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Liu HK, Hao HL, You H, Feng F, Qi XH, Huang XY, Hou B, Tian CG, Wang H, Yang HM, Wang J, Wu R, Fang H, Zhou JN, Zhang JG, Zhang ZX. A Cysteinyl-tRNA Synthetase Mutation Causes Novel Autosomal-Dominant Inheritance of a Parkinsonism/Spinocerebellar-Ataxia Complex. Neurosci Bull 2024:10.1007/s12264-024-01231-0. [PMID: 38869703 DOI: 10.1007/s12264-024-01231-0] [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: 08/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/14/2024] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to identify possible pathogenic genes in a 90-member family with a rare combination of multiple neurodegenerative disease phenotypes, which has not been depicted by the known neurodegenerative disease. We performed physical and neurological examinations with International Rating Scales to assess signs of ataxia, Parkinsonism, and cognitive function, as well as brain magnetic resonance imaging scans with seven sequences. We searched for co-segregations of abnormal repeat-expansion loci, pathogenic variants in known spinocerebellar ataxia-related genes, and novel rare mutations via whole-genome sequencing and linkage analysis. A rare co-segregating missense mutation in the CARS gene was validated by Sanger sequencing and the aminoacylation activity of mutant CARS was measured by spectrophotometric assay. This pedigree presented novel late-onset core characteristics including cerebellar ataxia, Parkinsonism, and pyramidal signs in all nine affected members. Brain magnetic resonance imaging showed cerebellar/pons atrophy, pontine-midline linear hyperintensity, decreased rCBF in the bilateral basal ganglia and cerebellar dentate nucleus, and hypo-intensities of the cerebellar dentate nuclei, basal ganglia, mesencephalic red nuclei, and substantia nigra, all of which suggested neurodegeneration. Whole-genome sequencing identified a novel pathogenic heterozygous mutation (E795V) in the CARS gene, meanwhile, exhibited none of the known repeat-expansions or point mutations in pathogenic genes. Remarkably, this CARS mutation causes a 20% decrease in aminoacylation activity to charge tRNACys with L-cysteine in protein synthesis compared with that of the wild type. All family members carrying a heterozygous mutation CARS (E795V) had the same clinical manifestations and neuropathological changes of Parkinsonism and spinocerebellar-ataxia. These findings identify novel pathogenesis of Parkinsonism-spinocerebellar ataxia and provide insights into its genetic architecture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han-Kui Liu
- BGI Genomics and BGI Research, Shenzhen, 518083, China
- Hebei Industrial Technology Research Institute of Genomics in Maternal and Child Health, Clin Lab, BGI Genomics, Shijiazhuang, 050011, China
| | - Hong-Lin Hao
- Department of Neurology, Clinical Epidemiology Unit, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Hui You
- Department of Neurology, Clinical Epidemiology Unit, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Feng Feng
- Department of Neurology, Clinical Epidemiology Unit, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100730, China
- Department of Radiology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Xiu-Hong Qi
- Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China
| | | | - Bo Hou
- Department of Radiology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100730, China
| | | | - Han Wang
- Department of Neurology, Clinical Epidemiology Unit, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100730, China
| | | | - Jian Wang
- BGI Genomics and BGI Research, Shenzhen, 518083, China
| | - Rui Wu
- Department of Pathology, Beijing Key Laboratory of Biomarker Research and Transformation for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Peking University Third Hospital, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Hui Fang
- Anhui Provincial Children's Hospital, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Hefei, 230051, China
| | - Jiang-Ning Zhou
- Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China
- Institute of Brain Science, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, China
| | - Jian-Guo Zhang
- BGI Genomics and BGI Research, Shenzhen, 518083, China.
- Hebei Industrial Technology Research Institute of Genomics in Maternal and Child Health, Clin Lab, BGI Genomics, Shijiazhuang, 050011, China.
| | - Zhen-Xin Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Clinical Epidemiology Unit, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100730, China.
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Kwak T, Park SH, Lee S, Shin Y, Yoon KJ, Cho SW, Park JC, Yang SH, Cho H, Im HI, Ahn SJ, Sun W, Yang JH. Guidelines for Manufacturing and Application of Organoids: Brain. Int J Stem Cells 2024; 17:158-181. [PMID: 38777830 PMCID: PMC11170118 DOI: 10.15283/ijsc24056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2024] [Revised: 05/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
This study offers a comprehensive overview of brain organoids for researchers. It combines expert opinions with technical summaries on organoid definitions, characteristics, culture methods, and quality control. This approach aims to enhance the utilization of brain organoids in research. Brain organoids, as three-dimensional human cell models mimicking the nervous system, hold immense promise for studying the human brain. They offer advantages over traditional methods, replicating anatomical structures, physiological features, and complex neuronal networks. Additionally, brain organoids can model nervous system development and interactions between cell types and the microenvironment. By providing a foundation for utilizing the most human-relevant tissue models, this work empowers researchers to overcome limitations of two-dimensional cultures and conduct advanced disease modeling research.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Si-Hyung Park
- Department of Anatomy, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | | | | | - Ki-Jun Yoon
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, Korea
- Organoid Standards Initiative
| | - Seung-Woo Cho
- Organoid Standards Initiative
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Science and Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jong-Chan Park
- Organoid Standards Initiative
- Department of Biophysics, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, Korea
| | - Seung-Ho Yang
- Organoid Standards Initiative
- Department of Neurosurgery, St. Vincent’s Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Suwon, Korea
| | - Heeyeong Cho
- Organoid Standards Initiative
- Center for Rare Disease Therapeutic Technology, Therapeutics & Biotechnology Division, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology, Daejeon, Korea
| | - Heh-In Im
- Organoid Standards Initiative
- Behavioral and Molecular Neuroscience, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul, Korea
| | - Sun-Ju Ahn
- Organoid Standards Initiative
- Department of Biophysics, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, Korea
- Institute of Quantum Biophysics, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, Korea
| | - Woong Sun
- Department of Anatomy, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- Organoid Standards Initiative
| | - Ji Hun Yang
- Next & Bio Inc., Seoul, Korea
- Organoid Standards Initiative
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Maharjan S, Ma C, Singh B, Kang H, Orive G, Yao J, Shrike Zhang Y. Advanced 3D imaging and organoid bioprinting for biomedical research and therapeutic applications. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2024; 208:115237. [PMID: 38447931 PMCID: PMC11031334 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2024.115237] [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: 11/08/2023] [Revised: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
Organoid cultures offer a valuable platform for studying organ-level biology, allowing for a closer mimicry of human physiology compared to traditional two-dimensional cell culture systems or non-primate animal models. While many organoid cultures use cell aggregates or decellularized extracellular matrices as scaffolds, they often lack precise biochemical and biophysical microenvironments. In contrast, three-dimensional (3D) bioprinting allows precise placement of organoids or spheroids, providing enhanced spatial control and facilitating the direct fusion for the formation of large-scale functional tissues in vitro. In addition, 3D bioprinting enables fine tuning of biochemical and biophysical cues to support organoid development and maturation. With advances in the organoid technology and its potential applications across diverse research fields such as cell biology, developmental biology, disease pathology, precision medicine, drug toxicology, and tissue engineering, organoid imaging has become a crucial aspect of physiological and pathological studies. This review highlights the recent advancements in imaging technologies that have significantly contributed to organoid research. Additionally, we discuss various bioprinting techniques, emphasizing their applications in organoid bioprinting. Integrating 3D imaging tools into a bioprinting platform allows real-time visualization while facilitating quality control, optimization, and comprehensive bioprinting assessment. Similarly, combining imaging technologies with organoid bioprinting can provide valuable insights into tissue formation, maturation, functions, and therapeutic responses. This approach not only improves the reproducibility of physiologically relevant tissues but also enhances understanding of complex biological processes. Thus, careful selection of bioprinting modalities, coupled with appropriate imaging techniques, holds the potential to create a versatile platform capable of addressing existing challenges and harnessing opportunities in these rapidly evolving fields.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sushila Maharjan
- Division of Engineering in Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Chenshuo Ma
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA
| | - Bibhor Singh
- Winthrop L. Chenery Upper Elementary School, Belmont, MA 02478, USA
| | - Heemin Kang
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea; College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Gorka Orive
- NanoBioCel Research Group, School of Pharmacy, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain; Bioaraba, NanoBioCel Research Group, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain; Biomedical Research Networking Centre in Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN). Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain; University Institute for Regenerative Medicine and Oral Implantology - UIRMI (UPV/EHU-Fundación Eduardo Anitua), Vitoria, 01007, Spain; Singapore Eye Research Institute, The Academia, 20 College Road, Discovery Tower, Singapore 169856, Singapore
| | - Junjie Yao
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA.
| | - Yu Shrike Zhang
- Division of Engineering in Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA.
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Cesaroni CA, Contrò G, Spagnoli C, Cancelliere F, Caraffi SG, Leon A, Stefanini C, Frattini D, Rizzi S, Cavalli A, Garavelli L, Fusco C. Early-onset dysphagia and severe neurodevelopmental disorder as early signs in a patient with two novel variants in NARS1: a case report and brief review of the literature. Neurogenetics 2024:10.1007/s10048-024-00760-0. [PMID: 38652341 DOI: 10.1007/s10048-024-00760-0] [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: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
Aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases (ARSs) aminoacylate tRNA molecules with their cognate amino acid, enabling information transmission and providing substrates for protein biosynthesis. They also take part in nontranslational functions, mediated by the presence of other proteins domains. Mutations in ARS genes have been described as responsive to numerous factors, including neurological, autoimmune, and oncological. Variants of the ARS genes, both in heterozygosity and homozygosity, have been reported to be responsible for different pathological pictures in humankind. We present the case of a patient referred in infancy for failure to thrive and acquired microcephaly (head circumference: -5 SD). During follow-up we highlighted: dysphagia (which became increasingly severe until it became incompatible with oral feeding, with gastrostomy implantation, resulting in resolution of feeding difficulties), strabismus, hypotonia. NCV (Nerve Conduction Velocity) showed four limbs neuropathy, neurophysiological examination performed at 2 years of age mainly sensory and demyelinating. Exome sequencing (ES) was performed, detecting two novel compound heterozygous variants in the NARS1 gene (OMIM *108410): NM_004539:c.[662 A > G]; [1155dup], p.[(Asn221Ser)]; [(Arg386Thrfs*19)], inherited from mother and father respectively. In this article, we would like to focus on the presence of progressive dysphagia and severe neurodevelopmental disorder, associated with two novel variants in the NARS1 gene.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlo Alberto Cesaroni
- Child Neurology and Psychiatry Unit, Pediatric Neurophysiology Laboratory, Mother and Child Department, Azienda USL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, 42123, Italy.
| | - Gianluca Contrò
- Medical Genetics Unit, Mother and Child Department, Azienda USL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, 42123, Italy
| | - Carlotta Spagnoli
- Child Neurology and Psychiatry Unit, Pediatric Neurophysiology Laboratory, Mother and Child Department, Azienda USL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, 42123, Italy
| | - Federica Cancelliere
- Child Neurology and Psychiatry Unit, Pediatric Neurophysiology Laboratory, Mother and Child Department, Azienda USL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, 42123, Italy
| | - Stefano Giuseppe Caraffi
- Medical Genetics Unit, Mother and Child Department, Azienda USL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, 42123, Italy
| | - Alberta Leon
- R & I Genetics, C.So Stati Uniti 4int.F, 35127, Padua, Italy
| | - Camilla Stefanini
- Child Neurology and Psychiatry Unit, Pediatric Neurophysiology Laboratory, Mother and Child Department, Azienda USL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, 42123, Italy
| | - Daniele Frattini
- Child Neurology and Psychiatry Unit, Pediatric Neurophysiology Laboratory, Mother and Child Department, Azienda USL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, 42123, Italy
| | - Susanna Rizzi
- Child Neurology and Psychiatry Unit, Pediatric Neurophysiology Laboratory, Mother and Child Department, Azienda USL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, 42123, Italy
| | - Anna Cavalli
- Child Neurology and Psychiatry Unit, Pediatric Neurophysiology Laboratory, Mother and Child Department, Azienda USL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, 42123, Italy
| | - Livia Garavelli
- Medical Genetics Unit, Mother and Child Department, Azienda USL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, 42123, Italy
| | - Carlo Fusco
- Child Neurology and Psychiatry Unit, Pediatric Neurophysiology Laboratory, Mother and Child Department, Azienda USL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, 42123, Italy
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Chen B, Du C, Wang M, Guo J, Liu X. Organoids as preclinical models of human disease: progress and applications. MEDICAL REVIEW (2021) 2024; 4:129-153. [PMID: 38680680 PMCID: PMC11046574 DOI: 10.1515/mr-2023-0047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
In the field of biomedical research, organoids represent a remarkable advancement that has the potential to revolutionize our approach to studying human diseases even before clinical trials. Organoids are essentially miniature 3D models of specific organs or tissues, enabling scientists to investigate the causes of diseases, test new drugs, and explore personalized medicine within a controlled laboratory setting. Over the past decade, organoid technology has made substantial progress, allowing researchers to create highly detailed environments that closely mimic the human body. These organoids can be generated from various sources, including pluripotent stem cells, specialized tissue cells, and tumor tissue cells. This versatility enables scientists to replicate a wide range of diseases affecting different organ systems, effectively creating disease replicas in a laboratory dish. This exciting capability has provided us with unprecedented insights into the progression of diseases and how we can develop improved treatments. In this paper, we will provide an overview of the progress made in utilizing organoids as preclinical models, aiding our understanding and providing a more effective approach to addressing various human diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baodan Chen
- CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Joint School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, China-New Zealand Joint Laboratory on Biomedicine and Health, CUHK-GIBH Joint Research Laboratory on Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, GIBH-HKU Guangdong-Hong Kong Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Research Centre, Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Cijie Du
- CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Joint School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, China-New Zealand Joint Laboratory on Biomedicine and Health, CUHK-GIBH Joint Research Laboratory on Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, GIBH-HKU Guangdong-Hong Kong Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Research Centre, Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Mengfei Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Joint School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, China-New Zealand Joint Laboratory on Biomedicine and Health, CUHK-GIBH Joint Research Laboratory on Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, GIBH-HKU Guangdong-Hong Kong Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Research Centre, Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jingyi Guo
- Innovation Centre for Advanced Interdisciplinary Medicine, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xingguo Liu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Joint School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, China-New Zealand Joint Laboratory on Biomedicine and Health, CUHK-GIBH Joint Research Laboratory on Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, GIBH-HKU Guangdong-Hong Kong Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Research Centre, Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine and Health, Hong Kong Institute of Science & Innovation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hong Kong SAR, China
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Beijer D, Marte S, Li JC, De Ridder W, Chen JZ, Tadenev ALD, Miers KE, Deconinck T, Macdonell R, Marques W, De Jonghe P, Pratt SL, Meyer-Schuman R, Züchner S, Antonellis A, Burgess RW, Baets J. Dominant NARS1 mutations causing axonal Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease expand NARS1-associated diseases. Brain Commun 2024; 6:fcae070. [PMID: 38495304 PMCID: PMC10943570 DOI: 10.1093/braincomms/fcae070] [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: 09/05/2023] [Revised: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Pathogenic variants in six aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase (ARS) genes are implicated in neurological disorders, most notably inherited peripheral neuropathies. ARSs are enzymes that charge tRNA molecules with cognate amino acids. Pathogenic variants in asparaginyl-tRNA synthetase (NARS1) cause a neurological phenotype combining developmental delay, ataxia and demyelinating peripheral neuropathy. NARS1 has not yet been linked to axonal Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease. Exome sequencing of patients with inherited peripheral neuropathies revealed three previously unreported heterozygous NARS1 variants in three families. Clinical and electrophysiological details were assessed. We further characterized all three variants in a yeast complementation model and used a knock-in mouse model to study variant p.Ser461Phe. All three variants (p.Met236del, p.Cys342Tyr and p.Ser461Phe) co-segregate with the sensorimotor axonal neuropathy phenotype. Yeast complementation assays show that none of the three NARS1 variants support wild-type yeast growth when tested in isolation (i.e. in the absence of a wild-type copy of NARS1), consistent with a loss-of-function effect. Similarly, the homozygous knock-in mouse model (p.Ser461Phe/Ser472Phe in mouse) also demonstrated loss-of-function characteristics. We present three previously unreported NARS1 variants segregating with a sensorimotor neuropathy phenotype in three families. Functional studies in yeast and mouse support variant pathogenicity. Thus, NARS1 is the seventh ARS implicated in dominant axonal Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, further stressing that all dimeric ARSs should be evaluated for Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danique Beijer
- Translational Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, B-2610, Belgium
- Laboratory of Neuromuscular Pathology, Institute Born-Bunge, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, B-2610, Belgium
- Department for Human Genetics and John P. Hussman Institute for Human Genomics, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Sheila Marte
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Jiaxin C Li
- The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, ME 04609, USA
- Genetics Program, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Tufts University, Boston, MA 02111, USA
| | - Willem De Ridder
- Translational Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, B-2610, Belgium
- Laboratory of Neuromuscular Pathology, Institute Born-Bunge, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, B-2610, Belgium
- Neuromuscular Reference Centre, Department of Neurology, Antwerp University Hospital, Wilrijk, B-2610, Belgium
| | - Jessie Z Chen
- Department of Neurology, Austin Health, Melbourne, VIC 3084, Australia
| | | | | | - Tine Deconinck
- Translational Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, B-2610, Belgium
- Center of Medical Genetics, University of Antwerp and Antwerp University Hospital, Edegem, B-2650, Belgium
| | - Richard Macdonell
- Department of Neurology, Austin Health, Melbourne, VIC 3084, Australia
| | - Wilson Marques
- Department of Neurosciences and Behavior Sciences, School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, 14051-140, Brazil
| | - Peter De Jonghe
- Translational Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, B-2610, Belgium
- Laboratory of Neuromuscular Pathology, Institute Born-Bunge, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, B-2610, Belgium
- Neuromuscular Reference Centre, Department of Neurology, Antwerp University Hospital, Wilrijk, B-2610, Belgium
| | - Samia L Pratt
- The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, ME 04609, USA
- Neuroscience Program, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Tufts University, Boston, MA 02111, USA
| | | | - Stephan Züchner
- Department for Human Genetics and John P. Hussman Institute for Human Genomics, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Anthony Antonellis
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Robert W Burgess
- The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, ME 04609, USA
- Genetics Program, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Tufts University, Boston, MA 02111, USA
- Neuroscience Program, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Tufts University, Boston, MA 02111, USA
| | - Jonathan Baets
- Translational Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, B-2610, Belgium
- Laboratory of Neuromuscular Pathology, Institute Born-Bunge, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, B-2610, Belgium
- Neuromuscular Reference Centre, Department of Neurology, Antwerp University Hospital, Wilrijk, B-2610, Belgium
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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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8
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Suo L, Liang X, Zhang W, Gao M, Ma T, Hu D, Song Y, Gao Z. Potential prognostic biomarkers of hepatocellular carcinoma based on 4D label-free quantitative proteomics analysis pilot investigation. Int J Biol Markers 2024; 39:59-69. [PMID: 37956648 DOI: 10.1177/03936155231212925] [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: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatocellular carcinoma carries a poor prognosis and poses a serious threat to global health. Currently, there are few potential prognostic biomarkers available for the prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma. METHODS This pilot study used 4D label-free quantitative proteomics to compare the proteomes of hepatocellular carcinoma and adjacent non-tumor tissue. A total of 66,075 peptides, 6363 identified proteins, and 772 differentially expressed proteins were identified in specimens from three hepatocellular carcinoma patients. Through functional enrichment analysis of differentially expressed proteins by Gene Ontology, KEGG pathway, and protein domain, we identified proteins with similar functions. RESULTS Twelve differentially expressed proteins (RPL17, RPL27, RPL27A, RPS5, RPS16, RSL1D1, DDX18, RRP12, TARS2, YARS2, MARS2, and NARS1) were selected for identification and validation by parallel reaction monitoring. Subsequent Western blotting confirmed overexpression of RPL27, RPS16, and TARS2 in hepatocellular carcinoma compared to non-tumor tissue in 16 pairs of clinical samples. Analysis of The Cancer Genome Atlas datasets associated the increased expression of these proteins with poor prognosis. Tissue microarray revealed a negative association between high expression of RPL27 and TARS2 and the prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma patients, although RPS16 was not significant. CONCLUSIONS These data suggest that RPL27 and TARS2 play an important role in hepatocellular carcinoma progression and may be potential prognostic biomarkers of overall survival in hepatocellular carcinoma patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lida Suo
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of General Surgery, The Second Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Xiangnan Liang
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of General Surgery, The Second Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Weibin Zhang
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of General Surgery, The Second Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Mingwei Gao
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of General Surgery, The Second Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Taiheng Ma
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of General Surgery, The Second Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Daosheng Hu
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of General Surgery, The Second Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Yilin Song
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of General Surgery, The Second Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Zhenming Gao
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of General Surgery, The Second Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
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9
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Ni C, Yu L, Vona B, Park D, Wei Y, Schmitz DA, Wei Y, Ding Y, Sakurai M, Ballard E, Liu Y, Kumar A, Xing C, Kim HG, Ekmekci C, Karimiani EG, Imannezhad S, Eghbal F, Badv RS, Schwaibold EMC, Dehghani M, Mehrjardi MYV, Metanat Z, Eslamiyeh H, Khouj E, Alhajj SMN, Chedrawi A, Alves CAPF, Houlden H, Kruer M, Alkuraya FS, Cenik C, Maroofian R, Wu J, Buszczak M. An inappropriate decline in ribosome levels drives a diverse set of neurodevelopmental disorders. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.01.09.574708. [PMID: 38260472 PMCID: PMC10802443 DOI: 10.1101/2024.01.09.574708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
Many neurodevelopmental defects are linked to perturbations in genes involved in housekeeping functions, such as those encoding ribosome biogenesis factors. However, how reductions in ribosome biogenesis can result in tissue and developmental specific defects remains a mystery. Here we describe new allelic variants in the ribosome biogenesis factor AIRIM primarily associated with neurodevelopmental disorders. Using human cerebral organoids in combination with proteomic analysis, single-cell transcriptome analysis across multiple developmental stages, and single organoid translatome analysis, we identify a previously unappreciated mechanism linking changes in ribosome levels and the timing of cell fate specification during early brain development. We find ribosome levels decrease during neuroepithelial differentiation, making differentiating cells particularly vulnerable to perturbations in ribosome biogenesis during this time. Reduced ribosome availability more profoundly impacts the translation of specific transcripts, disrupting both survival and cell fate commitment of transitioning neuroepithelia. Enhancing mTOR activity by both genetic and pharmacologic approaches ameliorates the growth and developmental defects associated with intellectual disability linked variants, identifying potential treatment options for specific brain ribosomopathies. This work reveals the cellular and molecular origins of protein synthesis defect-related disorders of human brain development. Highlights AIRIM variants reduce ribosome levels specifically in neural progenitor cells. Inappropriately low ribosome levels cause a transient delay in radial glia fate commitment.Reduced ribosome levels impair translation of a selected subset of mRNAs.Genetic and pharmacologic activation of mTORC1 suppresses AIRIM-linked phenotypes.
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10
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Mannino MC, Cassidy MB, Florez S, Rusan Z, Chakraborty S, Schoborg T. Mutations in abnormal spindle disrupt temporal transcription factor expression and trigger immune responses in the Drosophila brain. Genetics 2023; 225:iyad188. [PMID: 37831641 PMCID: PMC10697820 DOI: 10.1093/genetics/iyad188] [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: 08/30/2023] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The coordination of cellular behaviors during neurodevelopment is critical for determining the form, function, and size of the central nervous system (CNS). Mutations in the vertebrate Abnormal Spindle-Like, Microcephaly Associated (ASPM) gene and its Drosophila melanogaster ortholog abnormal spindle (asp) lead to microcephaly (MCPH), a reduction in overall brain size whose etiology remains poorly defined. Here, we provide the neurodevelopmental transcriptional landscape for a Drosophila model for autosomal recessive primary microcephaly-5 (MCPH5) and extend our findings into the functional realm to identify the key cellular mechanisms responsible for Asp-dependent brain growth and development. We identify multiple transcriptomic signatures, including new patterns of coexpressed genes in the developing CNS. Defects in optic lobe neurogenesis were detected in larval brains through downregulation of temporal transcription factors (tTFs) and Notch signaling targets, which correlated with a significant reduction in brain size and total cell numbers during the neurogenic window of development. We also found inflammation as a hallmark of asp mutant brains, detectable throughout every stage of CNS development, which also contributes to the brain size phenotype. Finally, we show that apoptosis is not a primary driver of the asp mutant brain phenotypes, further highlighting an intrinsic Asp-dependent neurogenesis promotion mechanism that is independent of cell death. Collectively, our results suggest that the etiology of the asp mutant brain phenotype is complex and that a comprehensive view of the cellular basis of the disorder requires an understanding of how multiple pathway inputs collectively determine tissue size and architecture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria C Mannino
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY 82071, USA
| | | | - Steven Florez
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY 82071, USA
| | - Zeid Rusan
- Personalis, Inc., Fremont, CA 94555, USA
| | - Shalini Chakraborty
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY 82071, USA
| | - Todd Schoborg
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY 82071, USA
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11
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Li Y, Zeng PM, Wu J, Luo ZG. Advances and Applications of Brain Organoids. Neurosci Bull 2023; 39:1703-1716. [PMID: 37222855 PMCID: PMC10603019 DOI: 10.1007/s12264-023-01065-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 04/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Understanding the fundamental processes of human brain development and diseases is of great importance for our health. However, existing research models such as non-human primate and mouse models remain limited due to their developmental discrepancies compared with humans. Over the past years, an emerging model, the "brain organoid" integrated from human pluripotent stem cells, has been developed to mimic developmental processes of the human brain and disease-associated phenotypes to some extent, making it possible to better understand the complex structures and functions of the human brain. In this review, we summarize recent advances in brain organoid technologies and their applications in brain development and diseases, including neurodevelopmental, neurodegenerative, psychiatric diseases, and brain tumors. Finally, we also discuss current limitations and the potential of brain organoids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Li
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Peng-Ming Zeng
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Jian Wu
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Zhen-Ge Luo
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China.
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12
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Johnson CJ, Kulkarni A, Buxton WJ, Hui TY, Kayastha A, Khoja AA, Leandre J, Mehta VV, Ostrowski L, Pareizs EG, Scotto RL, Vargas V, Vellingiri RM, Verzino G, Vohra R, Wakade SC, Winkeljohn VM, Winkeljohn VM, Rotterman TM, Stolfi A. Using CRISPR/Cas9 to identify genes required for mechanosensory neuron development and function. Biol Open 2023; 12:bio060002. [PMID: 37589291 PMCID: PMC10497037 DOI: 10.1242/bio.060002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Tunicates are marine, non-vertebrate chordates that comprise the sister group to the vertebrates. Most tunicates have a biphasic lifecycle that alternates between a swimming larva and a sessile adult. Recent advances have shed light on the neural basis for the tunicate larva's ability to sense a proper substrate for settlement and initiate metamorphosis. Work in the highly tractable laboratory model tunicate Ciona robusta suggests that sensory neurons embedded in the anterior papillae transduce mechanosensory stimuli to trigger larval tail retraction and initiate the process of metamorphosis. Here, we take advantage of the low-cost and simplicity of Ciona by using tissue-specific CRISPR/Cas9-mediated mutagenesis to screen for genes potentially involved in mechanosensation and metamorphosis, in the context of an undergraduate 'capstone' research course. This small screen revealed at least one gene, Vamp1/2/3, which appears crucial for the ability of the papillae to trigger metamorphosis. We also provide step-by-step protocols and tutorials associated with this course, in the hope that it might be replicated in similar CRISPR-based laboratory courses wherever Ciona are available.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Akhil Kulkarni
- School of Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, 30332 Atlanta, GO, USA
| | - William J. Buxton
- School of Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, 30332 Atlanta, GO, USA
| | - Tsz Y. Hui
- School of Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, 30332 Atlanta, GO, USA
| | - Anusha Kayastha
- School of Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, 30332 Atlanta, GO, USA
| | - Alwin A. Khoja
- School of Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, 30332 Atlanta, GO, USA
| | - Joviane Leandre
- School of Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, 30332 Atlanta, GO, USA
| | - Vanshika V. Mehta
- School of Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, 30332 Atlanta, GO, USA
| | - Logan Ostrowski
- School of Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, 30332 Atlanta, GO, USA
| | - Erica G. Pareizs
- School of Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, 30332 Atlanta, GO, USA
| | - Rebecca L. Scotto
- School of Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, 30332 Atlanta, GO, USA
| | - Vanesa Vargas
- School of Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, 30332 Atlanta, GO, USA
| | - Raveena M. Vellingiri
- School of Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, 30332 Atlanta, GO, USA
| | - Giulia Verzino
- School of Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, 30332 Atlanta, GO, USA
| | - Rhea Vohra
- School of Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, 30332 Atlanta, GO, USA
| | - Saurabh C. Wakade
- School of Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, 30332 Atlanta, GO, USA
| | | | | | - Travis M. Rotterman
- School of Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, 30332 Atlanta, GO, USA
| | - Alberto Stolfi
- School of Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, 30332 Atlanta, GO, USA
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13
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Eubler K, Caban KM, Dissen GA, Berg U, Berg D, Herrmann C, Kreitmair N, Tiefenbacher A, Fröhlich T, Mayerhofer A. TRPV2, a novel player in the human ovary and human granulosa cells. Mol Hum Reprod 2023; 29:gaad029. [PMID: 37610352 PMCID: PMC10493183 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaad029] [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: 04/03/2023] [Revised: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 08/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The cation channel 'transient receptor potential vanilloid 2' (TRPV2) is activated by a broad spectrum of stimuli, including mechanical stretch, endogenous and exogenous chemical compounds, hormones, growth factors, reactive oxygen species, and cannabinoids. TRPV2 is known to be involved in inflammatory and immunological processes, which are also of relevance in the ovary. Yet, neither the presence nor possible roles of TRPV2 in the ovary have been investigated. Data mining indicated expression, for example, in granulosa cells (GCs) of the human ovary in situ, which was retained in cultured GCs derived from patients undergoing medical reproductive procedures. We performed immunohistochemistry of human and rhesus monkey ovarian sections and then cellular studies in cultured GCs, employing the preferential TRPV2 agonist cannabidiol (CBD). Immunohistochemistry showed TRPV2 staining in GCs of large antral follicles and corpus luteum but also in theca, endothelial, and stromal cells. TRPV2 transcript and protein levels increased upon administration of hCG or forskolin. Acutely, application of the agonist CBD elicited transient Ca2+ fluxes, which was followed by the production and secretion of several inflammatory factors, especially COX2, IL6, IL8, and PTX3, in a time- and dose-dependent manner. CBD interfered with progesterone synthesis and altered both the proteome and secretome, as revealed by a proteomic study. While studies are somewhat hampered by the lack of highly specific TRPV2 agonist or antagonists, the results pinpoint TRPV2 as a modulator of inflammation with possible roles in human ovarian (patho-)physiology. Finally, as TRPV2 is activated by cannabinoids, their possible ovarian actions should be further evaluated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katja Eubler
- Biomedical Center Munich (BMC), Cell Biology, Anatomy III, Faculty of Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilian-University (LMU) Munich, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Karolina M Caban
- Laboratory for Functional Genome Analysis LAFUGA, Gene Center, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Gregory A Dissen
- Molecular Virology Core, Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), Oregon National Primate Research Center, Beaverton, OR, USA
| | | | | | - Carola Herrmann
- Biomedical Center Munich (BMC), Cell Biology, Anatomy III, Faculty of Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilian-University (LMU) Munich, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Nicole Kreitmair
- Biomedical Center Munich (BMC), Cell Biology, Anatomy III, Faculty of Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilian-University (LMU) Munich, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Astrid Tiefenbacher
- Biomedical Center Munich (BMC), Cell Biology, Anatomy III, Faculty of Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilian-University (LMU) Munich, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Thomas Fröhlich
- Laboratory for Functional Genome Analysis LAFUGA, Gene Center, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Artur Mayerhofer
- Biomedical Center Munich (BMC), Cell Biology, Anatomy III, Faculty of Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilian-University (LMU) Munich, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
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14
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Johnson CJ, Kulkarni A, Buxton WJ, Hui TY, Kayastha A, Khoja AA, Leandre J, Mehta VV, Ostrowski L, Pareizs EG, Scotto RL, Vargas V, Vellingiri RM, Verzino G, Vohra R, Wakade SC, Winkeljohn VM, Winkeljohn VM, Rotterman TM, Stolfi A. Using CRISPR/Cas9 to identify genes required for mechanosensory neuron development and function. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.05.08.539861. [PMID: 37214826 PMCID: PMC10197531 DOI: 10.1101/2023.05.08.539861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Tunicates are marine, non-vertebrate chordates that comprise the sister group to the vertebrates. Most tunicates have a biphasic lifecycle that alternates between a swimming larva and a sessile adult. Recent advances have shed light on the neural basis for the tunicate larva's ability to sense a proper substrate for settlement and initiate metamorphosis. Work in the highly tractable laboratory model tunicate Ciona robusta suggests that sensory neurons embedded in the anterior papillae of transduce mechanosensory stimuli to trigger larval tail retraction and initiate the process of metamorphosis. Here, we take advantage of the low-cost and simplicity of Ciona by using tissue-specific CRISPR/Cas9-mediated mutagenesis to screen for genes potentially involved in mechanosensation and metamorphosis, in the context of an undergraduate "capstone" research course. This small screen revealed at least one gene, Vamp1/2/3 , that appears crucial for the ability of the papillae to trigger metamorphosis. We also provide step-by-step protocols and tutorials associated with this course, in the hope that it might be replicated in similar CRISPR-based laboratory courses wherever Ciona are available.
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15
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Wang L, Owusu-Hammond C, Sievert D, Gleeson JG. Stem Cell-Based Organoid Models of Neurodevelopmental Disorders. Biol Psychiatry 2023; 93:622-631. [PMID: 36759260 PMCID: PMC10022535 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2023.01.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Revised: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
The past decade has seen an explosion in the identification of genetic causes of neurodevelopmental disorders, including Mendelian, de novo, and somatic factors. These discoveries provide opportunities to understand cellular and molecular mechanisms as well as potential gene-gene and gene-environment interactions to support novel therapies. Stem cell-based models, particularly human brain organoids, can capture disease-associated alleles in the context of the human genome, engineered to mirror disease-relevant aspects of cellular complexity and developmental timing. These models have brought key insights into neurodevelopmental disorders as diverse as microcephaly, autism, and focal epilepsy. However, intrinsic organoid-to-organoid variability, low levels of certain brain-resident cell types, and long culture times required to reach maturity can impede progress. Several recent advances incorporate specific morphogen gradients, mixtures of diverse brain cell types, and organoid engraftment into animal models. Together with nonhuman primate organoid comparisons, mechanisms of human neurodevelopmental disorders are emerging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Wang
- From the Department of Neuroscience, Rady Children's Institute for Genomic Medicine, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, California
| | - Charlotte Owusu-Hammond
- From the Department of Neuroscience, Rady Children's Institute for Genomic Medicine, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, California
| | - David Sievert
- From the Department of Neuroscience, Rady Children's Institute for Genomic Medicine, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, California
| | - Joseph G Gleeson
- From the Department of Neuroscience, Rady Children's Institute for Genomic Medicine, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, California.
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16
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Zhang Z, Wang X, Park S, Song H, Ming GL. Development and Application of Brain Region-Specific Organoids for Investigating Psychiatric Disorders. Biol Psychiatry 2023; 93:594-605. [PMID: 36759261 PMCID: PMC9998354 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2022.12.015] [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: 08/18/2022] [Revised: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Human society has been burdened by psychiatric disorders throughout the course of its history. The emergence and rapid advances of human brain organoid technology provide unprecedented opportunities for investigation of potential disease mechanisms and development of targeted or even personalized treatments for various psychiatric disorders. In this review, we summarize recent advances for generating organoids from human pluripotent stem cells to model distinct brain regions and diverse cell types. We also highlight recent progress, discuss limitations, and propose potential improvements in using patient-derived or genetically engineered brain region-specific organoids for investigating various psychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhijian Zhang
- Department of Neuroscience and Mahoney Institute for Neurosciences, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Xin Wang
- Department of Neuroscience and Mahoney Institute for Neurosciences, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Sean Park
- Department of Neuroscience and Mahoney Institute for Neurosciences, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Hongjun Song
- Department of Neuroscience and Mahoney Institute for Neurosciences, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Epigenetics Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Guo-Li Ming
- Department of Neuroscience and Mahoney Institute for Neurosciences, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
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17
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TMEM161B modulates radial glial scaffolding in neocortical development. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2209983120. [PMID: 36669109 PMCID: PMC9942823 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2209983120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
TMEM161B encodes an evolutionarily conserved widely expressed novel 8-pass transmembrane protein of unknown function in human. Here we identify TMEM161B homozygous hypomorphic missense variants in our recessive polymicrogyria (PMG) cohort. Patients carrying TMEM161B mutations exhibit striking neocortical PMG and intellectual disability. Tmem161b knockout mice fail to develop midline hemispheric cleavage, whereas knock-in of patient mutations and patient-derived brain organoids show defects in apical cell polarity and radial glial scaffolding. We found that TMEM161B modulates actin filopodia, functioning upstream of the Rho-GTPase CDC42. Our data link TMEM161B with human PMG, likely regulating radial glia apical polarity during neocortical development.
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18
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Downregulation of CDC25C in NPCs Disturbed Cortical Neurogenesis. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24021505. [PMID: 36675024 PMCID: PMC9863197 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24021505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2022] [Revised: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Cell division regulators play a vital role in neural progenitor cell (NPC) proliferation and differentiation. Cell division cycle 25C (CDC25C) is a member of the CDC25 family of phosphatases which positively regulate cell division by activating cyclin-dependent protein kinases (CDKs). However, mice with the Cdc25c gene knocked out were shown to be viable and lacked the apparent phenotype due to genetic compensation by Cdc25a and/or Cdc25b. Here, we investigate the function of Cdc25c in developing rat brains by knocking down Cdc25c in NPCs using in utero electroporation. Our results indicate that Cdc25c plays an essential role in maintaining the proliferative state of NPCs during cortical development. The knockdown of Cdc25c causes early cell cycle exit and the premature differentiation of NPCs. Our study uncovers a novel role of CDC25C in NPC division and cell fate determination. In addition, our study presents a functional approach to studying the role of genes, which elicit genetic compensation with knockout, in cortical neurogenesis by knocking down in vivo.
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19
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Mannino MC, Bartels Cassidy M, Florez S, Rusan Z, Chakraborty S, Schoborg T. The neurodevelopmental transcriptome of the Drosophila melanogaster microcephaly gene abnormal spindle reveals a role for temporal transcription factors and the immune system in regulating brain size. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.01.09.523369. [PMID: 36711768 PMCID: PMC9882087 DOI: 10.1101/2023.01.09.523369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
The coordination of cellular behaviors during neurodevelopment is critical for determining the form, function, and size of the central nervous system. Mutations in the vertebrate Abnormal Spindle-Like, Microcephaly Associated (ASPM) gene and its Drosophila melanogaster ortholog abnormal spindle (asp) lead to microcephaly, a reduction in overall brain size whose etiology remains poorly defined. Here we provide the neurodevelopmental transcriptional landscape for a Drosophila model for autosomal recessive primary microcephaly (MCPH) and extend our findings into the functional realm in an attempt to identify the key cellular mechanisms responsible for Asp-dependent brain growth and development. We identify multiple transcriptomic signatures, including new patterns of co-expressed genes in the developing CNS. Defects in optic lobe neurogenesis were detected in larval brains through downregulation of temporal transcription factors (tTFs) and Notch signaling targets, which correlated with a significant reduction in brain size and total cell numbers during the neurogenic window of development. We also found inflammation as a hallmark of asp MCPH brains, detectable throughout every stage of CNS development, which also contributes to the brain size phenotype. Finally, we show that apoptosis is not a primary driver of the asp MCPH phenotype, further highlighting an intrinsic Asp-dependent neurogenesis promotion mechanism that is independent of cell death. Collectively, our results suggest that the etiology of asp MCPH is complex and that a comprehensive view of the cellular basis of the disorder requires an understanding of how multiple pathway inputs collectively determine the microcephaly phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria C. Mannino
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY 82071, USA
| | | | - Steven Florez
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY 82071, USA
| | | | - Shalini Chakraborty
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY 82071, USA
| | - Todd Schoborg
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY 82071, USA
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20
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Kim JY, Han D, Kim H, Jung M, Ryu HS. The proteomic landscape shows oncologic relevance in cystitis glandularis. J Pathol Transl Med 2023; 57:67-74. [PMID: 36539394 PMCID: PMC9846008 DOI: 10.4132/jptm.2022.10.24] [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: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The relationship between cystitis glandularis (CG) and bladder malignancy remains unclear. METHODS We identified the oncologic significance of CG at the molecular level using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry-based proteomic analysis of 10 CG, 12 urothelial carcinoma (UC), and nine normal urothelium (NU) specimens. Differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) were identified based on an analysis of variance false discovery rate < 0.05, and their functional enrichment was analyzed using a network model, Gene Set Enrichment Analysis, and Gene Ontology annotation. RESULTS We identified 9,890 proteins across all samples and 1,139 DEPs among the three entities. A substantial number of DEPs overlapped in CG/NU, distinct from UC. Interestingly, we found that a subset of DEP clusters (n = 53, 5%) was differentially expressed in NU but similarly between CG and UC. This "UC-like signature" was enriched for reactive oxygen species (ROS) and energy metabolism, growth and DNA repair, transport, motility, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, and cell survival. Using the top 10 shortlisted DEPs, including SOD2, PRKCD, CYCS, and HCLS1, we identified functional elements related to ROS metabolism, development, and transport using network analysis. The abundance of these four molecules in UC/CG than in NU was consistent with the oncologic functions in CG. CONCLUSIONS Using a proteomic approach, we identified a predominantly non-neoplastic landscape of CG, which was closer to NU than to UC. We also confirmed a small subset of common DEPs in UC and CG, suggesting that altered ROS metabolism might imply potential cancerous risks in CG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Yong Kim
- Department of Pathology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul,
Korea
| | - Dohyun Han
- Transdisciplinary Department of Medicine and Advanced Technology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul,
Korea,Proteomics Core Facility, Biomedical Research Institute, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul,
Korea
| | - Hyeyoon Kim
- Proteomics Core Facility, Biomedical Research Institute, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul,
Korea,Department of Pathology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul,
Korea
| | - Minsun Jung
- Department of Pathology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul,
Korea
| | - Han Suk Ryu
- Department of Pathology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul,
Korea
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21
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A Comprehensive Update of Cerebral Organoids between Applications and Challenges. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2022; 2022:7264649. [DOI: 10.1155/2022/7264649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2022] [Revised: 10/30/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The basic technology of stem cells has been developed and created organoids, which have established a strong interest in regenerative medicine. Different cell types have been used to generate cerebral organoids, which include interneurons and oligodendrocytes (OLs). OLs are fundamental for brain development. Abundant studies have displayed that brain organoids can recapitulate fundamental and vital features of the human brain, such as cellular regulation and distribution, neuronal networks, electrical activities, and physiological structure. The organoids contain essential ventral brain domains and functional cortical interneurons, which are similar to the developing cortex and medial ganglionic eminence (MGE). So, brain organoids have provided a singular model to study and investigate neurological disorder mechanisms and therapeutics. Furthermore, the blood brain barrier (BBB) organoids modeling contributes to accelerate therapeutic discovery for the treatment of several neuropathologies. In this review, we summarized the advances of the brain organoids applications to investigate neurological disorder mechanisms such as neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders, mental disorders, brain cancer, and cerebral viral infections. We discussed brain organoids’ therapeutic application as a potential therapeutic unique method and highlighted in detail the challenges and hurdles of organoid models.
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22
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Turvey AK, Horvath GA, Cavalcanti ARO. Aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases in human health and disease. Front Physiol 2022; 13:1029218. [PMID: 36330207 PMCID: PMC9623071 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.1029218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The Aminoacyl-tRNA Synthetases (aaRSs) are an evolutionarily ancient family of enzymes that catalyze the esterification reaction linking a transfer RNA (tRNA) with its cognate amino acid matching the anticodon triplet of the tRNA. Proper functioning of the aaRSs to create aminoacylated (or “charged”) tRNAs is required for efficient and accurate protein synthesis. Beyond their basic canonical function in protein biosynthesis, aaRSs have a surprisingly diverse array of non-canonical functions that are actively being defined. The human genome contains 37 genes that encode unique aaRS proteins. To date, 56 human genetic diseases caused by damaging variants in aaRS genes have been described: 46 are autosomal recessive biallelic disorders and 10 are autosomal dominant monoallelic disorders. Our appreciation of human diseases caused by damaging genetic variants in the aaRSs has been greatly accelerated by the advent of next-generation sequencing, with 89% of these gene discoveries made since 2010. In addition to these genetic disorders of the aaRSs, anti-synthetase syndrome (ASSD) is a rare autoimmune inflammatory myopathy that involves the production of autoantibodies that disrupt aaRS proteins. This review provides an overview of the basic biology of aaRS proteins and describes the rapidly growing list of human diseases known to be caused by genetic variants or autoimmune targeting that affect both the canonical and non-canonical functions of these essential proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra K. Turvey
- Department of Biology, Pomona College, Claremont, CA, United States
- *Correspondence: Alexandra K. Turvey,
| | - Gabriella A. Horvath
- Division of Biochemical Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, University of British Columbia, BC Children’s Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Adult Metabolic Diseases Clinic, Vancouver General Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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23
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Abstract
The current understanding of neurological diseases is derived mostly from direct analysis of patients and from animal models of disease. However, most patient studies do not capture the earliest stages of disease development and offer limited opportunities for experimental intervention, so rarely yield complete mechanistic insights. The use of animal models relies on evolutionary conservation of pathways involved in disease and is limited by an inability to recreate human-specific processes. In vitro models that are derived from human pluripotent stem cells cultured in 3D have emerged as a new model system that could bridge the gap between patient studies and animal models. In this Review, we summarize how such organoid models can complement classical approaches to accelerate neurological research. We describe our current understanding of neurodevelopment and how this process differs between humans and other animals, making human-derived models of disease essential. We discuss different methodologies for producing organoids and how organoids can be and have been used to model neurological disorders, including microcephaly, Zika virus infection, Alzheimer disease and other neurodegenerative disorders, and neurodevelopmental diseases, such as Timothy syndrome, Angelman syndrome and tuberous sclerosis. We also discuss the current limitations of organoid models and outline how organoids can be used to revolutionize research into the human brain and neurological diseases. In this Review, Eichmüller and Knoblich discuss how human brain organoids can recapitulate the unique processes that occur in human brain development and how they can complement classical approaches to revolutionize research into neurological diseases. Development of the human brain involves unique processes that are relevant to neurological disease but cannot be studied in animal models, so alternative model systems are required. Organoids are 3D human cell culture models that originate from pluripotent stem cells and recapitulate the hallmarks of human neurodevelopment, enabling studies of human brain development in vitro. Specific mutations can be introduced into organoids to study their effects on neurodevelopment; combined with high-throughput screening methods, this approach can determine the disease relevance of mutations in human tissue. To study specific diseases, brain organoids can be generated from induced pluripotent stem cells from individual patients, thereby preserving the specific genetic background of the individual and generating an insightful model. Through recapitulation of previously inaccessible periods of human brain development, brain organoids have enabled identification of novel mechanisms that underlie neurodevelopmental, neurodegenerative and infectious diseases. Combining organoids, patient research and animal models enables us to take full advantage of each of these systems and will provide unprecedented insights into neurodevelopment and neurological diseases.
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24
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Fasano G, Compagnucci C, Dallapiccola B, Tartaglia M, Lauri A. Teleost Fish and Organoids: Alternative Windows Into the Development of Healthy and Diseased Brains. Front Mol Neurosci 2022; 15:855786. [PMID: 36034498 PMCID: PMC9403253 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.855786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The variety in the display of animals’ cognition, emotions, and behaviors, typical of humans, has its roots within the anterior-most part of the brain: the forebrain, giving rise to the neocortex in mammals. Our understanding of cellular and molecular events instructing the development of this domain and its multiple adaptations within the vertebrate lineage has progressed in the last decade. Expanding and detailing the available knowledge on regionalization, progenitors’ behavior and functional sophistication of the forebrain derivatives is also key to generating informative models to improve our characterization of heterogeneous and mechanistically unexplored cortical malformations. Classical and emerging mammalian models are irreplaceable to accurately elucidate mechanisms of stem cells expansion and impairments of cortex development. Nevertheless, alternative systems, allowing a considerable reduction of the burden associated with animal experimentation, are gaining popularity to dissect basic strategies of neural stem cells biology and morphogenesis in health and disease and to speed up preclinical drug testing. Teleost vertebrates such as zebrafish, showing conserved core programs of forebrain development, together with patients-derived in vitro 2D and 3D models, recapitulating more accurately human neurogenesis, are now accepted within translational workflows spanning from genetic analysis to functional investigation. Here, we review the current knowledge of common and divergent mechanisms shaping the forebrain in vertebrates, and causing cortical malformations in humans. We next address the utility, benefits and limitations of whole-brain/organism-based fish models or neuronal ensembles in vitro for translational research to unravel key genes and pathological mechanisms involved in neurodevelopmental diseases.
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25
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Fair SR, Schwind W, Julian DL, Biel A, Guo G, Rutherford R, Ramadesikan S, Westfall J, Miller KE, Kararoudi MN, Hickey SE, Mosher TM, McBride KL, Neinast R, Fitch J, Lee DA, White P, Wilson RK, Bedrosian TA, Koboldt DC, Hester ME. Cerebral organoids containing an AUTS2 missense variant model microcephaly. Brain 2022; 146:387-404. [PMID: 35802027 PMCID: PMC9825673 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awac244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2021] [Revised: 05/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Variants in the AUTS2 gene are associated with a broad spectrum of neurological conditions characterized by intellectual disability, microcephaly, and congenital brain malformations. Here, we use a human cerebral organoid model to investigate the pathophysiology of a heterozygous de novo missense AUTS2 variant identified in a patient with multiple neurological impairments including primary microcephaly and profound intellectual disability. Proband cerebral organoids exhibit reduced growth, deficits in neural progenitor cell (NPC) proliferation and disrupted NPC polarity within ventricular zone-like regions compared to control cerebral organoids. We used CRISPR-Cas9-mediated gene editing to correct this variant and demonstrate rescue of impaired organoid growth and NPC proliferative deficits. Single-cell RNA sequencing revealed a marked reduction of G1/S transition gene expression and alterations in WNT-β-catenin signalling within proband NPCs, uncovering a novel role for AUTS2 in NPCs during human cortical development. Collectively, these results underscore the value of cerebral organoids to investigate molecular mechanisms underlying AUTS2 syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Summer R Fair
- The Steve and Cindy Rasmussen Institute for Genomic Medicine, Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Wesley Schwind
- The Steve and Cindy Rasmussen Institute for Genomic Medicine, Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Dominic L Julian
- The Steve and Cindy Rasmussen Institute for Genomic Medicine, Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Alecia Biel
- The Steve and Cindy Rasmussen Institute for Genomic Medicine, Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Gongbo Guo
- The Steve and Cindy Rasmussen Institute for Genomic Medicine, Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Ryan Rutherford
- The Steve and Cindy Rasmussen Institute for Genomic Medicine, Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Swetha Ramadesikan
- The Steve and Cindy Rasmussen Institute for Genomic Medicine, Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Jesse Westfall
- The Steve and Cindy Rasmussen Institute for Genomic Medicine, Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Katherine E Miller
- The Steve and Cindy Rasmussen Institute for Genomic Medicine, Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Meisam Naeimi Kararoudi
- Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Diseases, Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA,Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Scott E Hickey
- Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA,Division of Genetic and Genomic Medicine, Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Theresa Mihalic Mosher
- The Steve and Cindy Rasmussen Institute for Genomic Medicine, Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Kim L McBride
- Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA,Division of Genetic and Genomic Medicine, Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA,Center for Cardiovascular Research, Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Reid Neinast
- Center for Cardiovascular Research, Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - James Fitch
- The Steve and Cindy Rasmussen Institute for Genomic Medicine, Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Dean A Lee
- Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Diseases, Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA,Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Peter White
- The Steve and Cindy Rasmussen Institute for Genomic Medicine, Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA,Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Richard K Wilson
- The Steve and Cindy Rasmussen Institute for Genomic Medicine, Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA,Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Tracy A Bedrosian
- The Steve and Cindy Rasmussen Institute for Genomic Medicine, Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA,Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Daniel C Koboldt
- Correspondence may also be addressed to: Daniel C. Koboldt, MS E-mail:
| | - Mark E Hester
- Correspondence to: Mark E. Hester, PhD 575 Children’s Crossroad Columbus OH 43205-2716, USA E-mail:
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26
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Cortical Organoids to Model Microcephaly. Cells 2022; 11:cells11142135. [PMID: 35883578 PMCID: PMC9320662 DOI: 10.3390/cells11142135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2022] [Revised: 06/17/2022] [Accepted: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
How the brain develops and achieves its final size is a fascinating issue that questions cortical evolution across species and man’s place in the animal kingdom. Although animal models have so far been highly valuable in understanding the key steps of cortical development, many human specificities call for appropriate models. In particular, microcephaly, a neurodevelopmental disorder that is characterized by a smaller head circumference has been challenging to model in mice, which often do not fully recapitulate the human phenotype. The relatively recent development of brain organoid technology from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) now makes it possible to model human microcephaly, both due to genetic and environmental origins, and to generate developing cortical tissue from the patients themselves. These 3D tissues rely on iPSCs differentiation into cortical progenitors that self-organize into neuroepithelial rosettes mimicking the earliest stages of human neurogenesis in vitro. Over the last ten years, numerous protocols have been developed to control the identity of the induced brain areas, the reproducibility of the experiments and the longevity of the cultures, allowing analysis of the later stages. In this review, we describe the different approaches that instruct human iPSCs to form cortical organoids, summarize the different microcephalic conditions that have so far been modeled by organoids, and discuss the relevance of this model to decipher the cellular and molecular mechanisms of primary and secondary microcephalies.
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27
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Neurodevelopmental Disorder in a Bulgarian Patient Caused By Novel Mutations in the NARS1 Gene. ACTA MEDICA BULGARICA 2022. [DOI: 10.2478/amb-2022-0020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
NARS1-related neurodevelopmental disorder is caused by pathogenic variants in the NARS1 gene. The aim of the present study was to determine the genetic reason for the epilepsy and microcephaly, observed in the tested patient. Using whole exome sequencing two novel heterozygous variants c.676G>C, p.Val226Leu and c.986G>A, p.Arg329Gln in the NARS1 gene were detected. The obtained results from the molecular-genetic analysis can enrich the spectrum of epilepsy related variants and can explain the genetic etiology of a severe epileptic disease.
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28
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Lu X, Yang J, Xiang Y. Modeling human neurodevelopmental diseases with brain organoids. CELL REGENERATION (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2022; 11:1. [PMID: 34982276 PMCID: PMC8727646 DOI: 10.1186/s13619-021-00103-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 04/25/2023]
Abstract
Studying the etiology of human neurodevelopmental diseases has long been a challenging task due to the brain's complexity and its limited accessibility. Human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs)-derived brain organoids are capable of recapitulating various features and functionalities of the human brain, allowing the investigation of intricate pathogenesis of developmental abnormalities. Over the past years, brain organoids have facilitated identifying disease-associated phenotypes and underlying mechanisms for human neurodevelopmental diseases. Integrating with more cutting-edge technologies, particularly gene editing, brain organoids further empower human disease modeling. Here, we review the latest progress in modeling human neurodevelopmental disorders with brain organoids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoxiang Lu
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Jiajie Yang
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Yangfei Xiang
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China.
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29
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Kofman S, Mohan N, Sun X, Ibric L, Piermarini E, Qiang L. Human mini brains and spinal cords in a dish: Modeling strategies, current challenges, and prospective advances. J Tissue Eng 2022; 13:20417314221113391. [PMID: 35898331 PMCID: PMC9310295 DOI: 10.1177/20417314221113391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Engineered three-dimensional (3D) in vitro and ex vivo neural tissues, also known
as “mini brains and spinal cords in a dish,” can be derived from different types
of human stem cells via several differentiation protocols. In general, human
mini brains are micro-scale physiological systems consisting of mixed
populations of neural progenitor cells, glial cells, and neurons that may
represent key features of human brain anatomy and function. To date, these
specialized 3D tissue structures can be characterized into spheroids, organoids,
assembloids, organ-on-a-chip and their various combinations based on generation
procedures and cellular components. These 3D CNS models incorporate complex
cell-cell interactions and play an essential role in bridging the gap between
two-dimensional human neuroglial cultures and animal models. Indeed, they
provide an innovative platform for disease modeling and therapeutic cell
replacement, especially shedding light on the potential to realize personalized
medicine for neurological disorders when combined with the revolutionary human
induced pluripotent stem cell technology. In this review, we highlight human 3D
CNS models developed from a variety of experimental strategies, emphasize their
advances and remaining challenges, evaluate their state-of-the-art applications
in recapitulating crucial phenotypic aspects of many CNS diseases, and discuss
the role of contemporary technologies in the prospective improvement of their
composition, consistency, complexity, and maturation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simeon Kofman
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Neha Mohan
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Xiaohuan Sun
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Larisa Ibric
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Emanuela Piermarini
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Liang Qiang
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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30
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Kiaee K, Jodat YA, Bassous NJ, Matharu N, Shin SR. Transcriptomic Mapping of Neural Diversity, Differentiation and Functional Trajectory in iPSC-Derived 3D Brain Organoid Models. Cells 2021; 10:3422. [PMID: 34943930 PMCID: PMC8700452 DOI: 10.3390/cells10123422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2021] [Revised: 11/26/2021] [Accepted: 11/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Experimental models of the central nervous system (CNS) are imperative for developmental and pathophysiological studies of neurological diseases. Among these models, three-dimensional (3D) induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived brain organoid models have been successful in mitigating some of the drawbacks of 2D models; however, they are plagued by high organoid-to-organoid variability, making it difficult to compare specific gene regulatory pathways across 3D organoids with those of the native brain. Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) transcriptome datasets have recently emerged as powerful tools to perform integrative analyses and compare variability across organoids. However, transcriptome studies focusing on late-stage neural functionality development have been underexplored. Here, we combine and analyze 8 brain organoid transcriptome databases to study the correlation between differentiation protocols and their resulting cellular functionality across various 3D organoid and exogenous brain models. We utilize dimensionality reduction methods including principal component analysis (PCA) and uniform manifold approximation projection (UMAP) to identify and visualize cellular diversity among 3D models and subsequently use gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) and developmental trajectory inference to quantify neuronal behaviors such as axon guidance, synapse transmission and action potential. We showed high similarity in cellular composition, cellular differentiation pathways and expression of functional genes in human brain organoids during induction and differentiation phases, i.e., up to 3 months in culture. However, during the maturation phase, i.e., 6-month timepoint, we observed significant developmental deficits and depletion of neuronal and astrocytes functional genes as indicated by our GSEA results. Our results caution against use of organoids to model pathophysiology and drug response at this advanced time point and provide insights to tune in vitro iPSC differentiation protocols to achieve desired neuronal functionality and improve current protocols.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiavash Kiaee
- Division of Engineering in Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; (Y.A.J.); (N.J.B.)
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Stevens Institute of Technology, Hoboken, NJ 07030, USA
| | - Yasamin A. Jodat
- Division of Engineering in Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; (Y.A.J.); (N.J.B.)
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Stevens Institute of Technology, Hoboken, NJ 07030, USA
| | - Nicole J. Bassous
- Division of Engineering in Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; (Y.A.J.); (N.J.B.)
| | - Navneet Matharu
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA;
- Institute for Human Genetics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
- Innovative Genomics Institute, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94720, USA
| | - Su Ryon Shin
- Division of Engineering in Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; (Y.A.J.); (N.J.B.)
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31
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Akbaba TH, Bekircan-Kurt CE, Balci-Peynircioglu B, Balci-Hayta B. Biologia Futura: the importance of 3D organoids-a new approach for research on neurological and rare diseases. Biol Futur 2021; 72:281-290. [PMID: 34554549 DOI: 10.1007/s42977-021-00070-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2020] [Accepted: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
3D cell cultures and organoid approach are increasingly being used for basic research and drug discovery of several diseases. Recent advances in these technologies, enabling research on tissue-like structures created in vitro is very important for the value of the data produced. Application of 3D cultures will not only contribute to advancing basic research, but also help to reduce animal usage in biomedical science. The 3D organoid approach is important for research on diseases where patient tissue is difficult to obtain. Therefore, this review aims to show recent advances in the 3D organoid technology in disease modeling and potential usage in translational and personalized medicine of diseases with limited patient material such as neurological diseases and rare diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tayfun Hilmi Akbaba
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Hacettepe University, Ankara, 06100, Turkey
| | - Can Ebru Bekircan-Kurt
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Hacettepe University, Ankara, 06100, Turkey
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Hacettepe University, Ankara, 06100, Turkey
| | - Banu Balci-Peynircioglu
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Hacettepe University, Ankara, 06100, Turkey
| | - Burcu Balci-Hayta
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Hacettepe University, Ankara, 06100, Turkey.
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32
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Are the Organoid Models an Invaluable Contribution to ZIKA Virus Research? Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10101233. [PMID: 34684182 PMCID: PMC8537471 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10101233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Revised: 09/15/2021] [Accepted: 09/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
In order to prevent new pathogen outbreaks and avoid possible new global health threats, it is important to study the mechanisms of microbial pathogenesis, screen new antiviral agents and test new vaccines using the best methods. In the last decade, organoids have provided a groundbreaking opportunity for modeling pathogen infections in human brains, including Zika virus (ZIKV) infection. ZIKV is a member of the Flavivirus genus, and it is recognized as an emerging infectious agent and a serious threat to global health. Organoids are 3D complex cellular models that offer an in-scale organ that is physiologically alike to the original one, useful for exploring the mechanisms behind pathogens infection; additionally, organoids integrate data generated in vitro with traditional tools and often support those obtained in vivo with animal model. In this mini-review the value of organoids for ZIKV research is examined and sustained by the most recent literature. Within a 3D viewpoint, tissue engineered models are proposed as future biological systems to help in deciphering pathogenic processes and evaluate preventive and therapeutic strategies against ZIKV. The next steps in this field constitute a challenge that may protect people and future generations from severe brain defects.
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33
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Wang L, Sievert D, Clark AE, Lee S, Federman H, Gastfriend BD, Shusta EV, Palecek SP, Carlin AF, Gleeson JG. A human three-dimensional neural-perivascular 'assembloid' promotes astrocytic development and enables modeling of SARS-CoV-2 neuropathology. Nat Med 2021; 27:1600-1606. [PMID: 34244682 PMCID: PMC8601037 DOI: 10.1038/s41591-021-01443-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Clinical evidence suggests the central nervous system is frequently impacted by SARS-CoV-2 infection, either directly or indirectly, although the mechanisms are unclear. Pericytes are perivascular cells within the brain that are proposed as SARS-CoV-2 infection points. Here we show that pericyte-like cells (PLCs), when integrated into a cortical organoid, are capable of infection with authentic SARS-CoV-2. Before infection, PLCs elicited astrocytic maturation and production of basement membrane components, features attributed to pericyte functions in vivo. While traditional cortical organoids showed little evidence of infection, PLCs within cortical organoids served as viral 'replication hubs', with virus spreading to astrocytes and mediating inflammatory type I interferon transcriptional responses. Therefore, PLC-containing cortical organoids (PCCOs) represent a new 'assembloid' model that supports astrocytic maturation as well as SARS-CoV-2 entry and replication in neural tissue; thus, PCCOs serve as an experimental model for neural infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Wang
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.,Rady Children's Institute for Genomic Medicine, Rady Children's Hospital, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - David Sievert
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.,Rady Children's Institute for Genomic Medicine, Rady Children's Hospital, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Alex E Clark
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Sangmoon Lee
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.,Rady Children's Institute for Genomic Medicine, Rady Children's Hospital, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Hannah Federman
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.,Rady Children's Institute for Genomic Medicine, Rady Children's Hospital, San Diego, CA, USA.,Center for Immunity and Inflammation, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers University, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - Benjamin D Gastfriend
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Eric V Shusta
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA.,Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Sean P Palecek
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Aaron F Carlin
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA, USA.
| | - Joseph G Gleeson
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA. .,Rady Children's Institute for Genomic Medicine, Rady Children's Hospital, San Diego, CA, USA. .,Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.
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34
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Agboola OS, Hu X, Shan Z, Wu Y, Lei L. Brain organoid: a 3D technology for investigating cellular composition and interactions in human neurological development and disease models in vitro. Stem Cell Res Ther 2021; 12:430. [PMID: 34332630 PMCID: PMC8325286 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-021-02369-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 05/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Abstract The study of human brain physiology, including cellular interactions in normal and disease conditions, has been a challenge due to its complexity and unavailability. Induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) study is indispensable in the study of the pathophysiology of neurological disorders. Nevertheless, monolayer systems lack the cytoarchitecture necessary for cellular interactions and neurological disease modeling. Brain organoids generated from human pluripotent stem cells supply an ideal environment to model both cellular interactions and pathophysiology of the human brain. This review article discusses the composition and interactions among neural lineage and non-central nervous system cell types in brain organoids, current studies, and future perspectives in brain organoid research. Ultimately, the promise of brain organoids is to unveil previously inaccessible features of neurobiology that emerge from complex cellular interactions and to improve our mechanistic understanding of neural development and diseases. Graphical abstract ![]()
Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13287-021-02369-8.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oluwafemi Solomon Agboola
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Basic Medical Science College, Harbin Medical University, 194 Xuefu Rd, Nangang District, Heilongjiang Province, Harbin, 150081, People's Republic of China
| | - Xinglin Hu
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Basic Medical Science College, Harbin Medical University, 194 Xuefu Rd, Nangang District, Heilongjiang Province, Harbin, 150081, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhiyan Shan
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Basic Medical Science College, Harbin Medical University, 194 Xuefu Rd, Nangang District, Heilongjiang Province, Harbin, 150081, People's Republic of China
| | - Yanshuang Wu
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Basic Medical Science College, Harbin Medical University, 194 Xuefu Rd, Nangang District, Heilongjiang Province, Harbin, 150081, People's Republic of China.
| | - Lei Lei
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Basic Medical Science College, Harbin Medical University, 194 Xuefu Rd, Nangang District, Heilongjiang Province, Harbin, 150081, People's Republic of China. .,Key Laboratory of Preservative of Human Genetic Resources and Disease Control in China, Harbin Medical University, Ministry of Education, Harbin, China.
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35
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Tang XY, Xu L, Wang J, Hong Y, Wang Y, Zhu Q, Wang D, Zhang XY, Liu CY, Fang KH, Han X, Wang S, Wang X, Xu M, Bhattacharyya A, Guo X, Lin M, Liu Y. DSCAM/PAK1 pathway suppression reverses neurogenesis deficits in iPSC-derived cerebral organoids from patients with Down syndrome. J Clin Invest 2021; 131:135763. [PMID: 33945512 DOI: 10.1172/jci135763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2019] [Accepted: 04/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Down syndrome (DS), caused by trisomy of chromosome 21, occurs in 1 of every 800 live births. Early defects in cortical development likely account for the cognitive impairments in DS, although the underlying molecular mechanism remains elusive. Here, we performed histological assays and unbiased single-cell RNA-Seq (scRNA-Seq) analysis on cerebral organoids derived from 4 euploid cell lines and from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) from 3 individuals with trisomy 21 to explore cell-type-specific abnormalities associated with DS during early brain development. We found that neurogenesis was significantly affected, given the diminished proliferation and decreased expression of layer II and IV markers in cortical neurons in the subcortical regions; this may have been responsible for the reduced size of the organoids. Furthermore, suppression of the DSCAM/PAK1 pathway, which showed enhanced activity in DS, using CRISPR/Cas9, CRISPR interference (CRISPRi), or small-molecule inhibitor treatment reversed abnormal neurogenesis, thereby increasing the size of organoids derived from DS iPSCs. Our study demonstrates that 3D cortical organoids developed in vitro are a valuable model of DS and provide a direct link between dysregulation of the DSCAM/PAK1 pathway and developmental brain defects in DS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Yan Tang
- Department of Stem Cell and Neural Regeneration, State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, School of Pharmacy, and
| | - Lei Xu
- Department of Stem Cell and Neural Regeneration, State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, School of Pharmacy, and
| | - Jingshen Wang
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yuan Hong
- Department of Stem Cell and Neural Regeneration, State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, School of Pharmacy, and
| | - Yuanyuan Wang
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Qian Zhu
- Department of Stem Cell and Neural Regeneration, State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, School of Pharmacy, and
| | - Da Wang
- Department of Stem Cell and Neural Regeneration, State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, School of Pharmacy, and
| | - Xin-Yue Zhang
- Department of Stem Cell and Neural Regeneration, State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, School of Pharmacy, and
| | - Chun-Yue Liu
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Kai-Heng Fang
- Department of Stem Cell and Neural Regeneration, State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, School of Pharmacy, and
| | - Xiao Han
- Department of Stem Cell and Neural Regeneration, State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, School of Pharmacy, and
| | - Shihua Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Disease and Aging Research, Institute of Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Xin Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Disease and Aging Research, Institute of Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Min Xu
- Department of Stem Cell and Neural Regeneration, State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, School of Pharmacy, and
| | - Anita Bhattacharyya
- Waisman Center and.,Department of Cell and Regenerative Biology, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Xing Guo
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.,Department of Endocrinology, Sir Run Run Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Mingyan Lin
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yan Liu
- Department of Stem Cell and Neural Regeneration, State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, School of Pharmacy, and
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36
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Luo J, Li P. Human pluripotent stem cell-derived brain organoids as in vitro models for studying neural disorders and cancer. Cell Biosci 2021; 11:99. [PMID: 34049587 PMCID: PMC8161602 DOI: 10.1186/s13578-021-00617-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2021] [Accepted: 05/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The sheer complexities of brain and resource limitation of human brain tissue greatly hamper our understanding of the brain disorders and cancers. Recently developed three-dimensional (3D) brain organoids (BOs) are self-organized and spontaneously differentiated from human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) in vitro, which exhibit similar features with cell type diversity, structural organization, and functional connectivity as the developing human brain. Based on these characteristics, hPSC-derived BOs (hPDBOs) provide new opportunities to recapitulate the complicated processes during brain development, neurodegenerative disorders, and brain cancers in vitro. In this review, we will provide an overview of existing BO models and summarize the applications of this technology in modeling the neural disorders and cancers. Furthermore, we will discuss the challenges associated with their use as in vitro models for disease modeling and the potential future direction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Luo
- Scientific Research Center, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, 518107, China
| | - Peng Li
- Scientific Research Center, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, 518107, China.
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37
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Roles of tRNA metabolism in aging and lifespan. Cell Death Dis 2021; 12:548. [PMID: 34039958 PMCID: PMC8154886 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-021-03838-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2021] [Revised: 05/11/2021] [Accepted: 05/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Transfer RNAs (tRNAs) mainly function as adapter molecules that decode messenger RNAs (mRNAs) during protein translation by delivering amino acids to the ribosome. Traditionally, tRNAs are considered as housekeepers without additional functions. Nevertheless, it has become apparent from biological research that tRNAs are involved in various physiological and pathological processes. Aging is a form of gradual decline in physiological function that ultimately leads to increased vulnerability to multiple chronic diseases and death. Interestingly, tRNA metabolism is closely associated with aging and lifespan. In this review, we summarize the emerging roles of tRNA-associated metabolism, such as tRNA transcription, tRNA molecules, tRNA modifications, tRNA aminoacylation, and tRNA derivatives, in aging and lifespan, aiming to provide new ideas for developing therapeutics and ultimately extending lifespan in humans.
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38
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Vinogradova ES, Nikonov OS, Nikonova EY. Associations between Neurological Diseases and Mutations in the Human Glycyl-tRNA Synthetase. BIOCHEMISTRY (MOSCOW) 2021; 86:S12-S23. [PMID: 33827397 PMCID: PMC7905983 DOI: 10.1134/s0006297921140029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
Aminoacyl-RNA synthetases (aaRSs) are among the key enzymes of protein biosynthesis. They are responsible for conducting the first step in the protein biosynthesis, namely attaching amino acids to the corresponding tRNA molecules both in cytoplasm and mitochondria. More and more research demonstrates that mutations in the genes encoding aaRSs lead to the development of various neurodegenerative diseases, such as incurable Charcot–Marie–Tooth disease (CMT) and distal spinal muscular atrophy. Some mutations result in the loss of tRNA aminoacylation activity, while other mutants retain their classical enzyme activity. In the latter case, disease manifestations are associated with additional neuron-specific functions of aaRSs. At present, seven aaRSs (GlyRS, TyrRS, AlaRS, HisRS, TrpRS, MetRS, and LysRS) are known to be involved in the CMT etiology with glycyl-tRNA synthetase (GlyRS) being the most studied of them.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Oleg S Nikonov
- Institute of Protein Research, Pushchino, Moscow Region, 142290, Russia
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39
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Wang L, Sievert D, Gleeson J, Clark AE, Carlin AF, Federman H, Gastfriend BD, Shusta E, Palecek SP. A Human 3D neural assembloid model for SARS-CoV-2 infection. RESEARCH SQUARE 2021:rs.3.rs-214352. [PMID: 33594354 PMCID: PMC7885926 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-214352/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Clinical evidence suggests the central nervous system (CNS) is frequently impacted by SARS-CoV-2 infection, either directly or indirectly, although mechanisms remain unclear. Pericytes are perivascular cells within the brain that are proposed as SARS-CoV-2 infection points 1 . Here we show that pericyte-like cells (PLCs), when integrated into a cortical organoid, are capable of infection with authentic SARS-CoV-2. Prior to infection, PLCs elicited astrocytic maturation and production of basement membrane components, features attributed to pericyte functions in vivo. While traditional cortical organoids showed little evidence of infection, PLCs within cortical organoids served as viral 'replication hubs', with virus spreading to astrocytes and mediating inflammatory type I interferon transcriptional responses. Therefore, PLC-containing cortical organoids (PCCOs) represent a new 'assembloid' model 2 that supports SARS-CoV-2 entry and replication in neural tissue, and PCCOs serve as an experimental model for neural infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Wang
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA; Rady Children's Institute for Genomic Medicine, Rady Children's Hospital, San Diego, CA, 92123, USA
| | - David Sievert
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA; Rady Children's Institute for Genomic Medicine, Rady Children's Hospital, San Diego, CA, 92123, USA
| | - Joseph Gleeson
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA; Rady Children's Institute for Genomic Medicine, Rady Children's Hospital, San Diego, CA, 92123, USA; Department for Pediatrics, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Alex E Clark
- Department of Medicine; University of California San Diego, School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Aaron F Carlin
- Department of Medicine; University of California San Diego, School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Hannah Federman
- Center for Immunity and Inflammation, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers-The State University, Newark, NJ, 07103, USA
| | - Benjamin D Gastfriend
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53706, USA
| | - Eric Shusta
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53706, USA
| | - Sean P Palecek
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53706, USA
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40
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Wang L, Sievert D, Clark AE, Federman H, Gastfriend BD, Shusta E, Palecek SP, Carlin AF, Gleeson J. A Human 3D neural assembloid model for SARS-CoV-2 infection. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2021. [PMID: 33594369 DOI: 10.1101/2021.02.09.430349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Clinical evidence suggests the central nervous system (CNS) is frequently impacted by SARS-CoV-2 infection, either directly or indirectly, although mechanisms remain unclear. Pericytes are perivascular cells within the brain that are proposed as SARS-CoV-2 infection points 1 . Here we show that pericyte-like cells (PLCs), when integrated into a cortical organoid, are capable of infection with authentic SARS-CoV-2. Prior to infection, PLCs elicited astrocytic maturation and production of basement membrane components, features attributed to pericyte functions in vivo. While traditional cortical organoids showed little evidence of infection, PLCs within cortical organoids served as viral 'replication hubs', with virus spreading to astrocytes and mediating inflammatory type I interferon transcriptional responses. Therefore, PLC-containing cortical organoids (PCCOs) represent a new 'assembloid' model 2 that supports SARS-CoV-2 entry and replication in neural tissue, and PCCOs serve as an experimental model for neural infection.
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41
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Hoye ML, Silver DL. Decoding mixed messages in the developing cortex: translational regulation of neural progenitor fate. Curr Opin Neurobiol 2021; 66:93-102. [PMID: 33130411 PMCID: PMC8058166 DOI: 10.1016/j.conb.2020.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2020] [Revised: 09/10/2020] [Accepted: 10/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Regulation of stem cell fate decisions is elemental to faithful development, homeostasis, and organismal fitness. Emerging data demonstrate pluripotent stem cells exhibit a vast transcriptional landscape, which is refined as cells differentiate. In the developing neocortex, transcriptional priming of neural progenitors, coupled with post-transcriptional control, is critical for defining cell fates of projection neurons. In particular, radial glial progenitors exhibit dynamic post-transcriptional regulation, including subcellular mRNA localization, RNA decay, and translation. These processes involve both cis-regulatory and trans-regulatory factors, many of which are implicated in neurodevelopmental disease. This review highlights emerging post-transcriptional mechanisms which govern cortical development, with a particular focus on translational control of neuronal fates, including those relevant for disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariah L Hoye
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, United States
| | - Debra L Silver
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, United States; Department of Cell Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, United States; Department of Neurobiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, United States; Duke Institute for Brain Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, United States.
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42
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Zhang H, Zhou ZW, Sun L. Aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases in Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease: A gain or a loss? J Neurochem 2020; 157:351-369. [PMID: 33236345 PMCID: PMC8247414 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.15249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2020] [Revised: 11/17/2020] [Accepted: 11/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Charcot‐Marie‐Tooth disease (CMT) is one of the most common inherited neurodegenerative disorders with an increasing number of CMT‐associated variants identified as causative factors, however, there has been no effective therapy for CMT to date. Aminoacyl‐tRNA synthetases (aaRS) are essential enzymes in translation by charging amino acids onto their cognate tRNAs during protein synthesis. Dominant monoallelic variants of aaRSs have been largely implicated in CMT. Some aaRSs variants affect enzymatic activity, demonstrating a loss‐of‐function property. In contrast, loss of aminoacylation activity is neither necessary nor sufficient for some aaRSs variants to cause CMT. Instead, accumulating evidence from CMT patient samples, animal genetic studies or protein conformational analysis has pinpointed toxic gain‐of‐function of aaRSs variants in CMT, suggesting complicated mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of CMT. In this review, we summarize the latest advances in studies on CMT‐linked aaRSs, with a particular focus on their functions. The current challenges, future direction and the promising candidates for potential treatment of CMT are also discussed. ![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Han Zhang
- Institute of Medical Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Kunming, China
| | - Zhong-Wei Zhou
- School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Litao Sun
- School of Public Health (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
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43
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Shou Y, Liang F, Xu S, Li X. The Application of Brain Organoids: From Neuronal Development to Neurological Diseases. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:579659. [PMID: 33195219 PMCID: PMC7642488 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.579659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2020] [Accepted: 09/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Brain organoids are derived from induced pluripotent stem cells and embryonic stem cells under three-dimensional culture condition. The generation of an organoid requires the self-assembly of stem cells, progenitor cells, and multiple types of differentiated cells. Organoids display structures that resemble defined brain regions and simulate specific changes of neurological disorders; thus, organoids have become an excellent model for investigating brain development and neurological diseases. In the present review, we have summarized recent advances of the methods of culturing brain organoids and the applications of brain organoids in investigating neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yikai Shou
- The Children's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,The Institute of Translational Medicine, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Hangzhou, China
| | - Feng Liang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Shunliang Xu
- Department of Neurology, The Second Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Xuekun Li
- The Children's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,The Institute of Translational Medicine, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Hangzhou, China
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