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Hingorani S, Paniagua Soriano G, Sánchez Huertas C, Villalba Riquelme EM, López Mocholi E, Martínez Rojas B, Alastrué Agudo A, Dupraz S, Ferrer Montiel AV, Moreno Manzano V. Transplantation of dorsal root ganglia overexpressing the NaChBac sodium channel improves locomotion after complete SCI. Mol Ther 2024; 32:1739-1759. [PMID: 38556794 PMCID: PMC11184342 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2024.03.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2023] [Revised: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a debilitating condition currently lacking treatment. Severe SCI causes the loss of most supraspinal inputs and neuronal activity caudal to the injury, which, coupled with the limited endogenous capacity for spontaneous regeneration, can lead to complete functional loss even in anatomically incomplete lesions. We hypothesized that transplantation of mature dorsal root ganglia (DRGs) genetically modified to express the NaChBac sodium channel could serve as a therapeutic option for functionally complete SCI. We found that NaChBac expression increased the intrinsic excitability of DRG neurons and promoted cell survival and neurotrophic factor secretion in vitro. Transplantation of NaChBac-expressing dissociated DRGs improved voluntary locomotion 7 weeks after injury compared to control groups. Animals transplanted with NaChBac-expressing DRGs also possessed higher tubulin-positive neuronal fiber and myelin preservation, although serotonergic descending fibers remained unaffected. We observed early preservation of the corticospinal tract 14 days after injury and transplantation, which was lost 7 weeks after injury. Nevertheless, transplantation of NaChBac-expressing DRGs increased the neuronal excitatory input by an increased number of VGLUT2 contacts immediately caudal to the injury. Our work suggests that the transplantation of NaChBac-expressing dissociated DRGs can rescue significant motor function, retaining an excitatory neuronal relay activity immediately caudal to injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonia Hingorani
- Neuronal and Tissue Regeneration Laboratory, Centro de Investigación Príncipe Felipe, 46012 Valencia, Spain
| | - Guillem Paniagua Soriano
- Neuronal and Tissue Regeneration Laboratory, Centro de Investigación Príncipe Felipe, 46012 Valencia, Spain
| | - Carlos Sánchez Huertas
- Development and Assembly of Bilateral Neural Circuits Laboratory, Instituto de Neurociencias, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC)-Universidad Miguel Hernández, Avenida Santiago Ramon y Cajal, s/n, 03550 Sant Joan d'Alacant, Alicante, Spain
| | - Eva María Villalba Riquelme
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department, Instituto de Investigación, Desarrollo e Innovación en Biotecnología Sanitaria de Elche-IDiBE, Avenida de la Universidad, s/n, Edificio Torregaitán, 03202 Elche, Alicante, Spain
| | - Eric López Mocholi
- Neuronal and Tissue Regeneration Laboratory, Centro de Investigación Príncipe Felipe, 46012 Valencia, Spain
| | - Beatriz Martínez Rojas
- Neuronal and Tissue Regeneration Laboratory, Centro de Investigación Príncipe Felipe, 46012 Valencia, Spain
| | - Ana Alastrué Agudo
- Neuronal and Tissue Regeneration Laboratory, Centro de Investigación Príncipe Felipe, 46012 Valencia, Spain
| | - Sebastián Dupraz
- Laboratory for Axonal Growth and Regeneration, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Antonio Vicente Ferrer Montiel
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department, Instituto de Investigación, Desarrollo e Innovación en Biotecnología Sanitaria de Elche-IDiBE, Avenida de la Universidad, s/n, Edificio Torregaitán, 03202 Elche, Alicante, Spain
| | - Victoria Moreno Manzano
- Neuronal and Tissue Regeneration Laboratory, Centro de Investigación Príncipe Felipe, 46012 Valencia, Spain.
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Najafi H, Farahavar G, Jafari M, Abolmaali SS, Azarpira N, Tamaddon AM. Harnessing the Potential of Self-Assembled Peptide Hydrogels for Neural Regeneration and Tissue Engineering. Macromol Biosci 2024; 24:e2300534. [PMID: 38547473 DOI: 10.1002/mabi.202300534] [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: 11/21/2023] [Revised: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
Spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury, and neurosurgery procedures usually lead to neural tissue damage. Self-assembled peptide (SAP) hydrogels, a type of innovative hierarchical nanofiber-forming peptide sequences serving as hydrogelators, have emerged as a promising solution for repairing tissue defects and promoting neural tissue regeneration. SAPs possess numerous features, such as adaptable morphologies, biocompatibility, injectability, tunable mechanical stability, and mimicking of the native extracellular matrix. This review explores the capacity of neural cell regeneration and examines the critical aspects of SAPs in neuroregeneration, including their biochemical composition, topology, mechanical behavior, conductivity, and degradability. Additionally, it delves into the latest strategies involving SAPs for central or peripheral neural tissue engineering. Finally, the prospects of SAP hydrogel design and development in the realm of neuroregeneration are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haniyeh Najafi
- Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology Department, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, 71468-64685, Iran
| | - Ghazal Farahavar
- Center for Nanotechnology in Drug Delivery, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, 71468-64685, Iran
| | - Mahboobeh Jafari
- Center for Nanotechnology in Drug Delivery, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, 71468-64685, Iran
| | - Samira Sadat Abolmaali
- Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology Department, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, 71468-64685, Iran
- Center for Nanotechnology in Drug Delivery, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, 71468-64685, Iran
| | - Negar Azarpira
- Transplant Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, 71937-11351, Iran
| | - Ali Mohammad Tamaddon
- Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology Department, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, 71468-64685, Iran
- Center for Nanotechnology in Drug Delivery, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, 71468-64685, Iran
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, 71468-64685, Iran
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3
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Mu J, Hao L, Wang Z, Fu X, Li Y, Hao F, Duan H, Yang Z, Li X. Visualizing Wallerian degeneration in the corticospinal tract after sensorimotor cortex ischemia in mice. Neural Regen Res 2024; 19:636-641. [PMID: 37721295 PMCID: PMC10581571 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.380903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Revised: 03/11/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Stroke can cause Wallerian degeneration in regions outside of the brain, particularly in the corticospinal tract. To investigate the fate of major glial cells and axons within affected areas of the corticospinal tract following stroke, we induced photochemical infarction of the sensorimotor cortex leading to Wallerian degeneration along the full extent of the corticospinal tract. We first used a routine, sensitive marker of axonal injury, amyloid precursor protein, to examine Wallerian degeneration of the corticospinal tract. An antibody to amyloid precursor protein mapped exclusively to proximal axonal segments within the ischemic cortex, with no positive signal in distal parts of the corticospinal tract, at all time points. To improve visualization of Wallerian degeneration, we next utilized an orthograde virus that expresses green fluorescent protein to label the corticospinal tract and then quantitatively evaluated green fluorescent protein-expressing axons. Using this approach, we found that axonal degeneration began on day 3 post-stroke and was almost complete by 7 days after stroke. In addition, microglia mobilized and activated early, from day 7 after stroke, but did not maintain a phagocytic state over time. Meanwhile, astrocytes showed relatively delayed mobilization and a moderate response to Wallerian degeneration. Moreover, no anterograde degeneration of spinal anterior horn cells was observed in response to Wallerian degeneration of the corticospinal tract. In conclusion, our data provide evidence for dynamic, pathogenic spatiotemporal changes in major cellular components of the corticospinal tract during Wallerian degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiao Mu
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Biomaterials and Neural Regeneration, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, China
| | - Liufang Hao
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Zijue Wang
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Xuyang Fu
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yusen Li
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Fei Hao
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Biomaterials and Neural Regeneration, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, China
| | - Hongmei Duan
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhaoyang Yang
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoguang Li
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Biomaterials and Neural Regeneration, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, China
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
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Renkler NZ, Scialla S, Russo T, D’Amora U, Cruz-Maya I, De Santis R, Guarino V. Micro- and Nanostructured Fibrous Composites via Electro-Fluid Dynamics: Design and Applications for Brain. Pharmaceutics 2024; 16:134. [PMID: 38276504 PMCID: PMC10819193 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics16010134] [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: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
The brain consists of an interconnected network of neurons tightly packed in the extracellular matrix (ECM) to form complex and heterogeneous composite tissue. According to recent biomimicry approaches that consider biological features as active components of biomaterials, designing a highly reproducible microenvironment for brain cells can represent a key tool for tissue repair and regeneration. Indeed, this is crucial to support cell growth, mitigate inflammation phenomena and provide adequate structural properties needed to support the damaged tissue, corroborating the activity of the vascular network and ultimately the functionality of neurons. In this context, electro-fluid dynamic techniques (EFDTs), i.e., electrospinning, electrospraying and related techniques, offer the opportunity to engineer a wide variety of composite substrates by integrating fibers, particles, and hydrogels at different scales-from several hundred microns down to tens of nanometers-for the generation of countless patterns of physical and biochemical cues suitable for influencing the in vitro response of coexistent brain cell populations mediated by the surrounding microenvironment. In this review, an overview of the different technological approaches-based on EFDTs-for engineering fibrous and/or particle-loaded composite substrates will be proposed. The second section of this review will primarily focus on describing current and future approaches to the use of composites for brain applications, ranging from therapeutic to diagnostic/theranostic use and from repair to regeneration, with the ultimate goal of providing insightful information to guide future research efforts toward the development of more efficient and reliable solutions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nergis Zeynep Renkler
- Institute of Polymers, Composites and Biomaterials (IPCB), National Research Council of Italy, Mostra d’Oltremare Pad. 20, Viale J.F. Kennedy 54, 80125 Naples, Italy (S.S.); (I.C.-M.)
- Department of Chemical, Materials and Industrial Production Engineering, University of Naples Federico II, 80125 Naples, Italy
| | - Stefania Scialla
- Institute of Polymers, Composites and Biomaterials (IPCB), National Research Council of Italy, Mostra d’Oltremare Pad. 20, Viale J.F. Kennedy 54, 80125 Naples, Italy (S.S.); (I.C.-M.)
| | - Teresa Russo
- Institute of Polymers, Composites and Biomaterials (IPCB), National Research Council of Italy, Mostra d’Oltremare Pad. 20, Viale J.F. Kennedy 54, 80125 Naples, Italy (S.S.); (I.C.-M.)
| | - Ugo D’Amora
- Institute of Polymers, Composites and Biomaterials (IPCB), National Research Council of Italy, Mostra d’Oltremare Pad. 20, Viale J.F. Kennedy 54, 80125 Naples, Italy (S.S.); (I.C.-M.)
| | - Iriczalli Cruz-Maya
- Institute of Polymers, Composites and Biomaterials (IPCB), National Research Council of Italy, Mostra d’Oltremare Pad. 20, Viale J.F. Kennedy 54, 80125 Naples, Italy (S.S.); (I.C.-M.)
| | - Roberto De Santis
- Institute of Polymers, Composites and Biomaterials (IPCB), National Research Council of Italy, Mostra d’Oltremare Pad. 20, Viale J.F. Kennedy 54, 80125 Naples, Italy (S.S.); (I.C.-M.)
| | - Vincenzo Guarino
- Institute of Polymers, Composites and Biomaterials (IPCB), National Research Council of Italy, Mostra d’Oltremare Pad. 20, Viale J.F. Kennedy 54, 80125 Naples, Italy (S.S.); (I.C.-M.)
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Qi L, Wang F, Sun X, Li H, Zhang K, Li J. Recent advances in tissue repair of the blood-brain barrier after stroke. J Tissue Eng 2024; 15:20417314241226551. [PMID: 38304736 PMCID: PMC10832427 DOI: 10.1177/20417314241226551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 12/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2024] Open
Abstract
The selective permeability of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) enables the necessary exchange of substances between the brain parenchyma and circulating blood and is important for the normal functioning of the central nervous system. Ischemic stroke inflicts damage upon the BBB, triggering adverse stroke outcomes such as cerebral edema, hemorrhagic transformation, and aggravated neuroinflammation. Therefore, effective repair of the damaged BBB after stroke and neovascularization that allows for the unique selective transfer of substances from the BBB after stroke is necessary and important for the recovery of brain function. This review focuses on four important therapies that have effects of BBB tissue repair after stroke in the last seven years. Most of these new therapies show increased expression of BBB tight-junction proteins, and some show beneficial results in terms of enhanced pericyte coverage at the injured vessels. This review also briefly outlines three effective classes of approaches and their mechanisms for promoting neoangiogenesis following a stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liujie Qi
- School of Material Science and Engineering & Henan Key Laboratory of Advanced Magnesium Alloy & Key Laboratory of Materials Processing and Mold (Ministry of Education), Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, PR China
| | - Fei Wang
- School of Material Science and Engineering & Henan Key Laboratory of Advanced Magnesium Alloy & Key Laboratory of Materials Processing and Mold (Ministry of Education), Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, PR China
| | - Xiaojing Sun
- School of Material Science and Engineering & Henan Key Laboratory of Advanced Magnesium Alloy & Key Laboratory of Materials Processing and Mold (Ministry of Education), Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, PR China
| | - Hang Li
- School of Material Science and Engineering & Henan Key Laboratory of Advanced Magnesium Alloy & Key Laboratory of Materials Processing and Mold (Ministry of Education), Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, PR China
| | - Kun Zhang
- School of Life Science, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, PR China
| | - Jingan Li
- School of Material Science and Engineering & Henan Key Laboratory of Advanced Magnesium Alloy & Key Laboratory of Materials Processing and Mold (Ministry of Education), Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, PR China
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6
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Harary PM, Jgamadze D, Kim J, Wolf JA, Song H, Ming GL, Cullen DK, Chen HI. Cell Replacement Therapy for Brain Repair: Recent Progress and Remaining Challenges for Treating Parkinson's Disease and Cortical Injury. Brain Sci 2023; 13:1654. [PMID: 38137103 PMCID: PMC10741697 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13121654] [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: 10/19/2023] [Revised: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Neural transplantation represents a promising approach to repairing damaged brain circuitry. Cellular grafts have been shown to promote functional recovery through "bystander effects" and other indirect mechanisms. However, extensive brain lesions may require direct neuronal replacement to achieve meaningful restoration of function. While fetal cortical grafts have been shown to integrate with the host brain and appear to develop appropriate functional attributes, the significant ethical concerns and limited availability of this tissue severely hamper clinical translation. Induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cells and tissues represent a more readily scalable alternative. Significant progress has recently been made in developing protocols for generating a wide range of neural cell types in vitro. Here, we discuss recent progress in neural transplantation approaches for two conditions with distinct design needs: Parkinson's disease and cortical injury. We discuss the current status and future application of injections of dopaminergic cells for the treatment of Parkinson's disease as well as the use of structured grafts such as brain organoids for cortical repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul M. Harary
- Department of Neurosurgery, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; (P.M.H.)
| | - Dennis Jgamadze
- Department of Neurosurgery, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; (P.M.H.)
| | - Jaeha Kim
- Department of Neurosurgery, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; (P.M.H.)
| | - John A. Wolf
- Department of Neurosurgery, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; (P.M.H.)
- Corporal Michael J. Crescenz Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Hongjun Song
- Department of Neuroscience and Mahoney Institute for Neurosciences, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- The Epigenetics Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Guo-li Ming
- Department of Neuroscience and Mahoney Institute for Neurosciences, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - D. Kacy Cullen
- Department of Neurosurgery, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; (P.M.H.)
- Corporal Michael J. Crescenz Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, School of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - H. Isaac Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; (P.M.H.)
- Corporal Michael J. Crescenz Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
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Soucy JR, Todd L, Kriukov E, Phay M, Malechka VV, Rivera JD, Reh TA, Baranov P. Controlling donor and newborn neuron migration and maturation in the eye through microenvironment engineering. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2302089120. [PMID: 37931105 PMCID: PMC10655587 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2302089120] [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: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Ongoing cell therapy trials have demonstrated the need for precision control of donor cell behavior within the recipient tissue. We present a methodology to guide stem cell-derived and endogenously regenerated neurons by engineering the microenvironment. Being an "approachable part of the brain," the eye provides a unique opportunity to study neuron fate and function within the central nervous system. Here, we focused on retinal ganglion cells (RGCs)-the neurons in the retina are irreversibly lost in glaucoma and other optic neuropathies but can potentially be replaced through transplantation or reprogramming. One of the significant barriers to successful RGC integration into the existing mature retinal circuitry is cell migration toward their natural position in the retina. Our in silico analysis of the single-cell transcriptome of the developing human retina identified six receptor-ligand candidates, which were tested in functional in vitro assays for their ability to guide human stem cell-derived RGCs. We used our lead molecule, SDF1, to engineer an artificial gradient in the retina, which led to a 2.7-fold increase in donor RGC migration into the ganglion cell layer (GCL) and a 3.3-fold increase in the displacement of newborn RGCs out of the inner nuclear layer. Only donor RGCs that migrated into the GCL were found to express mature RGC markers, indicating the importance of proper structure integration. Together, these results describe an "in silico-in vitro-in vivo" framework for identifying, selecting, and applying soluble ligands to control donor cell function after transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan R. Soucy
- The Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Boston, MA02114
- Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA02114
| | - Levi Todd
- Department of Biological Structure, University of Washington, Seattle, WA98195
| | - Emil Kriukov
- The Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Boston, MA02114
- Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA02114
| | - Monichan Phay
- The Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Boston, MA02114
- Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA02114
| | - Volha V. Malechka
- The Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Boston, MA02114
- Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA02114
| | - John Dayron Rivera
- The Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Boston, MA02114
- Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA02114
| | - Thomas A. Reh
- Department of Biological Structure, University of Washington, Seattle, WA98195
| | - Petr Baranov
- The Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Boston, MA02114
- Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA02114
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8
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Mu J, Hao P, Duan H, Zhao W, Wang Z, Yang Z, Li X. Non-human primate models of focal cortical ischemia for neuronal replacement therapy. J Cereb Blood Flow Metab 2023; 43:1456-1474. [PMID: 37254891 PMCID: PMC10414004 DOI: 10.1177/0271678x231179544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2022] [Revised: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Despite the high prevalence, stroke remains incurable due to the limited regeneration capacity in the central nervous system. Neuronal replacement strategies are highly diverse biomedical fields that attempt to replace lost neurons by utilizing exogenous stem cell transplants, biomaterials, and direct neuronal reprogramming. Although these approaches have achieved encouraging outcomes mostly in the rodent stroke model, further preclinical validation in non-human primates (NHP) is still needed prior to clinical trials. In this paper, we briefly review the recent progress of promising neuronal replacement therapy in NHP stroke studies. Moreover, we summarize the key characteristics of the NHP as highly valuable translational tools and discuss (1) NHP species and their advantages in terms of genetics, physiology, neuroanatomy, immunology, and behavior; (2) various methods for establishing NHP focal ischemic models to study the regenerative and plastic changes associated with motor functional recovery; and (3) a comprehensive analysis of experimentally and clinically accessible outcomes and a potential adaptive mechanism. Our review specifically aims to facilitate the selection of the appropriate NHP cortical ischemic models and efficient prognostic evaluation methods in preclinical stroke research design of neuronal replacement strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiao Mu
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Biomaterials and Neural Regeneration, School of Engineering Medicine, Beihang University, Beijing, China
| | - Peng Hao
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Hongmei Duan
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Wen Zhao
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Zijue Wang
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhaoyang Yang
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoguang Li
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Biomaterials and Neural Regeneration, School of Engineering Medicine, Beihang University, Beijing, China
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
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Schellino R, Besusso D, Parolisi R, Gómez-González GB, Dallere S, Scaramuzza L, Ribodino M, Campus I, Conforti P, Parmar M, Boido M, Cattaneo E, Buffo A. hESC-derived striatal progenitors grafted into a Huntington's disease rat model support long-term functional motor recovery by differentiating, self-organizing and connecting into the lesioned striatum. Stem Cell Res Ther 2023; 14:189. [PMID: 37507794 PMCID: PMC10386300 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-023-03422-4] [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: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Huntington's disease (HD) is a motor and cognitive neurodegenerative disorder due to prominent loss of striatal medium spiny neurons (MSNs). Cell replacement using human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) derivatives may offer new therapeutic opportunities to replace degenerated neurons and repair damaged circuits. METHODS With the aim to develop effective cell replacement for HD, we assessed the long-term therapeutic value of hESC-derived striatal progenitors by grafting the cells into the striatum of a preclinical model of HD [i.e., adult immunodeficient rats in which the striatum was lesioned by monolateral injection of quinolinic acid (QA)]. We examined the survival, maturation, self-organization and integration of the graft as well as its impact on lesion-dependent motor alterations up to 6 months post-graft. Moreover, we tested whether exposing a cohort of QA-lesioned animals to environmental enrichment (EE) could improve graft integration and function. RESULTS Human striatal progenitors survived up to 6 months after transplantation and showed morphological and neurochemical features typical of human MSNs. Donor-derived interneurons were also detected. Grafts wired in both local and long-range striatal circuits, formed domains suggestive of distinct ganglionic eminence territories and displayed emerging striosome features. Moreover, over time grafts improved complex motor performances affected by QA. EE selectively increased cell differentiation into MSN phenotype and promoted host-to-graft connectivity. However, when combined to the graft, the EE paradigm used in this study was insufficient to produce an additive effect on task execution. CONCLUSIONS The data support the long-term therapeutic potential of ESC-derived human striatal progenitor grafts for the replacement of degenerated striatal neurons in HD and suggest that EE can effectively accelerate the maturation and promote the integration of human striatal cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Schellino
- Department of Neuroscience Rita Levi-Montalcini, University of Turin, 10126, Turin, Italy.
- Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi, University of Turin, 10043, Orbassano, Italy.
| | - Dario Besusso
- Department of Biosciences, University of Milan, 20122, Milan, Italy
- National Institute of Molecular Genetics "Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi", 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Roberta Parolisi
- Department of Neuroscience Rita Levi-Montalcini, University of Turin, 10126, Turin, Italy
- Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi, University of Turin, 10043, Orbassano, Italy
| | - Gabriela B Gómez-González
- Department of Neuroscience Rita Levi-Montalcini, University of Turin, 10126, Turin, Italy
- Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi, University of Turin, 10043, Orbassano, Italy
| | - Sveva Dallere
- Department of Neuroscience Rita Levi-Montalcini, University of Turin, 10126, Turin, Italy
- Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi, University of Turin, 10043, Orbassano, Italy
| | - Linda Scaramuzza
- Department of Biosciences, University of Milan, 20122, Milan, Italy
- National Institute of Molecular Genetics "Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi", 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Marta Ribodino
- Department of Neuroscience Rita Levi-Montalcini, University of Turin, 10126, Turin, Italy
- Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi, University of Turin, 10043, Orbassano, Italy
| | - Ilaria Campus
- Department of Biosciences, University of Milan, 20122, Milan, Italy
- National Institute of Molecular Genetics "Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi", 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Paola Conforti
- Department of Biosciences, University of Milan, 20122, Milan, Italy
- National Institute of Molecular Genetics "Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi", 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Malin Parmar
- Wallenberg Neuroscience Center and Lund Stem Cell Center, Lund University, 22184, Lund, Sweden
| | - Marina Boido
- Department of Neuroscience Rita Levi-Montalcini, University of Turin, 10126, Turin, Italy
- Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi, University of Turin, 10043, Orbassano, Italy
| | - Elena Cattaneo
- Department of Biosciences, University of Milan, 20122, Milan, Italy
- National Institute of Molecular Genetics "Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi", 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Annalisa Buffo
- Department of Neuroscience Rita Levi-Montalcini, University of Turin, 10126, Turin, Italy.
- Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi, University of Turin, 10043, Orbassano, Italy.
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10
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Geribaldi-Doldán N, Carrascal L, Pérez-García P, Oliva-Montero JM, Pardillo-Díaz R, Domínguez-García S, Bernal-Utrera C, Gómez-Oliva R, Martínez-Ortega S, Verástegui C, Nunez-Abades P, Castro C. Migratory Response of Cells in Neurogenic Niches to Neuronal Death: The Onset of Harmonic Repair? Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24076587. [PMID: 37047560 PMCID: PMC10095545 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24076587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2023] [Revised: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Harmonic mechanisms orchestrate neurogenesis in the healthy brain within specific neurogenic niches, which generate neurons from neural stem cells as a homeostatic mechanism. These newly generated neurons integrate into existing neuronal circuits to participate in different brain tasks. Despite the mechanisms that protect the mammalian brain, this organ is susceptible to many different types of damage that result in the loss of neuronal tissue and therefore in alterations in the functionality of the affected regions. Nevertheless, the mammalian brain has developed mechanisms to respond to these injuries, potentiating its capacity to generate new neurons from neural stem cells and altering the homeostatic processes that occur in neurogenic niches. These alterations may lead to the generation of new neurons within the damaged brain regions. Notwithstanding, the activation of these repair mechanisms, regeneration of neuronal tissue within brain injuries does not naturally occur. In this review, we discuss how the different neurogenic niches respond to different types of brain injuries, focusing on the capacity of the progenitors generated in these niches to migrate to the injured regions and activate repair mechanisms. We conclude that the search for pharmacological drugs that stimulate the migration of newly generated neurons to brain injuries may result in the development of therapies to repair the damaged brain tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noelia Geribaldi-Doldán
- Departamento de Anatomía y Embriología Humanas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Cádiz, 11003 Cádiz, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación e Innovación Biomédica de Cádiz (INiBICA), 11009 Cádiz, Spain
| | - Livia Carrascal
- Instituto de Investigación e Innovación Biomédica de Cádiz (INiBICA), 11009 Cádiz, Spain
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de Sevilla, 41012 Sevilla, Spain
| | - Patricia Pérez-García
- Instituto de Investigación e Innovación Biomédica de Cádiz (INiBICA), 11009 Cádiz, Spain
- Departamento de Biomedicina, Biotecnología y Salud Pública, Área de Fisiología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Cádiz, 11003 Cádiz, Spain
| | - José M. Oliva-Montero
- Instituto de Investigación e Innovación Biomédica de Cádiz (INiBICA), 11009 Cádiz, Spain
- Departamento de Biomedicina, Biotecnología y Salud Pública, Área de Fisiología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Cádiz, 11003 Cádiz, Spain
| | - Ricardo Pardillo-Díaz
- Instituto de Investigación e Innovación Biomédica de Cádiz (INiBICA), 11009 Cádiz, Spain
- Departamento de Biomedicina, Biotecnología y Salud Pública, Área de Fisiología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Cádiz, 11003 Cádiz, Spain
| | - Samuel Domínguez-García
- Instituto de Investigación e Innovación Biomédica de Cádiz (INiBICA), 11009 Cádiz, Spain
- Departamento de Biomedicina, Biotecnología y Salud Pública, Área de Fisiología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Cádiz, 11003 Cádiz, Spain
- Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Biomedicum, 17177 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Carlos Bernal-Utrera
- Instituto de Investigación e Innovación Biomédica de Cádiz (INiBICA), 11009 Cádiz, Spain
- Departamento de Fisioterapia, Facultad de Enfermería, Fisioterapia y Podología, Universidad de Sevilla, 41009 Sevilla, Spain
| | - Ricardo Gómez-Oliva
- Instituto de Investigación e Innovación Biomédica de Cádiz (INiBICA), 11009 Cádiz, Spain
- Departamento de Biomedicina, Biotecnología y Salud Pública, Área de Fisiología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Cádiz, 11003 Cádiz, Spain
| | - Sergio Martínez-Ortega
- Instituto de Investigación e Innovación Biomédica de Cádiz (INiBICA), 11009 Cádiz, Spain
- Departamento de Biomedicina, Biotecnología y Salud Pública, Área de Fisiología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Cádiz, 11003 Cádiz, Spain
| | - Cristina Verástegui
- Departamento de Anatomía y Embriología Humanas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Cádiz, 11003 Cádiz, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación e Innovación Biomédica de Cádiz (INiBICA), 11009 Cádiz, Spain
| | - Pedro Nunez-Abades
- Instituto de Investigación e Innovación Biomédica de Cádiz (INiBICA), 11009 Cádiz, Spain
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de Sevilla, 41012 Sevilla, Spain
| | - Carmen Castro
- Instituto de Investigación e Innovación Biomédica de Cádiz (INiBICA), 11009 Cádiz, Spain
- Departamento de Biomedicina, Biotecnología y Salud Pública, Área de Fisiología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Cádiz, 11003 Cádiz, Spain
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11
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Chen J, Huang L, Yang Y, Xu W, Qin Q, Qin R, Liang X, Lai X, Huang X, Xie M, Chen L. Somatic Cell Reprogramming for Nervous System Diseases: Techniques, Mechanisms, Potential Applications, and Challenges. Brain Sci 2023; 13:brainsci13030524. [PMID: 36979334 PMCID: PMC10046178 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13030524] [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: 02/04/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Nervous system diseases present significant challenges to the neuroscience community due to ethical and practical constraints that limit access to appropriate research materials. Somatic cell reprogramming has been proposed as a novel way to obtain neurons. Various emerging techniques have been used to reprogram mature and differentiated cells into neurons. This review provides an overview of somatic cell reprogramming for neurological research and therapy, focusing on neural reprogramming and generating different neural cell types. We examine the mechanisms involved in reprogramming and the challenges that arise. We herein summarize cell reprogramming strategies to generate neurons, including transcription factors, small molecules, and microRNAs, with a focus on different types of cells.. While reprogramming somatic cells into neurons holds the potential for understanding neurological diseases and developing therapeutic applications, its limitations and risks must be carefully considered. Here, we highlight the potential benefits of somatic cell reprogramming for neurological disease research and therapy. This review contributes to the field by providing a comprehensive overview of the various techniques used to generate neurons by cellular reprogramming and discussing their potential applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiafeng Chen
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China
| | - Lijuan Huang
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China
| | - Yue Yang
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China
| | - Wei Xu
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China
| | - Qingchun Qin
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China
| | - Rongxing Qin
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China
| | - Xiaojun Liang
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China
| | - Xinyu Lai
- Key Laboratory of Longevity and Aging-Related Diseases of Chinese Ministry of Education, Nanning 530021, China
| | - Xiaoying Huang
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China
| | - Minshan Xie
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China
| | - Li Chen
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China
- Key Laboratory of Longevity and Aging-Related Diseases of Chinese Ministry of Education, Nanning 530021, China
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12
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Rochford AE, Carnicer-Lombarte A, Kawan M, Jin A, Hilton S, Curto VF, Rutz AL, Moreau T, Kotter MR, Malliaras GG, Barone DG. Functional neurological restoration of amputated peripheral nerve using biohybrid regenerative bioelectronics. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2023; 9:eadd8162. [PMID: 36947608 PMCID: PMC10032597 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.add8162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The development of neural interfaces with superior biocompatibility and improved tissue integration is vital for treating and restoring neurological functions in the nervous system. A critical factor is to increase the resolution for mapping neuronal inputs onto implants. For this purpose, we have developed a new category of neural interface comprising induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived myocytes as biological targets for peripheral nerve inputs that are grafted onto a flexible electrode arrays. We show long-term survival and functional integration of a biohybrid device carrying human iPSC-derived cells with the forearm nerve bundle of freely moving rats, following 4 weeks of implantation. By improving the tissue-electronics interface with an intermediate cell layer, we have demonstrated enhanced resolution and electrical recording in vivo as a first step toward restorative therapies using regenerative bioelectronics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy E. Rochford
- Electrical Engineering Division, Department of Engineering, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | | | - Malak Kawan
- Electrical Engineering Division, Department of Engineering, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Amy Jin
- Electrical Engineering Division, Department of Engineering, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Sam Hilton
- Electrical Engineering Division, Department of Engineering, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Vincenzo F. Curto
- Electrical Engineering Division, Department of Engineering, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Alexandra L. Rutz
- Electrical Engineering Division, Department of Engineering, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | | | - Mark R. N. Kotter
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Bit Bio, Cambridge, UK
| | - George G. Malliaras
- Electrical Engineering Division, Department of Engineering, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Damiano G. Barone
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
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13
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Tsuchimochi R, Yamagami K, Kubo N, Amimoto N, Raudzus F, Samata B, Kikuchi T, Doi D, Yoshimoto K, Mihara A, Takahashi J. Viral delivery of L1CAM promotes axonal extensions by embryonic cerebral grafts in mouse brain. Stem Cell Reports 2023; 18:899-914. [PMID: 36963389 PMCID: PMC10147836 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2023.02.012] [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: 06/21/2022] [Revised: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/25/2023] [Indexed: 03/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Cell replacement therapy is expected as a new and more radical treatment against brain damage. We previously reported that transplanted human cerebral organoids extend their axons along the corticospinal tract in rodent brains. The axons reached the spinal cord but were still sparse. Therefore, this study optimized the host brain environment by the adeno-associated virus (AAV)-mediated expression of axon guidance proteins in mouse brain. Among netrin-1, SEMA3, and L1CAM, only L1CAM significantly promoted the axonal extension of mouse embryonic brain tissue-derived grafts. L1CAM was also expressed by donor neurons, and this promotion was exerted in a haptotactic manner by their homophilic binding. Primary cortical neurons cocultured on L1CAM-expressing HEK-293 cells supported this mechanism. These results suggest that optimizing the host environment by the AAV-mediated expression of axon guidance molecules enhances the effect of cell replacement therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryosuke Tsuchimochi
- Department of Clinical Application, Center for iPS Cell Research and Application, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan; Department of Neurosurgery, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
| | - Keitaro Yamagami
- Department of Clinical Application, Center for iPS Cell Research and Application, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan; Department of Neurosurgery, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
| | - Naoko Kubo
- Department of Clinical Application, Center for iPS Cell Research and Application, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
| | - Naoya Amimoto
- Department of Clinical Application, Center for iPS Cell Research and Application, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
| | - Fabian Raudzus
- Department of Clinical Application, Center for iPS Cell Research and Application, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
| | - Bumpei Samata
- Department of Clinical Application, Center for iPS Cell Research and Application, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
| | - Tetsuhiro Kikuchi
- Department of Clinical Application, Center for iPS Cell Research and Application, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
| | - Daisuke Doi
- Department of Clinical Application, Center for iPS Cell Research and Application, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
| | - Koji Yoshimoto
- Department of Neurosurgery, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
| | - Aya Mihara
- Department of Clinical Application, Center for iPS Cell Research and Application, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
| | - Jun Takahashi
- Department of Clinical Application, Center for iPS Cell Research and Application, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan; Department of Neurosurgery, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan.
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14
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Polo Y, Luzuriaga J, Gonzalez de Langarica S, Pardo-Rodríguez B, Martínez-Tong DE, Tapeinos C, Manero-Roig I, Marin E, Muñoz-Ugartemendia J, Ciofani G, Ibarretxe G, Unda F, Sarasua JR, Pineda JR, Larrañaga A. Self-assembled three-dimensional hydrogels based on graphene derivatives and cerium oxide nanoparticles: scaffolds for co-culture of oligodendrocytes and neurons derived from neural stem cells. NANOSCALE 2023; 15:4488-4505. [PMID: 36753326 DOI: 10.1039/d2nr06545b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Stem cell-based therapies have shown promising results for the regeneration of the nervous system. However, the survival and integration of the stem cells in the neural circuitry is suboptimal and might compromise the therapeutic outcomes of this approach. The development of functional scaffolds capable of actively interacting with stem cells may overcome the current limitations of stem cell-based therapies. In this study, three-dimensional hydrogels based on graphene derivatives and cerium oxide (CeO2) nanoparticles are presented as prospective supports allowing neural stem cell adhesion, migration and differentiation. The morphological, mechanical and electrical properties of the resulting hydrogels can be finely tuned by controlling several parameters of the self-assembly of graphene oxide sheets, namely the amount of incorporated reducing agent (ascorbic acid) and CeO2 nanoparticles. The intrinsic properties of the hydrogels, as well as the presence of CeO2 nanoparticles, clearly influence the cell fate. Thus, stiffer adhesion substrates promote differentiation to glial cell lineages, while softer substrates enhance mature neuronal differentiation. Remarkably, CeO2 nanoparticle-containing hydrogels support the differentiation of neural stem cells to neuronal, astroglial and oligodendroglial lineage cells, promoting the in vitro generation of nerve tissue grafts that might be employed in neuroregenerative cell therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jon Luzuriaga
- Cell Signaling Lab, Department of Cell Biology and Histology, Faculty of Medicine and Nursing, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Leioa, Spain.
| | - Sergio Gonzalez de Langarica
- Group of Science and Engineering of Polymeric Biomaterials (ZIBIO Group), Department of Mining, Metallurgy Engineering and Materials Science, POLYMAT, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Bilbao, Spain.
| | - Beatriz Pardo-Rodríguez
- Cell Signaling Lab, Department of Cell Biology and Histology, Faculty of Medicine and Nursing, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Leioa, Spain.
| | - Daniel E Martínez-Tong
- Polymers and advanced materials: Physics, Chemistry and Technology, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Donostia-San Sebastian, Spain & Centro de Física de Materiales (UPV/EHU-CSIC), Donostia-San Sebastian, Spain
| | - Christos Tapeinos
- Smart Bio-Interfaces, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Pontedera, PI, Italy
- Division of Pharmacy and Optometry, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Irene Manero-Roig
- Cell Signaling Lab, Department of Cell Biology and Histology, Faculty of Medicine and Nursing, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Leioa, Spain.
- Université de Bordeaux IINS - UMR 5297, Bordeaux, France
| | - Edurne Marin
- Group of Science and Engineering of Polymeric Biomaterials (ZIBIO Group), Department of Mining, Metallurgy Engineering and Materials Science, POLYMAT, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Bilbao, Spain.
| | - Jone Muñoz-Ugartemendia
- Group of Science and Engineering of Polymeric Biomaterials (ZIBIO Group), Department of Mining, Metallurgy Engineering and Materials Science, POLYMAT, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Bilbao, Spain.
| | - Gianni Ciofani
- Smart Bio-Interfaces, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Pontedera, PI, Italy
| | - Gaskon Ibarretxe
- Cell Signaling Lab, Department of Cell Biology and Histology, Faculty of Medicine and Nursing, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Leioa, Spain.
| | - Fernando Unda
- Cell Signaling Lab, Department of Cell Biology and Histology, Faculty of Medicine and Nursing, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Leioa, Spain.
| | - Jose-Ramon Sarasua
- Group of Science and Engineering of Polymeric Biomaterials (ZIBIO Group), Department of Mining, Metallurgy Engineering and Materials Science, POLYMAT, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Bilbao, Spain.
| | - Jose Ramon Pineda
- Cell Signaling Lab, Department of Cell Biology and Histology, Faculty of Medicine and Nursing, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Leioa, Spain.
- Achucarro Basque Center for Neuroscience Fundazioa, Leioa, Spain
| | - Aitor Larrañaga
- Group of Science and Engineering of Polymeric Biomaterials (ZIBIO Group), Department of Mining, Metallurgy Engineering and Materials Science, POLYMAT, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Bilbao, Spain.
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15
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Barnhart AJ, Dierickx K. A Tale of Two Chimeras: Applying the Six Principles to Human Brain Organoid Xenotransplantation. Camb Q Healthc Ethics 2023; 32:1-17. [PMID: 36847198 DOI: 10.1017/s0963180123000051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/01/2023]
Abstract
Cerebral organoid models in-of-themselves are considered as an alternative to research animal models. But their developmental and biological limitations currently inhibit the probability that organoids can fully replace animal models. Furthermore, these organoid limitations have, somewhat ironically, brought researchers back to the animal model via xenotransplantation, thus creating hybrids and chimeras. In addition to attempting to study and overcome cerebral organoid limitations, transplanting cerebral organoids into animal models brings an opportunity to observe behavioral changes in the animal itself. Traditional animal ethics frameworks, such as the well-known three Rs (reduce, refine, and replace), have previously addressed chimeras and xenotransplantation of tissue. But these frameworks have yet to completely assess the neural-chimeric possibilities. And while the three Rs framework was a historical landmark in animal ethics, there are identifiable gaps in the framework that require attention. The authors propose to utilize an expanded three Rs framework initially developed by David DeGrazia and Tom L. Beauchamp, known as the Six Principles (6Ps). This framework aims to expand upon the three Rs, fill in the gaps, and be a practical means for assessing animal ethical issues like that of neural-chimeras and cerebral organoid xenotransplantation. The scope of this 6Ps application will focus on two separate but recent studies, which were published in 2019 and 2020. First, they consider a study wherein cerebral organoids were grown from donors with Down syndrome and from neurotypical donors. After these organoids were grown and studied, they were then surgically implanted into mouse models to observe the physiological effects and any behavioral change in the chimera. Second, they consider a separate study wherein neurotypical human embryonic stem cell-derived cerebral organoids were grown and transplanted into mouse and macaque models. The aim was to observe if such a transplantation method would contribute to therapies for brain injury or stroke. The authors place both studies under the lens of the 6Ps framework, assess the relevant contexts of each case, and provide relevant normative conclusions. In this way, they demonstrate how the 6Ps could be applied in future cases of neural-chimeras and cerebral organoid xenotransplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew J Barnhart
- Centre for Biomedical Ethics and Law, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Kris Dierickx
- Centre for Biomedical Ethics and Law, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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16
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The aOECs Facilitate the Neuronal Differentiation of Neural Stem Cells in the Inflammatory Microenvironment Through Up-Regulation of Bioactive Factors and Activation of Wnt3/β-Catenin Pathway. Mol Neurobiol 2023; 60:789-806. [PMID: 36371572 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-022-03113-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
The therapeutic application of neural stem cells (NSCs) in the central nerve system (CNS) injury is a promising strategy for combating irreversible neuronal loss. However, a variety of obvious inflammatory responses following nerve injury rapidly create an unfavorable microenvironment for survival and neuronal differentiation of NSCs in lesion area, limiting the efficacy of NSC-based therapy for CNS injury. It remained unknown how to effectively increase the neuronal differentiation efficiency of NSCs through transplantation. Here, we demonstrated that curcumin (CCM)-activated olfactory ensheathing cells (aOECs) effectively promoted neuronal differentiation of NSCs in the activated microglial inflammatory condition, and co-transplantation of aOECs and NSCs improved neurological recovery of rats after spinal cord injury (SCI), as evidenced by higher expression levels of neuronal markers and lower expression levels of glial markers in the differentiated cells, greater number of Tuj-1-positive cells as well as higher Basso, Beattie, and Bresnahan (BBB) locomotor scale, compared to the corresponding controls. Pathologically, hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining and immunostaining also showed that aOECs remarkably enhanced the in vivo neuronal differentiation of NSCs and migration, and nerve repair. Further analysis revealed that the underlying mechanisms of aOECs potentiating the neuronal conversion of NSCs under inflammatory environment were tightly associated with up-regulation of anti-inflammatory cytokines and neurotrophic factors in OECs, and importantly, the activation of Wnt3/β-catenin pathway was likely involved in the mechanisms underlying the observed cellular events. Therefore, this study provides a promising strategy for SCI repair by co-transplantation of aOECs and NSCs.
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17
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Hydrogel oxygen reservoirs increase functional integration of neural stem cell grafts by meeting metabolic demands. Nat Commun 2023; 14:457. [PMID: 36709345 PMCID: PMC9884236 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-36133-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2020] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Injectable biomimetic hydrogels have great potential for use in regenerative medicine as cellular delivery vectors. However, they can suffer from issues relating to hypoxia, including poor cell survival, differentiation, and functional integration owing to the lack of an established vascular network. Here we engineer a hybrid myoglobin:peptide hydrogel that can concomitantly deliver stem cells and oxygen to the brain to support engraftment until vascularisation can occur naturally. We show that this hybrid hydrogel can modulate cell fate specification within progenitor cell grafts, resulting in a significant increase in neuronal differentiation. We find that the addition of myoglobin to the hydrogel results in more extensive innervation within the host tissue from the grafted cells, which is essential for neuronal replacement strategies to ensure functional synaptic connectivity. This approach could result in greater functional integration of stem cell-derived grafts for the treatment of neural injuries and diseases affecting the central and peripheral nervous systems.
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18
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Transplanting neurofibromatosis-1 gene knockout neural stem cells improve functional recovery in rats with spinal cord injury by enhancing the mTORC2 pathway. Exp Mol Med 2022; 54:1766-1777. [PMID: 36241865 PMCID: PMC9636387 DOI: 10.1038/s12276-022-00850-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2021] [Revised: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The poor survival and low efficiency of neuronal differentiation limits the therapeutic effects of transplanted neural stem cells in the treatment of spinal cord injury. Neurofibromatosis-1 (NF-1) is a tumor suppressor gene that restricts the rapid and abnormal growth and differentiation of neural cells. In the present study, lentiviral vectors were used to knock out NF-1, Ricotr (the core member of mTORC2) or NF-1+Ricotr in neural stem cells in vitro, and the NF-1, Ricotr or NF-1+Ricotr knockout neural stem cells were transplanted at the lesion site in a rat model of spinal cord injury (SCI). We first demonstrated that targeted knockout of NF-1 had an antiapoptotic effect and improved neuronal differentiation by enhancing the mTORC2/Rictor pathway of neural stem cells in vitro. Subsequently, transplanting NF-1 knockout neural stem cells into the injured site sufficiently promoted the tissue repair and functional recovery of rats with spinal cord injury by enhancing the survival and neuronal differentiation of grafted neural stem cells. Collectively, these findings reveal a prominent role of NF-1 in neural stem cell biology, which is an invaluable step forward in enhancing the benefit of neural stem cell-mediated regenerative cell therapy for spinal cord injury and identifies the transplantation of NF-1 knockout neural stem cells as a promising strategy for spinal cord injury.
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19
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Intisar A, Lee SJ, Kim YG, Kim WH, Shin HY, Kim MY, Kim JM, Lee J, Mo YJ, Kim YS, Kim SH, Lee YI, Kim MS. A fully automated primary neuron purification system using continuous centrifugal microfluidics. LAB ON A CHIP 2022; 22:3268-3276. [PMID: 35916196 DOI: 10.1039/d2lc00381c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Progress in neurological research has experienced bottlenecks owing to the limited availability of purified primary neurons. Since neuronal cells are non-proliferative, it is necessary to obtain purified neurons from animal models or human patients for experimental work. However, currently available methods for purifying primary neurons are time-consuming (taking approximately 1 week), and suffer from insufficient viability and purity. Here, we report a method for rapid enrichment of neurons from the mouse embryonic dorsal root ganglion (DRG), using a fully-automated continuous centrifugal microfluidics (CCM) based neuron purification disc (NPD). Non-neuronal cells were removed via negative depletion by combining density gradient centrifugation and immunomagnetic separation. The CCM-NPD platform enables effective isolation of intact neurons within 13 min, which is approximately 800 times faster than the conventional chemical purification method. Furthermore, the neurons purified using the CCM-NPD platform showed better neurite growth, along with higher viability (93.5%) and purity (97.0%) after 1 week of culture, compared to the chemical purification method. Therefore, the proposed automated and rapid system yields purified DRG neurons with high viability and purity, while avoiding the use of harsh chemicals. We believe this system will significantly mitigate the shortage of purified primary neurons and advance neurological research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aseer Intisar
- Department of New Biology, DGIST, Daegu 42988, Republic of Korea.
| | | | | | - Woon-Hae Kim
- Department of New Biology, DGIST, Daegu 42988, Republic of Korea.
| | - Hyun Young Shin
- Department of New Biology, DGIST, Daegu 42988, Republic of Korea.
| | - Min Young Kim
- Department of New Biology, DGIST, Daegu 42988, Republic of Korea.
| | | | - Jungmin Lee
- CTCELLS Corp, Daegu 42988, Republic of Korea
| | - Yun Jeoung Mo
- Well Aging Research Center, DGIST, Daegu 42988, Republic of Korea
| | - Yu Seon Kim
- Well Aging Research Center, DGIST, Daegu 42988, Republic of Korea
| | | | - Yun-Il Lee
- Well Aging Research Center, DGIST, Daegu 42988, Republic of Korea
| | - Minseok S Kim
- Department of New Biology, DGIST, Daegu 42988, Republic of Korea.
- CTCELLS Corp, Daegu 42988, Republic of Korea
- Translational Responsive Medicine Center (TRMC), DGIST, Daegu 42988, Republic of Korea
- New Biology Research Center (NBRC), DGIST, Daegu 42988, Republic of Korea
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20
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Ghazale H, Park E, Vasan L, Mester J, Saleh F, Trevisiol A, Zinyk D, Chinchalongporn V, Liu M, Fleming T, Prokopchuk O, Klenin N, Kurrasch D, Faiz M, Stefanovic B, McLaurin J, Schuurmans C. Ascl1 phospho-site mutations enhance neuronal conversion of adult cortical astrocytes in vivo. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:917071. [PMID: 36061596 PMCID: PMC9434350 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.917071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Direct neuronal reprogramming, the process whereby a terminally differentiated cell is converted into an induced neuron without traversing a pluripotent state, has tremendous therapeutic potential for a host of neurodegenerative diseases. While there is strong evidence for astrocyte-to-neuron conversion in vitro, in vivo studies in the adult brain are less supportive or controversial. Here, we set out to enhance the efficacy of neuronal conversion of adult astrocytes in vivo by optimizing the neurogenic capacity of a driver transcription factor encoded by the proneural gene Ascl1. Specifically, we mutated six serine phospho-acceptor sites in Ascl1 to alanines (Ascl1SA6) to prevent phosphorylation by proline-directed serine/threonine kinases. Native Ascl1 or Ascl1SA6 were expressed in adult, murine cortical astrocytes under the control of a glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) promoter using adeno-associated viruses (AAVs). When targeted to the cerebral cortex in vivo, mCherry+ cells transduced with AAV8-GFAP-Ascl1SA6-mCherry or AAV8-GFAP-Ascl1-mCherry expressed neuronal markers within 14 days post-transduction, with Ascl1SA6 promoting the formation of more mature dendritic arbors compared to Ascl1. However, mCherry expression disappeared by 2-months post-transduction of the AAV8-GFAP-mCherry control-vector. To circumvent reporter issues, AAV-GFAP-iCre (control) and AAV-GFAP-Ascl1 (or Ascl1SA6)-iCre constructs were generated and injected into the cerebral cortex of Rosa reporter mice. In all comparisons of AAV capsids (AAV5 and AAV8), GFAP promoters (long and short), and reporter mice (Rosa-zsGreen and Rosa-tdtomato), Ascl1SA6 transduced cells more frequently expressed early- (Dcx) and late- (NeuN) neuronal markers. Furthermore, Ascl1SA6 repressed the expression of astrocytic markers Sox9 and GFAP more efficiently than Ascl1. Finally, we co-transduced an AAV expressing ChR2-(H134R)-YFP, an optogenetic actuator. After channelrhodopsin photostimulation, we found that Ascl1SA6 co-transduced astrocytes exhibited a significantly faster decay of evoked potentials to baseline, a neuronal feature, when compared to iCre control cells. Taken together, our findings support an enhanced neuronal conversion efficiency of Ascl1SA6 vs. Ascl1, and position Ascl1SA6 as a critical transcription factor for future studies aimed at converting adult brain astrocytes to mature neurons to treat disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hussein Ghazale
- Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - EunJee Park
- Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Lakshmy Vasan
- Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - James Mester
- Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Fermisk Saleh
- Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Andrea Trevisiol
- Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Dawn Zinyk
- Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Vorapin Chinchalongporn
- Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Mingzhe Liu
- Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Taylor Fleming
- Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | | | - Natalia Klenin
- Department of Medical Genetics, Cumming School of Medicine, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Deborah Kurrasch
- Department of Medical Genetics, Cumming School of Medicine, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Maryam Faiz
- Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Bojana Stefanovic
- Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - JoAnne McLaurin
- Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Carol Schuurmans
- Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- *Correspondence: Carol Schuurmans,
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21
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Basic Fibroblast Growth Factor Induces Cholinergic Differentiation of Tonsil-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells. Tissue Eng Regen Med 2022; 19:1063-1075. [PMID: 35857260 DOI: 10.1007/s13770-022-00474-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2022] [Revised: 06/18/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 10/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are considered a potential tool for regenerating damaged tissues due to their great multipotency into various cell types. Here, we attempted to find the appropriate conditions for neuronal differentiation of tonsil-derived MSCs (TMSCs) and expand the potential application of TMSCs for treating neurological diseases. METHODS The TMSCs were differentiated in DMEM/F-12 (Dulbecco's Modified Eagle Medium/Nutrient Mixture F-12) supplemented with various neurotrophic factors for 7-28 days to determine the optimal neuronal differentiation condition for the TMSCs. The morphologies as well as the levels of the neural markers and neurotransmitters were assessed to determine neuronal differentiation potentials and the neuronal lineages of the differentiated TMSCs. RESULTS Our initial study demonstrated that DMEM/F12 supplemented with 50 ng/mL basic fibroblast growth factor with 10 μM forskolin was the optimal condition for neuronal differentiation for the TMSCs. TMSCs had higher protein expression of neuronal markers, including neuron-specific enolase (NSE), GAP43, postsynaptic density protein 95 (PSD95), and synaptosomal-associated protein of 25 kDa (SNAP25) compared to the undifferentiated TMSCs. Immunofluorescence staining also validated the increased mature neuron markers, NeuN and synaptophysin, in the differentiated TMSCs. The expression of glial fibrillar acidic protein and ionized calcium-binding adaptor molecule 1 the markers of astrocytes and microglia, were also slightly increased. Additionally, the differentiated TMSCs released a significantly higher level of acetylcholine, the cholinergic neurotransmitter, as analyzed by the liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry and showed an enhanced choline acetyltransferase immunoreactivity compared to the undifferentiated cells. CONCLUSION Our study suggests that the optimized condition favors the TMSCs to differentiate into cholinergic neuron-like phenotype, which could be used as a possible therapeutic tool in treating certain neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's disease.
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22
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Thomas J, Martinez-Reza MF, Thorwirth M, Zarb Y, Conzelmann KK, Hauck SM, Grade S, Götz M. Excessive local host-graft connectivity in aging and amyloid-loaded brain. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2022; 8:eabg9287. [PMID: 35687689 PMCID: PMC9187230 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abg9287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2021] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Transplantation is a clinically relevant approach for brain repair, but much remains to be understood about influences of the disease environment on transplant connectivity. To explore the effect of amyloid pathology in Alzheimer's disease (AD) and aging, we examined graft connectivity using monosynaptic rabies virus tracing in APP/PS1 mice and in 16- to 18-month-old wild-type (WT) mice. Transplanted neurons differentiated within 4 weeks and integrated well into the host visual cortex, receiving input from the appropriate brain regions for this area. Unexpectedly, we found a prominent several-fold increase in local inputs, in both amyloid-loaded and aged environments. State-of-the-art deep proteome analysis using mass spectrometry highlights complement system activation as a common denominator of environments promoting excessive local input connectivity. These data therefore reveal the key role of the host pathology in shaping the input connectome, calling for caution in extrapolating results from one pathological condition to another.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judith Thomas
- Physiological Genomics, Biomedical Center (BMC), Ludwig-Maximilians Universitaet Muenchen, D-82152 Planegg, Germany
- Institute of Stem Cell Research, Helmholtz Zentrum Muenchen, German Research Center for Environmental Health, D-85764 Neuherberg, Germany
- Graduate School of Systemic Neurosciences, Ludwig-Maximilians Universitaet Muenchen, D-82152 Planegg, Germany
| | - Maria Fernanda Martinez-Reza
- Physiological Genomics, Biomedical Center (BMC), Ludwig-Maximilians Universitaet Muenchen, D-82152 Planegg, Germany
- Institute of Stem Cell Research, Helmholtz Zentrum Muenchen, German Research Center for Environmental Health, D-85764 Neuherberg, Germany
- Graduate School of Systemic Neurosciences, Ludwig-Maximilians Universitaet Muenchen, D-82152 Planegg, Germany
| | - Manja Thorwirth
- Physiological Genomics, Biomedical Center (BMC), Ludwig-Maximilians Universitaet Muenchen, D-82152 Planegg, Germany
- Institute of Stem Cell Research, Helmholtz Zentrum Muenchen, German Research Center for Environmental Health, D-85764 Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Yvette Zarb
- Physiological Genomics, Biomedical Center (BMC), Ludwig-Maximilians Universitaet Muenchen, D-82152 Planegg, Germany
- Institute of Stem Cell Research, Helmholtz Zentrum Muenchen, German Research Center for Environmental Health, D-85764 Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Karl-Klaus Conzelmann
- Max von Pettenkofer-Institute of Virology, Medical Faculty and Gene Center, Ludwig-Maximilians Universitaet Muenchen, D-81377 Muenchen, Germany
| | - Stefanie M. Hauck
- Research Unit Protein Science and Metabolomics and Proteomics Core, Helmholtz Zentrum Muenchen, German Research Center for Environmental Health, D-85764 Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Sofia Grade
- Physiological Genomics, Biomedical Center (BMC), Ludwig-Maximilians Universitaet Muenchen, D-82152 Planegg, Germany
- Institute of Stem Cell Research, Helmholtz Zentrum Muenchen, German Research Center for Environmental Health, D-85764 Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Magdalena Götz
- Physiological Genomics, Biomedical Center (BMC), Ludwig-Maximilians Universitaet Muenchen, D-82152 Planegg, Germany
- Institute of Stem Cell Research, Helmholtz Zentrum Muenchen, German Research Center for Environmental Health, D-85764 Neuherberg, Germany
- SYNERGY, Excellence Cluster for Systems Neurology, Ludwig-Maximilians Universitaet Muenchen, D-82152 Planegg, Germany
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23
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Grade S, Thomas J, Zarb Y, Thorwirth M, Conzelmann KK, Hauck SM, Götz M. Brain injury environment critically influences the connectivity of transplanted neurons. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2022; 8:eabg9445. [PMID: 35687687 PMCID: PMC9187233 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abg9445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Cell transplantation is a promising approach for the reconstruction of neuronal circuits after brain damage. Transplanted neurons integrate with remarkable specificity into circuitries of the mouse cerebral cortex affected by neuronal ablation. However, it remains unclear how neurons perform in a local environment undergoing reactive gliosis, inflammation, macrophage infiltration, and scar formation, as in traumatic brain injury (TBI). To elucidate this, we transplanted cells from the embryonic mouse cerebral cortex into TBI-injured, inflamed-only, or intact cortex of adult mice. Brain-wide quantitative monosynaptic rabies virus (RABV) tracing unraveled graft inputs from correct regions across the brain in all conditions, with pronounced quantitative differences: scarce in intact and inflamed brain versus exuberant after TBI. In the latter, the initial overshoot is followed by pruning, with only a few input neurons persisting at 3 months. Proteomic profiling identifies candidate molecules for regulation of the synaptic yield, a pivotal parameter to tailor for functional restoration of neuronal circuits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofia Grade
- Physiological Genomics, Biomedical Center, Ludwig-Maximilians University Munich, 82152 Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
- Institute of Stem Cell Research, Helmholtz Center Munich, German Center for Environmental Health, 82152 Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
- Corresponding author. (S.G.); (S.M.H.); (M.G.)
| | - Judith Thomas
- Physiological Genomics, Biomedical Center, Ludwig-Maximilians University Munich, 82152 Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
- Institute of Stem Cell Research, Helmholtz Center Munich, German Center for Environmental Health, 82152 Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
- Graduate School of Systemic Neuroscience, Ludwig-Maximilians University Munich, 82152 Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Yvette Zarb
- Physiological Genomics, Biomedical Center, Ludwig-Maximilians University Munich, 82152 Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
- Institute of Stem Cell Research, Helmholtz Center Munich, German Center for Environmental Health, 82152 Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Manja Thorwirth
- Physiological Genomics, Biomedical Center, Ludwig-Maximilians University Munich, 82152 Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
- Institute of Stem Cell Research, Helmholtz Center Munich, German Center for Environmental Health, 82152 Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Karl-Klaus Conzelmann
- Max von Pettenkofer Institute Virology, Medical Faculty and Gene Center, Ludwig-Maximilians University Munich, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Stefanie M. Hauck
- Research Unit Protein Science and Metabolomics and Proteomics Core, Helmholtz Center Munich, German Center for Environmental Health, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany
- Corresponding author. (S.G.); (S.M.H.); (M.G.)
| | - Magdalena Götz
- Physiological Genomics, Biomedical Center, Ludwig-Maximilians University Munich, 82152 Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
- Institute of Stem Cell Research, Helmholtz Center Munich, German Center for Environmental Health, 82152 Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
- SYNERGY, Excellence Cluster of Systems Neurology, Biomedical Center, Ludwig-Maximilians University Munich, 82152 Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
- Corresponding author. (S.G.); (S.M.H.); (M.G.)
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24
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Sanchez-Gonzalez R, Koupourtidou C, Lepko T, Zambusi A, Novoselc KT, Durovic T, Aschenbroich S, Schwarz V, Breunig CT, Straka H, Huttner HB, Irmler M, Beckers J, Wurst W, Zwergal A, Schauer T, Straub T, Czopka T, Trümbach D, Götz M, Stricker SH, Ninkovic J. Innate Immune Pathways Promote Oligodendrocyte Progenitor Cell Recruitment to the Injury Site in Adult Zebrafish Brain. Cells 2022; 11:520. [PMID: 35159329 PMCID: PMC8834209 DOI: 10.3390/cells11030520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2021] [Revised: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The oligodendrocyte progenitors (OPCs) are at the front of the glial reaction to the traumatic brain injury. However, regulatory pathways steering the OPC reaction as well as the role of reactive OPCs remain largely unknown. Here, we compared a long-lasting, exacerbated reaction of OPCs to the adult zebrafish brain injury with a timely restricted OPC activation to identify the specific molecular mechanisms regulating OPC reactivity and their contribution to regeneration. We demonstrated that the influx of the cerebrospinal fluid into the brain parenchyma after injury simultaneously activates the toll-like receptor 2 (Tlr2) and the chemokine receptor 3 (Cxcr3) innate immunity pathways, leading to increased OPC proliferation and thereby exacerbated glial reactivity. These pathways were critical for long-lasting OPC accumulation even after the ablation of microglia and infiltrating monocytes. Importantly, interference with the Tlr1/2 and Cxcr3 pathways after injury alleviated reactive gliosis, increased new neuron recruitment, and improved tissue restoration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosario Sanchez-Gonzalez
- Institute of Stem Cell Research, Helmholtz Center Munich, 85764 Oberschleißheim, Germany; (R.S.-G.); (C.K.); (T.L.); (A.Z.); (K.T.N.); (T.D.); (S.A.); (V.S.); (M.G.)
- Department Biology II, University of Munich, 80539 München, Germany;
| | - Christina Koupourtidou
- Institute of Stem Cell Research, Helmholtz Center Munich, 85764 Oberschleißheim, Germany; (R.S.-G.); (C.K.); (T.L.); (A.Z.); (K.T.N.); (T.D.); (S.A.); (V.S.); (M.G.)
- Biomedical Center (BMC), Division of Cell Biology and Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, LMU Munich, 80539 München, Germany
- Graduate School Systemic Neurosciences, LMU, 80539 Munich, Germany
| | - Tjasa Lepko
- Institute of Stem Cell Research, Helmholtz Center Munich, 85764 Oberschleißheim, Germany; (R.S.-G.); (C.K.); (T.L.); (A.Z.); (K.T.N.); (T.D.); (S.A.); (V.S.); (M.G.)
- Biomedical Center (BMC), Division of Cell Biology and Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, LMU Munich, 80539 München, Germany
- Graduate School Systemic Neurosciences, LMU, 80539 Munich, Germany
| | - Alessandro Zambusi
- Institute of Stem Cell Research, Helmholtz Center Munich, 85764 Oberschleißheim, Germany; (R.S.-G.); (C.K.); (T.L.); (A.Z.); (K.T.N.); (T.D.); (S.A.); (V.S.); (M.G.)
- Biomedical Center (BMC), Division of Cell Biology and Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, LMU Munich, 80539 München, Germany
- Graduate School Systemic Neurosciences, LMU, 80539 Munich, Germany
| | - Klara Tereza Novoselc
- Institute of Stem Cell Research, Helmholtz Center Munich, 85764 Oberschleißheim, Germany; (R.S.-G.); (C.K.); (T.L.); (A.Z.); (K.T.N.); (T.D.); (S.A.); (V.S.); (M.G.)
- Biomedical Center (BMC), Division of Cell Biology and Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, LMU Munich, 80539 München, Germany
- Graduate School Systemic Neurosciences, LMU, 80539 Munich, Germany
| | - Tamara Durovic
- Institute of Stem Cell Research, Helmholtz Center Munich, 85764 Oberschleißheim, Germany; (R.S.-G.); (C.K.); (T.L.); (A.Z.); (K.T.N.); (T.D.); (S.A.); (V.S.); (M.G.)
- Biomedical Center (BMC), Division of Cell Biology and Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, LMU Munich, 80539 München, Germany
- Graduate School Systemic Neurosciences, LMU, 80539 Munich, Germany
| | - Sven Aschenbroich
- Institute of Stem Cell Research, Helmholtz Center Munich, 85764 Oberschleißheim, Germany; (R.S.-G.); (C.K.); (T.L.); (A.Z.); (K.T.N.); (T.D.); (S.A.); (V.S.); (M.G.)
- Biomedical Center (BMC), Division of Cell Biology and Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, LMU Munich, 80539 München, Germany
- Graduate School Systemic Neurosciences, LMU, 80539 Munich, Germany
| | - Veronika Schwarz
- Institute of Stem Cell Research, Helmholtz Center Munich, 85764 Oberschleißheim, Germany; (R.S.-G.); (C.K.); (T.L.); (A.Z.); (K.T.N.); (T.D.); (S.A.); (V.S.); (M.G.)
- Biomedical Center (BMC), Division of Cell Biology and Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, LMU Munich, 80539 München, Germany
- Graduate School Systemic Neurosciences, LMU, 80539 Munich, Germany
| | - Christopher T. Breunig
- Reprogramming and Regeneration, Biomedical Center (BMC), Physiological Genomics, Faculty of Medicine, LMU Munich, 80539 München, Germany; (C.T.B.); (S.H.S.)
- Epigenetic Engineering, Institute of Stem Cell Research, Helmholtz Center Munich, 85764 Oberschleißheim, Germany
| | - Hans Straka
- Department Biology II, University of Munich, 80539 München, Germany;
| | - Hagen B. Huttner
- Department of Neurology, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Klinikstrasse 33, 35392 Giessen, Germany;
| | - Martin Irmler
- Institute of Experimental Genetics, Helmholtz Center Munich, 85764 Oberschleißheim, Germany; (M.I.); (J.B.)
| | - Johannes Beckers
- Institute of Experimental Genetics, Helmholtz Center Munich, 85764 Oberschleißheim, Germany; (M.I.); (J.B.)
- German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD e.V.), 85764 Neuherberg, Germany
- Chair of Experimental Genetics, School of Life Sciences Weihenstephan, Technical University Munich, 80333 München, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Wurst
- Institute of Developmental Genetics, Helmholtz Center Munich, 85764 Oberschleißheim, Germany; (W.W.); (D.T.)
- Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology SYNERGY, LMU, 80539 Munich, Germany
- Chair of Developmental Genetics c/o Helmholtz Zentrum München, School of Life Sciences Weihenstephan, Technical University Munich, 80333 München, Germany
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Site Munich, 80539 Munich, Germany
| | - Andreas Zwergal
- Department of Neurology, Ludwig-Maximilians University, Campus Grosshadern, 81377 Munich, Germany;
| | - Tamas Schauer
- Biomedical Center (BMC), Bioinformatic Core Facility, Faculty of Medicine, LMU Munich, 80539 München, Germany; (T.S.); (T.S.)
| | - Tobias Straub
- Biomedical Center (BMC), Bioinformatic Core Facility, Faculty of Medicine, LMU Munich, 80539 München, Germany; (T.S.); (T.S.)
| | - Tim Czopka
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9YL, UK;
| | - Dietrich Trümbach
- Institute of Developmental Genetics, Helmholtz Center Munich, 85764 Oberschleißheim, Germany; (W.W.); (D.T.)
| | - Magdalena Götz
- Institute of Stem Cell Research, Helmholtz Center Munich, 85764 Oberschleißheim, Germany; (R.S.-G.); (C.K.); (T.L.); (A.Z.); (K.T.N.); (T.D.); (S.A.); (V.S.); (M.G.)
- Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology SYNERGY, LMU, 80539 Munich, Germany
- Biomedical Center (BMC), Division of Physiological Genomics, Faculty of Medicine, LMU Munich, 80539 München, Germany
| | - Stefan H. Stricker
- Reprogramming and Regeneration, Biomedical Center (BMC), Physiological Genomics, Faculty of Medicine, LMU Munich, 80539 München, Germany; (C.T.B.); (S.H.S.)
- Epigenetic Engineering, Institute of Stem Cell Research, Helmholtz Center Munich, 85764 Oberschleißheim, Germany
| | - Jovica Ninkovic
- Institute of Stem Cell Research, Helmholtz Center Munich, 85764 Oberschleißheim, Germany; (R.S.-G.); (C.K.); (T.L.); (A.Z.); (K.T.N.); (T.D.); (S.A.); (V.S.); (M.G.)
- Biomedical Center (BMC), Division of Cell Biology and Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, LMU Munich, 80539 München, Germany
- Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology SYNERGY, LMU, 80539 Munich, Germany
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25
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Hamdi H, Graiet I, Abid-Essefi S, Eyer J. Epoxiconazole profoundly alters rat brain and properties of neural stem cells. CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 288:132640. [PMID: 34695486 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.132640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2021] [Revised: 10/09/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Epoxiconazole (EPX), a widely used fungicide for domestic, medical, and industrial applications, could cause neurodegenerative diseases. However, the underling mechanism of neurotoxicity is not well understood. This study aimed to investigate the possible toxic outcomes of Epoxiconzole, a triazole fungicide, on the brain of adult rats in vivo, and in vitro on neural stem cells derived from the subventricular zone of newborn Wistar rats. Our results revealed that oral exposure to EPX at these concentrations (8, 24, 40, 56 mg/kg bw representing respectively NOEL (no observed effect level), NOEL × 3, NOEL × 5, and NOEL × 7) for 28 days caused a considerable generation of oxidative stress in adult rat brain tissue. Furthermore, a significant augmentation in lipid peroxidation and protein oxidation has been found. Moreover, it induced an elevation of DNA fragmentation as assessed by the Comet assay. Indeed, EPX administration impaired activities of antioxidant enzymes and inhibited AChE activity. Concomitantly, this pesticide produced histological alterations in the brain of adult rats. Regarding the embryonic neural stem cells, we demonstrated that the treatment by EPX reduced the viability of cells with an IC50 of 10 μM. It also provoked the reduction of cell proliferation, and EPX triggered arrest in G1/S phase. The neurosphere formation and self-renewal capacity was reduced and associated with decreased differentiation. Moreover, EPX induced cytoskeleton disruption as evidenced by immunocytochemical analysis. Our findings also showed that EPX induced apoptosis as evidenced by a loss of mitochondrial transmembrane potential (ΔΨm) and an activation of caspase-3. In addition, EPX promoted ROS production in neural stem cells. Interestingly, the pretreatment of neural stem cells with the N-acetylcysteine (ROS scavenger) attenuated EPX-induced cell death, disruption of neural stem cells properties, ROS generation and apoptosis. Thus, the use of this hazardous material should be restricted and carefully regulated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiba Hamdi
- Laboratory for Research on Biologically Compatible Compounds, Faculty of Dental Medicine, University of Monastir, Avicenne Street, 5019, Monastir, Tunisia; Higher Institute of Biotechnology, University of Monastir, Tunisia
| | - Imen Graiet
- Laboratory for Research on Biologically Compatible Compounds, Faculty of Dental Medicine, University of Monastir, Avicenne Street, 5019, Monastir, Tunisia
| | - Salwa Abid-Essefi
- Laboratory for Research on Biologically Compatible Compounds, Faculty of Dental Medicine, University of Monastir, Avicenne Street, 5019, Monastir, Tunisia
| | - Joel Eyer
- Laboratoire Micro et Nanomédecines Translationnelles (MINT), Inserm 1066, CNRS 6021, Institut de Biologie de La Santé, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire, 49033, Angers, France.
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26
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Direct neuronal reprogramming: Fast forward from new concepts toward therapeutic approaches. Neuron 2021; 110:366-393. [PMID: 34921778 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2021.11.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2021] [Revised: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 11/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Differentiated cells have long been considered fixed in their identity. However, about 20 years ago, the first direct conversion of glial cells into neurons in vitro opened the field of "direct neuronal reprogramming." Since then, neuronal reprogramming has achieved the generation of fully functional, mature neurons with remarkable efficiency, even in diseased brain environments. Beyond their clinical implications, these discoveries provided basic insights into crucial mechanisms underlying conversion of specific cell types into neurons and maintenance of neuronal identity. Here we discuss such principles, including the importance of the starter cell for shaping the outcome of neuronal reprogramming. We further highlight technical concerns for in vivo reprogramming and propose a code of conduct to avoid artifacts and pitfalls. We end by pointing out next challenges for development of less invasive cell replacement therapies for humans.
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27
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Sharma NS, Karan A, Lee D, Yan Z, Xie J. Advances in Modeling Alzheimer's Disease In Vitro. ADVANCED NANOBIOMED RESEARCH 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/anbr.202100097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Navatha Shree Sharma
- Department of Surgery-Transplant and Mary & Dick Holland Regenerative Medicine Program University of Nebraska Medical Center Omaha NE 68198 USA
| | - Anik Karan
- Department of Surgery-Transplant and Mary & Dick Holland Regenerative Medicine Program University of Nebraska Medical Center Omaha NE 68198 USA
| | - Donghee Lee
- Department of Surgery-Transplant and Mary & Dick Holland Regenerative Medicine Program University of Nebraska Medical Center Omaha NE 68198 USA
| | - Zheng Yan
- Department of Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering and Department of Biomedical Biological and Chemical Engineering University of Missouri Columbia MO 65211 USA
| | - Jingwei Xie
- Department of Surgery-Transplant and Mary & Dick Holland Regenerative Medicine Program University of Nebraska Medical Center Omaha NE 68198 USA
- Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering College of Engineering University of Nebraska Lincoln Lincoln NE 68588 USA
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28
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Van houcke J, Mariën V, Zandecki C, Vanhunsel S, Moons L, Ayana R, Seuntjens E, Arckens L. Aging impairs the essential contributions of non-glial progenitors to neurorepair in the dorsal telencephalon of the Killifish Nothobranchius furzeri. Aging Cell 2021; 20:e13464. [PMID: 34428340 PMCID: PMC8441397 DOI: 10.1111/acel.13464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2021] [Revised: 07/30/2021] [Accepted: 08/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The aging central nervous system (CNS) of mammals displays progressive limited regenerative abilities. Recovery after loss of neurons is extremely restricted in the aged brain. Many research models fall short in recapitulating mammalian aging hallmarks or have an impractically long lifespan. We established a traumatic brain injury model in the African turquoise killifish (Nothobranchius furzeri), a regeneration‐competent vertebrate that evolved to naturally age extremely fast. Stab‐wound injury of the aged killifish dorsal telencephalon unveils an impaired and incomplete regeneration response when compared to young individuals. In the young adult killifish, brain regeneration is mainly supported by atypical non‐glial progenitors, yet their proliferation capacity clearly declines with age. We identified a high inflammatory response and glial scarring to also underlie the hampered generation of new neurons in aged fish. These primary results will pave the way to unravel the factor age in relation to neurorepair, and to improve therapeutic strategies to restore the injured and/or diseased aged mammalian CNS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jolien Van houcke
- Department of Biology Laboratory of Neuroplasticity and Neuroproteomics KU Leuven Leuven Belgium
| | - Valerie Mariën
- Department of Biology Laboratory of Neuroplasticity and Neuroproteomics KU Leuven Leuven Belgium
| | - Caroline Zandecki
- Department of Biology Laboratory of Neuroplasticity and Neuroproteomics KU Leuven Leuven Belgium
- Department of Biology Laboratory of Developmental Neurobiology KU Leuven Leuven Belgium
| | - Sophie Vanhunsel
- Department of Biology Laboratory of Neural Circuit Development and Regeneration KU Leuven Leuven Belgium
| | - Lieve Moons
- Department of Biology Laboratory of Neural Circuit Development and Regeneration KU Leuven Leuven Belgium
- KU Leuven Brain Institute Leuven Belgium
| | - Rajagopal Ayana
- Department of Biology Laboratory of Neuroplasticity and Neuroproteomics KU Leuven Leuven Belgium
- Department of Biology Laboratory of Developmental Neurobiology KU Leuven Leuven Belgium
| | - Eve Seuntjens
- Department of Biology Laboratory of Developmental Neurobiology KU Leuven Leuven Belgium
- KU Leuven Brain Institute Leuven Belgium
| | - Lutgarde Arckens
- Department of Biology Laboratory of Neuroplasticity and Neuroproteomics KU Leuven Leuven Belgium
- KU Leuven Brain Institute Leuven Belgium
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29
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Induced Neural Cells from Human Dental Pulp Ameliorate Functional Recovery in a Murine Model of Cerebral Infarction. Stem Cell Rev Rep 2021; 18:595-608. [PMID: 34453695 DOI: 10.1007/s12015-021-10223-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/19/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Human mesenchymal stem cells are a promising cell source for the treatment of stroke. Their primary mechanism of action occurs via neuroprotective effects by trophic factors, anti-inflammatory effects, and immunomodulation. However, the regeneration of damaged neuronal networks by cell transplantation remains challenging. We hypothesized that cells induced to neural lineages would fit the niche, replace the lesion, and be more effective in improving symptoms compared with stem cells themselves. We investigated the characteristics of induced neural cells from human dental pulp tissue and compared the transplantation effects between these induced neural cells and uninduced dental pulp stem cells. Induced neural cells or dental pulp stem cells were intracerebrally transplanted 5 days after cerebral infarction induced by permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion in immunodeficient mice. Effects on functional recovery were also assessed through behavior testing. We used immunohistochemistry and neuron tracing to analyze the differentiation, axonal extension, and connectivity of transplanted cells to the host's neural circuit. Transplantation of induced neural cells from human dental pulp ameliorated functional recovery after cerebral infarction compared with dental pulp stem cells. The induced neural cells comprised both neurons and glia and expressed functional voltage, and they were more related to neurogenesis in terms of transcriptomics. Induced neural cells had a higher viability than did dental pulp stem cells in hypoxic culture. We showed that induced neural cells from dental pulp tissue offer a novel therapeutic approach for recovery after cerebral infarction.
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30
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Götz M, Bocchi R. Neuronal replacement: Concepts, achievements, and call for caution. Curr Opin Neurobiol 2021; 69:185-192. [PMID: 33984604 PMCID: PMC8411662 DOI: 10.1016/j.conb.2021.03.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2021] [Revised: 03/21/2021] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Regenerative approaches have made such a great progress, now aiming toward replacing the exact neurons lost upon injury or neurodegeneration. Transplantation and direct reprogramming approaches benefit from identification of molecular programs for neuronal subtype specification, allowing engineering of more precise neuronal subtypes. Disentangling subtype diversity from dynamic transcriptional states presents a challenge now. Adequate identity and connectivity is a prerequisite to restore neuronal network function, which is achieved by transplanted neurons generating the correct output and input, depending on the location and injury condition. Direct neuronal reprogramming of local glial cells has also made great progress in achieving high efficiency of conversion, with adequate output connectivity now aiming toward the goal of replacing neurons in a noninvasive approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena Götz
- Physiological Genomics, Biomedical Center (BMC), Ludwig-Maximilians-Universitaet (LMU), Großhaderner Str. 9, 82152 Planegg/Martinsried, Germany; Helmholtz Center Munich, Biomedical Center (BMC), Institute of Stem Cell Research, Großhaderner Str. 9, 82152 Planegg/Martinsried, Germany; SyNergy Excellence Cluster, Munich, Germany.
| | - Riccardo Bocchi
- Physiological Genomics, Biomedical Center (BMC), Ludwig-Maximilians-Universitaet (LMU), Großhaderner Str. 9, 82152 Planegg/Martinsried, Germany; Helmholtz Center Munich, Biomedical Center (BMC), Institute of Stem Cell Research, Großhaderner Str. 9, 82152 Planegg/Martinsried, Germany.
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31
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Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases, characterized by progressive neural loss, have been some of the most challenging medical problems in aging societies. Treatment strategies such as symptom management have little impact on dis-ease progression, while intervention with specific disease mechanisms may only slow down disease progression. One therapeutic strategy that has the potential to reverse the disease phenotype is to replenish neurons and re-build the pathway lost to degeneration. Although it is generally believed that the central nervous system has lost the capability to regenerate, increasing evidence indicates that the brain is more plastic than previously thought, containing perhaps the biggest repertoire of cells with latent neurogenic programs in the body. This review focuses on key advances in generating new neurons through in situ neuronal reprogramming, which is tied to fun-damental questions regarding adult neurogenesis, cell source, and mecha-nisms for neuronal reprogramming, as well as the ability of new neurons to integrate into the existing circuitry. Expected final online publication date for the Annual Review of Genetics, Volume 55 is November 2021. Please see http://www.annualreviews.org/page/journal/pubdates for revised estimates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Qian
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093-0651, USA;
| | - Xiang-Dong Fu
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093-0651, USA;
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32
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Wang F, Cheng L, Zhang X. Reprogramming Glial Cells into Functional Neurons for Neuro-regeneration: Challenges and Promise. Neurosci Bull 2021; 37:1625-1636. [PMID: 34283396 DOI: 10.1007/s12264-021-00751-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2021] [Accepted: 04/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The capacity for neurogenesis in the adult mammalian brain is extremely limited and highly restricted to a few regions, which greatly hampers neuronal regeneration and functional restoration after neuronal loss caused by injury or disease. Meanwhile, transplantation of exogenous neuronal stem cells into the brain encounters several serious issues including immune rejection and the risk of tumorigenesis. Recent discoveries of direct reprogramming of endogenous glial cells into functional neurons have provided new opportunities for adult neuro-regeneration. Here, we extensively review the experimental findings of the direct conversion of glial cells to neurons in vitro and in vivo and discuss the remaining issues and challenges related to the glial subtypes and the specificity and efficiency of direct cell-reprograming, as well as the influence of the microenvironment. Although in situ glial cell reprogramming offers great potential for neuronal repair in the injured or diseased brain, it still needs a large amount of research to pave the way to therapeutic application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fengchao Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Learning, IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, China
| | - Leping Cheng
- Key Laboratory of Longevity and Aging-related Diseases of Chinese Ministry of Education, Guangxi-ASEAN Collaborative Innovation Center for Major Disease Prevention and Treatment, and Guangxi Key Laboratory of Regenerative Medicine, Center for Translational Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China. .,Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China. .,Guangxi Health Commission Key Laboratory of Basic Research on Brain Function and Disease, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China.
| | - Xiaohui Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Learning, IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, China.
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33
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Weng YC, Huang YT, Chiang IC, Tsai PJ, Su YW, Chou WH. Lipocalin-2 mediates the rejection of neural transplants. FASEB J 2021; 35:e21317. [PMID: 33421207 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202001018r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2020] [Revised: 11/19/2020] [Accepted: 12/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Lipocalin-2 (LCN2) has been implicated in promoting apoptosis and neuroinflammation in neurological disorders; however, its role in neural transplantation remains unknown. In this study, we cultured and differentiated Lund human mesencephalic (LUHMES) cells into human dopaminergic-like neurons and found that LCN2 mRNA was progressively induced in mouse brain after the intrastriatal transplantation of human dopaminergic-like neurons. The induction of LCN2 protein was detected in a subset of astrocytes and neutrophils infiltrating the core of the engrafted sites, but not in neurons and microglia. LCN2-immunoreactive astrocytes within the engrafted sites expressed lower levels of A1 and A2 astrocytic markers. Recruitment of microglia, neutrophils, and monocytes after transplantation was attenuated in LCN2 deficiency mice. The expression of M2 microglial markers was significantly elevated and survival of engrafted neurons was markedly improved after transplantation in LCN2 deficiency mice. Brain type organic cation transporter (BOCT), the cell surface receptor for LCN2, was induced in dopaminergic-like neurons after differentiation, and treatment with recombinant LCN2 protein directly induced apoptosis in dopaminergic-like neurons in a dose-dependent manner. Our results, therefore, suggested that LCN2 is a neurotoxic factor for the engrafted neurons and a modulator of neuroinflammation. LCN2 inhibition may be useful in reducing rejection after neural transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Chinn Weng
- Center for Neuropsychiatric Research, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Ting Huang
- Center for Neuropsychiatric Research, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli, Taiwan
| | - I-Chen Chiang
- Center for Neuropsychiatric Research, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli, Taiwan
| | - Pei-Ju Tsai
- Immunology Research Center, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Wen Su
- Immunology Research Center, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Hai Chou
- Center for Neuropsychiatric Research, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli, Taiwan
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34
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An inventory of basic research in temporal lobe epilepsy. Rev Neurol (Paris) 2021; 177:1069-1081. [PMID: 34176659 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurol.2021.02.390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2020] [Revised: 01/26/2021] [Accepted: 02/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Temporal lobe epilepsy is a severe neurological disease, characterized by seizure occurrence and invalidating cognitive co-morbidities, which affects up to 1% of the adults. Roughly one third of the patients are resistant to any conventional pharmacological treatments. The last option in that case is the surgical removal of the epileptic focus, with no guarantee for clinical symptom alleviation. This state of affairs requests the identification of cellular or molecular targets for novel therapeutic approaches with limited side effects. Here we review some generalities about the disease as well as some of the most recent discoveries about the cellular and molecular mechanisms of TLE, and the latest perspectives for novel treatments.
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35
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Extreme Glycemic Fluctuations Debilitate NRG1, ErbB Receptors and Olig1 Function: Association with Regeneration, Cognition and Mood Alterations During Diabetes. Mol Neurobiol 2021; 58:4727-4744. [PMID: 34165684 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-021-02455-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2021] [Accepted: 06/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Neuronal regeneration is crucial for maintaining intact neural interactions for perpetuation of cognitive and emotional functioning. The NRG1-ErbB receptor signaling is a key pathway for regeneration in adult brain and also associated with learning and mood stabilization by modulating synaptic transmission. Extreme glycemic stress is known to affect NRG1-ErbB-mediated regeneration in brain; yet, it remains unclear how the ErbB receptor subtypes are differentially affected due to such metabolic variations. Here, we assessed the alterations in NRG1, ErbB receptor subtypes to study the regenerative potential, both in rodents as well as in neuronal and glial cell models of hyperglycemia and hypoglycemic insults during hyperglycemia. The pro-oxidant and anti-oxidant status leading to degenerative changes in brain regions were determined. The spatial memory and anxiogenic behaviour of experimental rodents were tested using 'T' maze and Elevated Plus Maze. Our data revealed that the extreme glycemic discrepancies during diabetes and recurrent hypoglycemia lead to altered expression of NRG1, ErbB receptor subtypes, Syntaxin1 and Olig1 that shows association with impaired regeneration, synaptic dysfunction, demyelination, cognitive deficits and anxiety.
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36
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Carvalho IC, Mansur HS, Leonel AG, Mansur AAP, Lobato ZIP. Soft matter polysaccharide-based hydrogels as versatile bioengineered platforms for brain tissue repair and regeneration. Int J Biol Macromol 2021; 182:1091-1111. [PMID: 33892028 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2021.04.116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2021] [Revised: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 04/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Acute or chronic brain injuries promote deaths and the life-long debilitating neurological status where, despite advances in therapeutic strategies, clinical outcome hardly achieves total patient recovery. In recent decades, brain tissue engineering emerged as an encouraging area of research for helping in damaged central nervous system (CNS) recovery. Polysaccharides are abundant naturally occurring biomacromolecules with a great potential enhancement of advanced technologies in brain tissue repair and regeneration (BTRR). Besides carrying rich biological information, polysaccharides can interact and communicate with biomolecules, including glycosaminoglycans present in cell membranes and many signaling moieties, growth factors, chemokines, and axon guidance molecules. This review includes a comprehensive investigation of the current progress on designing and developing polysaccharide-based soft matter biomaterials for BTRR. Although few interesting reviews concerning BTRR have been reported, this is the first report specifically focusing on covering multiple polysaccharides and polysaccharide-based functionalized biomacromolecules in this emerging and intriguing field of multidisciplinary knowledge. This review aims to cover the state of art challenges and prospects of this fascinating field while presenting the richness of possibilities of using these natural biomacromolecules for advanced biomaterials in prospective neural tissue engineering applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isadora C Carvalho
- Center of Nanoscience, Nanotechnology and Innovation - CeNano(2)I, Department of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, Federal University of Minas Gerais - UFMG, Av. Antônio Carlos, 6627 Belo Horizonte/M.G., Brazil
| | - Herman S Mansur
- Center of Nanoscience, Nanotechnology and Innovation - CeNano(2)I, Department of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, Federal University of Minas Gerais - UFMG, Av. Antônio Carlos, 6627 Belo Horizonte/M.G., Brazil.
| | - Alice G Leonel
- Center of Nanoscience, Nanotechnology and Innovation - CeNano(2)I, Department of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, Federal University of Minas Gerais - UFMG, Av. Antônio Carlos, 6627 Belo Horizonte/M.G., Brazil
| | - Alexandra A P Mansur
- Center of Nanoscience, Nanotechnology and Innovation - CeNano(2)I, Department of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, Federal University of Minas Gerais - UFMG, Av. Antônio Carlos, 6627 Belo Horizonte/M.G., Brazil
| | - Zelia I P Lobato
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Veterinary School, Federal University of Minas Gerais - UFMG, Brazil
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37
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Palma-Tortosa S, Coll-San Martin B, Kokaia Z, Tornero D. Neuronal Replacement in Stem Cell Therapy for Stroke: Filling the Gap. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:662636. [PMID: 33889578 PMCID: PMC8056014 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.662636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Stem cell therapy using human skin-derived neural precursors holds much promise for the treatment of stroke patients. Two main mechanisms have been proposed to give rise to the improved recovery in animal models of stroke after transplantation of these cells. First, the so called by-stander effect, which could modulate the environment during early phases after brain tissue damage, resulting in moderate improvements in the outcome of the insult. Second, the neuronal replacement and functional integration of grafted cells into the impaired brain circuitry, which will result in optimum long-term structural and functional repair. Recently developed sophisticated research tools like optogenetic control of neuronal activity and rabies virus monosynaptic tracing, among others, have made it possible to provide solid evidence about the functional integration of grafted cells and its contribution to improved recovery in animal models of brain damage. Moreover, previous clinical trials in patients with Parkinson’s Disease represent a proof of principle that stem cell-based neuronal replacement could work in humans. Our studies with in vivo and ex vivo transplantation of human skin-derived cells neurons in animal model of stroke and organotypic cultures of adult human cortex, respectively, also support the hypothesis that human somatic cells reprogrammed into neurons can get integrated in the human lesioned neuronal circuitry. In the present short review, we summarized our data and recent studies from other groups supporting the above hypothesis and opening new avenues for development of the future clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Palma-Tortosa
- Laboratory of Stem Cells and Restorative Neurology, Lund Stem Cell Center, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Berta Coll-San Martin
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Neuroscience and Production and Validation Center of Advanced Therapies (Creatio), University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,August Pi I Sunyer Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Zaal Kokaia
- Laboratory of Stem Cells and Restorative Neurology, Lund Stem Cell Center, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Daniel Tornero
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Neuroscience and Production and Validation Center of Advanced Therapies (Creatio), University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,August Pi I Sunyer Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
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38
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Van Houcke J, Mariën V, Zandecki C, Seuntjens E, Ayana R, Arckens L. Modeling Neuroregeneration and Neurorepair in an Aging Context: The Power of a Teleost Model. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:619197. [PMID: 33816468 PMCID: PMC8012675 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.619197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2020] [Accepted: 02/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Aging increases the risk for neurodegenerative disease and brain trauma, both leading to irreversible and multifaceted deficits that impose a clear societal and economic burden onto the growing world population. Despite tremendous research efforts, there are still no treatments available that can fully restore brain function, which would imply neuroregeneration. In the adult mammalian brain, neuroregeneration is naturally limited, even more so in an aging context. In view of the significant influence of aging on (late-onset) neurological disease, it is a critical factor in future research. This review discusses the use of a non-standard gerontology model, the teleost brain, for studying the impact of aging on neurorepair. Teleost fish share a vertebrate physiology with mammals, including mammalian-like aging, but in contrast to mammals have a high capacity for regeneration. Moreover, access to large mutagenesis screens empowers these teleost species to fill the gap between established invertebrate and rodent models. As such, we here highlight opportunities to decode the factor age in relation to neurorepair, and we propose the use of teleost fish, and in particular killifish, to fuel new research in the neuro-gerontology field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jolien Van Houcke
- Laboratory of Neuroplasticity and Neuroproteomics, Department of Biology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Valerie Mariën
- Laboratory of Neuroplasticity and Neuroproteomics, Department of Biology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Caroline Zandecki
- Laboratory of Neuroplasticity and Neuroproteomics, Department of Biology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Laboratory of Developmental Neurobiology, Department of Biology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Eve Seuntjens
- Laboratory of Developmental Neurobiology, Department of Biology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Leuven Brain Institute, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Rajagopal Ayana
- Laboratory of Neuroplasticity and Neuroproteomics, Department of Biology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Laboratory of Developmental Neurobiology, Department of Biology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Lutgarde Arckens
- Laboratory of Neuroplasticity and Neuroproteomics, Department of Biology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Leuven Brain Institute, Leuven, Belgium
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39
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Liu F, Zhang Y, Chen F, Yuan J, Li S, Han S, Lu D, Geng J, Rao Z, Sun L, Xu J, Shi Y, Wang X, Liu Y. Neurog2 directly converts astrocytes into functional neurons in midbrain and spinal cord. Cell Death Dis 2021; 12:225. [PMID: 33649354 PMCID: PMC7921562 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-021-03498-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2020] [Revised: 01/03/2021] [Accepted: 01/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Conversion of astrocytes into neurons in vivo offers an alternative therapeutic approach for neuronal loss after injury or disease. However, not only the efficiency of the conversion of astrocytes into functional neurons by single Neurog2, but also the conundrum that whether Neurog2-induced neuronal cells (Neurog2-iNs) are further functionally integrated into existing matured neural circuits remains unknown. Here, we adopted the AAV(2/8) delivery system to overexpress single factor Neurog2 into astrocytes and found that the majority of astrocytes were successfully converted into neuronal cells in multiple brain regions, including the midbrain and spinal cord. In the midbrain, Neurog2-induced neuronal cells (Neurog2-iNs) exhibit neuronal morphology, mature electrophysiological properties, glutamatergic identity (about 60%), and synapse-like configuration local circuits. In the spinal cord, astrocytes from both the intact and lesioned sources could be converted into functional neurons with ectopic expression of Neurog2 alone. Notably, further evidence from our study also proves that Neurog2-iNs in the intact spinal cord are capable of responding to diverse afferent inputs from dorsal root ganglion (DRG). Together, this study does not merely demonstrate the feasibility of Neurog2 for efficient in vivo reprogramming, it gives an indication for the Neurog2-iNs as a functional and potential factor in cell-replacement therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei Liu
- Anhui Clinical and Preclinical Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease; Molecular Diagnosis Center, Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui, 233000, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Yijie Zhang
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Fuliang Chen
- Department of Immunology, School of Laboratory Medicine, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Immunology in Chronic Diseases, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui, 233030, China
| | - Jiacheng Yuan
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Sanlan Li
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Sue Han
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Dengyu Lu
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Junlan Geng
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Zhiping Rao
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Li Sun
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, 233004, China
| | - Jianhua Xu
- Department of Neurology, Jiading District Central Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Medicine & Health Sciences, Shanghai, 201800, China
| | - Yuhan Shi
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China.
| | - Xiaojing Wang
- Anhui Clinical and Preclinical Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease; Molecular Diagnosis Center, Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui, 233000, China.
| | - Yueguang Liu
- Department of Neurology, Jiading District Central Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Medicine & Health Sciences, Shanghai, 201800, China.
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Mash-1 modified neural stem cells transplantation promotes neural stem cells differentiation into neurons to further improve locomotor functional recovery in spinal cord injury rats. Gene 2021; 781:145528. [PMID: 33631250 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2021.145528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2020] [Revised: 12/28/2020] [Accepted: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Spinal cord injury (SCI) leads to severe motor and sensory dysfunctions. Neural stem cells (NSCs) transplantation therapy plays a positive role in functional recovery after SCI, but the effectiveness of this therapy is limited by inadequate differentiation ability of transplanted NSCs. Mammalian achaete-scute homologue-1 (Mash-1) has been reported to improve differentiation of NSCs. Thus, this study modified NSCs with Mash-1 to repair SCI. METHODS NSCs isolated from rat embryo hippocampus were cultured and identified in vitro and further transfected with the lentiviral vectors (Lv-Mash-1). After establishing a SCI rat model, the rats were transplanted with Mash-1 modified NSCs, the histopathological changes of rat spinal cord were detected by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, and the locomotor activity of rats was evaluated with the Basso, Beattie and Bresnahan (BBB) scale. The NSCs cultured in vitro or extracted from SCI rat spinal cord were identified by immunofluorescence (IF). Mash-1, β3-Tubulin, and NeuN expressions in those cells were determined by Western blotting and reverse transcription‑quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT‑qPCR). RESULTS NSCs isolated from rat embryo hippocampus were Nestin- and NeuN-positive. NSC transplantation modified by Mash-1 increased BBB score of SCI rats and promoted recovery in lesion site of SCI rats. Mash-1 overexpression also promoted β3-Tubulin and NeuN expressions in NSCs cultured in vitro or extracted from spinal cord of SCI rats. CONCLUSION Mash-1 overexpression promoted NSC differentiation into neurons, and further improved locomotor functional recovery of SCI rats.
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Olivos-Cisneros L, Ramírez-Santos J, Gutiérrez-Ospina G. Proliferation rate and differentiation potential are independent during the transition from neurogenesis to gliogenesis in the mouse embryonic spinal cord. IBRO Neurosci Rep 2021; 10:75-82. [PMID: 33842913 PMCID: PMC8019975 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibneur.2020.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2019] [Accepted: 11/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Neural stem cells (NSC) restrict their differentiation potential as the central nervous system develops. Experimental evidence suggests that the mechanisms governing the transition from the neurogenic to the gliogenic phase irreversibly affect the ability of NSC to generate neurons. Cell cycle regulation has been associated with cell fate in different models. In this work, we assessed the temporal correlation between the loss of the neurogenic potential and cell cycle lengthening of NSC obtained from embryonic mouse spinal cords, during the transition of the neurogenic to the gliogenic phase, using neurospheres. We also used the cell cycle inhibitor Olomoucine to increase cell cycle length by decreasing the proliferation rate. Our results show that neurospheres obtained from a neurogenic stage give rise mostly to neurons, whereas those obtained from later stages produce preferentially glial cells. During the transition from neurogenesis to gliogenesis, the proliferation rate dropped, and the cell cycle length increased 1.5 folds, as monitored by DNA BrdU incorporation. Interestingly, Olomoucine-treated neurogenic-neurospheres display a reduced proliferation rate and preserve their neurogenic potential. Our results suggest that the mechanisms that restrict the differentiation potential of NSC are independent of the proliferation control. Neurosphere cultured, spinal cord NSC preserve their differentiation potential. Neurogenic NSC divide faster than those giving rise to glial cells. Cell cycle inhibitors increase in NSC transitioning from the neurogenic to the gliogenic phase. Artificial cell cycle lengthening does not affect the differentiation potential of neurogenic NSC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonora Olivos-Cisneros
- Programa de Doctorado en Ciencias Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, 04510, Mexico
- Laboratorio de Biología de Sistemas, Departamento de Biología Celular y Fisiología, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, 04510, Mexico
- Corresponding author at: Programa de Doctorado en Ciencias Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, 04510, Mexico.
| | - Jesús Ramírez-Santos
- Laboratorio de Biología de Sistemas, Departamento de Biología Celular y Fisiología, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, 04510, Mexico
| | - Gabriel Gutiérrez-Ospina
- Laboratorio de Biología de Sistemas, Departamento de Biología Celular y Fisiología, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, 04510, Mexico
- Corresponding author.
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Sharif N, Calzolari F, Berninger B. Direct In Vitro Reprogramming of Astrocytes into Induced Neurons. Methods Mol Biol 2021; 2352:13-29. [PMID: 34324177 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-1601-7_2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Spontaneous neuronal replacement is almost absent in the postnatal mammalian nervous system. However, several studies have shown that both early postnatal and adult astroglia can be reprogrammed in vitro or in vivo by forced expression of proneural transcription factors, such as Neurogenin-2 or Achaete-scute homolog 1 (Ascl1), to acquire a neuronal fate. The reprogramming process stably induces properties such as distinctly neuronal morphology, expression of neuron-specific proteins, and the gain of mature neuronal functional features. Direct conversion of astroglia into neurons thus possesses potential as a basis for cell-based strategies against neurological diseases. In this chapter, we describe a well-established protocol used for direct reprogramming of postnatal cortical astrocytes into functional neurons in vitro and discuss available tools and approaches to dissect molecular and cell biological mechanisms underlying the reprogramming process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nesrin Sharif
- Institute of Physiological Chemistry, University Medical Center Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
- International PhD Programme on Gene Regulation, Epigenetics and Genome Stability, Mainz, Germany
| | - Filippo Calzolari
- Institute of Physiological Chemistry, University Medical Center Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Benedikt Berninger
- Institute of Physiological Chemistry, University Medical Center Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany.
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, Centre for Developmental Neurobiology, King's College London, London, UK.
- MRC Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, King's College London, London, UK.
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Russo GL, Sonsalla G, Natarajan P, Breunig CT, Bulli G, Merl-Pham J, Schmitt S, Giehrl-Schwab J, Giesert F, Jastroch M, Zischka H, Wurst W, Stricker SH, Hauck SM, Masserdotti G, Götz M. CRISPR-Mediated Induction of Neuron-Enriched Mitochondrial Proteins Boosts Direct Glia-to-Neuron Conversion. Cell Stem Cell 2020; 28:524-534.e7. [PMID: 33202244 PMCID: PMC7939544 DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2020.10.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2019] [Revised: 08/11/2020] [Accepted: 08/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Astrocyte-to-neuron conversion is a promising avenue for neuronal replacement therapy. Neurons are particularly dependent on mitochondrial function, but how well mitochondria adapt to the new fate is unknown. Here, we determined the comprehensive mitochondrial proteome of cortical astrocytes and neurons, identifying about 150 significantly enriched mitochondrial proteins for each cell type, including transporters, metabolic enzymes, and cell-type-specific antioxidants. Monitoring their transition during reprogramming revealed late and only partial adaptation to the neuronal identity. Early dCas9-mediated activation of genes encoding mitochondrial proteins significantly improved conversion efficiency, particularly for neuron-enriched but not astrocyte-enriched antioxidant proteins. For example, Sod1 not only improves the survival of the converted neurons but also elicits a faster conversion pace, indicating that mitochondrial proteins act as enablers and drivers in this process. Transcriptional engineering of mitochondrial proteins with other functions improved reprogramming as well, demonstrating a broader role of mitochondrial proteins during fate conversion. Mitochondrial proteomes of cortical astrocytes and neurons are distinct Astrocyte-enriched mitochondrial proteins are downregulated late in neuronal conversion Neuron-enriched mitochondrial proteins are upregulated late in neuronal conversion Early induction of neuronal mitochondrial proteins improves neuronal reprogramming
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Affiliation(s)
- Gianluca L Russo
- Physiological Genomics, Biomedical Center (BMC), Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität (LMU), Planegg-Martinsried, Germany; Institute for Stem Cell Research, Helmholtz Center Munich, BMC LMU, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany; Graduate School of Systemic Neurosciences, BMC, LMU, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Giovanna Sonsalla
- Physiological Genomics, Biomedical Center (BMC), Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität (LMU), Planegg-Martinsried, Germany; Institute for Stem Cell Research, Helmholtz Center Munich, BMC LMU, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany; Graduate School of Systemic Neurosciences, BMC, LMU, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Poornemaa Natarajan
- Physiological Genomics, Biomedical Center (BMC), Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität (LMU), Planegg-Martinsried, Germany; Institute for Stem Cell Research, Helmholtz Center Munich, BMC LMU, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany; Graduate School of Systemic Neurosciences, BMC, LMU, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Christopher T Breunig
- MCN Junior Research Group, Munich Center for Neurosciences, BMC, LMU, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany; Epigenetic Engineering, Institute of Stem Cell Research, Helmholtz Zentrum, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Giorgia Bulli
- Physiological Genomics, Biomedical Center (BMC), Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität (LMU), Planegg-Martinsried, Germany; Institute for Stem Cell Research, Helmholtz Center Munich, BMC LMU, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Juliane Merl-Pham
- Research Unit Protein Science, Helmholtz Center Munich, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Sabine Schmitt
- Institute of Toxicology and Environmental Hygiene, School of Medicine, Technical University Munich (TUM), Munich, Germany
| | | | - Florian Giesert
- Institute of Developmental Genetics, Helmholtz Center Munich, Neuherberg, Germany; Developmental Genetics, TUM, Munich-Weihenstephan, Germany
| | - Martin Jastroch
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The Wenner-Gren Institute, The Arrhenius Laboratories F3, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Hans Zischka
- Institute of Toxicology and Environmental Hygiene, School of Medicine, Technical University Munich (TUM), Munich, Germany; Institute of Molecular Toxicology and Pharmacology, Helmholtz Center Munich, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Wurst
- Institute of Developmental Genetics, Helmholtz Center Munich, Neuherberg, Germany; Developmental Genetics, TUM, Munich-Weihenstephan, Germany; German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) Site Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Stefan H Stricker
- MCN Junior Research Group, Munich Center for Neurosciences, BMC, LMU, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany; Epigenetic Engineering, Institute of Stem Cell Research, Helmholtz Zentrum, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Stefanie M Hauck
- Research Unit Protein Science, Helmholtz Center Munich, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Giacomo Masserdotti
- Physiological Genomics, Biomedical Center (BMC), Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität (LMU), Planegg-Martinsried, Germany; Institute for Stem Cell Research, Helmholtz Center Munich, BMC LMU, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Magdalena Götz
- Physiological Genomics, Biomedical Center (BMC), Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität (LMU), Planegg-Martinsried, Germany; Institute for Stem Cell Research, Helmholtz Center Munich, BMC LMU, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany; Excellence Cluster of Systems Neurology (SYNERGY), Munich, Germany.
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44
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Stricker SH, Götz M. Epigenetic regulation of neural lineage elaboration: Implications for therapeutic reprogramming. Neurobiol Dis 2020; 148:105174. [PMID: 33171228 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2020.105174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2020] [Revised: 10/19/2020] [Accepted: 11/06/2020] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
The vulnerability of the mammalian brain is mainly due to its limited ability to generate new neurons once fully matured. Direct conversion of non-neuronal cells to neurons opens up a new avenue for therapeutic intervention and has made great strides also for in vivo applications in the injured brain. These great achievements raise the issue of adequate identity and chromatin hallmarks of the induced neurons. This may be particularly important, as aberrant epigenetic settings may reveal their adverse effects only in certain brain activity states. Therefore, we review here the knowledge about epigenetic memory and partially resetting of chromatin hallmarks from other reprogramming fields, before moving to the knowledge in direct neuronal reprogramming, which is still limited. Most importantly, novel tools are available now to manipulate specific epigenetic marks at specific sites of the genome. Applying these will eventually allow erasing aberrant epigenetic memory and paving the way towards new therapeutic approaches for brain repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan H Stricker
- Institute for Stem Cell Research, Helmholtz Zentrum Muenchen, German Research Center for Environmental Health, 82152 Planegg, Germany; Physiological Genomics, Biomedical Center (BMC), Ludwig-Maximilians Universitaet Muenchen, 82152 Planegg, Munich, Germany; MCN Junior Research Group, Munich Center for Neurosciences, Ludwig-Maximilian-Universität, BioMedical Center, Grosshaderner Strasse 9, Planegg-Martinsried 82152, Germany.
| | - Magdalena Götz
- Institute for Stem Cell Research, Helmholtz Zentrum Muenchen, German Research Center for Environmental Health, 82152 Planegg, Germany; Physiological Genomics, Biomedical Center (BMC), Ludwig-Maximilians Universitaet Muenchen, 82152 Planegg, Munich, Germany; SYNERGY, Excellence Cluster of Systems Neurology, BioMedical Center (BMC), Ludwig-Maximilians-Universitaet Muenchen, 82152 Planegg, Munich, Germany.
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45
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Han F, Lu P. Introduction for Stem Cell-Based Therapy for Neurodegenerative Diseases. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2020; 1266:1-8. [PMID: 33105491 DOI: 10.1007/978-981-15-4370-8_1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) are a group of neurological diseases caused by the progressive degeneration of neurons and glial cells in the brain and spinal cords. Usually there is a selective loss of specific neuronal cells in a restricted brain area from any neurodegenerative diseases, such as dopamine (DA) neuron death in Parkinson disease (PD) and motor neuron loss in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), or a widespread degeneration affecting many types of neurons in Alzheimer's disease (AD). As there is no effective treatment to stop the progression of these neurodegenerative diseases, stem cell-based therapies have provided great potentials for these disorders. Currently transplantation of different stem cells or their derivatives has improved neural function in animal models of neurodegenerative diseases by replacing the lost neural cells, releasing cytokines, modulation of inflammation, and mediating remyelination. With the advance in somatic cell reprogramming to generate induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS cells) and directly induced neural stem cells or neurons, pluripotent stem cell can be induced to differentiate to any kind of neural cells and overcome the immune rejection of the allogeneic transplantation. Recent studies have proved the effectiveness of transplanted stem cells in animal studies and some clinical trials on patients with NDs. However, some significant hurdles need to be resolved before these preclinical results can be translated to clinic. In particular, we need to better understand the molecular mechanisms of stem cell transplantation and develop new approaches to increase the directed neural differentiation, migration, survival, and functional connections of transplanted stem cells in the pathological environment of the patient's central nerve system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabin Han
- The Institute for Translational Medicine, Shandong University/Affiliated Second Hospital, Jinan, Shandong, China. .,The Institute for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Liaocheng University/Liaocheng People's Hospital, Liaocheng, Shandong, China.
| | - Paul Lu
- Veterans Administration San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA, USA.,Department of Neurosciences, University of California - San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
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46
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Bocchi R, Götz M. Neuronal Reprogramming for Brain Repair: Challenges and Perspectives. Trends Mol Med 2020; 26:890-892. [PMID: 32943322 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2020.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2020] [Accepted: 08/24/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Brain injuries and neurodegenerative diseases elicit neuronal loss that persists because the adult mammalian brain lacks robust regenerative abilities. Direct reprogramming of local glial cells into neurons is a promising strategy for neuronal replacement in vivo. We discuss recent advances and future challenges in this approach to brain repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riccardo Bocchi
- Physiological Genomics, Biomedical Center (BMC), Ludwig-Maximilians-Universitaet (LMU), Großhaderner Strasse 9, 82152 Planegg/Martinsried, Germany; Helmholtz Center Munich, Biomedical Center (BMC), Institute of Stem Cell Research, Großhaderner Strasse 9, 82152 Planegg/Martinsried, Germany.
| | - Magdalena Götz
- Physiological Genomics, Biomedical Center (BMC), Ludwig-Maximilians-Universitaet (LMU), Großhaderner Strasse 9, 82152 Planegg/Martinsried, Germany; Helmholtz Center Munich, Biomedical Center (BMC), Institute of Stem Cell Research, Großhaderner Strasse 9, 82152 Planegg/Martinsried, Germany; SyNergy Excellence Cluster, Munich, Germany.
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47
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Axonal Extensions along Corticospinal Tracts from Transplanted Human Cerebral Organoids. Stem Cell Reports 2020; 15:467-481. [PMID: 32679062 PMCID: PMC7419717 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2020.06.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2019] [Revised: 06/16/2020] [Accepted: 06/18/2020] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The reconstruction of lost neural circuits by cell replacement is a possible treatment for neurological deficits after cerebral cortex injury. Cerebral organoids can be a novel source for cell transplantation, but because the cellular composition of the organoids changes along the time course of the development, it remains unclear which developmental stage of the organoids is most suitable for reconstructing the corticospinal tract. Here, we transplanted human embryonic stem cell-derived cerebral organoids at 6 or 10 weeks after differentiation (6w- or 10w-organoids) into mouse cerebral cortices. 6w-organoids extended more axons along the corticospinal tract but caused graft overgrowth with a higher percentage of proliferative cells. Axonal extensions from 10w-organoids were smaller in number but were enhanced when the organoids were grafted 1 week after brain injury. Finally, 10w-organoids extended axons in cynomolgus monkey brains. These results contribute to the development of a cell-replacement therapy for brain injury and stroke.
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48
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Breunig CT, Köferle A, Neuner AM, Wiesbeck MF, Baumann V, Stricker SH. CRISPR Tools for Physiology and Cell State Changes: Potential of Transcriptional Engineering and Epigenome Editing. Physiol Rev 2020; 101:177-211. [PMID: 32525760 DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00034.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Given the large amount of genome-wide data that have been collected during the last decades, a good understanding of how and why cells change during development, homeostasis, and disease might be expected. Unfortunately, the opposite is true; triggers that cause cellular state changes remain elusive, and the underlying molecular mechanisms are poorly understood. Although genes with the potential to influence cell states are known, the historic dependency on methods that manipulate gene expression outside the endogenous chromatin context has prevented us from understanding how cells organize, interpret, and protect cellular programs. Fortunately, recent methodological innovations are now providing options to answer these outstanding questions, by allowing to target and manipulate individual genomic and epigenomic loci. In particular, three experimental approaches are now feasible due to DNA targeting tools, namely, activation and/or repression of master transcription factors in their endogenous chromatin context; targeting transcription factors to endogenous, alternative, or inaccessible sites; and finally, functional manipulation of the chromatin context. In this article, we discuss the molecular basis of DNA targeting tools and review the potential of these new technologies before we summarize how these have already been used for the manipulation of cellular states and hypothesize about future applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher T Breunig
- MCN Junior Research Group, Munich Center for Neurosciences, Ludwig-Maximilian- Universität, BioMedical Center, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany; and Epigenetic Engineering, Institute of Stem Cell Research, Helmholtz Zentrum, German Research Center for Environmental Health, BioMedical Center, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Anna Köferle
- MCN Junior Research Group, Munich Center for Neurosciences, Ludwig-Maximilian- Universität, BioMedical Center, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany; and Epigenetic Engineering, Institute of Stem Cell Research, Helmholtz Zentrum, German Research Center for Environmental Health, BioMedical Center, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Andrea M Neuner
- MCN Junior Research Group, Munich Center for Neurosciences, Ludwig-Maximilian- Universität, BioMedical Center, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany; and Epigenetic Engineering, Institute of Stem Cell Research, Helmholtz Zentrum, German Research Center for Environmental Health, BioMedical Center, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Maximilian F Wiesbeck
- MCN Junior Research Group, Munich Center for Neurosciences, Ludwig-Maximilian- Universität, BioMedical Center, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany; and Epigenetic Engineering, Institute of Stem Cell Research, Helmholtz Zentrum, German Research Center for Environmental Health, BioMedical Center, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Valentin Baumann
- MCN Junior Research Group, Munich Center for Neurosciences, Ludwig-Maximilian- Universität, BioMedical Center, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany; and Epigenetic Engineering, Institute of Stem Cell Research, Helmholtz Zentrum, German Research Center for Environmental Health, BioMedical Center, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Stefan H Stricker
- MCN Junior Research Group, Munich Center for Neurosciences, Ludwig-Maximilian- Universität, BioMedical Center, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany; and Epigenetic Engineering, Institute of Stem Cell Research, Helmholtz Zentrum, German Research Center for Environmental Health, BioMedical Center, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
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49
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Manzati M, Sorbo T, Giugliano M, Ballerini L. Foetal neural progenitors contribute to postnatal circuits formation ex vivo: an electrophysiological investigation. Mol Brain 2020; 13:78. [PMID: 32430072 PMCID: PMC7236481 DOI: 10.1186/s13041-020-00619-z] [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: 03/24/2020] [Accepted: 05/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuronal progenitor cells (NPC) play an essential role in homeostasis of the central nervous system (CNS). Considering their ability to differentiate into specific lineages, their manipulation and control could have a major therapeutic impact for those CNS injuries or degenerative diseases characterized by neuronal cell loss. In this work, we established an in vitro co-culture and tested the ability of foetal NPC (fNPC) to integrate among post-mitotic hippocampal neurons and contribute to the electrical activity of the resulting networks. We performed extracellular electrophysiological recordings of the activity of neuronal networks and compared the properties of spontaneous spiking in hippocampal control cultures (HCC), fNPC, and mixed circuitries ex vivo. We further employed patch-clamp intracellular recordings to examine single-cell excitability. We report of the capability of fNPC to mature when combined to hippocampal neurons, shaping the profile of network activity, a result suggestive of newly formed connectivity ex vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Manzati
- Neuron Physiology and Technology Lab, International School for Advanced Studies (SISSA), Neuroscience, Via Bonomea 265, I-34136, Trieste, Italy.,Neuronal Dynamics Lab, International School for Advanced Studies (SISSA), Neuroscience, Via Bonomea 265, I-34136, Trieste, Italy
| | - Teresa Sorbo
- Neuron Physiology and Technology Lab, International School for Advanced Studies (SISSA), Neuroscience, Via Bonomea 265, I-34136, Trieste, Italy
| | - Michele Giugliano
- Neuronal Dynamics Lab, International School for Advanced Studies (SISSA), Neuroscience, Via Bonomea 265, I-34136, Trieste, Italy. .,Department of Biomedical Sciences and Institute Born-Bunge, Universiteit Antwerpen, B-2610, Wilrijk, Belgium.
| | - Laura Ballerini
- Neuron Physiology and Technology Lab, International School for Advanced Studies (SISSA), Neuroscience, Via Bonomea 265, I-34136, Trieste, Italy.
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Karakaş N, Bay S, Türkel N, Öztunç N, Öncül M, Bilgen H, Shah K, Şahin F, Öztürk G. Neurons from human mesenchymal stem cells display both spontaneous and stimuli responsive activity. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0228510. [PMID: 32407317 PMCID: PMC7224507 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0228510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2019] [Accepted: 04/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Mesenchymal stem cells have the ability to transdifferentiate into neurons and therefore one of the potential adult stem cell source for neuronal tissue regeneration applications and understanding neurodevelopmental processes. In many studies on human mesenchymal stem cell (hMSC) derived neurons, success in neuronal differentiation was limited to neuronal protein expressions which is not statisfactory in terms of neuronal activity. Established neuronal networks seen in culture have to be investigated in terms of synaptic signal transmission ability to develop a culture model for human neurons and further studying the mechanism of neuronal differentiation and neurological pathologies. Accordingly, in this study, we analysed the functionality of bone marrow hMSCs differentiated into neurons by a single step cytokine-based induction protocol. Neurons from both primary hMSCs and hMSC cell line displayed spontaneous activity (≥75%) as demonstrated by Ca++ imaging. Furthermore, when electrically stimulated, hMSC derived neurons (hMd-Neurons) matched the response of a typical neuron in the process of maturation. Our results reveal that a combination of neuronal inducers enhance differentiation capacity of bone marrow hMSCs into high yielding functional neurons with spontaneous activity and mature into electrophysiologically active state. Conceptually, we suggest these functional hMd-Neurons to be used as a tool for disease modelling of neuropathologies and neuronal differentiation studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nihal Karakaş
- Medical Biology Department, School of Medicine, İstanbul Medipol University, İstanbul, Turkey
- Regenerative and Restorative Medicine Research Center (REMER), Research Institute for Health Sciences and Technologies (SABITA), İstanbul Medipol University, İstanbul, Turkey
- * E-mail:
| | - Sadık Bay
- Regenerative and Restorative Medicine Research Center (REMER), Research Institute for Health Sciences and Technologies (SABITA), İstanbul Medipol University, İstanbul, Turkey
| | - Nezaket Türkel
- Genetics and Bioengineering Department, Faculty of Engineering, Yeditepe University, İstanbul, Turkey
| | - Nurşah Öztunç
- Regenerative and Restorative Medicine Research Center (REMER), Research Institute for Health Sciences and Technologies (SABITA), İstanbul Medipol University, İstanbul, Turkey
- Medical Biology and Genetics Program, Graduate School of Health Sciences, İstanbul Medipol University, İstanbul, Turkey
| | - Merve Öncül
- Regenerative and Restorative Medicine Research Center (REMER), Research Institute for Health Sciences and Technologies (SABITA), İstanbul Medipol University, İstanbul, Turkey
| | - Hülya Bilgen
- Center for Bone Marrow Transplantation, İstanbul Medipol University Hospital, İstanbul, Turkey
| | - Khalid Shah
- Center for Stem Cell Therapeutics and Imaging, Brigham and Woman’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Fikrettin Şahin
- Genetics and Bioengineering Department, Faculty of Engineering, Yeditepe University, İstanbul, Turkey
| | - Gürkan Öztürk
- Regenerative and Restorative Medicine Research Center (REMER), Research Institute for Health Sciences and Technologies (SABITA), İstanbul Medipol University, İstanbul, Turkey
- Physiology Department, International School of Medicine, İstanbul Medipol University, İstanbul, Turkey
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