abilities, including creativity and language, are made possible, at least in large part, by evolutionary changes made to the cerebral cortex. This paper reviews the biology and evolution of mammalian cortical radial glial cells (primary neural stem cells) and introduces the concept that a genetically step wise process, based on a core molecular pathway already in use, is the evolutionary process that has molded cortical neurogenesis. The core mechanism, which has been identified in our recent studies, is the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)-bone morphogenic protein 7 (BMP7)-GLI3 repressor form (GLI3R)-sonic hedgehog (SHH) positive feedback loop. Additionally, I propose that the molecular basis for cortical evolutionary dwarfism, exemplified by the lissencephalic mouse which originated from a larger gyrencephalic ancestor, is an increase in SHH signaling in radial glia, that antagonizes ERK-BMP7 signaling. Finally, I propose that: (1) SHH signaling is not a key regulator of primate cortical expansion and folding; (2) human cortical radial glial cells do not generate neocortical interneurons; (3) human-specific genes may not be essential for most cortical expansion. I hope this review assists colleagues in the field, guiding research to address gaps in our understanding of cortical development and evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhengang Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Department of Neurology, Institutes of Brain Science, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
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11
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Morozov YM, Rakic P. Lateral expansion of the mammalian cerebral cortex is related to anchorage of centrosomes in apical neural progenitors. Cereb Cortex 2024; 34:bhae293. [PMID: 39024157 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhae293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2024] [Revised: 06/05/2024] [Accepted: 07/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024] Open
Abstract
The centrosome is the main microtubule organizing center in stem cells, and its mother centriole, anchored to the cell membrane, serves as the basal body of the primary cilium. Prolonged anchorage of centrosomes and primary cilia to the apical segment of the membrane of apical neural progenitor cells is considered vital for interkinetic nuclear translocation and repetitive cycling in the ventricular zone. In contrast, the basolateral anchorage of primary cilia has been regarded as the first step in delamination and conversion of apical to basal neural progenitor cells or neurons. Using electron microscopy analysis of serial sections, we show that centrosomes, in a fraction of cells, anchor to the basolateral cell membrane immediately after cell division and before development of cilia. In other cells, centrosomes situate freely in the cytoplasm, increasing their probability of subsequent apical anchorage. In mice, anchored centrosomes in the cells shortly after mitosis predominate during the entire cerebral neurogenesis, whereas in macaque monkeys, cytoplasmic centrosomes are more numerous. Species-specific differences in the ratio of anchored and free cytoplasmic centrosomes appear to be related to prolonged neurogenesis in the ventricular zone that is essential for lateral expansion of the cerebral cortex in primates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yury M Morozov
- Department of Neuroscience, Yale University School of Medicine and Kavli Institute for Neuroscience, 333 Cedar Street, SHM, C-303, New Haven, CT 06510, United States
| | - Pasko Rakic
- Department of Neuroscience, Yale University School of Medicine and Kavli Institute for Neuroscience, 333 Cedar Street, SHM, C-303, New Haven, CT 06510, United States
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12
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Govaert P, Arena R, Dudink J, Steggerda S, Agut T, Marissens G, Hoebeek F. Developmental anatomy of the thalamus, perinatal lesions, and neurological development. Dev Med Child Neurol 2024. [PMID: 38875159 DOI: 10.1111/dmcn.15992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2023] [Revised: 05/04/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 06/16/2024]
Abstract
The thalamic nuclei develop before a viable preterm age. GABAergic neuronal migration is especially active in the third trimester. Thalamic axons meet cortical axons during subplate activation and create the definitive cortical plate in the second and third trimesters. Default higher-order cortical driver connections to the thalamus are then replaced by the maturing sensory networks, in a process that is driven by first-order thalamic neurons. Surface electroencephalographic activity, generated first in the subplate and later in the cortical plate, gradually show oscillations based on the interaction of the cortex with thalamus, which is controlled by the thalamic reticular nucleus. In viable newborn infants, in addition to sensorimotor networks, the thalamus already contributes to visual, auditory, and pain processing, and to arousal and sleep. Isolated thalamic lesions may present as clinical seizures. In addition to asphyxia and stroke, infection and network injury are also common. Cranial ultrasound can be used to classify neonatal thalamic injuries based on functional parcelling of the mature thalamus. We provide ample illustration and a detailed description of the impact of neonatal focal thalamic injury on neurological development, and discuss the potential for neuroprotection based on thalamocortical plasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Govaert
- Department of Neonatology, UZBrussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Roberta Arena
- Department of Neonatology, UZBrussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Jeroen Dudink
- Department of Neonatology, UZBrussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | | | - Thais Agut
- Department of Neonatology, UZBrussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | | | - Freek Hoebeek
- Department for Developmental Origins of Disease/Brain Centre, Division Woman and Baby, Wilhelmina Children's Hospital, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
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13
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Qian X, Coleman K, Jiang S, Kriz AJ, Marciano JH, Luo C, Cai C, Manam MD, Caglayan E, Otani A, Ghosh U, Shao DD, Andersen RE, Neil JE, Johnson R, LeFevre A, Hecht JL, Miller MB, Sun L, Stringer C, Li M, Walsh CA. Spatial Single-cell Analysis Decodes Cortical Layer and Area Specification. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.06.05.597673. [PMID: 38915567 PMCID: PMC11195106 DOI: 10.1101/2024.06.05.597673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/26/2024]
Abstract
The human cerebral cortex, pivotal for advanced cognitive functions, is composed of six distinct layers and dozens of functionally specialized areas1,2. The layers and areas are distinguished both molecularly, by diverse neuronal and glial cell subtypes, and structurally, through intricate spatial organization3,4. While single-cell transcriptomics studies have advanced molecular characterization of human cortical development, a critical gap exists due to the loss of spatial context during cell dissociation5,6,7,8. Here, we utilized multiplexed error-robust fluorescence in situ hybridization (MERFISH)9, augmented with deep-learning-based cell segmentation, to examine the molecular, cellular, and cytoarchitectural development of human fetal cortex with spatially resolved single-cell resolution. Our extensive spatial atlas, encompassing 16 million single cells, spans eight cortical areas across four time points in the second and third trimesters. We uncovered an early establishment of the six-layer structure, identifiable in the laminar distribution of excitatory neuronal subtypes by mid-gestation, long before the emergence of cytoarchitectural layers. Notably, while anterior-posterior gradients of neuronal subtypes were generally observed in most cortical areas, a striking exception was the sharp molecular border between primary (V1) and secondary visual cortices (V2) at gestational week 20. Here we discovered an abrupt binary shift in neuronal subtype specification at the earliest stages, challenging the notion that continuous morphogen gradients dictate mid-gestation cortical arealization6,10. Moreover, integrating single-nuclei RNA-sequencing and in situ whole transcriptomics revealed an early upregulation of synaptogenesis in V1-specific Layer 4 neurons, suggesting a role of synaptogenesis in this discrete border formation. Collectively, our findings underscore the crucial role of spatial relationships in determining the molecular specification of cortical layers and areas. This work not only provides a valuable resource for the field, but also establishes a spatially resolved single-cell analysis paradigm that paves the way for a comprehensive developmental atlas of the human brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuyu Qian
- Division of Genetics and Genomics, Department of Pediatrics, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- These authors contributed equally: Xuyu Qian, Kyle Coleman, Shunzhou Jiang
| | - Kyle Coleman
- Statistical Center for Single-Cell and Spatial Genomics, Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Informatics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- These authors contributed equally: Xuyu Qian, Kyle Coleman, Shunzhou Jiang
| | - Shunzhou Jiang
- Statistical Center for Single-Cell and Spatial Genomics, Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Informatics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- These authors contributed equally: Xuyu Qian, Kyle Coleman, Shunzhou Jiang
| | - Andrea J. Kriz
- Division of Genetics and Genomics, Department of Pediatrics, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jack H. Marciano
- Division of Genetics and Genomics, Department of Pediatrics, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Chunyu Luo
- Statistical Center for Single-Cell and Spatial Genomics, Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Informatics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Chunhui Cai
- Research Computing, Department of Information Technology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Monica Devi Manam
- Division of Genetics and Genomics, Department of Pediatrics, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Emre Caglayan
- Division of Genetics and Genomics, Department of Pediatrics, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Aoi Otani
- Division of Genetics and Genomics, Department of Pediatrics, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Urmi Ghosh
- Division of Genetics and Genomics, Department of Pediatrics, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Diane D. Shao
- Division of Genetics and Genomics, Department of Pediatrics, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Neurology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Rebecca E. Andersen
- Division of Genetics and Genomics, Department of Pediatrics, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jennifer E. Neil
- Division of Genetics and Genomics, Department of Pediatrics, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Robert Johnson
- University of Maryland Brain and Tissue Bank, Department of Pediatrics, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Alexandra LeFevre
- University of Maryland Brain and Tissue Bank, Department of Pediatrics, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Jonathan L. Hecht
- Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Michael B. Miller
- Division of Genetics and Genomics, Department of Pediatrics, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
- Division of Neuropathology, Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Liang Sun
- Research Computing, Department of Information Technology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Carsen Stringer
- Janelia Research Campus, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Ashburn, Virginia, USA
| | - Mingyao Li
- Statistical Center for Single-Cell and Spatial Genomics, Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Informatics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Christopher A. Walsh
- Division of Genetics and Genomics, Department of Pediatrics, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Neurology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
- Departments of Pediatrics and Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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14
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Arichi T. Characterizing Large-Scale Human Circuit Development with In Vivo Neuroimaging. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Biol 2024; 16:a041496. [PMID: 38438187 PMCID: PMC11146311 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a041496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/06/2024]
Abstract
Large-scale coordinated patterns of neural activity are crucial for the integration of information in the human brain and to enable complex and flexible human behavior across the life span. Through recent advances in noninvasive functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) methods, it is now possible to study this activity and how it emerges in the living fetal brain across the second half of human gestation. This work has demonstrated that functional activity in the fetal brain has several features in keeping with highly organized networks of activity, which are undergoing a highly programmed and rapid sequence of development before birth, in which long-range connections emerge and core features of the mature functional connectome (such as hub regions and a gradient organization) are established. In this review, the findings of these studies are summarized, their relationship to the known changes in developmental neurobiology is considered, and considerations for future work in the context of limitations to the fMRI approach are presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomoki Arichi
- Centre for the Developing Brain, School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, King's College London, St Thomas' Hospital, London SE1 7EH, United Kingdom
- MRC Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, King's College London, New Hunt's House, Guy's Campus, London SE1 1UL, United Kingdom
- Children's Neurosciences, Evelina London Children's Hospital, Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London SE1 7EH, United Kingdom
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15
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Espinoza F, Carrazana R, Retamal-Fredes E, Ávila D, Papes F, Muotri AR, Ávila A. Tcf4 dysfunction alters dorsal and ventral cortical neurogenesis in Pitt-Hopkins syndrome mouse model showing sexual dimorphism. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2024; 1870:167178. [PMID: 38636614 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2024.167178] [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: 11/15/2023] [Revised: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 04/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024]
Abstract
Pitt-Hopkins syndrome (PTHS) is a neurodevelopmental disorder caused by haploinsufficiency of transcription factor 4 (TCF4). In this work, we focused on the cerebral cortex and investigated in detail the progenitor cell dynamics and the outcome of neurogenesis in a PTHS mouse model. Labeling and quantification of progenitors and newly generated neurons at various time points during embryonic development revealed alterations affecting the dynamic of cortical progenitors since the earliest stages of cortex formation in PTHS mice. Consequently, establishment of neuronal populations and layering of the cortex were found to be altered in heterozygotes subjects at birth. Interestingly, defective layering process of pyramidal neurons was partially rescued by reintroducing TCF4 expression using focal in utero electroporation in the cerebral cortex. Coincidentally with a defective dorsal neurogenesis, we found that ventral generation of interneurons was also defective in this model, which may lead to an excitation/inhibition imbalance in PTHS. Overall, sex-dependent differences were detected with more marked effects evidenced in males compared with females. All of this contributes to expand our understanding of PTHS, paralleling the advances of research in autism spectrum disorder and further validating the PTHS mouse model as an important tool to advance preclinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisca Espinoza
- Neurodevelopmental Biology Unit, Biomedical Sciences Research Laboratory, Basic Sciences Department, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Católica de la Santísima Concepción (UCSC), Concepción, Chile
| | - Ramón Carrazana
- Neurodevelopmental Biology Unit, Biomedical Sciences Research Laboratory, Basic Sciences Department, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Católica de la Santísima Concepción (UCSC), Concepción, Chile
| | - Eduardo Retamal-Fredes
- Neurodevelopmental Biology Unit, Biomedical Sciences Research Laboratory, Basic Sciences Department, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Católica de la Santísima Concepción (UCSC), Concepción, Chile
| | - Denisse Ávila
- Department of Biochemical Engineering, University College of London (UCL), London, UK
| | - Fabio Papes
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Alysson R Muotri
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Ariel Ávila
- Neurodevelopmental Biology Unit, Biomedical Sciences Research Laboratory, Basic Sciences Department, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Católica de la Santísima Concepción (UCSC), Concepción, Chile.
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16
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Wei W, Ma S, Fu B, Song R, Guo H. Human-specific insights into candidate genes and boosted discoveries of novel loci illuminate roles of neuroglia in reading disorders. GENES, BRAIN, AND BEHAVIOR 2024; 23:e12899. [PMID: 38752599 PMCID: PMC11097622 DOI: 10.1111/gbb.12899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2024] [Revised: 04/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024]
Abstract
Reading disorders (RD) are human-specific neuropsychological conditions associated with decoding printed words and/or reading comprehension. So far only a handful of candidate genes segregated in families and 42 loci from genome-wide association study (GWAS) have been identified that jointly provided little clues of pathophysiology. Leveraging human-specific genomic information, we critically assessed the RD candidates for the first time and found substantial human-specific features within. The GWAS candidates (i.e., population signals) were distinct from the familial counterparts and were more likely pleiotropic in neuropsychiatric traits and to harbor human-specific regulatory elements (HSREs). Candidate genes associated with human cortical morphology indeed showed human-specific expression in adult brain cortices, particularly in neuroglia likely regulated by HSREs. Expression levels of candidate genes across human brain developmental stages showed a clear pattern of uplifted expression in early brain development crucial to RD development. Following the new insights and loci pleiotropic in cognitive traits, we identified four novel genes from the GWAS sub-significant associations (i.e., FOXO3, MAPT, KMT2E and HTT) and the Semaphorin gene family with functional priors (i.e., SEMA3A, SEMA3E and SEMA5B). These novel genes were related to neuronal plasticity and disorders, mostly conserved the pattern of uplifted expression in early brain development and had evident expression in cortical neuroglial cells. Our findings jointly illuminated the association of RD with neuroglia regulation-an emerging hotspot in studying neurodevelopmental disorders, and highlighted the need of improving RD phenotyping to avoid jeopardizing future genetic studies of RD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen‐Hua Wei
- Centre for Biostatistics, Division of Population Health, Health Services Research and Primary CareThe University of ManchesterManchesterUK
| | - Shaowei Ma
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Children's Cognition and Digital Education and School of Foreign LanguagesLangfang Normal UniversityLangfangChina
| | - Bo Fu
- School of Data ScienceFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Ranran Song
- Department of Maternal and Child Health and MOE (Ministry of Education) Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanChina
| | - Hui Guo
- Centre for Biostatistics, Division of Population Health, Health Services Research and Primary CareThe University of ManchesterManchesterUK
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17
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Panda S, Singh A, Kato H, Kokhanov A. Cerebral Palsy: A Current Perspective. Neoreviews 2024; 25:e350-e360. [PMID: 38821909 DOI: 10.1542/neo.25-6-e350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 12/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 06/02/2024]
Abstract
Cerebral palsy (CP) is the most common cause of motor disability in children. Insults to the brain at different times lead to diverse injuries. As a result, CP is an extremely heterogeneous clinical diagnosis, presenting differently in each individual and at various ages. With improving survival rates of preterm newborns, increasing active resuscitation of extremely preterm newborns, and widespread availability of extensive genetic testing soon after birth, it is imperative to focus on earlier diagnosis and long-term outcomes of CP. CP is primarily classified into 4 categories based on type of motor impairment, functional ability, distribution, and etiology. As the understanding of CP has evolved significantly in the last 2 decades, the methods of early detection of CP have consequently advanced. Appropriate diagnosis is essential for proper education and counseling of affected families, and introduction of therapeutic interventions as early as possible. In this review, we focus on early brain development and provide an overview of the etiology, classification, diagnosis, early therapeutic options, and prognosis of CP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanjeet Panda
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso, El Paso, TX
| | - Ajay Singh
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
| | - Hugo Kato
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso, El Paso, TX
| | - Artemiy Kokhanov
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso, El Paso, TX
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18
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Li Q, Xia M, Zeng D, Xu Y, Sun L, Liang X, Xu Z, Zhao T, Liao X, Yuan H, Liu Y, Huo R, Li S, He Y. Development of segregation and integration of functional connectomes during the first 1,000 days. Cell Rep 2024; 43:114168. [PMID: 38700981 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.114168] [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: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024] Open
Abstract
The first 1,000 days of human life lay the foundation for brain development and later cognitive growth. However, the developmental rules of the functional connectome during this critical period remain unclear. Using high-resolution, longitudinal, task-free functional magnetic resonance imaging data from 930 scans of 665 infants aged 28 postmenstrual weeks to 3 years, we report the early maturational process of connectome segregation and integration. We show the dominant development of local connections alongside a few global connections, the shift of brain hubs from primary regions to high-order association cortices, the developmental divergence of network segregation and integration along the anterior-posterior axis, the prediction of neurocognitive outcomes, and their associations with gene expression signatures of microstructural development and neuronal metabolic pathways. These findings advance our understanding of the principles of connectome remodeling during early life and its neurobiological underpinnings and have implications for studying typical and atypical development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiongling Li
- State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Learning, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Brain Imaging and Connectomics, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China; IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Mingrui Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Learning, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Brain Imaging and Connectomics, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China; IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Debin Zeng
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Science & Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Yuehua Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Learning, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Brain Imaging and Connectomics, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China; IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Lianglong Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Learning, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Brain Imaging and Connectomics, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China; IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Xinyuan Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Learning, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Brain Imaging and Connectomics, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China; IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Zhilei Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Learning, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Brain Imaging and Connectomics, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China; IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Tengda Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Learning, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Brain Imaging and Connectomics, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China; IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Xuhong Liao
- School of Systems Science, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Huishu Yuan
- Department of Radiology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Ying Liu
- Department of Radiology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Ran Huo
- Department of Radiology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Shuyu Li
- State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Learning, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China.
| | - Yong He
- State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Learning, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Brain Imaging and Connectomics, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China; IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China; Chinese Institute for Brain Research, Beijing 102206, China.
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19
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Stepien BK, Wielockx B. From Vessels to Neurons-The Role of Hypoxia Pathway Proteins in Embryonic Neurogenesis. Cells 2024; 13:621. [PMID: 38607059 PMCID: PMC11012138 DOI: 10.3390/cells13070621] [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: 02/28/2024] [Revised: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Embryonic neurogenesis can be defined as a period of prenatal development during which divisions of neural stem and progenitor cells give rise to neurons. In the central nervous system of most mammals, including humans, the majority of neocortical neurogenesis occurs before birth. It is a highly spatiotemporally organized process whose perturbations lead to cortical malformations and dysfunctions underlying neurological and psychiatric pathologies, and in which oxygen availability plays a critical role. In case of deprived oxygen conditions, known as hypoxia, the hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) signaling pathway is activated, resulting in the selective expression of a group of genes that regulate homeostatic adaptations, including cell differentiation and survival, metabolism and angiogenesis. While a physiological degree of hypoxia is essential for proper brain development, imbalanced oxygen levels can adversely affect this process, as observed in common obstetrical pathologies such as prematurity. This review comprehensively explores and discusses the current body of knowledge regarding the role of hypoxia and the HIF pathway in embryonic neurogenesis of the mammalian cortex. Additionally, it highlights existing gaps in our understanding, presents unanswered questions, and provides avenues for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara K. Stepien
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, Technische Universität Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Ben Wielockx
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, Technische Universität Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany
- Experimental Centre, Faculty of Medicine, Technische Universität Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany
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20
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Verma R, Jayakumar J, Folkerth R, Manger PR, Bota M, Majumder M, Pandurangan K, Savoia S, Karthik S, Kumarasami R, Joseph J, Rohini G, Vasudevan S, Srinivasan C, Lata S, Kumar EH, Rangasami R, Kumutha J, Suresh S, Šimić G, Mitra PP, Sivaprakasam M. Histological characterization and development of mesial surface sulci in the human brain at 13-15 gestational weeks through high-resolution histology. J Comp Neurol 2024; 532:e25612. [PMID: 38591638 DOI: 10.1002/cne.25612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2023] [Revised: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/24/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024]
Abstract
Cellular-level anatomical data from early fetal brain are sparse yet critical to the understanding of neurodevelopmental disorders. We characterize the organization of the human cerebral cortex between 13 and 15 gestational weeks using high-resolution whole-brain histological data sets complimented with multimodal imaging. We observed the heretofore underrecognized, reproducible presence of infolds on the mesial surface of the cerebral hemispheres. Of note at this stage, when most of the cerebrum is occupied by lateral ventricles and the corpus callosum is incompletely developed, we postulate that these mesial infolds represent the primordial stage of cingulate, callosal, and calcarine sulci, features of mesial cortical development. Our observations are based on the multimodal approach and further include histological three-dimensional reconstruction that highlights the importance of the plane of sectioning. We describe the laminar organization of the developing cortical mantle, including these infolds from the marginal to ventricular zone, with Nissl, hematoxylin and eosin, and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) immunohistochemistry. Despite the absence of major sulci on the dorsal surface, the boundaries among the orbital, frontal, parietal, and occipital cortex were very well demarcated, primarily by the cytoarchitecture differences in the organization of the subplate (SP) and intermediate zone (IZ) in these locations. The parietal region has the thickest cortical plate (CP), SP, and IZ, whereas the orbital region shows the thinnest CP and reveals an extra cell-sparse layer above the bilaminar SP. The subcortical structures show intensely GFAP-immunolabeled soma, absent in the cerebral mantle. Our findings establish a normative neurodevelopment baseline at the early stage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richa Verma
- Sudha Gopalakrishnan Brain Centre, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Jaikishan Jayakumar
- Sudha Gopalakrishnan Brain Centre, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
- Center for Computational Brain Research, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Rebecca Folkerth
- Department of Forensic Medicine, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Paul R Manger
- School of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Mihail Bota
- Sudha Gopalakrishnan Brain Centre, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Moitrayee Majumder
- Sudha Gopalakrishnan Brain Centre, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Karthika Pandurangan
- Sudha Gopalakrishnan Brain Centre, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | | | - Srinivasa Karthik
- Healthcare Technology Innovation Centre, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Ramdayalan Kumarasami
- Sudha Gopalakrishnan Brain Centre, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
- Healthcare Technology Innovation Centre, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Jayaraj Joseph
- Sudha Gopalakrishnan Brain Centre, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
- Healthcare Technology Innovation Centre, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Madras, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - G Rohini
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Saveetha Medical College, Thandalam, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Sudha Vasudevan
- Department of Pathology, Saveetha Medical College, Thandalam, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Chitra Srinivasan
- Department of Pathology, Saveetha Medical College, Thandalam, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - S Lata
- Mediscan Systems, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | | | - Rajeswaran Rangasami
- Department of Radiology, Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Jayaraman Kumutha
- Department of Neonatology, Saveetha Medical College, Thandalam, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - S Suresh
- Mediscan Systems, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Goran Šimić
- Department of Neuroscience, Croatian Institute for Brain Research, University of Zagreb Medical School, Zagreb, Hrvatska, Croatia
| | - Partha P Mitra
- Center for Computational Brain Research, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, New York, New York, USA
| | - Mohanasankar Sivaprakasam
- Sudha Gopalakrishnan Brain Centre, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
- Healthcare Technology Innovation Centre, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Madras, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
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21
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D'Amico F, Lugarà C, Luppino G, Giuffrida C, Giorgianni Y, Patanè EM, Manti S, Gambadauro A, La Rocca M, Abbate T. The Influence of Neurotrophins on the Brain-Lung Axis: Conception, Pregnancy, and Neonatal Period. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2024; 46:2528-2543. [PMID: 38534776 DOI: 10.3390/cimb46030160] [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: 02/18/2024] [Revised: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Neurotrophins (NTs) are four small proteins produced by both neuronal and non-neuronal cells; they include nerve growth factor (NGF), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), neurotrophin-3 (NT-3), and neurotrophin-4 (NT-4). NTs can exert their action through both genomic and non-genomic mechanisms by interacting with specific receptors. Initial studies on NTs have identified them only as functional molecules of the nervous system. However, recent research have shown that some tissues and organs (such as the lungs, skin, and skeletal and smooth muscle) as well as some structural cells can secrete and respond to NTs. In addition, NTs perform several roles in normal and pathological conditions at different anatomical sites, in both fetal and postnatal life. During pregnancy, NTs are produced by the mother, placenta, and fetus. They play a pivotal role in the pre-implantation process and in placental and embryonic development; they are also involved in the development of the brain and respiratory system. In the postnatal period, it appears that NTs are associated with some diseases, such as sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), asthma, congenital central hypoventilation syndrome (CCHS), and bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD).
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica D'Amico
- Pediatric Unit, Department of Human Pathology in Adult and Developmental Age "Gaetano Barresi", AOUP G. Martino, University of Messina, Via Consolare Valeria 1, 98124 Messina, Italy
| | - Cecilia Lugarà
- Pediatric Unit, Department of Human Pathology in Adult and Developmental Age "Gaetano Barresi", AOUP G. Martino, University of Messina, Via Consolare Valeria 1, 98124 Messina, Italy
| | - Giovanni Luppino
- Pediatric Unit, Department of Human Pathology in Adult and Developmental Age "Gaetano Barresi", AOUP G. Martino, University of Messina, Via Consolare Valeria 1, 98124 Messina, Italy
| | - Carlo Giuffrida
- Pediatric Unit, Department of Human Pathology in Adult and Developmental Age "Gaetano Barresi", AOUP G. Martino, University of Messina, Via Consolare Valeria 1, 98124 Messina, Italy
| | - Ylenia Giorgianni
- Pediatric Unit, Department of Human Pathology in Adult and Developmental Age "Gaetano Barresi", AOUP G. Martino, University of Messina, Via Consolare Valeria 1, 98124 Messina, Italy
| | - Eleonora Maria Patanè
- Pediatric Unit, Department of Human Pathology in Adult and Developmental Age "Gaetano Barresi", AOUP G. Martino, University of Messina, Via Consolare Valeria 1, 98124 Messina, Italy
| | - Sara Manti
- Pediatric Unit, Department of Human Pathology in Adult and Developmental Age "Gaetano Barresi", AOUP G. Martino, University of Messina, Via Consolare Valeria 1, 98124 Messina, Italy
| | - Antonella Gambadauro
- Pediatric Unit, Department of Human Pathology in Adult and Developmental Age "Gaetano Barresi", AOUP G. Martino, University of Messina, Via Consolare Valeria 1, 98124 Messina, Italy
| | - Mariarosaria La Rocca
- Pediatric Unit, Department of Human Pathology in Adult and Developmental Age "Gaetano Barresi", AOUP G. Martino, University of Messina, Via Consolare Valeria 1, 98124 Messina, Italy
| | - Tiziana Abbate
- Pediatric Unit, Department of Human Pathology in Adult and Developmental Age "Gaetano Barresi", AOUP G. Martino, University of Messina, Via Consolare Valeria 1, 98124 Messina, Italy
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22
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Clowry GJ. Is there a consensus on the location and composition of the human subplate? J Comp Neurol 2024; 532:e25605. [PMID: 38454555 DOI: 10.1002/cne.25605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Revised: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
Cortical wall of human fetal cerebral cortex (early second trimester immunostained for a synaptic marker [red]) revealing the extent of the subplate, which is considerably wider than the cortical plate at this developmental stage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gavin J Clowry
- Biosciences Institute and Centre for Transformative Neuroscience, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
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23
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Niu W, Siciliano B, Wen Z. Modeling tuberous sclerosis complex with human induced pluripotent stem cells. World J Pediatr 2024; 20:208-218. [PMID: 35759110 DOI: 10.1007/s12519-022-00576-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is an autosomal dominant genetic disorder with a birth incidence of 1:6000 in the United States that is characterized by the growth of non-cancerous tumors in multiple organ systems including the brain, kidneys, lungs, and skin. Importantly, TSC is also associated with significant neurological manifestations including epilepsy, TSC-associated neuropsychiatric disorders, intellectual disabilities, and autism spectrum disorder. Mutations in the TSC1 or TSC2 genes are well-established causes of TSC, which lead to TSC1/TSC2 deficiency in organs and hyper-activation of the mammalian target of rapamycin signaling pathway. Animal models have been widely used to study the effect of TSC1/2 genes on the development and function of the brain. Despite considerable progress in understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying TSC in animal models, a human-specific model is urgently needed to investigate the effects of TSC1/2 mutations that are unique to human neurodevelopment. DATA SOURCES Literature reviews and research articles were published in PubMed-indexed journals. RESULTS Human-induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), which capture risk alleles that are identical to their donors and have the capacity to differentiate into virtually any cell type in the human body, pave the way for the empirical study of previously inaccessible biological systems such as the developing human brain. CONCLUSIONS In this review, we present an overview of the recent progress in modeling TSC with human iPSC models, the existing limitations, and potential directions for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weibo Niu
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Whitehead Research Building 447, 615 Michael Street, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Benjamin Siciliano
- The Graduate Program in Molecular and Systems Pharmacology, Laney Graduate School, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Zhexing Wen
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Whitehead Research Building 447, 615 Michael Street, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA.
- Department of Cell Biology, Emory University School of Medicine, Whitehead Research Building 447, 615 Michael Street, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA.
- Department of Neurology, Emory University School of Medicine, Whitehead Research Building 447, 615 Michael Street, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA.
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24
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Demirci N, Holland MA. Scaling patterns of cortical folding and thickness in early human brain development in comparison with primates. Cereb Cortex 2024; 34:bhad462. [PMID: 38271274 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhad462] [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: 08/25/2023] [Revised: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Across mammalia, brain morphology follows specific scaling patterns. Bigger bodies have bigger brains, with surface area outpacing volume growth, resulting in increased foldedness. We have recently studied scaling rules of cortical thickness, both local and global, finding that the cortical thickness difference between thick gyri and thin sulci also increases with brain size and foldedness. Here, we investigate early brain development in humans, using subjects from the Developing Human Connectome Project, scanned shortly after pre-term or full-term birth, yielding magnetic resonance images of the brain from 29 to 43 postmenstrual weeks. While the global cortical thickness does not change significantly during this development period, its distribution does, with sulci thinning, while gyri thickening. By comparing our results with our recent work on humans and 11 non-human primate species, we also compare the trajectories of primate evolution with human development, noticing that the 2 trends are distinct for volume, surface area, cortical thickness, and gyrification index. Finally, we introduce the global shape index as a proxy for gyrification index; while correlating very strongly with gyrification index, it offers the advantage of being calculated only from local quantities without generating a convex hull or alpha surface.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nagehan Demirci
- Bioengineering Graduate Program, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, United States
| | - Maria A Holland
- Bioengineering Graduate Program, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, United States
- Department of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, United States
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25
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Gao Y, Lu X, Pan M, Liu C, Min Y, Chen X. Effect of breast milk intake volume on early behavioral neurodevelopment of extremely preterm infants. Int Breastfeed J 2024; 19:3. [PMID: 38233943 PMCID: PMC10795355 DOI: 10.1186/s13006-024-00612-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/01/2024] [Indexed: 01/19/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study aimed to explore the effects of breast milk feeding volume on the early behavioral neurodevelopment of extremely preterm infants (gestational age < 28 weeks). METHODS The study was conducted from 1 January 2021 to 31 March 2023. A total of 187 preterm infants from a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) in a Grade III Class A hospital in Zhejiang, China, were divided based on the proportion of breast milk in their total enteral nutrition: high proportion (≥ 80%, including exclusive breast milk feeding), medium proportion (20% ~ < 80%), and low proportion (< 20%). The study investigated motor performance and behavioral neurodevelopment at 37 weeks of corrected gestational age, as well as the total incidence of intracranial hemorrhage within the first four weeks postpartum. RESULTS The low breast milk feeding group had significantly lower scores in infant motor performance (31.34 ± 5.85) and elicited item scores (19.89 ± 5.55) compared to the medium and high groups (33.52 ± 4.33, 22.13 ± 4.22; and 35.86 ± 5.27, 23.91 ± 4.98), p < 0.05, respectively. Despite no significant difference in behavioral ability, the low proportion group exhibited lower passive muscle tension and primitive reflex scores than the medium and high proportion groups. The high proportion group showed higher active muscle tension scores. Ultrasound results revealed varying incidences of intracranial hemorrhage: 72.9% in low, 52.5% in medium, and 19.6% in the high proportion groups. CONCLUSIONS Medium to high levels of breast milk feeding contribute positively to motor and behavioral neurological development in extremely preterm infants and decrease the likelihood of ventricular hemorrhage. However, it does not have a significant effect on the development of behavioral abilities. Due to the limited sample size, the next step will be to expand the sample size and further investigate the extent of the impact on various aspects of the nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Gao
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Xiaoyu Lu
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Mengqing Pan
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Chuntian Liu
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Yuxiao Min
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Xiaochun Chen
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.
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26
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Duy PQ, Mehta NH, Kahle KT. The "microcephalic hydrocephalus" paradox as a paradigm of altered neural stem cell biology. Cereb Cortex 2024; 34:bhad432. [PMID: 37991277 PMCID: PMC10793578 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhad432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2023] [Revised: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Characterized by enlarged brain ventricles, hydrocephalus is a common neurological disorder classically attributed to a primary defect in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) homeostasis. Microcephaly ("small head") and hydrocephalus are typically viewed as two mutually exclusive phenomenon, since hydrocephalus is thought of as a fluid "plumbing" disorder leading to CSF accumulation, ventricular dilatation, and resultant macrocephaly. However, some cases of hydrocephalus can be associated with microcephaly. Recent work in the genomics of congenital hydrocephalus (CH) and an improved understanding of the tropism of certain viruses such as Zika and cytomegalovirus are beginning to shed light into the paradox "microcephalic hydrocephalus" by defining prenatal neural stem cells (NSC) as the spatiotemporal "scene of the crime." In some forms of CH and viral brain infections, impaired fetal NSC proliferation leads to decreased neurogenesis, cortical hypoplasia and impaired biomechanical interactions at the CSF-brain interface that collectively engender ventriculomegaly despite an overall and often striking decrease in head circumference. The coexistence of microcephaly and hydrocephalus suggests that these two phenotypes may overlap more than previously appreciated. Continued study of both conditions may be unexpectedly fertile ground for providing new insights into human NSC biology and our understanding of neurodevelopmental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phan Q Duy
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22908, United States
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22908, United States
| | - Neel H Mehta
- Department of Neurosurgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, United States
| | - Kristopher T Kahle
- Department of Neurosurgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, United States
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, United States
- Harvard Center for Hydrocephalus and Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, United States
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27
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Manti S, Spoto G, Nicotera AG, Di Rosa G, Piedimonte G. Impact of respiratory viral infections during pregnancy on the neurological outcomes of the newborn: current knowledge. Front Neurosci 2024; 17:1320319. [PMID: 38260010 PMCID: PMC10800711 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1320319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Brain development is a complex process that begins during pregnancy, and the events occurring during this sensitive period can affect the offspring's neurodevelopmental outcomes. Respiratory viral infections are frequently reported in pregnant women, and, in the last few decades, they have been related to numerous neuropsychiatric sequelae. Respiratory viruses can disrupt brain development by directly invading the fetal circulation through vertical transmission or inducing neuroinflammation through the maternal immune activation and production of inflammatory cytokines. Influenza virus gestational infection has been consistently associated with psychotic disorders, such as schizophrenia and autism spectrum disorder, while the recent pandemic raised some concerns regarding the effects of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 on neurodevelopmental outcomes of children born to affected mothers. In addition, emerging evidence supports the possible role of respiratory syncytial virus infection as a risk factor for adverse neuropsychiatric consequences. Understanding the mechanisms underlying developmental dysfunction allows for improving preventive strategies, early diagnosis, and prompt interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Manti
- Pediatric Unit, Department of Human Pathology in Adult and Developmental Age “Gaetano Barresi”, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Giulia Spoto
- Unit of Child Neurology and Psychiatry, Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and of Morphological and Functional Imaging, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Antonio Gennaro Nicotera
- Unit of Child Neurology and Psychiatry, Department of Human Pathology in Adult and Developmental Age “Gaetano Barresi”, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Gabriella Di Rosa
- Unit of Child Neurology and Psychiatry, Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and of Morphological and Functional Imaging, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Giovanni Piedimonte
- Department of Pediatrics, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, United States
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28
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Cao Y, Hu D, Cai C, Zhou M, Dai P, Lai Q, Zhang L, Fan Y, Gao Z. Modeling early human cortical development and evaluating neurotoxicity with a forebrain organoid system. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 337:122624. [PMID: 37757934 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.122624] [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: 07/20/2023] [Revised: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
The complexity and subtlety of brain development renders it challenging to examine effects of environmental toxicants on human fetal brain development. Advances in pluripotent cell-derived organoid systems open up novel avenues for human development, disease and toxicity modeling. Here, we have established a forebrain organoid system and recapitulated early human cortical development spatiotemporally including neuroepithelium induction, apical-basal axis formation, neural progenitor proliferation and maintenance, neuronal differentiation and layer/region patterning. To explore whether this forebrain organoid system is suitable for neurotoxicity modeling, we subjected the organoids to bisphenol A (BPA), a common environmental toxicant of global presence and high epidemic significance. BPA exposure caused substantial abnormalities in key cortical developmental events, inhibited progenitor cell proliferation and promoted precocious neuronal differentiation, leading premature progenitor cell depletion and aberrant cortical layer patterning and structural organization. Consistent with an antagonistic mechanism between thyroid hormone and BPA, T3 supplementation attenuated BPA-mediated cortical developmental abnormalities. Altogether, our in vitro recapitulation of cortical development with forebrain organoids provides a paradigm for efficient neural development and toxicity modeling and related remedy testing/screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanqing Cao
- Fudamental Research Center, Shanghai YangZhi Rehabilitation Hospital (Shanghai Sunshine Rehabilitation Center), School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200065, China; Institute of Geriatrics (Shanghai University), Affiliated Nantong Hospital of Shanghai University (The Sixth People's Hospital of Nantong), School of Medicine, Shanghai University, Nantong, 201613, China; Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Organ Repair, School of Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, China
| | - Daiyu Hu
- Fudamental Research Center, Shanghai YangZhi Rehabilitation Hospital (Shanghai Sunshine Rehabilitation Center), School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200065, China; Institute of Geriatrics (Shanghai University), Affiliated Nantong Hospital of Shanghai University (The Sixth People's Hospital of Nantong), School of Medicine, Shanghai University, Nantong, 201613, China; Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Organ Repair, School of Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, China
| | - Chenglin Cai
- Fudamental Research Center, Shanghai YangZhi Rehabilitation Hospital (Shanghai Sunshine Rehabilitation Center), School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200065, China; Institute of Geriatrics (Shanghai University), Affiliated Nantong Hospital of Shanghai University (The Sixth People's Hospital of Nantong), School of Medicine, Shanghai University, Nantong, 201613, China; Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Organ Repair, School of Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, China
| | - Min Zhou
- Institute of Geriatrics (Shanghai University), Affiliated Nantong Hospital of Shanghai University (The Sixth People's Hospital of Nantong), School of Medicine, Shanghai University, Nantong, 201613, China; Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Organ Repair, School of Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, China
| | - Peibing Dai
- Fudamental Research Center, Shanghai YangZhi Rehabilitation Hospital (Shanghai Sunshine Rehabilitation Center), School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200065, China
| | - Qiong Lai
- Institute of Geriatrics (Shanghai University), Affiliated Nantong Hospital of Shanghai University (The Sixth People's Hospital of Nantong), School of Medicine, Shanghai University, Nantong, 201613, China; Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Organ Repair, School of Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, China
| | - Ling Zhang
- Fudamental Research Center, Shanghai YangZhi Rehabilitation Hospital (Shanghai Sunshine Rehabilitation Center), School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200065, China
| | - Yantao Fan
- Fudamental Research Center, Shanghai YangZhi Rehabilitation Hospital (Shanghai Sunshine Rehabilitation Center), School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200065, China; Institute of Geriatrics (Shanghai University), Affiliated Nantong Hospital of Shanghai University (The Sixth People's Hospital of Nantong), School of Medicine, Shanghai University, Nantong, 201613, China; Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Organ Repair, School of Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, China
| | - Zhengliang Gao
- Fudamental Research Center, Shanghai YangZhi Rehabilitation Hospital (Shanghai Sunshine Rehabilitation Center), School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200065, China; Institute of Geriatrics (Shanghai University), Affiliated Nantong Hospital of Shanghai University (The Sixth People's Hospital of Nantong), School of Medicine, Shanghai University, Nantong, 201613, China; Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Organ Repair, School of Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, China.
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29
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Rahman S, Dong P, Apontes P, Fernando M, Kosoy R, Townsley KG, Girdhar K, Bendl J, Shao Z, Misir R, Tsankova N, Kleopoulos S, Brennand K, Fullard J, Roussos P. Lineage specific 3D genome structure in the adult human brain and neurodevelopmental changes in the chromatin interactome. Nucleic Acids Res 2023; 51:11142-11161. [PMID: 37811875 PMCID: PMC10639075 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkad798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Revised: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The human brain is a complex organ comprised of distinct cell types, and the contribution of the 3D genome to lineage specific gene expression remains poorly understood. To decipher cell type specific genome architecture, and characterize fine scale changes in the chromatin interactome across neural development, we compared the 3D genome of the human fetal cortical plate to that of neurons and glia isolated from the adult prefrontal cortex. We found that neurons have weaker genome compartmentalization compared to glia, but stronger TADs, which emerge during fetal development. Furthermore, relative to glia, the neuronal genome shifts more strongly towards repressive compartments. Neurons have differential TAD boundaries that are proximal to active promoters involved in neurodevelopmental processes. CRISPRi on CNTNAP2 in hIPSC-derived neurons reveals that transcriptional inactivation correlates with loss of insulation at the differential boundary. Finally, re-wiring of chromatin loops during neural development is associated with transcriptional and functional changes. Importantly, differential loops in the fetal cortex are associated with autism GWAS loci, suggesting a neuropsychiatric disease mechanism affecting the chromatin interactome. Furthermore, neural development involves gaining enhancer-promoter loops that upregulate genes that control synaptic activity. Altogether, our study provides multi-scale insights on the 3D genome in the human brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samir Rahman
- Center for Disease Neurogenomics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
- Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
- Icahn Institute for Data Science and Genomic Technology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Pengfei Dong
- Center for Disease Neurogenomics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
- Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
- Icahn Institute for Data Science and Genomic Technology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Pasha Apontes
- Center for Disease Neurogenomics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
- Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
- Icahn Institute for Data Science and Genomic Technology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
- Mental Illness Research Education and Clinical Center (MIRECC), James J. Peters VA Medical Center, Bronx, NY 10468, USA
| | - Michael B Fernando
- Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
- Black Family Stem Cell Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Roman Kosoy
- Center for Disease Neurogenomics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
- Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
- Icahn Institute for Data Science and Genomic Technology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Kayla G Townsley
- Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Kiran Girdhar
- Center for Disease Neurogenomics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
- Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
- Icahn Institute for Data Science and Genomic Technology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Jaroslav Bendl
- Center for Disease Neurogenomics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
- Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
- Icahn Institute for Data Science and Genomic Technology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Zhiping Shao
- Center for Disease Neurogenomics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
- Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
- Icahn Institute for Data Science and Genomic Technology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Ruth Misir
- Center for Disease Neurogenomics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
- Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
- Icahn Institute for Data Science and Genomic Technology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Nadia Tsankova
- Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
- Department of Pathology, Molecular, and Cell-based Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Steven P Kleopoulos
- Center for Disease Neurogenomics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
- Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
- Icahn Institute for Data Science and Genomic Technology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Kristen J Brennand
- Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
- Black Family Stem Cell Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - John F Fullard
- Center for Disease Neurogenomics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
- Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
- Icahn Institute for Data Science and Genomic Technology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Panos Roussos
- Center for Disease Neurogenomics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
- Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
- Icahn Institute for Data Science and Genomic Technology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
- Mental Illness Research Education and Clinical Center (MIRECC), James J. Peters VA Medical Center, Bronx, NY 10468, USA
- Center for Dementia Research, Nathan Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research, Orangeburg, NY 10962, USA
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30
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Zhang R, Quan H, Wang Y, Luo F. Neurogenesis in primates versus rodents and the value of non-human primate models. Natl Sci Rev 2023; 10:nwad248. [PMID: 38025664 PMCID: PMC10659238 DOI: 10.1093/nsr/nwad248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/10/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurogenesis, the process of generating neurons from neural stem cells, occurs during both embryonic and adult stages, with each stage possessing distinct characteristics. Dysfunction in either stage can disrupt normal neural development, impair cognitive functions, and lead to various neurological disorders. Recent technological advancements in single-cell multiomics and gene-editing have facilitated investigations into primate neurogenesis. Here, we provide a comprehensive overview of neurogenesis across rodents, non-human primates, and humans, covering embryonic development to adulthood and focusing on the conservation and diversity among species. While non-human primates, especially monkeys, serve as valuable models with closer neural resemblance to humans, we highlight the potential impacts and limitations of non-human primate models on both physiological and pathological neurogenesis research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Runrui Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research; Institute of Primate Translational Medicine, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Kunming 650500, China
| | - Hongxin Quan
- State Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research; Institute of Primate Translational Medicine, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Kunming 650500, China
| | - Yinfeng Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research; Institute of Primate Translational Medicine, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Kunming 650500, China
| | - Fucheng Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research; Institute of Primate Translational Medicine, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Kunming 650500, China
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Birnbaum R, Kuperberg M, Brusilov M, Wolman I, Malinger G, Haratz KK. The normal 14-18 gestational weeks "parasagittal complex" view of the fetal brain. A 3D transvaginal neurosonographic study. Prenat Diagn 2023; 43:1520-1526. [PMID: 37946665 DOI: 10.1002/pd.6456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2023] [Revised: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To study the early second trimester development of brain hemispheres, lateral ventricles, choroid plexus, and ganglionic eminence/basal ganglia complex (GEBG). METHODS A retrospective analysis of TVUS 3D volumes of 14-18 gestational weeks (GW) fetuses. Hemispheres were analyzed for wall thickness, choroid plexus extension, GEBG height and length, lamination pattern (intermediate zone and the subplate border, IZ-SP), ventricle height, width, and angle. Measurements were correlated with GW and assessed for symmetry and impact of probe resolution. RESULTS We included 84 fetuses (168 hemispheres). The CP location is variable at 14-16 GW, becoming consistently and symmetrically posterior at 18 GW. Hemispheric thickness, GEBG height and length grow significantly with fetal age, whereas ventricle height, width, and angle regress. The detection rate of the IZ-SP line at 14, 15, 16, 17, and 18 weeks was 0%, 24%, 78.26%, 100%, and 100%, respectively. The ratio between the upper and lower segments of the cerebral lamination grows with GW. For all brain structures, the asymmetry between sides was significant only for ventricular height. The transducer type did not have a significant effect on any outcome except for ventricle height. CONCLUSION These normal features of the parasagittal view should aid clinicians in fetal brain assessment during the early weeks of the second trimester.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roee Birnbaum
- OB-GYN Ultrasound Unit, Lis Maternity Hospital, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Maya Kuperberg
- Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
- Merchavim Mental Health Center, Ness Ziona, Israel
| | - Michael Brusilov
- OB-GYN Ultrasound Unit, Lis Maternity Hospital, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Igal Wolman
- OB-GYN Ultrasound Unit, Lis Maternity Hospital, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Gustavo Malinger
- OB-GYN Ultrasound Unit, Lis Maternity Hospital, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Karina Krajden Haratz
- OB-GYN Ultrasound Unit, Lis Maternity Hospital, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
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32
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Matuleviciute R, Akinluyi ET, Muntslag TAO, Dewing JM, Long KR, Vernon AC, Tremblay ME, Menassa DA. Microglial contribution to the pathology of neurodevelopmental disorders in humans. Acta Neuropathol 2023; 146:663-683. [PMID: 37656188 PMCID: PMC10564830 DOI: 10.1007/s00401-023-02629-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Revised: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/26/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
Microglia are the brain's resident macrophages, which guide various developmental processes crucial for brain maturation, activity, and plasticity. Microglial progenitors enter the telencephalic wall by the 4th postconceptional week and colonise the fetal brain in a manner that spatiotemporally tracks key neurodevelopmental processes in humans. However, much of what we know about how microglia shape neurodevelopment comes from rodent studies. Multiple differences exist between human and rodent microglia warranting further focus on the human condition, particularly as microglia are emerging as critically involved in the pathological signature of various cognitive and neurodevelopmental disorders. In this article, we review the evidence supporting microglial involvement in basic neurodevelopmental processes by focusing on the human species. We next concur on the neuropathological evidence demonstrating whether and how microglia contribute to the aetiology of two neurodevelopmental disorders: autism spectrum conditions and schizophrenia. Next, we highlight how recent technologies have revolutionised our understanding of microglial biology with a focus on how these tools can help us elucidate at unprecedented resolution the links between microglia and neurodevelopmental disorders. We conclude by reviewing which current treatment approaches have shown most promise towards targeting microglia in neurodevelopmental disorders and suggest novel avenues for future consideration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rugile Matuleviciute
- MRC Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, King's College London, London, UK
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Elizabeth T Akinluyi
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, Canada
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti, Nigeria
| | - Tim A O Muntslag
- Princess Maxima Centre for Paediatric Oncology, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | | | - Katherine R Long
- MRC Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, King's College London, London, UK
- Centre for Developmental Neurobiology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Anthony C Vernon
- MRC Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, King's College London, London, UK
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | | | - David A Menassa
- Department of Neuropathology & The Queen's College, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden.
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Royall LN, Machado D, Jessberger S, Denoth-Lippuner A. Asymmetric inheritance of centrosomes maintains stem cell properties in human neural progenitor cells. eLife 2023; 12:e83157. [PMID: 37882444 PMCID: PMC10629821 DOI: 10.7554/elife.83157] [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: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023] Open
Abstract
During human forebrain development, neural progenitor cells (NPCs) in the ventricular zone (VZ) undergo asymmetric cell divisions to produce a self-renewed progenitor cell, maintaining the potential to go through additional rounds of cell divisions, and differentiating daughter cells, populating the developing cortex. Previous work in the embryonic rodent brain suggested that the preferential inheritance of the pre-existing (older) centrosome to the self-renewed progenitor cell is required to maintain stem cell properties, ensuring proper neurogenesis. If asymmetric segregation of centrosomes occurs in NPCs of the developing human brain, which depends on unique molecular regulators and species-specific cellular composition, remains unknown. Using a novel, recombination-induced tag exchange-based genetic tool to birthdate and track the segregation of centrosomes over multiple cell divisions in human embryonic stem cell-derived regionalised forebrain organoids, we show the preferential inheritance of the older mother centrosome towards self-renewed NPCs. Aberration of asymmetric segregation of centrosomes by genetic manipulation of the centrosomal, microtubule-associated protein Ninein alters fate decisions of NPCs and their maintenance in the VZ of human cortical organoids. Thus, the data described here use a novel genetic approach to birthdate centrosomes in human cells and identify asymmetric inheritance of centrosomes as a mechanism to maintain self-renewal properties and to ensure proper neurogenesis in human NPCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lars N Royall
- Laboratory of Neural Plasticity, Faculties of Medicine and Science, Brain Research Institute, University of ZurichZurichSwitzerland
| | - Diana Machado
- Laboratory of Neural Plasticity, Faculties of Medicine and Science, Brain Research Institute, University of ZurichZurichSwitzerland
| | - Sebastian Jessberger
- Laboratory of Neural Plasticity, Faculties of Medicine and Science, Brain Research Institute, University of ZurichZurichSwitzerland
- University Research Priority Program (URPP), Adaptive Brain Circuits in Development and Learning (AdaBD), University of ZurichZurichSwitzerland
| | - Annina Denoth-Lippuner
- Laboratory of Neural Plasticity, Faculties of Medicine and Science, Brain Research Institute, University of ZurichZurichSwitzerland
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Ahmad E, Brumfield O, Masse O, Velasco-Annis C, Zhang J, Rollins CK, Connolly S, Barnewolt C, Shamshirsaz AA, Qaderi S, Javinani A, Warfield SK, Yang E, Gholipour A, Feldman HA, Estroff J, Grant PE, Vasung L. Atypical fetal brain development in fetuses with non-syndromic isolated musculoskeletal birth defects (niMSBDs). Cereb Cortex 2023; 33:10793-10801. [PMID: 37697904 PMCID: PMC10629896 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhad323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Revised: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 09/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Non-syndromic, isolated musculoskeletal birth defects (niMSBDs) are among the leading causes of pediatric hospitalization. However, little is known about brain development in niMSBDs. Our study aimed to characterize prenatal brain development in fetuses with niMSBDs and identify altered brain regions compared to controls. We retrospectively analyzed in vivo structural T2-weighted MRIs of 99 fetuses (48 controls and 51 niMSBDs cases). For each group (19-31 and >31 gestational weeks (GW)), we conducted repeated-measures regression analysis with relative regional volume (% brain hemisphere) as a dependent variable (adjusted for age, side, and interactions). Between 19 and 31GW, fetuses with niMSBDs had a significantly (P < 0.001) smaller relative volume of the intermediate zone (-22.9 ± 3.2%) and cerebellum (-16.1 ± 3.5%,) and a larger relative volume of proliferative zones (38.3 ± 7.2%), the ganglionic eminence (34.8 ± 7.3%), and the ventricles (35.8 ± 8.0%). Between 32 and 37 GW, compared to the controls, niMSBDs showed significantly smaller volumes of central regions (-9.1 ± 2.1%) and larger volumes of the cortical plate. Our results suggest there is altered brain development in fetuses with niMSBDs compared to controls (13.1 ± 4.2%). Further basic and translational neuroscience research is needed to better visualize these differences and to characterize the altered development in fetuses with specific niMSBDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esha Ahmad
- Division of Newborn Medicine, Boston Children’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, United States
| | - Olivia Brumfield
- Division of Newborn Medicine, Boston Children’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, United States
| | - Olivia Masse
- Division of Newborn Medicine, Boston Children’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, United States
| | - Clemente Velasco-Annis
- Department of Radiology, Boston Children’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, United States
| | - Jennings Zhang
- Division of Newborn Medicine, Boston Children’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, United States
| | - Caitlin K Rollins
- Department of Neurology Medicine, Boston Children’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, United States
| | - Susan Connolly
- Department of Radiology, Boston Children’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, United States
- Maternal Fetal Care Center, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, United States
| | - Carol Barnewolt
- Department of Radiology, Boston Children’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, United States
- Maternal Fetal Care Center, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, United States
| | - Alireza A Shamshirsaz
- Maternal Fetal Care Center, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, United States
| | - Shohra Qaderi
- Maternal Fetal Care Center, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, United States
| | - Ali Javinani
- Maternal Fetal Care Center, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, United States
| | - Simon K Warfield
- Department of Radiology, Boston Children’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, United States
| | - Edward Yang
- Department of Radiology, Boston Children’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, United States
| | - Ali Gholipour
- Department of Radiology, Boston Children’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, United States
| | - Henry A Feldman
- Institutional Centers for Clinical and Translational Research, Boston Children’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, United States
| | - Judy Estroff
- Department of Radiology, Boston Children’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, United States
- Maternal Fetal Care Center, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, United States
| | - Patricia E Grant
- Division of Newborn Medicine, Boston Children’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, United States
- Department of Radiology, Boston Children’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, United States
| | - Lana Vasung
- Division of Newborn Medicine, Boston Children’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, United States
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Lutfi Ismaeel G, Makki AlHassani OJ, S Alazragi R, Hussein Ahmed A, H Mohamed A, Yasir Jasim N, Hassan Shari F, Almashhadani HA. Genetically engineered neural stem cells (NSCs) therapy for neurological diseases; state-of-the-art. Biotechnol Prog 2023; 39:e3363. [PMID: 37221947 DOI: 10.1002/btpr.3363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Revised: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/01/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Neural stem cells (NSCs) are multipotent stem cells with remarkable self-renewal potential and also unique competencies to differentiate into neurons, astrocytes, and oligodendrocytes (ODCs) and improve the cellular microenvironment. In addition, NSCs secret diversity of mediators, including neurotrophic factors (e.g., BDNF, NGF, GDNF, CNTF, and NT-3), pro-angiogenic mediators (e.g., FGF-2 and VEGF), and anti-inflammatory biomolecules. Thereby, NSCs transplantation has become a reasonable and effective treatment for various neurodegenerative disorders by their capacity to induce neurogenesis and vasculogenesis and dampen neuroinflammation and oxidative stress. Nonetheless, various drawbacks such as lower migration and survival and less differential capacity to a particular cell lineage concerning the disease pathogenesis hinder their application. Thus, genetic engineering of NSCs before transplantation is recently regarded as an innovative strategy to bypass these hurdles. Indeed, genetically modified NSCs could bring about more favored therapeutic influences post-transplantation in vivo, making them an excellent option for neurological disease therapy. This review for the first time offers a comprehensive review of the therapeutic capability of genetically modified NSCs rather than naïve NSCs in neurological disease beyond brain tumors and sheds light on the recent progress and prospect in this context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ghufran Lutfi Ismaeel
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, University of Al-Ameed, Karbala, Iraq
| | | | - Reem S Alazragi
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Science, University of Jeddah, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ammar Hussein Ahmed
- Department of Radiology and Sonar, College of Medical Techniques, Al-Farahidi University, Baghdad, Iraq
| | - Asma'a H Mohamed
- Intelligent Medical Systems Department, Al-Mustaqbal University College, Babylon, Iraq
| | - Nisreen Yasir Jasim
- Collage of Pharmacy, National University of Science and Technology, Dhi Qar, Iraq
| | - Falah Hassan Shari
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Basrah, Basrah, Iraq
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36
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Stuempflen M, Taymourtash A, Kienast P, Schmidbauer VU, Schwartz E, Mitter C, Binder J, Prayer D, Kasprian G. Ganglionic eminence: volumetric assessment of transient brain structure utilizing fetal magnetic resonance imaging. ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY OF ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY 2023; 62:405-413. [PMID: 37099530 DOI: 10.1002/uog.26232] [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: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To provide quantitative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) super-resolution-based three-dimensional volumetric reference data on the growth dynamics of the ganglionic eminence (GE) relative to cortical and total fetal brain volumes (TBV). METHODS This was a retrospective study of fetuses without structural central nervous system anomalies or other confounding comorbidities that were referred for fetal MRI. Super-resolution reconstructions of 1.5- and 3-Tesla T2-weighted images were generated. Semiautomatic segmentation of TBV and cortical volume and manual segmentation of the GE were performed. Cortical volume, TBV and GE volume were quantified and three-dimensional reconstructions were generated to visualize the developmental dynamics of the GE. RESULTS Overall, 120 fetuses that underwent 127 MRI scans at a mean gestational age of 27.23 ± 4.81 weeks (range, 20-37 weeks) were included. In the investigated gestational-age range, GE volume ranged from 74.88 to 808.75 mm3 and was at its maximum at 21 gestational weeks, followed by a linear decrease (R2 = 0.559) throughout the late second and third trimesters. A pronounced reduction in GE volume relative to cortical volume and TBV occurred in the late second trimester, with a decline in this reduction observed in the third trimester (R2 = 0.936 and 0.924, respectively). Three-dimensional rendering allowed visualization of a continuous change in the shape and size of the GE throughout the second and third trimesters. CONCLUSIONS Even small compartments of the fetal brain, which are not easily accessible by standardized two-dimensional modalities, can be assessed precisely by super-resolution processed fetal MRI. The inverse growth dynamics of GE volume compared with TBV and cortical volume reflects the transitory nature and physiological involution of this (patho-)physiologically important brain structure. The normal development and involution of the GE is mandatory for normal cortical development. Pathological changes of this transient organ precede impairment of cortical structures, and their detection may allow an earlier diagnosis of such anomalies. © 2023 The Authors. Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Stuempflen
- Department of Biomedical Imaging and Image-guided Therapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - A Taymourtash
- Computational Imaging Research Lab, Department of Biomedical Imaging and Image-guided Therapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - P Kienast
- Department of Biomedical Imaging and Image-guided Therapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - V U Schmidbauer
- Department of Biomedical Imaging and Image-guided Therapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - E Schwartz
- Computational Imaging Research Lab, Department of Biomedical Imaging and Image-guided Therapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - C Mitter
- Department of Biomedical Imaging and Image-guided Therapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - J Binder
- Department of Obstetrics and Feto-maternal Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - D Prayer
- Department of Biomedical Imaging and Image-guided Therapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - G Kasprian
- Department of Biomedical Imaging and Image-guided Therapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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Horibe K, Taga G, Fujimoto K. Geodesic theory of long association fibers arrangement in the human fetal cortex. Cereb Cortex 2023; 33:9778-9786. [PMID: 37482884 PMCID: PMC10472492 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhad243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Revised: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Association fibers connect different areas of the cerebral cortex over long distances and integrate information to achieve higher brain functions, particularly in humans. Prototyped association fibers are developed to the respective tangential direction throughout the cerebral hemispheres along the deepest border of the subplate during the fetal period. However, how guidance to remote areas is achieved is not known. Because the subplate is located below the cortical surface, the tangential direction of the fibers may be biased by the curved surface geometry due to Sylvian fissure and cortical poles. The fiber length can be minimized if the tracts follow the shortest paths (geodesics) of the curved surface. Here, we propose and examine a theory that geodesics guide the tangential direction of long association fibers by analyzing how geodesics are spatially distributed on the fetal human brains. We found that the geodesics were dense on the saddle-shaped surface of the perisylvian region and sparse on the dome-shaped cortical poles. The geodesics corresponded with the arrangement of five typical association fibers, supporting the theory. Thus, the geodesic theory provides directional guidance information for wiring remote areas and suggests that long association fibers emerge from minimizing their tangential length in fetal brains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazuya Horibe
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, Osaka University, 1-1 Machikaneyama-cho, Toyonaka, 560-0043 Osaka, Japan
- Department of Systems Innovation, Graduate School of Engineering Science, Osaka University, 1-3 Machikaneyama-cho, Toyonaka, 560-8531 Osaka, Japan
| | - Gentaro Taga
- Department of Physical and Health Education, Graduate School of Education, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, 113-0033 Tokyo, Japan
| | - Koichi Fujimoto
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, Osaka University, 1-1 Machikaneyama-cho, Toyonaka, 560-0043 Osaka, Japan
- Program of Mathematical and Life Sciences, Hiroshima University, 1-3-1 Kagamiyama, Higashi-Hiroshima, 739-8526 Hiroshima, Japan
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38
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Chao AS, Matak P, Pegram K, Powers J, Hutson C, Jo R, Dubois L, Thompson JW, Smith PB, Jain V, Liu C, Younge NE, Rikard B, Reyes EY, Shinohara ML, Gregory SG, Goldberg RN, Benner EJ. 20-αHydroxycholesterol, an oxysterol in human breast milk, reverses mouse neonatal white matter injury through Gli-dependent oligodendrogenesis. Cell Stem Cell 2023; 30:1054-1071.e8. [PMID: 37541211 PMCID: PMC10625465 DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2023.07.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2020] [Revised: 05/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/06/2023]
Abstract
White matter injuries (WMIs) are the leading cause of neurologic impairment in infants born premature. There are no treatment options available. The most common forms of WMIs in infants occur prior to the onset of normal myelination, making its pathophysiology distinctive, thus requiring a tailored approach to treatment. Neonates present a unique opportunity to repair WMIs due to a transient abundance of neural stem/progenitor cells (NSPCs) present in the germinal matrix with oligodendrogenic potential. We identified an endogenous oxysterol, 20-αHydroxycholesterol (20HC), in human maternal breast milk that induces oligodendrogenesis through a sonic hedgehog (shh), Gli-dependent mechanism. Following WMI in neonatal mice, injection of 20HC induced subventricular zone-derived oligodendrogenesis and improved myelination in the periventricular white matter, resulting in improved motor outcomes. Targeting the oligodendrogenic potential of postnatal NSPCs in neonates with WMIs may be further developed into a novel approach to mitigate this devastating complication of preterm birth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnes S Chao
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Duke University Medical Center, The Jean and George Brumley, Jr. Neonatal-Perinatal Institute, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Pavle Matak
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Duke University Medical Center, The Jean and George Brumley, Jr. Neonatal-Perinatal Institute, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Kelly Pegram
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Duke University Medical Center, The Jean and George Brumley, Jr. Neonatal-Perinatal Institute, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - James Powers
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Duke University Medical Center, The Jean and George Brumley, Jr. Neonatal-Perinatal Institute, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Collin Hutson
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Duke University Medical Center, The Jean and George Brumley, Jr. Neonatal-Perinatal Institute, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Rebecca Jo
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Duke University Medical Center, The Jean and George Brumley, Jr. Neonatal-Perinatal Institute, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Laura Dubois
- Duke Proteomics and Metabolomics Shared Resource, Center for Genomics and Computational Biology, School of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - J Will Thompson
- Duke Proteomics and Metabolomics Shared Resource, Center for Genomics and Computational Biology, School of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA; Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, School of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - P Brian Smith
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Duke University Medical Center, The Jean and George Brumley, Jr. Neonatal-Perinatal Institute, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Vaibhav Jain
- Department of Neurology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA; Duke Molecular Physiology Institute, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Chunlei Liu
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA; Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Noelle E Younge
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Duke University Medical Center, The Jean and George Brumley, Jr. Neonatal-Perinatal Institute, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Blaire Rikard
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Duke University Medical Center, The Jean and George Brumley, Jr. Neonatal-Perinatal Institute, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Estefany Y Reyes
- Department of Immunology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Mari L Shinohara
- Department of Immunology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA; Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Simon G Gregory
- Department of Neurology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA; Duke Molecular Physiology Institute, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Ronald N Goldberg
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Duke University Medical Center, The Jean and George Brumley, Jr. Neonatal-Perinatal Institute, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Eric J Benner
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Duke University Medical Center, The Jean and George Brumley, Jr. Neonatal-Perinatal Institute, Durham, NC 27710, USA; Duke Molecular Physiology Institute, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA.
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39
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Selvanathan T, Guillot M, Branson HM, Chau V, Kelly EN, Miller SP. Child Neurology: Cortical Malformations in Preterm Infants: Case From a Prospective Cohort. Neurology 2023; 101:235-238. [PMID: 37072221 PMCID: PMC10401676 DOI: 10.1212/wnl.0000000000207265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 04/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Malformations of cortical development (MCD) are a rare group of disorders with heterogeneous clinical, neuroimaging, and genetic features. MCD consist of disruptions in the development of the cerebral cortex secondary to genetic, metabolic, infectious, or vascular etiologies. MCD are typically classified by stage of disrupted cortical development as secondary to abnormal: (1) neuronal proliferation or apoptosis, (2) neuronal migration, or (3) postmigrational cortical development. MCD are typically detected with brain MRI when an infant or child becomes symptomatic, presenting with seizures, developmental delay, or cerebral palsy. With recent advances in neuroimaging, cortical malformations can be detected using ultrasound or MRI during the fetal period or in the neonatal period. Of interest, preterm infants are born at a time when many cortical developmental processes are still occurring. However, there is a paucity of literature describing the neonatal imaging findings, clinical presentation, and evolution over time of cortical malformations in preterm infants. In this study, we present the neuroimaging findings from early life to term-equivalent age and childhood neurodevelopmental outcomes of an infant born very preterm (<32 weeks' postmenstrual age) with MCD detected incidentally on neonatal research brain MRI. These brain MRIs were performed as part of a prospective longitudinal cohort study of 160 very preterm infants; MCD were detected incidentally in 2 infants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thiviya Selvanathan
- From the Department of Pediatrics (T.S., V.C., S.P.M.), The Hospital for Sick Children and University of Toronto, ON Department of Pediatrics (M.G.), Faculty of Medicine, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec-Université Laval, Québec; Department of Diagnostic Imaging (H.M.B.), The Hospital for Sick Children and University of Toronto; Department of Pediatrics (E.N.K.), Mount Sinai Hospital and University of Toronto, ON Department of Pediatrics (S.P.M.), BC Children's Hospital and University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Mireille Guillot
- From the Department of Pediatrics (T.S., V.C., S.P.M.), The Hospital for Sick Children and University of Toronto, ON Department of Pediatrics (M.G.), Faculty of Medicine, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec-Université Laval, Québec; Department of Diagnostic Imaging (H.M.B.), The Hospital for Sick Children and University of Toronto; Department of Pediatrics (E.N.K.), Mount Sinai Hospital and University of Toronto, ON Department of Pediatrics (S.P.M.), BC Children's Hospital and University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Helen M Branson
- From the Department of Pediatrics (T.S., V.C., S.P.M.), The Hospital for Sick Children and University of Toronto, ON Department of Pediatrics (M.G.), Faculty of Medicine, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec-Université Laval, Québec; Department of Diagnostic Imaging (H.M.B.), The Hospital for Sick Children and University of Toronto; Department of Pediatrics (E.N.K.), Mount Sinai Hospital and University of Toronto, ON Department of Pediatrics (S.P.M.), BC Children's Hospital and University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Vann Chau
- From the Department of Pediatrics (T.S., V.C., S.P.M.), The Hospital for Sick Children and University of Toronto, ON Department of Pediatrics (M.G.), Faculty of Medicine, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec-Université Laval, Québec; Department of Diagnostic Imaging (H.M.B.), The Hospital for Sick Children and University of Toronto; Department of Pediatrics (E.N.K.), Mount Sinai Hospital and University of Toronto, ON Department of Pediatrics (S.P.M.), BC Children's Hospital and University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Edmond N Kelly
- From the Department of Pediatrics (T.S., V.C., S.P.M.), The Hospital for Sick Children and University of Toronto, ON Department of Pediatrics (M.G.), Faculty of Medicine, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec-Université Laval, Québec; Department of Diagnostic Imaging (H.M.B.), The Hospital for Sick Children and University of Toronto; Department of Pediatrics (E.N.K.), Mount Sinai Hospital and University of Toronto, ON Department of Pediatrics (S.P.M.), BC Children's Hospital and University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Steven P Miller
- From the Department of Pediatrics (T.S., V.C., S.P.M.), The Hospital for Sick Children and University of Toronto, ON Department of Pediatrics (M.G.), Faculty of Medicine, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec-Université Laval, Québec; Department of Diagnostic Imaging (H.M.B.), The Hospital for Sick Children and University of Toronto; Department of Pediatrics (E.N.K.), Mount Sinai Hospital and University of Toronto, ON Department of Pediatrics (S.P.M.), BC Children's Hospital and University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
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40
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Li J, Jiang H, Mu Y, Wei Z, Ma A, Sun M, Zhao J, Zhu C, Chen X. SRSF10 regulates proliferation of neural progenitor cells and affects neurogenesis in developing mouse neocortex. iScience 2023; 26:107042. [PMID: 37360696 PMCID: PMC10285642 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.107042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2023] [Revised: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Alternative pre-mRNA splicing plays critical roles in brain development. SRSF10 is a splicing factor highly expressed in central nervous system and plays important roles in maintaining normal brain functions. However, its role in neural development is unclear. In this study, by conditional depleting SRSF10 in neural progenitor cells (NPCs) in vivo and in vitro, we found that dysfunction of SRSF10 leads to developmental defects of the brain, which manifest as abnormal ventricle enlargement and cortical thinning anatomically, as well as decreased NPCs proliferation and weakened cortical neurogenesis histologically. Furthermore, we proved that the function of SRSF10 on NPCs proliferation involved the regulation of PI3K-AKT-mTOR-CCND2 pathway and the alternative splicing of Nasp, a gene encoding isoforms of cell cycle regulators. These findings highlight the necessity of SRSF10 in the formation of a structurally and functionally normal brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junjie Li
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hanyang Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yawei Mu
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zixuan Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ankangzhi Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Menghan Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jingjing Zhao
- Center of Clinical Research, The Affiliated Wuxi People’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi 214023, PR China
| | - Cuiqing Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xianhua Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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41
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Mukherjee D, Xue B, Chen CT, Chang M, Kao JPY, Kanold PO. Early retinal deprivation crossmodally alters nascent subplate circuits and activity in the auditory cortex during the precritical period. Cereb Cortex 2023; 33:9038-9053. [PMID: 37259176 PMCID: PMC10350824 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhad180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Revised: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Sensory perturbation in one modality results in the adaptive reorganization of neural pathways within the spared modalities, a phenomenon known as "crossmodal plasticity," which has been examined during or after the classic "critical period." Because peripheral perturbations can alter the auditory cortex (ACX) activity and functional connectivity of the ACX subplate neurons (SPNs) even before the critical period, called the precritical period, we investigated if retinal deprivation at birth crossmodally alters the ACX activity and SPN circuits during the precritical period. We deprived newborn mice of visual inputs after birth by performing bilateral enucleation. We performed in vivo widefield imaging in the ACX of awake pups during the first two postnatal weeks to investigate cortical activity. We found that enucleation alters spontaneous and sound-evoked activities in the ACX in an age-dependent manner. Next, we performed whole-cell patch clamp recording combined with laser scanning photostimulation in ACX slices to investigate circuit changes in SPNs. We found that enucleation alters the intracortical inhibitory circuits impinging on SPNs, shifting the excitation-inhibition balance toward excitation and this shift persists after ear opening. Together, our results indicate that crossmodal functional changes exist in the developing sensory cortices at early ages before the onset of the classic critical period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Didhiti Mukherjee
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, United States
| | - Binghan Xue
- Department of Biology, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, United States
| | - Chih-Ting Chen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, United States
| | - Minzi Chang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, United States
| | - Joseph P Y Kao
- Department of Physiology, Center for Biomedical Engineering and Technology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, United States
| | - Patrick O Kanold
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, United States
- Department of Biology, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, United States
- Kavli Neuroscience Discovery Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, United States
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42
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Holst CB, Brøchner CB, Vitting‐Seerup K, Møllgård K. The HOPX and BLBP landscape and gliogenic regions in developing human brain. J Anat 2023; 243:23-38. [PMID: 36794762 PMCID: PMC10273337 DOI: 10.1111/joa.13844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Revised: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Outer radial glial cells (oRGs) give rise to neurons and glial cells and contribute to cell migration and expansion in developing neocortex. HOPX has been described as a marker of oRGs and possible actor in glioblastomas. Recent years' evidence points to spatiotemporal differences in brain development which may have implications for the classification of cell types in the central nervous system and understanding of a range of neurological diseases. Using the Human Embryonic/Fetal Biobank, Institute of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Denmark, HOPX and BLBP immunoexpression was investigated in developing frontal, parietal, temporal and occipital human neocortex, other cortical areas and brain stem regions to interrogate oRG and HOPX regional heterogeneity. Furthermore, usage of high-plex spatial profiling (Nanostring GeoMx® DSP) was tested on the same material. HOPX marked oRGs in several human developing brain regions as well as cells in known gliogenic areas but did not completely overlap with BLBP or GFAP. Interestingly, limbic structures (e.g. olfactory bulb, indusium griseum, entorhinal cortex, fimbria) showed more intense HOPX immunoreactivity than adjacent neocortex and in cerebellum and brain stem, HOPX and BLBP seemed to stain different cell populations in cerebellar cortex and corpus pontobulbare. DSP screening of corresponding regions indicated differences in cell type composition, vessel density and presence of apolipoproteins within and across regions and thereby confirming the importance of acknowledging time and place in developmental neuroscience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camilla Bjørnbak Holst
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical SciencesUniversity of CopenhagenCopenhagenDenmark
- DCCC Brain Tumor CenterCopenhagen University HospitalCopenhagenDenmark
| | - Christian Beltoft Brøchner
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical SciencesUniversity of CopenhagenCopenhagenDenmark
- Department of Pathology, Center of Diagnostic InvestigationCopenhagen University HospitalCopenhagenDenmark
| | | | - Kjeld Møllgård
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical SciencesUniversity of CopenhagenCopenhagenDenmark
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Sa de Almeida J, Baud O, Fau S, Barcos-Munoz F, Courvoisier S, Lordier L, Lazeyras F, Hüppi PS. Music impacts brain cortical microstructural maturation in very preterm infants: A longitudinal diffusion MR imaging study. Dev Cogn Neurosci 2023; 61:101254. [PMID: 37182337 DOI: 10.1016/j.dcn.2023.101254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2022] [Revised: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Preterm birth disrupts important neurodevelopmental processes occurring from mid-fetal to term-age. Musicotherapy, by enriching infants' sensory input, might enhance brain maturation during this critical period of activity-dependent plasticity. To study the impact of music on preterm infants' brain structural changes, we recruited 54 very preterm infants randomized to receive or not a daily music intervention, that have undergone a longitudinal multi-shell diffusion MRI acquisition, before the intervention (at 33 weeks' gestational age) and after it (at term-equivalent-age). Using whole-brain fixel-based (FBA) and NODDI analysis (n = 40), we showed a longitudinal increase of fiber cross-section (FC) and fiber density (FD) in all major cerebral white matter fibers. Regarding cortical grey matter, FD decreased while FC and orientation dispersion index (ODI) increased, reflecting intracortical multidirectional complexification and intracortical myelination. The music intervention resulted in a significantly higher longitudinal increase of FC and ODI in cortical paralimbic regions, namely the insulo-orbito-temporopolar complex, precuneus/posterior cingulate gyrus, as well as the auditory association cortex. Our results support a longitudinal early brain macro and microstructural maturation of white and cortical grey matter in preterm infants. The music intervention led to an increased intracortical complexity in regions important for socio-emotional development, known to be impaired in preterm infants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joana Sa de Almeida
- Division of Development and Growth, Department of Paediatrics, Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospitals of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.
| | - Olivier Baud
- Division of Neonatal and Intensive Care, Department of Paediatrics, Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospitals of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Sebastien Fau
- Division of Neonatal and Intensive Care, Department of Paediatrics, Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospitals of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Francisca Barcos-Munoz
- Division of Neonatal and Intensive Care, Department of Paediatrics, Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospitals of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Sebastien Courvoisier
- Center of BioMedical Imaging (CIBM), University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland; Department of Radiology and Medical Informatics, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Lara Lordier
- Division of Development and Growth, Department of Paediatrics, Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospitals of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - François Lazeyras
- Center of BioMedical Imaging (CIBM), University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland; Department of Radiology and Medical Informatics, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Petra S Hüppi
- Division of Development and Growth, Department of Paediatrics, Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospitals of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
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44
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Bleeser T, Basurto D, Russo F, Vergote S, Valenzuela I, Van den Broucke S, Kunpalin Y, Joyeux L, Van der Veeken L, Vally JC, Emam D, van der Merwe J, Van de Velde M, Devroe S, Deprest J, Rex S. Effects of cumulative duration of repeated anaesthesia exposure on foetal brain development in the ovine model. J Clin Anesth 2023; 85:111050. [PMID: 36640704 DOI: 10.1016/j.jclinane.2022.111050] [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: 09/17/2022] [Revised: 12/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Anaesthesia is required in 0.4-1% of pregnant women, and prolonged and repeated exposures to anaesthesia may be required. It is unknown whether these exposures may result in foetal neurotoxicity in humans. As sheep have a gestation comparable to that of humans, the objective of this study was to analyse the neurodevelopmental outcome of ovine foetuses that had been exposed in utero to repeated and prolonged anaesthesia. DESIGN Randomized controlled preclinical study. SETTING Anaesthesia for non-obstetric surgery during pregnancy. ANIMALS Twenty-four healthy pregnant Swifter ewes. INTERVENTIONS The ewes were randomized to no anaesthesia exposure (control-group), single exposure (at gestational age 68-70 days), or repeated exposure (at gestational age 68-70 days and 96-98 days) to 2.5 h of sevoflurane anaesthesia and maternal laparotomy. All lambs were delivered at approximately term gestation (gestational age: 140-143 days). MEASUREMENTS The primary outcome was neuron density in the frontal cortex 24 h after birth for the control-group versus the repeated-exposure-group. Key secondary outcome was the time needed to achieve the milestone of standing. Secondary outcomes included other neurobehavioural assessments (e.g., motoric milestones) and histological parameters quantified in multiple brain regions (neuron density, total cell density, proliferation, inflammation, synaptogenesis, astrocytes and myelination). MAIN RESULTS Neuron density in the frontal cortex did not differ between groups (mean ± standard deviation: control-group: 403 ± 39, single-exposure group: 436 ± 23 and repeated-exposure-group: 403 ± 40 neurons/mm2, control-group versus repeated-exposure-group: p = 0.986, control-group versus single-exposure-group: p = 0.097). No significant difference was observed for the time needed to achieve the milestone of standing. Only very limited differences were observed for other histological outcome parameters and neurobehavioural assessments. CONCLUSIONS There is no evidence for foetal neuronal injury or neurobehavioural impairments after a cumulative duration of 5 h repetitive prenatal anaesthesia in sheep.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tom Bleeser
- Department of Anaesthesiology, UZ Leuven, Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Group Biomedical Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - David Basurto
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, UZ Leuven, Department of Development and Regeneration, Cluster Woman and Child, Group Biomedical Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Francesca Russo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, UZ Leuven, Department of Development and Regeneration, Cluster Woman and Child, Group Biomedical Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Simen Vergote
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, UZ Leuven, Department of Development and Regeneration, Cluster Woman and Child, Group Biomedical Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Ignacio Valenzuela
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, UZ Leuven, Department of Development and Regeneration, Cluster Woman and Child, Group Biomedical Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | | | - Yada Kunpalin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, UZ Leuven, Department of Development and Regeneration, Cluster Woman and Child, Group Biomedical Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Luc Joyeux
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, UZ Leuven, Department of Development and Regeneration, Cluster Woman and Child, Group Biomedical Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Department of Paediatric Surgery, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, United States of America
| | - Lennart Van der Veeken
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, UZ Leuven, Department of Development and Regeneration, Cluster Woman and Child, Group Biomedical Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, UZA, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Janine C Vally
- Department of Anaesthesiology, UZ Leuven, Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Group Biomedical Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Doaa Emam
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, UZ Leuven, Department of Development and Regeneration, Cluster Woman and Child, Group Biomedical Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Hospitals Tanta, Egypt
| | - Johannes van der Merwe
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, UZ Leuven, Department of Development and Regeneration, Cluster Woman and Child, Group Biomedical Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Marc Van de Velde
- Department of Anaesthesiology, UZ Leuven, Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Group Biomedical Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Sarah Devroe
- Department of Anaesthesiology, UZ Leuven, Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Group Biomedical Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jan Deprest
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, UZ Leuven, Department of Development and Regeneration, Cluster Woman and Child, Group Biomedical Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Institute for Women's Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Steffen Rex
- Department of Anaesthesiology, UZ Leuven, Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Group Biomedical Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
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Masse O, Kraft E, Ahmad E, Rollins CK, Velasco-Annis C, Yang E, Warfield SK, Shamshirsaz AA, Gholipour A, Feldman HA, Estroff J, Grant PE, Vasung L. Abnormal prenatal brain development in Chiari II malformation. Front Neuroanat 2023; 17:1116948. [PMID: 37139180 PMCID: PMC10149737 DOI: 10.3389/fnana.2023.1116948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction The Chiari II is a relatively common birth defect that is associated with open spinal abnormalities and is characterized by caudal migration of the posterior fossa contents through the foramen magnum. The pathophysiology of Chiari II is not entirely known, and the neurobiological substrate beyond posterior fossa findings remains unexplored. We aimed to identify brain regions altered in Chiari II fetuses between 17 and 26 GW. Methods We used in vivo structural T2-weighted MRIs of 31 fetuses (6 controls and 25 cases with Chiari II). Results The results of our study indicated altered development of diencephalon and proliferative zones (ventricular and subventricular zones) in fetuses with a Chiari II malformation compared to controls. Specifically, fetuses with Chiari II showed significantly smaller volumes of the diencephalon and significantly larger volumes of lateral ventricles and proliferative zones. Discussion We conclude that regional brain development should be taken into consideration when evaluating prenatal brain development in fetuses with Chiari II.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivia Masse
- Division of Newborn Medicine, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Emily Kraft
- Division of Newborn Medicine, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Esha Ahmad
- Division of Newborn Medicine, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Caitlin K. Rollins
- Department of Neurology Medicine, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Clemente Velasco-Annis
- Department of Radiology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Edward Yang
- Department of Radiology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Simon Keith Warfield
- Department of Radiology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | | | - Ali Gholipour
- Department of Radiology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Henry A. Feldman
- Institutional Centers for Clinical and Translational Research, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Judy Estroff
- Department of Radiology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
- Maternal Fetal Care Center, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Patricia Ellen Grant
- Division of Newborn Medicine, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
- Department of Radiology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Lana Vasung
- Division of Newborn Medicine, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
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46
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Manti S, Xerra F, Spoto G, Butera A, Gitto E, Di Rosa G, Nicotera AG. Neurotrophins: Expression of Brain-Lung Axis Development. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24087089. [PMID: 37108250 PMCID: PMC10138985 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24087089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2023] [Revised: 04/08/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurotrophins (NTs) are a group of soluble growth factors with analogous structures and functions, identified initially as critical mediators of neuronal survival during development. Recently, the relevance of NTs has been confirmed by emerging clinical data showing that impaired NTs levels and functions are involved in the onset of neurological and pulmonary diseases. The alteration in NTs expression at the central and peripheral nervous system has been linked to neurodevelopmental disorders with an early onset and severe clinical manifestations, often named "synaptopathies" because of structural and functional synaptic plasticity abnormalities. NTs appear to be also involved in the physiology and pathophysiology of several airway diseases, neonatal lung diseases, allergic and inflammatory diseases, lung fibrosis, and even lung cancer. Moreover, they have also been detected in other peripheral tissues, including immune cells, epithelium, smooth muscle, fibroblasts, and vascular endothelium. This review aims to provide a comprehensive description of the NTs as important physiological and pathophysiological players in brain and lung development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Manti
- Pediatric Unit, Department of Human and Pediatric Pathology "Gaetano Barresi", AOUP G. Martino, University of Messina, Via Consolare Valeria, 1, 98124 Messina, Italy
| | - Federica Xerra
- Pediatric Unit, Department of Human and Pediatric Pathology "Gaetano Barresi", AOUP G. Martino, University of Messina, Via Consolare Valeria, 1, 98124 Messina, Italy
| | - Giulia Spoto
- Unit of Child Neurology and Psychiatry, Department of Human Pathology of the Adult and Developmental Age, "Gaetano Barresi" University of Messina, 98124 Messina, Italy
| | - Ambra Butera
- Unit of Child Neurology and Psychiatry, Department of Human Pathology of the Adult and Developmental Age, "Gaetano Barresi" University of Messina, 98124 Messina, Italy
| | - Eloisa Gitto
- Intensive Pediatric Unit, Department of Human Pathology of the Adult and Developmental Age, "Gaetano Barresi" University of Messina, 98124 Messina, Italy
| | - Gabriella Di Rosa
- Unit of Child Neurology and Psychiatry, Department of Human Pathology of the Adult and Developmental Age, "Gaetano Barresi" University of Messina, 98124 Messina, Italy
| | - Antonio Gennaro Nicotera
- Unit of Child Neurology and Psychiatry, Department of Human Pathology of the Adult and Developmental Age, "Gaetano Barresi" University of Messina, 98124 Messina, Italy
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Zahra Rami F, Kim WS, Shen J, Tsogt U, Odkhuu S, Cheraghi S, Kang C, Chung YC. Differential effects of parental socioeconomic status on cortical thickness in patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders and healthy controls. Neurosci Lett 2023; 804:137239. [PMID: 37031942 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2023.137239] [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: 08/16/2022] [Revised: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/11/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Widespread changes in cortical thickness (CT) have been repeatedly reported in schizophrenia (SZ). The nature of the pathophysiologic process underlying such changes remains to be elucidated. The aims of the present study were to measure the CT; evaluate parent socioeconomic status (pSES), childhood trauma (ChT) and premorbid adjustment (PA) in patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSDs); and investigate group differences in CT (i.e., SSD vs. healthy controls (HCs)), pSES, PA, and/or ChT, as well as the interactions among these factors. METHODS 164 patients with SSD and 245 age-, sex- and education-matched healthy controls have participated. The pSES, ChT and PA were evaluated using Korean version of Polyenvironmental Risk Score, Early Trauma Inventory Self Report-Short Form and Premorbid Adjustment Scale, respectively. Vertex-wise measure of CT was estimated using the FreeSurfer. To investigate the main effects and interactions, multilevel regression was employed. RESULTS We found widespread cortical thinning in patients with SSDs compared to HCs. The cortical thinning was associated with ChT, symptom severity and chlorpromazine equivalent dose and duration of illness in patients. In multilevel regression, main effects of group and pSES and interaction between group and pSES were found whereas a significant interaction between ChT and CPZ equivalent was found in patients. CONCLUSION Our findings indicate that compared to HCs, patients with SSDs have cortical structural abnormalities, and that group and pSES interaction determines CT. Further studies are needed to explore the effects of psychosocial factors on brain structural and functional abnormalities in SZ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatima Zahra Rami
- Department of Psychiatry, Jeonbuk National University Medical School, Jeonju, Republic of Korea; Research Institute of Clinical Medicine of Jeonbuk National University and Biomedical Research Institute of Jeonbuk National University Hospital, Jeonju, Republic of Korea
| | - Woo-Sung Kim
- Department of Psychiatry, Jeonbuk National University Medical School, Jeonju, Republic of Korea; Research Institute of Clinical Medicine of Jeonbuk National University and Biomedical Research Institute of Jeonbuk National University Hospital, Jeonju, Republic of Korea
| | - Jie Shen
- Department of Psychiatry, Jeonbuk National University Medical School, Jeonju, Republic of Korea; Research Institute of Clinical Medicine of Jeonbuk National University and Biomedical Research Institute of Jeonbuk National University Hospital, Jeonju, Republic of Korea
| | - Uyanga Tsogt
- Department of Psychiatry, Jeonbuk National University Medical School, Jeonju, Republic of Korea; Research Institute of Clinical Medicine of Jeonbuk National University and Biomedical Research Institute of Jeonbuk National University Hospital, Jeonju, Republic of Korea
| | - Soyolsaikhan Odkhuu
- Department of Psychiatry, Jeonbuk National University Medical School, Jeonju, Republic of Korea; Research Institute of Clinical Medicine of Jeonbuk National University and Biomedical Research Institute of Jeonbuk National University Hospital, Jeonju, Republic of Korea
| | - Sahar Cheraghi
- Department of Psychiatry, Jeonbuk National University Medical School, Jeonju, Republic of Korea; Research Institute of Clinical Medicine of Jeonbuk National University and Biomedical Research Institute of Jeonbuk National University Hospital, Jeonju, Republic of Korea
| | - Chaeyeong Kang
- Research Institute of Clinical Medicine of Jeonbuk National University and Biomedical Research Institute of Jeonbuk National University Hospital, Jeonju, Republic of Korea
| | - Young-Chul Chung
- Department of Psychiatry, Jeonbuk National University Medical School, Jeonju, Republic of Korea; Research Institute of Clinical Medicine of Jeonbuk National University and Biomedical Research Institute of Jeonbuk National University Hospital, Jeonju, Republic of Korea.
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48
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Zarzor MS, Blumcke I, Budday S. Exploring the role of the outer subventricular zone during cortical folding through a physics-based model. eLife 2023; 12:82925. [PMID: 37043266 PMCID: PMC10097417 DOI: 10.7554/elife.82925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The human brain has a highly complex structure both on the microscopic and on the macroscopic scales. Increasing evidence has suggested the role of mechanical forces for cortical folding – a classical hallmark of the human brain. However, the link between cellular processes at the microscale and mechanical forces at the macroscale remains insufficiently understood. Recent findings suggest that an additional proliferating zone, the outer subventricular zone (OSVZ), is decisive for the particular size and complexity of the human cortex. To better understand how the OSVZ affects cortical folding, we establish a multifield computational model that couples cell proliferation in different zones and migration at the cell scale with growth and cortical folding at the organ scale by combining an advection-diffusion model with the theory of finite growth. We validate our model based on data from histologically stained sections of the human fetal brain and predict 3D pattern formation. Finally, we address open questions regarding the role of the OSVZ for the formation of cortical folds. The presented framework not only improves our understanding of human brain development, but could eventually help diagnose and treat neuronal disorders arising from disruptions in cellular development and associated malformations of cortical development.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ingmar Blumcke
- University Hospitals Erlangen, Institute of Neuropathology
| | - Silvia Budday
- Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Institute of Applied Mechanics
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Deprest T, Fidon L, De Keyzer F, Ebner M, Deprest J, Demaerel P, De Catte L, Vercauteren T, Ourselin S, Dymarkowski S, Aertsen M. Application of Automatic Segmentation on Super-Resolution Reconstruction MR Images of the Abnormal Fetal Brain. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol 2023; 44:486-491. [PMID: 36863845 PMCID: PMC10084897 DOI: 10.3174/ajnr.a7808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2022] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Fetal brain MR imaging is clinically used to characterize fetal brain abnormalities. Recently, algorithms have been proposed to reconstruct high-resolution 3D fetal brain volumes from 2D slices. By means of these reconstructions, convolutional neural networks have been developed for automatic image segmentation to avoid labor-intensive manual annotations, usually trained on data of normal fetal brains. Herein, we tested the performance of an algorithm specifically developed for segmentation of abnormal fetal brains. MATERIALS AND METHODS This was a single-center retrospective study on MR images of 16 fetuses with severe CNS anomalies (gestation, 21-39 weeks). T2-weighted 2D slices were converted to 3D volumes using a super-resolution reconstruction algorithm. The acquired volumetric data were then processed by a novel convolutional neural network to perform segmentations of white matter and the ventricular system and cerebellum. These were compared with manual segmentation using the Dice coefficient, Hausdorff distance (95th percentile), and volume difference. Using interquartile ranges, we identified outliers of these metrics and further analyzed them in detail. RESULTS The mean Dice coefficient was 96.2%, 93.7%, and 94.7% for white matter and the ventricular system and cerebellum, respectively. The Hausdorff distance was 1.1, 2.3, and 1.6 mm, respectively. The volume difference was 1.6, 1.4, and 0.3 mL, respectively. Of the 126 measurements, there were 16 outliers among 5 fetuses, discussed on a case-by-case basis. CONCLUSIONS Our novel segmentation algorithm obtained excellent results on MR images of fetuses with severe brain abnormalities. Analysis of the outliers shows the need to include pathologies underrepresented in the current data set. Quality control to prevent occasional errors is still needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Deprest
- From the Department of Radiology (T.D., F.D.K., P.D., S.D., M.A.)
| | - L Fidon
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences (L.F., M.E., T.V., S.O.), King's College London, London, UK
| | - F De Keyzer
- From the Department of Radiology (T.D., F.D.K., P.D., S.D., M.A.)
| | - M Ebner
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences (L.F., M.E., T.V., S.O.), King's College London, London, UK
- Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering (M.E., T.V.), University College London, London, UK
| | - J Deprest
- Gynaecology and Obstetrics (J.D., L.D.C., T.V.), University Hospitals Leuven, Belgium
- Institute for Women's Health (J.D.)
| | - P Demaerel
- From the Department of Radiology (T.D., F.D.K., P.D., S.D., M.A.)
| | - L De Catte
- Gynaecology and Obstetrics (J.D., L.D.C., T.V.), University Hospitals Leuven, Belgium
| | - T Vercauteren
- Gynaecology and Obstetrics (J.D., L.D.C., T.V.), University Hospitals Leuven, Belgium
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences (L.F., M.E., T.V., S.O.), King's College London, London, UK
- Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering (M.E., T.V.), University College London, London, UK
| | - S Ourselin
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences (L.F., M.E., T.V., S.O.), King's College London, London, UK
| | - S Dymarkowski
- From the Department of Radiology (T.D., F.D.K., P.D., S.D., M.A.)
| | - M Aertsen
- From the Department of Radiology (T.D., F.D.K., P.D., S.D., M.A.)
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50
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Junaković A, Kopić J, Duque A, Rakic P, Krsnik Ž, Kostović I. Laminar dynamics of deep projection neurons and mode of subplate formation are hallmarks of histogenetic subdivisions of the human cingulate cortex before onset of arealization. Brain Struct Funct 2023; 228:613-633. [PMID: 36592215 PMCID: PMC9944618 DOI: 10.1007/s00429-022-02606-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
The cingulate gyrus, as a prominent part of the human limbic lobe, is involved in the integration and regulation of complex emotional, executive, motivational, and cognitive functions, attributed to several functional regions along the anteroposterior axis. In contrast to increasing knowledge of cingulate function in the adult brain, our knowledge of cingulate development is based primarily on classical neuroembryological studies. We aimed to reveal the laminar and cellular development of the various cingulate regions during the critical period from 7.5 to 15 postconceptional weeks (PCW) before the formation of Brodmann type arealization, employing diverse molecular markers on serial histological sections of postmortem human fetal brains. The study was performed by analysis of: (1) deep projection neuron (DPN) markers laminar dynamics, (2) all transient laminar compartments, and (3) characteristic subplate (SP) formation-expansion phase. We found that DPN markers labeling an incipient cortical plate (CP) were the first sign of regional differentiation of the dorsal isocortical and ventral mesocortical belt. Remarkably, increased width of the fibrillar marginal zone (MZ) towards the limbus, in parallel with the narrowing of CP containing DPN, as well as the diminishment of subventricular zone (SVZ) were reliable landmarks of early mesocortical differentiation. Finally, the SP formation pattern was shown to be a crucial event in the isocortical cingulate portion, given that the mesocortical belt is characterized by an incomplete CP delamination and absence of SP expansion. In conclusion, laminar DPN markers dynamics, together with the SVZ size and mode of SP formation indicate regional belt-like cingulate cortex differentiation before the corpus callosum expansion and several months before Brodmann type arealization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alisa Junaković
- School of Medicine, Croatian Institute for Brain Research, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Janja Kopić
- School of Medicine, Croatian Institute for Brain Research, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Alvaro Duque
- School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA
| | - Pasko Rakic
- School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA
| | - Željka Krsnik
- School of Medicine, Croatian Institute for Brain Research, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Ivica Kostović
- School of Medicine, Croatian Institute for Brain Research, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia.
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