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Duan C, Ding C, Sun X, Mao S, Liang Y, Liu X, Ding X, Chen J, Tang S. Retinal organoids with X-linked retinoschisis RS1 (E72K) mutation exhibit a photoreceptor developmental delay and are rescued by gene augmentation therapy. Stem Cell Res Ther 2024; 15:152. [PMID: 38816767 PMCID: PMC11140964 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-024-03767-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 05/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND X-linked juvenile retinoschisis (XLRS) is an inherited disease caused by RS1 gene mutation, which leads to retinal splitting and visual impairment. The mechanism of RS1-associated retinal degeneration is not fully understood. Besides, animal models of XLRS have limitations in the study of XLRS. Here, we used human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-derived retinal organoids (ROs) to investigate the disease mechanisms and potential treatments for XLRS. METHODS hiPSCs reprogrammed from peripheral blood mononuclear cells of two RS1 mutant (E72K) XLRS patients were differentiated into ROs. Subsequently, we explored whether RS1 mutation could affect RO development and explore the effectiveness of RS1 gene augmentation therapy. RESULTS ROs derived from RS1 (E72K) mutation hiPSCs exhibited a developmental delay in the photoreceptor, retinoschisin (RS1) deficiency, and altered spontaneous activity compared with control ROs. Furthermore, the delays in development were associated with decreased expression of rod-specific precursor markers (NRL) and photoreceptor-specific markers (RCVRN). Adeno-associated virus (AAV)-mediated gene augmentation with RS1 at the photoreceptor immature stage rescued the rod photoreceptor developmental delay in ROs with the RS1 (E72K) mutation. CONCLUSIONS The RS1 (E72K) mutation results in the photoreceptor development delay in ROs and can be partially rescued by the RS1 gene augmentation therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunwen Duan
- Aier School of Ophthalmology, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Aier Eye Institute, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | | | - Xihao Sun
- Aier Eye Institute, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Shengru Mao
- Aier Eye Institute, Changsha, Hunan, China
- The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | | | - Xinyu Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoyan Ding
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiansu Chen
- Aier School of Ophthalmology, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.
- Aier Eye Institute, Changsha, Hunan, China.
- Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine, Ministry of Education, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
| | - Shibo Tang
- Aier School of Ophthalmology, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.
- Aier Eye Institute, Changsha, Hunan, China.
- Guangzhou Aier Eye Hospital, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
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2
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Karalis V, Wood D, Teaney NA, Sahin M. The role of TSC1 and TSC2 proteins in neuronal axons. Mol Psychiatry 2024; 29:1165-1178. [PMID: 38212374 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-023-02402-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2024]
Abstract
Tuberous Sclerosis Complex 1 and 2 proteins, TSC1 and TSC2 respectively, participate in a multiprotein complex with a crucial role for the proper development and function of the nervous system. This complex primarily acts as an inhibitor of the mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) kinase, and mutations in either TSC1 or TSC2 cause a neurodevelopmental disorder called Tuberous Sclerosis Complex (TSC). Neurological manifestations of TSC include brain lesions, epilepsy, autism, and intellectual disability. On the cellular level, the TSC/mTOR signaling axis regulates multiple anabolic and catabolic processes, but it is not clear how these processes contribute to specific neurologic phenotypes. Hence, several studies have aimed to elucidate the role of this signaling pathway in neurons. Of particular interest are axons, as axonal defects are associated with severe neurocognitive impairments. Here, we review findings regarding the role of the TSC1/2 protein complex in axons. Specifically, we will discuss how TSC1/2 canonical and non-canonical functions contribute to the formation and integrity of axonal structure and function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vasiliki Karalis
- Rosamund Stone Zander Translational Neuroscience Center, Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- FM Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Delaney Wood
- FM Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Human Neuron Core, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Nicole A Teaney
- Rosamund Stone Zander Translational Neuroscience Center, Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- FM Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Mustafa Sahin
- Rosamund Stone Zander Translational Neuroscience Center, Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
- FM Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
- Human Neuron Core, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
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3
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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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4
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Haspel N, Jang H, Nussinov R. Allosteric Activation of RhoA Complexed with p115-RhoGEF Deciphered by Conformational Dynamics. J Chem Inf Model 2024; 64:862-873. [PMID: 38215280 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.3c01412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2024]
Abstract
The Ras homologue family member A (RhoA) is a member of the Rho family, a subgroup of the Ras superfamily. RhoA interacts with the 115 kDa guanine nucleotide exchange factor (p115-RhoGEF), which assists in activation and binding with downstream effectors. Here, we use molecular dynamics (MD) simulations and essential dynamics analysis of the inactive RhoA-GDP and active RhoA-GTP, when bound to p115-RhoGEF to decipher the mechanism of RhoA activation at the structural level. We observe that inactive RhoA-GDP maintains its position near the catalytic site on the Dbl homology (DH) domain of p115-RhoGEF through the interaction of its Switch I region with the DH domain. We further show that the active RhoA-GTP is engaged in more interactions with the p115-RhoGEF membrane-bound Pleckstrin homology (PH) domain as compared to RhoA-GDP. We hypothesize that the role of the interactions between the active RhoA-GTP and the PH domain is to help release it from the DH domain upon activation. Our results support this premise, and our simulations uncover the beginning of this process and provide structural details. They also point to allosteric communication pathways that take part in RhoA activation to promote and strengthen the interaction between the active RhoA-GTP and the PH domain. Allosteric regulation also occurs among other members of the Rho superfamily. Collectively, we suggest that in the activation process, the role of the RhoA-GTP interaction with the PH domain is to release RhoA-GTP from the DH domain after activation, making it available to downstream effectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nurit Haspel
- Department of Computer Science, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, Massachusetts 02125, United States
| | - Hyunbum Jang
- Computational Structural Biology Section, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research in the Cancer Innovation Laboratory, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, Maryland 21702, United States
| | - Ruth Nussinov
- Computational Structural Biology Section, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research in the Cancer Innovation Laboratory, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, Maryland 21702, United States
- Department of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
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Réthelyi JM, Vincze K, Schall D, Glennon J, Berkel S. The role of insulin/IGF1 signalling in neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric disorders - Evidence from human neuronal cell models. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2023; 153:105330. [PMID: 37516219 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2023.105330] [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: 09/30/2022] [Revised: 07/15/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/31/2023]
Abstract
Insulin and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1) signalling play a central role in the development and maintenance of neurons in the brain, and human neurodevelopmental as well as neuropsychiatric disorders have been linked to impaired insulin and IGF1 signalling. This review focuses on the impairments of the insulin and IGF1 signalling cascade in the context of neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric disorders, based on evidence from human neuronal cell models. Clear evidence was obtained for impaired insulin and IGF1 receptor downstream signalling in neurodevelopmental disorders, while the evidence for its role in neuropsychiatric disorders was less substantial. Human neuronal model systems can greatly add to our knowledge about insulin/IGF1 signalling in the brain, its role in restoring dendritic maturity, and complement results from clinical studies and animal models. Moreover, they represent a useful model for the development of new therapeutic strategies. Further research is needed to systematically investigate the exact role of the insulin/IGF1 signalling cascades in neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric disorders, and to elucidate the respective therapeutic implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- János M Réthelyi
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Katalin Vincze
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary; Doctoral School of Mental Health Sciences, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Dorothea Schall
- Institute of Human Genetics, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jeffrey Glennon
- Conway Institute of Biomedical and Biomolecular Research, School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Simone Berkel
- Institute of Human Genetics, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany; Interdisciplinary Centre of Neurosciences (IZN), Heidelberg University, Germany.
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6
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Meng P, Zhang X, Liu TT, Liu J, Luo Y, Xie MX, Yang H, Fang R, Guo DW, Zhong ZY, Wang YH, Ge JW. A whole transcriptome profiling analysis for antidepressant mechanism of Xiaoyaosan mediated synapse loss via BDNF/trkB/PI3K signal axis in CUMS rats. BMC Complement Med Ther 2023; 23:198. [PMID: 37322430 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-023-04000-0] [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: 10/08/2022] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Depression is a neuropsychiatric disease resulting from deteriorations of molecular networks and synaptic injury induced by stress. Traditional Chinese formula Xiaoyaosan (XYS) exert antidepressant effect, which was demonstrated by a great many of clinical and basic investigation. However, the exact mechanism of XYS has not yet been fully elucidated. METHODS In this study, chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) rats were used as a model of depression. Behavioral test and HE staining were used to detect the anti-depressant effects of XYS. Furthermore, whole transcriptome sequencing was employed to establish the microRNA (miRNA), long non-coding RNA (lncRNA), circular RNA (circRNA), and mRNA profiles. The biological functions and potential mechanisms of XYS for depression were gathered from the GO and KEGG pathway. Then, constructed the competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) networks to illustrate the regulatory relationship between non-coding RNA (ncRNA) and mRNA. Additionally, longest dendrite length, total length of dendrites, number of intersections, and density of dendritic spines were detected by Golgi staining. MAP2, PSD-95, SYN were detected by immunofluorescence respectively. BDNF, TrkB, p-TrkB, PI3K, Akt, p-Akt were measured by Western Blotting. RESULTS The results showed that XYS could increase the locomotor activity and sugar preference, decreased swimming immobility time as well as attenuate hippocampal pathological damage. A total of 753 differentially expressed lncRNAs (DElncRNAs), 28 circRNAs (DEcircRNAs), 101 miRNAs (DEmiRNAs), and 477 mRNAs (DEmRNAs) were identified after the treatment of XYS in whole transcriptome sequencing analysis. Enrichment results revealed that XYS could regulate multiple aspects of depression through different synapse or synaptic associated signal, such as neurotrophin signaling and PI3K/Akt signaling pathways. Then, vivo experiments indicated that XYS could promote length, density, intersections of synapses and also increase the expression of MAP2 in hippocampal CA1, CA3 regions. Meanwhile, XYS could increase the expression of PSD-95, SYN in the CA1, CA3 regions of hippocampal by regulating the BDNF/trkB/PI3K signal axis. CONCLUSION The possible mechanism on synapse of XYS in depression was successfully predicted. BDNF/trkB/PI3K signal axis were the potential mechanism of XYS on synapse loss for its antidepressant. Collectively, our results provided novel information about the molecular basis of XYS in treating depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pan Meng
- Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, 300 Xueshi Road, Hanpu Science and Education Park, Yuelu District, Hunan, Changsha, China
| | - Xi Zhang
- The Second People's Hospital of Hunan Province, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Tong-Tong Liu
- Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, 300 Xueshi Road, Hanpu Science and Education Park, Yuelu District, Hunan, Changsha, China
| | - Jian Liu
- First Affiliated Hospital, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yan Luo
- Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, 300 Xueshi Road, Hanpu Science and Education Park, Yuelu District, Hunan, Changsha, China
| | - Ming-Xia Xie
- Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, 300 Xueshi Road, Hanpu Science and Education Park, Yuelu District, Hunan, Changsha, China
| | - Hui Yang
- First Affiliated Hospital, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Rui Fang
- Hunan Academy of Chinese Medicine, Yuelu District, 58 Lushan Road, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Dong-Wei Guo
- The Second People's Hospital of Hunan Province, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Zi-Yan Zhong
- Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, 300 Xueshi Road, Hanpu Science and Education Park, Yuelu District, Hunan, Changsha, China
| | - Yu-Hong Wang
- Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, 300 Xueshi Road, Hanpu Science and Education Park, Yuelu District, Hunan, Changsha, China.
| | - Jin-Wen Ge
- Hunan Academy of Chinese Medicine, Yuelu District, 58 Lushan Road, Changsha, Hunan, China.
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7
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Gąssowska-Dobrowolska M, Czapski GA, Cieślik M, Zajdel K, Frontczak-Baniewicz M, Babiec L, Adamczyk A. Microtubule Cytoskeletal Network Alterations in a Transgenic Model of Tuberous Sclerosis Complex: Relevance to Autism Spectrum Disorders. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24087303. [PMID: 37108467 PMCID: PMC10138344 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24087303] [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: 02/19/2023] [Revised: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is a rare genetic multisystem disorder caused by loss-of-function mutations in the tumour suppressors TSC1/TSC2, both of which are negative regulators of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) kinase. Importantly, mTOR hyperactivity seems to be linked with the pathobiology of autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Recent studies suggest the potential involvement of microtubule (MT) network dysfunction in the neuropathology of "mTORopathies", including ASD. Cytoskeletal reorganization could be responsible for neuroplasticity disturbances in ASD individuals. Thus, the aim of this work was to study the effect of Tsc2 haploinsufficiency on the cytoskeletal pathology and disturbances in the proteostasis of the key cytoskeletal proteins in the brain of a TSC mouse model of ASD. Western-blot analysis indicated significant brain-structure-dependent abnormalities in the microtubule-associated protein Tau (MAP-Tau), and reduced MAP1B and neurofilament light (NF-L) protein level in 2-month-old male B6;129S4-Tsc2tm1Djk/J mice. Alongside, pathological irregularities in the ultrastructure of both MT and neurofilament (NFL) networks as well as swelling of the nerve endings were demonstrated. These changes in the level of key cytoskeletal proteins in the brain of the autistic-like TSC mice suggest the possible molecular mechanisms responsible for neuroplasticity alterations in the ASD brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena Gąssowska-Dobrowolska
- Department of Cellular Signalling, Mossakowski Medical Research Institute, Polish Academy of Sciences, Pawińskiego 5, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Grzegorz A Czapski
- Department of Cellular Signalling, Mossakowski Medical Research Institute, Polish Academy of Sciences, Pawińskiego 5, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Magdalena Cieślik
- Department of Cellular Signalling, Mossakowski Medical Research Institute, Polish Academy of Sciences, Pawińskiego 5, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Karolina Zajdel
- Electron Microscopy Research Unit, Mossakowski Medical Research Institute, Polish Academy of Sciences, Pawińskiego 5, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Małgorzata Frontczak-Baniewicz
- Electron Microscopy Research Unit, Mossakowski Medical Research Institute, Polish Academy of Sciences, Pawińskiego 5, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Lidia Babiec
- Department of Cellular Signalling, Mossakowski Medical Research Institute, Polish Academy of Sciences, Pawińskiego 5, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Agata Adamczyk
- Department of Cellular Signalling, Mossakowski Medical Research Institute, Polish Academy of Sciences, Pawińskiego 5, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland
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8
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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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9
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Ros O, Nicol X. Axon pathfinding and targeting: (R)evolution of insights from in vitro assays. Neuroscience 2023; 508:110-122. [PMID: 36096337 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2022.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Revised: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Investigating axonal behaviors while neurons are connecting with each other has been a challenge since the early studies on nervous system development. While molecule-driven axon pathfinding has been theorized by observing neurons at different developmental stages in vivo, direct observation and measurements of axon guidance behaviors required the invention of in vitro systems enabling to test the impact of molecules or cellular extracts on axons growing in vitro. With time, the development of novel in vivo approaches has confirmed the mechanisms highlighted in culture and has led in vitro systems to be adapted for cellular processes that are still inaccessible in intact organisms. We here review the evolution of these in vitro assays, which started with crucial contributions from the Bonhoeffer lab.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oriol Ros
- Universitat de Barcelona, Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Avinguda Diagonal 643, 08028 Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Xavier Nicol
- Sorbonne Université, Inserm, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, 17 rue Moreau, F-75012 Paris, France.
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10
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Ahmed T. Neural stem cell engineering for the treatment of multiple sclerosis. BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING ADVANCES 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bea.2022.100053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2022] Open
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11
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Powers RM, Daza R, Koehler AE, Courchet J, Calabrese B, Hevner RF, Halpain S. Growth cone macropinocytosis of neurotrophin receptor and neuritogenesis are regulated by neuron navigator 1. Mol Biol Cell 2022; 33:ar64. [PMID: 35352947 PMCID: PMC9561856 DOI: 10.1091/mbc.e21-12-0623] [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] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuron navigator 1 (Nav1) is a cytoskeleton-associated protein expressed during brain development that is necessary for proper neuritogenesis, but the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. Here we show that Nav1 is present in elongating axon tracts during mouse brain embryogenesis. We found that depletion of Nav1 in cultured neurons disrupts growth cone morphology and neurotrophin-stimulated neuritogenesis. In addition to regulating both F-actin and microtubule properties, Nav1 promotes actin-rich membrane ruffles in the growth cone and promotes macropinocytosis at those membrane ruffles, including internalization of the TrkB receptor for the neurotrophin brain-derived neurotropic factor (BDNF). Growth cone macropinocytosis is important for downstream signaling, neurite targeting, and membrane recycling, implicating Nav1 in one or more of these processes. Depletion of Nav1 also induces transient membrane blebbing via disruption of signaling in the Rho GTPase signaling pathway, supporting the novel role of Nav1 in dynamic actin-based membrane regulation at the cell periphery. These data demonstrate that Nav1 works at the interface of microtubules, actin, and plasma membrane to organize the cell periphery and promote uptake of growth and guidance cues to facilitate neural morphogenesis during development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Regina M. Powers
- Department of Neurobiology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093,Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, La Jolla, CA 92037
| | - Ray Daza
- Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, La Jolla, CA 92037,Department of Pathology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92161
| | - Alanna E. Koehler
- Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, La Jolla, CA 92037,Department of Pathology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92161
| | - Julien Courchet
- Institut NeuroMyoGène, CNRS UMR5310, INSERM U1217, Faculté de Médecine Rockefeller, Université Claude Bernard Lyon I, 69008 Lyon Cedex, France
| | - Barbara Calabrese
- Department of Neurobiology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093,Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, La Jolla, CA 92037
| | - Robert F. Hevner
- Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, La Jolla, CA 92037,Department of Pathology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92161
| | - Shelley Halpain
- Department of Neurobiology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093,Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, La Jolla, CA 92037,*Address correspondence to: Shelley Halpain ()
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12
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Rempel SK, Welch MJ, Ludwig AL, Phillips MJ, Kancherla Y, Zack DJ, Gamm DM, Gómez TM. Human photoreceptors switch from autonomous axon extension to cell-mediated process pulling during synaptic marker redistribution. Cell Rep 2022; 39:110827. [PMID: 35584680 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2022.110827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2022] [Revised: 03/18/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Photoreceptors (PRs) are the primary visual sensory cells, and their loss leads to blindness that is currently incurable. Although cell replacement therapy holds promise, success is hindered by our limited understanding of PR axon growth during development and regeneration. Here, we generate retinal organoids from human pluripotent stem cells to study the mechanisms of PR process extension. We find that early-born PRs exhibit autonomous axon extension from dynamic terminals. However, as PRs age from 40 to 80 days of differentiation, they lose dynamic terminals on 2D substrata and in 3D retinal organoids. Interestingly, PRs without motile terminals are still capable of extending axons but only by process stretching via attachment to motile non-PR cells. Immobile PR terminals of late-born PRs have fewer and less organized actin filaments but more synaptic proteins compared with early-born PR terminals. These findings may help inform the development of PR transplantation therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah K Rempel
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Wisconsin - Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA; McPherson Eye Research Institute, University of Wisconsin - Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Madalynn J Welch
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Wisconsin - Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Allison L Ludwig
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Wisconsin - Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA; McPherson Eye Research Institute, University of Wisconsin - Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA; Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin - Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - M Joseph Phillips
- McPherson Eye Research Institute, University of Wisconsin - Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA; Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin - Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Yochana Kancherla
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Wisconsin - Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Donald J Zack
- Department of Ophthalmology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - David M Gamm
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Wisconsin - Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA; McPherson Eye Research Institute, University of Wisconsin - Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA; Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin - Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Timothy M Gómez
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Wisconsin - Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA; McPherson Eye Research Institute, University of Wisconsin - Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA.
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13
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Villa CE, Cheroni C, Dotter CP, López-Tóbon A, Oliveira B, Sacco R, Yahya AÇ, Morandell J, Gabriele M, Tavakoli MR, Lyudchik J, Sommer C, Gabitto M, Danzl JG, Testa G, Novarino G. CHD8 haploinsufficiency links autism to transient alterations in excitatory and inhibitory trajectories. Cell Rep 2022; 39:110615. [PMID: 35385734 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2022.110615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Revised: 11/18/2021] [Accepted: 03/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Mutations in the chromodomain helicase DNA-binding 8 (CHD8) gene are a frequent cause of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). While its phenotypic spectrum often encompasses macrocephaly, implicating cortical abnormalities, how CHD8 haploinsufficiency affects neurodevelopmental is unclear. Here, employing human cerebral organoids, we find that CHD8 haploinsufficiency disrupted neurodevelopmental trajectories with an accelerated and delayed generation of, respectively, inhibitory and excitatory neurons that yields, at days 60 and 120, symmetrically opposite expansions in their proportions. This imbalance is consistent with an enlargement of cerebral organoids as an in vitro correlate of patients' macrocephaly. Through an isogenic design of patient-specific mutations and mosaic organoids, we define genotype-phenotype relationships and uncover their cell-autonomous nature. Our results define cell-type-specific CHD8-dependent molecular defects related to an abnormal program of proliferation and alternative splicing. By identifying cell-type-specific effects of CHD8 mutations, our study uncovers reproducible developmental alterations that may be employed for neurodevelopmental disease modeling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlo Emanuele Villa
- Department of Experimental Oncology, IEO, European Institute of Oncology, IRCCS, 20139 Milan, Italy; Human Technopole, Viale Rita Levi Montalcini 1, 20157 Milan, Italy
| | - Cristina Cheroni
- Department of Experimental Oncology, IEO, European Institute of Oncology, IRCCS, 20139 Milan, Italy; Human Technopole, Viale Rita Levi Montalcini 1, 20157 Milan, Italy; Department of Oncology and Hemato-oncology, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Christoph P Dotter
- Institute of Science and Technology (IST) Austria, 3400 Klosterneuburg, Austria
| | - Alejandro López-Tóbon
- Department of Experimental Oncology, IEO, European Institute of Oncology, IRCCS, 20139 Milan, Italy; Human Technopole, Viale Rita Levi Montalcini 1, 20157 Milan, Italy; Department of Oncology and Hemato-oncology, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Bárbara Oliveira
- Institute of Science and Technology (IST) Austria, 3400 Klosterneuburg, Austria
| | - Roberto Sacco
- Institute of Science and Technology (IST) Austria, 3400 Klosterneuburg, Austria
| | - Aysan Çerağ Yahya
- Institute of Science and Technology (IST) Austria, 3400 Klosterneuburg, Austria
| | - Jasmin Morandell
- Institute of Science and Technology (IST) Austria, 3400 Klosterneuburg, Austria
| | - Michele Gabriele
- Department of Experimental Oncology, IEO, European Institute of Oncology, IRCCS, 20139 Milan, Italy
| | - Mojtaba R Tavakoli
- Institute of Science and Technology (IST) Austria, 3400 Klosterneuburg, Austria
| | - Julia Lyudchik
- Institute of Science and Technology (IST) Austria, 3400 Klosterneuburg, Austria
| | - Christoph Sommer
- Institute of Science and Technology (IST) Austria, 3400 Klosterneuburg, Austria
| | | | - Johann G Danzl
- Institute of Science and Technology (IST) Austria, 3400 Klosterneuburg, Austria
| | - Giuseppe Testa
- Department of Experimental Oncology, IEO, European Institute of Oncology, IRCCS, 20139 Milan, Italy; Human Technopole, Viale Rita Levi Montalcini 1, 20157 Milan, Italy; Department of Oncology and Hemato-oncology, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy.
| | - Gaia Novarino
- Institute of Science and Technology (IST) Austria, 3400 Klosterneuburg, Austria.
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14
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Fortune AJ, Fletcher JL, Blackburn NB, Young KM. Using MS induced pluripotent stem cells to investigate MS aetiology. Mult Scler Relat Disord 2022; 63:103839. [DOI: 10.1016/j.msard.2022.103839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2022] [Revised: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 04/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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15
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Girodengo M, Ultanir SK, Bateman JM. Mechanistic target of rapamycin signaling in human nervous system development and disease. Front Mol Neurosci 2022; 15:1005631. [PMID: 36226315 PMCID: PMC9549271 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.1005631] [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: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) is a highly conserved serine/threonine kinase that regulates fundamental cellular processes including growth control, autophagy and metabolism. mTOR has key functions in nervous system development and mis-regulation of mTOR signaling causes aberrant neurodevelopment and neurological diseases, collectively called mTORopathies. In this mini review we discuss recent studies that have deepened our understanding of the key roles of the mTOR pathway in human nervous system development and disease. Recent advances in single-cell transcriptomics have been exploited to reveal specific roles for mTOR signaling in human cortical development that may have contributed to the evolutionary divergence from our primate ancestors. Cerebral organoid technology has been utilized to show that mTOR signaling is active in and regulates outer radial glial cells (RGCs), a population of neural stem cells that distinguish the human developing cortex. mTOR signaling has a well-established role in hamartoma syndromes such as tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) and other mTORopathies. New ultra-sensitive techniques for identification of somatic mTOR pathway mutations have shed light on the neurodevelopmental origin and phenotypic heterogeneity seen in mTORopathy patients. These emerging studies suggest that mTOR signaling may facilitate developmental processes specific to human cortical development but also, when mis-regulated, cause cortical malformations and neurological disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Girodengo
- Kinases and Brain Development Lab, The Francis Crick Institute, London, United Kingdom.,King's College London, Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute, London, United Kingdom
| | - Sila K Ultanir
- Kinases and Brain Development Lab, The Francis Crick Institute, London, United Kingdom
| | - Joseph M Bateman
- King's College London, Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute, London, United Kingdom
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16
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Vasic V, Jones MSO, Haslinger D, Knaus LS, Schmeisser MJ, Novarino G, Chiocchetti AG. Translating the Role of mTOR- and RAS-Associated Signalopathies in Autism Spectrum Disorder: Models, Mechanisms and Treatment. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:genes12111746. [PMID: 34828352 PMCID: PMC8624393 DOI: 10.3390/genes12111746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Revised: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Mutations affecting mTOR or RAS signaling underlie defined syndromes (the so-called mTORopathies and RASopathies) with high risk for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). These syndromes show a broad variety of somatic phenotypes including cancers, skin abnormalities, heart disease and facial dysmorphisms. Less well studied are the neuropsychiatric symptoms such as ASD. Here, we assess the relevance of these signalopathies in ASD reviewing genetic, human cell model, rodent studies and clinical trials. We conclude that signalopathies have an increased liability for ASD and that, in particular, ASD individuals with dysmorphic features and intellectual disability (ID) have a higher chance for disruptive mutations in RAS- and mTOR-related genes. Studies on rodent and human cell models confirm aberrant neuronal development as the underlying pathology. Human studies further suggest that multiple hits are necessary to induce the respective phenotypes. Recent clinical trials do only report improvements for comorbid conditions such as epilepsy or cancer but not for behavioral aspects. Animal models show that treatment during early development can rescue behavioral phenotypes. Taken together, we suggest investigating the differential roles of mTOR and RAS signaling in both human and rodent models, and to test drug treatment both during and after neuronal development in the available model systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Verica Vasic
- Institute for Microscopic Anatomy and Neurobiology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University, 55131 Mainz, Germany; (V.V.); (M.J.S.)
| | - Mattson S. O. Jones
- Autism Therapy and Research Center of Excellence, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Frankfurt, 60528 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; (M.S.O.J.); (D.H.)
- Center for Personalized Translational Epilepsy Research (CePTER), Goethe University Frankfurt, 60528 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Denise Haslinger
- Autism Therapy and Research Center of Excellence, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Frankfurt, 60528 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; (M.S.O.J.); (D.H.)
- Institute of Science and Technology (IST) Austria, 3400 Klosterneuburg, Austria; (L.S.K.); (G.N.)
| | - Lisa S. Knaus
- Institute of Science and Technology (IST) Austria, 3400 Klosterneuburg, Austria; (L.S.K.); (G.N.)
| | - Michael J. Schmeisser
- Institute for Microscopic Anatomy and Neurobiology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University, 55131 Mainz, Germany; (V.V.); (M.J.S.)
- Focus Program Translational Neurosciences (FTN), University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University, 55131 Mainz, Germany
| | - Gaia Novarino
- Institute of Science and Technology (IST) Austria, 3400 Klosterneuburg, Austria; (L.S.K.); (G.N.)
| | - Andreas G. Chiocchetti
- Autism Therapy and Research Center of Excellence, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Frankfurt, 60528 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; (M.S.O.J.); (D.H.)
- Center for Personalized Translational Epilepsy Research (CePTER), Goethe University Frankfurt, 60528 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-69-6301-80658
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