1
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Tian C, Cai H, Ao Z, Gu L, Li X, Niu VC, Bondesson M, Gu M, Mackie K, Guo F. Engineering human midbrain organoid microphysiological systems to model prenatal PFOS exposure. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 947:174478. [PMID: 38964381 PMCID: PMC11404128 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.174478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2024] [Revised: 06/30/2024] [Accepted: 07/01/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024]
Abstract
Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), a class of synthetic chemicals detected in various environmental compartments, has been associated with dysfunctions of the human central nervous system (CNS). However, the underlying neurotoxicology of PFOS exposure is largely understudied due to the lack of relevant human models. Here, we report bioengineered human midbrain organoid microphysiological systems (hMO-MPSs) to recapitulate the response of a fetal human brain to multiple concurrent PFOS exposure conditions. Each hMO-MPS consists of an hMO on a fully 3D printed holder device with a perfusable organoid adhesion layer for enhancing air-liquid interface culturing. Leveraging the unique, simply-fabricated holder devices, hMO-MPSs are scalable, easy to use, and compatible with conventional well-plates, and allow easy transfer onto a multiple-electrode array (MEA) system for plug-and-play measurement of neural activity. Interestingly, the neural activity of hMO-MPSs initially increased and subsequently decreased by exposure to a concentration range of 0, 30, 100, to 300 μM of PFOS. Furthermore, PFOS exposure impaired neural development and promoted neuroinflammation in the engineered hMO-MPSs. Along with PFOS, our platform is broadly applicable for studies toxicology of various other environmental pollutants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunhui Tian
- Department of Intelligent Systems Engineering, Indiana University Bloomington, IN 47405, United States
| | - Hongwei Cai
- Department of Intelligent Systems Engineering, Indiana University Bloomington, IN 47405, United States
| | - Zheng Ao
- Department of Intelligent Systems Engineering, Indiana University Bloomington, IN 47405, United States
| | - Longjun Gu
- Department of Intelligent Systems Engineering, Indiana University Bloomington, IN 47405, United States
| | - Xiang Li
- Department of Intelligent Systems Engineering, Indiana University Bloomington, IN 47405, United States
| | - Vivian C Niu
- Department of Intelligent Systems Engineering, Indiana University Bloomington, IN 47405, United States; Bloomington High School South, Bloomington, IN 47401, United States
| | - Maria Bondesson
- Department of Intelligent Systems Engineering, Indiana University Bloomington, IN 47405, United States
| | - Mingxia Gu
- Center for Stem Cell and Organoid Medicine (CuSTOM), Division of Pulmonary Biology, Division of Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, OH 45229, Cincinnati, United States; University of Cincinnati School of Medicine, OH 45229, Cincinnati, United States
| | - Ken Mackie
- Gill Center for Biomolecular Science, Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University Bloomington, IN 47405, United States
| | - Feng Guo
- Department of Intelligent Systems Engineering, Indiana University Bloomington, IN 47405, United States.
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2
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Hou X, Liang F, Li J, Yang Y, Wang C, Qi T, Sheng W. Mapping cell diversity in human sporadic cerebral cavernous malformations. Gene 2024; 924:148605. [PMID: 38788816 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2024.148605] [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: 10/23/2023] [Revised: 05/12/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cerebral cavernous malformation (CCM) is a low-flow, bleeding-prone vascular disease that can cause cerebral hemorrhage, seizure and neurological deficits. Its inheritance mode includes sporadic or autosomal dominant inheritance with incomplete penetrance, namely sporadic CCM (SCCM) and familial CCM. SCCM is featured by single lesion and single affection in a family. Among CCM patients especially SCCM, the pathogenesis of the corresponding phenotypes and pathological features or candidate genes have not been fully elucidated yet. METHODS Here, we performed in-depth single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-Seq) and bulk assay for transposase-accessible chromatin sequencing (ATAC-Seq) in SCCM and control patients. Further validation was conducted for the gene of interest using qPCR and RNA in situ hybridization (RNA FISH) techniques to provide further atlas and evidence for SCCM generative process. RESULTS We identified six cell types in the SCCM and control vessels and found that the expression of NEK1, RNPC3, FBRSL1, IQGAP2, MCUB, AP3B1, ESCO1, MYO9B and PVT1 were up-regulated in SCCM tissues. Among the six cell types, we found that compared with control conditions, PVT1 showed a rising peak which followed the pseudo-time axis in endothelial cell clusters of SCCM samples, while showed an increasing trend in smooth muscle cell clusters of SCCM samples. Further experiments indicated that, compared with the control vessels, PVT1 exhibited significantly elevated expression in SCCM samples. CONCLUSION In SCCM conditions, We found that in the process of development from control to lesion conditions, PVT1 showed a rising peak in endothelial cells and showed an increasing trend in smooth muscle cells at the same time. Overall, there was a significantly elevated expression of NEK1, RNPC3, FBRSL1, IQGAP2, MCUB, AP3B1, ESCO1, MYO9B and PVT1 in SCCM specimens compared to control samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaocan Hou
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, No.58 Zhongshan Road 2, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Feng Liang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, No.58 Zhongshan Road 2, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Jiaoxing Li
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Major Neurological Diseases, National Key Clinical Department and Key Discipline of Neurology, No.58 Zhongshan Road 2, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Yibing Yang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, No.58 Zhongshan Road 2, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Chuhuai Wang
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, No.58 Zhongshan Road 2, Guangzhou, 510080, China.
| | - Tiewei Qi
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, No.58 Zhongshan Road 2, Guangzhou, 510080, China.
| | - Wenli Sheng
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Major Neurological Diseases, National Key Clinical Department and Key Discipline of Neurology, No.58 Zhongshan Road 2, Guangzhou, 510080, China.
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3
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Birtele M, Cerise M, Djenoune L, Kale G, Maniou E, Prahl LS, Schuster K, Villeneuve C. Pathway to independence: perspectives on the future. Development 2024; 151:dev204366. [PMID: 39369305 DOI: 10.1242/dev.204366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/07/2024]
Abstract
In this Perspective, our 2024 Pathway to Independence Fellows provide their thoughts on the future of their field. Covering topics as diverse as plant development, tissue engineering and adaptation to climate change, and using a wide range of experimental organisms, these talented postdocs showcase some of the major open questions and key challenges across the spectrum of developmental biology research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcella Birtele
- Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, and Eli and Edythe Broad CIRM Center for Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research at USC, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
| | - Martina Cerise
- Department of Plant Developmental Biology, Max Planck Institute for Plant Breeding Research, Cologne 50829, Germany
| | - Lydia Djenoune
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02129, USA
| | - Girish Kale
- Department of Zoology, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart 70593, Germany
| | - Eirini Maniou
- Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Padua, 35131 Padua, Italy
- Veneto Institute of Molecular Medicine (VIMM), 35129 Padua, Italy
| | - Louis S Prahl
- Department of Bioengineering and the Center for Soft and Living Matter, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Keaton Schuster
- Department of Biology, Division of Developmental Genetics, New York University, New York, NY 10010, USA
- Department of Molecular Pathobiology, New York University College of Dentistry, New York, NY 10010, USA
| | - Clementine Villeneuve
- Max Planck Institute for Molecular Biomedicine, Röntgenstraße 20, 48149 Münster, Germany
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4
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Jang S, Gumnit E, Wichterle H. A human-specific progenitor sub-domain extends neurogenesis and increases motor neuron production. Nat Neurosci 2024; 27:1945-1953. [PMID: 39210067 DOI: 10.1038/s41593-024-01739-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
Neurogenesis lasts ~10 times longer in developing humans compared to mice, resulting in a >1,000-fold increase in the number of neurons in the CNS. To identify molecular and cellular mechanisms contributing to this difference, we studied human and mouse motor neurogenesis using a stem cell differentiation system that recapitulates species-specific scales of development. Comparison of human and mouse single-cell gene expression data identified human-specific progenitors characterized by coexpression of NKX2-2 and OLIG2 that give rise to spinal motor neurons. Unlike classical OLIG2+ motor neuron progenitors that give rise to two motor neurons each, OLIG2+/NKX2-2+ ventral motor neuron progenitors remain cycling longer, yielding ~5 times more motor neurons that are biased toward later-born, FOXP1-expressing subtypes. Knockout of NKX2-2 converts ventral motor neuron progenitors into classical motor neuron progenitors. Such new progenitors may contribute to the increased production of human motor neurons required for the generation of larger, more complex nervous systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sumin Jang
- Departments of Pathology and Cell Biology, Neuroscience, and Neurology, Center for Motor Neuron Biology and Disease, Columbia Stem Cell Initiative, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Elias Gumnit
- Departments of Pathology and Cell Biology, Neuroscience, and Neurology, Center for Motor Neuron Biology and Disease, Columbia Stem Cell Initiative, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Hynek Wichterle
- Departments of Pathology and Cell Biology, Neuroscience, and Neurology, Center for Motor Neuron Biology and Disease, Columbia Stem Cell Initiative, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA.
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5
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Yao Q, Cheng S, Pan Q, Yu J, Cao G, Li L, Cao H. Organoids: development and applications in disease models, drug discovery, precision medicine, and regenerative medicine. MedComm (Beijing) 2024; 5:e735. [PMID: 39309690 PMCID: PMC11416091 DOI: 10.1002/mco2.735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2024] [Revised: 08/24/2024] [Accepted: 08/27/2024] [Indexed: 09/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Organoids are miniature, highly accurate representations of organs that capture the structure and unique functions of specific organs. Although the field of organoids has experienced exponential growth, driven by advances in artificial intelligence, gene editing, and bioinstrumentation, a comprehensive and accurate overview of organoid applications remains necessary. This review offers a detailed exploration of the historical origins and characteristics of various organoid types, their applications-including disease modeling, drug toxicity and efficacy assessments, precision medicine, and regenerative medicine-as well as the current challenges and future directions of organoid research. Organoids have proven instrumental in elucidating genetic cell fate in hereditary diseases, infectious diseases, metabolic disorders, and malignancies, as well as in the study of processes such as embryonic development, molecular mechanisms, and host-microbe interactions. Furthermore, the integration of organoid technology with artificial intelligence and microfluidics has significantly advanced large-scale, rapid, and cost-effective drug toxicity and efficacy assessments, thereby propelling progress in precision medicine. Finally, with the advent of high-performance materials, three-dimensional printing technology, and gene editing, organoids are also gaining prominence in the field of regenerative medicine. Our insights and predictions aim to provide valuable guidance to current researchers and to support the continued advancement of this rapidly developing field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qigu Yao
- State Key Laboratory for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious DiseasesNational Clinical Research Center for Infectious DiseasesCollaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious DiseasesNational Medical Center for Infectious DiseasesThe First Affiliated HospitalZhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhouChina
| | - Sheng Cheng
- State Key Laboratory for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious DiseasesNational Clinical Research Center for Infectious DiseasesCollaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious DiseasesNational Medical Center for Infectious DiseasesThe First Affiliated HospitalZhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhouChina
| | - Qiaoling Pan
- State Key Laboratory for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious DiseasesNational Clinical Research Center for Infectious DiseasesCollaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious DiseasesNational Medical Center for Infectious DiseasesThe First Affiliated HospitalZhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhouChina
| | - Jiong Yu
- State Key Laboratory for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious DiseasesNational Clinical Research Center for Infectious DiseasesCollaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious DiseasesNational Medical Center for Infectious DiseasesThe First Affiliated HospitalZhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhouChina
| | - Guoqiang Cao
- State Key Laboratory for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious DiseasesNational Clinical Research Center for Infectious DiseasesCollaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious DiseasesNational Medical Center for Infectious DiseasesThe First Affiliated HospitalZhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhouChina
| | - Lanjuan Li
- State Key Laboratory for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious DiseasesNational Clinical Research Center for Infectious DiseasesCollaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious DiseasesNational Medical Center for Infectious DiseasesThe First Affiliated HospitalZhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhouChina
| | - Hongcui Cao
- State Key Laboratory for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious DiseasesNational Clinical Research Center for Infectious DiseasesCollaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious DiseasesNational Medical Center for Infectious DiseasesThe First Affiliated HospitalZhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhouChina
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Physic‐Chemical and Aging‐Related InjuriesHangzhouChina
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6
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Yan Y, Yang Z, Chen L. High-quality models for assessing the effects of environmental pollutants on the nervous system: 3D brain organoids. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2024; 284:116876. [PMID: 39146594 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2024.116876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2024] [Revised: 08/07/2024] [Accepted: 08/09/2024] [Indexed: 08/17/2024]
Abstract
The prevalence of environmental problems and the increasing risk of human exposure to environmental pollutants have become a global concern. The increasing environmental pollution is one of the main reasons for the rising incidence of most neurological-related diseases in recent years. However, the ethical constraints of direct human research and the racial limitations of animal models have slowed the progress of research in this area. The purpose of this study is to review the neurotoxicity of different environmental pollutants on the brain using brain organoids as a new model and to conclude that brain organoids may play a key role in assessing the mechanisms by which environmental pollutants affect neurogenesis and cause neurological pathogenesis. To accurately determine the negative effects of environmental pollutants on the nervous system, self-organizing brain organoids that are highly similar to the developing brain have become a new model system for studying the effects of environmental pollutants on human brain development and disease. This study uses brain organoids as a model to summarize the neurotoxicity of different environmental pollutants on the nervous system, including structural changes in brain organoids, inhibition of neuronal differentiation and migration, impairment of mitochondrial function, damage to cellular cilia, and influence on signaling pathways. In conclusion, exposure to environmental pollutants may cause different neurotoxicity to the nervous system. Therefore, it is crucial to understand how to use brain organoids to ameliorate neurological disorders caused by environmental pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Yan
- Academy of Medical Engineering and Translational Medicine, Medical College, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Ziye Yang
- Academy of Medical Engineering and Translational Medicine, Medical College, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Liqun Chen
- Academy of Medical Engineering and Translational Medicine, Medical College, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China.
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7
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Wang L, Bai L, Wang S, Zhou J, Liu Y, Zhang C, Yao S, He J, Liu C, Li D. Biomimetic design and integrated biofabrication of an in-vitro three-dimensional multi-scale multilayer cortical model. Mater Today Bio 2024; 28:101176. [PMID: 39171099 PMCID: PMC11334787 DOI: 10.1016/j.mtbio.2024.101176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2024] [Revised: 07/01/2024] [Accepted: 07/29/2024] [Indexed: 08/23/2024] Open
Abstract
The lack of accurate and reliable in vitro brain models hinders the development of brain science and research on brain diseases. Owing to the complex structure of the brain tissue and its highly nonlinear characteristics, the construction of brain-like in vitro tissue models remains one of the most challenging research fields in the construction of living tissues. This study proposes a multi-scale design of a brain-like model with a biomimetic cortical structure, which includes the macroscopic structural features of six layers of different cellular components, as well as micrometer-scale continuous fiber structures running through all layers vertically. To achieve integrated biomanufacturing of such a complex multi-scale brain-like model, a multi-material composite printing/culturing integrated bioprinting platform was developed in-house by integrating cell-laden hydrogel ink direct writing printing and electrohydrodynamic fiber 3D printing technologies. Through integrated bioprinting, multi-scale models with different cellular components and fiber structural parameters were prepared to study the effects of macroscopic and microscopic structural features on the directionality of neural cells, as well as the interaction between glial cells and neurons within the tissue model in a three-dimensional manner. The results revealed that the manufactured in vitro biomimetic cortical model achieved morphological connections between the layers of neurons, reflecting the structure and cellular morphology of the natural cortex. Micrometer-scale (10 μm) cross-layer fibers effectively guided and controlled the extension length and direction of the neurites of surrounding neural cells but had no significant effect on the migration of neurons. In contrast, glial cells significantly promoted the migration of surrounding PC12 cells towards the glial layer but did not contribute to the extension of neurites. This study provides a basis for the design and manufacture of accurate brain-like models for the functionalization of neuronal tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Manufacturing System Engineering, School of Mechanical Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, China
- National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Additive Manufacturing Medical Devices, Xi'an Jiaotong University, China
- National Innovation Platform (Center) for Industry-Education Integration of Medical Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, China
| | - Luge Bai
- State Key Laboratory for Manufacturing System Engineering, School of Mechanical Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, China
- National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Additive Manufacturing Medical Devices, Xi'an Jiaotong University, China
- National Innovation Platform (Center) for Industry-Education Integration of Medical Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, China
| | - Sen Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Manufacturing System Engineering, School of Mechanical Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, China
- National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Additive Manufacturing Medical Devices, Xi'an Jiaotong University, China
- National Innovation Platform (Center) for Industry-Education Integration of Medical Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, China
| | - Jiajia Zhou
- State Key Laboratory for Manufacturing System Engineering, School of Mechanical Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, China
- National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Additive Manufacturing Medical Devices, Xi'an Jiaotong University, China
- National Innovation Platform (Center) for Industry-Education Integration of Medical Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, China
| | - Yingjie Liu
- State Key Laboratory for Manufacturing System Engineering, School of Mechanical Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, China
- National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Additive Manufacturing Medical Devices, Xi'an Jiaotong University, China
- National Innovation Platform (Center) for Industry-Education Integration of Medical Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, China
| | - Chenrui Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Manufacturing System Engineering, School of Mechanical Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, China
- National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Additive Manufacturing Medical Devices, Xi'an Jiaotong University, China
- National Innovation Platform (Center) for Industry-Education Integration of Medical Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, China
| | - Siqi Yao
- State Key Laboratory for Manufacturing System Engineering, School of Mechanical Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, China
- National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Additive Manufacturing Medical Devices, Xi'an Jiaotong University, China
- National Innovation Platform (Center) for Industry-Education Integration of Medical Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, China
| | - Jiankang He
- State Key Laboratory for Manufacturing System Engineering, School of Mechanical Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, China
- National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Additive Manufacturing Medical Devices, Xi'an Jiaotong University, China
- National Innovation Platform (Center) for Industry-Education Integration of Medical Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, China
| | - Chaozong Liu
- Institute of Orthopaedic & Musculoskeletal, University College London, Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital, Stanmore, UK
| | - Dichen Li
- State Key Laboratory for Manufacturing System Engineering, School of Mechanical Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, China
- National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Additive Manufacturing Medical Devices, Xi'an Jiaotong University, China
- National Innovation Platform (Center) for Industry-Education Integration of Medical Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, China
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8
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Gu L, Cai H, Chen L, Gu M, Tchieu J, Guo F. Functional Neural Networks in Human Brain Organoids. BME FRONTIERS 2024; 5:0065. [PMID: 39314749 PMCID: PMC11418062 DOI: 10.34133/bmef.0065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2024] [Revised: 08/12/2024] [Accepted: 09/01/2024] [Indexed: 09/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Human brain organoids are 3-dimensional brain-like tissues derived from human pluripotent stem cells and hold promising potential for modeling neurological, psychiatric, and developmental disorders. While the molecular and cellular aspects of human brain organoids have been intensively studied, their functional properties such as organoid neural networks (ONNs) are largely understudied. Here, we summarize recent research advances in understanding, characterization, and application of functional ONNs in human brain organoids. We first discuss the formation of ONNs and follow up with characterization strategies including microelectrode array (MEA) technology and calcium imaging. Moreover, we highlight recent studies utilizing ONNs to investigate neurological diseases such as Rett syndrome and Alzheimer's disease. Finally, we provide our perspectives on the future challenges and opportunities for using ONNs in basic research and translational applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Longjun Gu
- Department of Intelligent Systems Engineering,
Indiana University Bloomington, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA
| | - Hongwei Cai
- Department of Intelligent Systems Engineering,
Indiana University Bloomington, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA
| | - Lei Chen
- Department of Intelligent Systems Engineering,
Indiana University Bloomington, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA
| | - Mingxia Gu
- Center for Stem Cell and Organoid Medicine (CuSTOM), Division of Pulmonary Biology, Division of Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
- University of Cincinnati School of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
| | - Jason Tchieu
- Center for Stem Cell and Organoid Medicine (CuSTOM), Division of Pulmonary Biology, Division of Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
- University of Cincinnati School of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
| | - Feng Guo
- Department of Intelligent Systems Engineering,
Indiana University Bloomington, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA
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9
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Petersilie L, Kafitz KW, Neu LA, Heiduschka S, Le S, Prigione A, Rose CR. Protocol for the generation of cultured cortical brain organoid slices. STAR Protoc 2024; 5:103212. [PMID: 39128007 PMCID: PMC11369419 DOI: 10.1016/j.xpro.2024.103212] [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: 05/06/2024] [Revised: 05/23/2024] [Accepted: 06/27/2024] [Indexed: 08/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Three-dimensional brain organoids from human pluripotent stem cells are a powerful tool for studying human neural networks. Here, we present a protocol for generating cortical brain organoid slices (cBOS) derived from regionalized cortical organoids and grown at the air-liquid interphase. We provide steps for slicing organoids and maintaining them in long-term culture. We then detail approaches for quality control including the evaluation of cell death and cellular identity. Finally, we describe procedures for the expression of a genetically encoded nanosensor for ATP. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Petersilie et al.1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Petersilie
- Institute of Neurobiology, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Heinrich Heine University Duesseldorf, 40225 Duesseldorf, Germany.
| | - Karl W Kafitz
- Institute of Neurobiology, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Heinrich Heine University Duesseldorf, 40225 Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Louis A Neu
- Institute of Neurobiology, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Heinrich Heine University Duesseldorf, 40225 Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Sonja Heiduschka
- Department of General Pediatrics, Neonatology and Pediatric Cardiology, University Children's Hospital and Heinrich Heine University Duesseldorf, 40225 Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Stephanie Le
- Department of General Pediatrics, Neonatology and Pediatric Cardiology, University Children's Hospital and Heinrich Heine University Duesseldorf, 40225 Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Alessandro Prigione
- Department of General Pediatrics, Neonatology and Pediatric Cardiology, University Children's Hospital and Heinrich Heine University Duesseldorf, 40225 Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Christine R Rose
- Institute of Neurobiology, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Heinrich Heine University Duesseldorf, 40225 Duesseldorf, Germany.
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10
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Bosone C, Castaldi D, Burkard TR, Guzman SJ, Wyatt T, Cheroni C, Caporale N, Bajaj S, Bagley JA, Li C, Sorre B, Villa CE, Testa G, Krenn V, Knoblich JA. A polarized FGF8 source specifies frontotemporal signatures in spatially oriented cell populations of cortical assembloids. Nat Methods 2024:10.1038/s41592-024-02412-5. [PMID: 39294368 DOI: 10.1038/s41592-024-02412-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/12/2024] [Indexed: 09/20/2024]
Abstract
Organoids generating major cortical cell types in distinct compartments are used to study cortical development, evolution and disorders. However, the lack of morphogen gradients imparting cortical positional information and topography in current systems hinders the investigation of complex phenotypes. Here, we engineer human cortical assembloids by fusing an organizer-like structure expressing fibroblast growth factor 8 (FGF8) with an elongated organoid to enable the controlled modulation of FGF8 signaling along the longitudinal organoid axis. These polarized cortical assembloids mount a position-dependent transcriptional program that in part matches the in vivo rostrocaudal gene expression patterns and that is lost upon mutation in the FGFR3 gene associated with temporal lobe malformations and intellectual disability. By producing spatially oriented cell populations with signatures related to frontal and temporal area identity within individual assembloids, this model recapitulates in part the early transcriptional divergence embedded in the protomap and enables the study of cortical area-relevant alterations underlying human disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camilla Bosone
- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology of the Austrian Academy of Science (IMBA), Vienna BioCenter (VBC), Vienna, Austria
| | - Davide Castaldi
- Human Technopole, Milan, Italy
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Thomas Rainer Burkard
- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology of the Austrian Academy of Science (IMBA), Vienna BioCenter (VBC), Vienna, Austria
| | - Segundo Jose Guzman
- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology of the Austrian Academy of Science (IMBA), Vienna BioCenter (VBC), Vienna, Austria
| | - Tom Wyatt
- Laboratoire "Matière et Systèmes Complexes" (MSC), UMR 7057 CNRS, University of Paris, Paris, France
| | | | - Nicolò Caporale
- Human Technopole, Milan, Italy
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Sunanjay Bajaj
- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology of the Austrian Academy of Science (IMBA), Vienna BioCenter (VBC), Vienna, Austria
- Department of Neurology, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, McGovern Medical School, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Joshua Adam Bagley
- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology of the Austrian Academy of Science (IMBA), Vienna BioCenter (VBC), Vienna, Austria
| | - Chong Li
- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology of the Austrian Academy of Science (IMBA), Vienna BioCenter (VBC), Vienna, Austria
| | - Benoit Sorre
- Laboratoire "Matière et Systèmes Complexes" (MSC), UMR 7057 CNRS, University of Paris, Paris, France
- Physics of Cells and Cancer, Institut Curie, Université PSL, Sorbonne University, CNRS UMR168, Paris, France
| | | | - Giuseppe Testa
- Human Technopole, Milan, Italy.
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.
| | - Veronica Krenn
- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology of the Austrian Academy of Science (IMBA), Vienna BioCenter (VBC), Vienna, Austria.
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioscience, University of Milan-Bicocca, Milan, Italy.
| | - Jürgen Arthur Knoblich
- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology of the Austrian Academy of Science (IMBA), Vienna BioCenter (VBC), Vienna, Austria.
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
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11
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van der Geest AT, Jakobs CE, Ljubikj T, Huffels CFM, Cañizares Luna M, Vieira de Sá R, Adolfs Y, de Wit M, Rutten DH, Kaal M, Zwartkruis MM, Carcolé M, Groen EJN, Hol EM, Basak O, Isaacs AM, Westeneng HJ, van den Berg LH, Veldink JH, Schlegel DK, Pasterkamp RJ. Molecular pathology, developmental changes and synaptic dysfunction in (pre-) symptomatic human C9ORF72-ALS/FTD cerebral organoids. Acta Neuropathol Commun 2024; 12:152. [PMID: 39289761 PMCID: PMC11409520 DOI: 10.1186/s40478-024-01857-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2024] [Accepted: 08/24/2024] [Indexed: 09/19/2024] Open
Abstract
A hexanucleotide repeat expansion (HRE) in C9ORF72 is the most common genetic cause of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD). Human brain imaging and experimental studies indicate early changes in brain structure and connectivity in C9-ALS/FTD, even before symptom onset. Because these early disease phenotypes remain incompletely understood, we generated iPSC-derived cerebral organoid models from C9-ALS/FTD patients, presymptomatic C9ORF72-HRE (C9-HRE) carriers, and controls. Our work revealed the presence of all three C9-HRE-related molecular pathologies and developmental stage-dependent size phenotypes in cerebral organoids from C9-ALS/FTD patients. In addition, single-cell RNA sequencing identified changes in cell type abundance and distribution in C9-ALS/FTD organoids, including a reduction in the number of deep layer cortical neurons and the distribution of neural progenitors. Further, molecular and cellular analyses and patch-clamp electrophysiology detected various changes in synapse structure and function. Intriguingly, organoids from all presymptomatic C9-HRE carriers displayed C9-HRE molecular pathology, whereas the extent to which more downstream cellular defects, as found in C9-ALS/FTD models, were detected varied for the different presymptomatic C9-HRE cases. Together, these results unveil early changes in 3D human brain tissue organization and synaptic connectivity in C9-ALS/FTD that likely constitute initial pathologies crucial for understanding disease onset and the design of therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Astrid T van der Geest
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Channa E Jakobs
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Tijana Ljubikj
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Christiaan F M Huffels
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Marta Cañizares Luna
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Renata Vieira de Sá
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Youri Adolfs
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Marina de Wit
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Daan H Rutten
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Marthe Kaal
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Maria M Zwartkruis
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Department of Genetics, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Mireia Carcolé
- UK Dementia Research Institute at UCL and Dept. of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, UK
| | - Ewout J N Groen
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Elly M Hol
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Onur Basak
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Adrian M Isaacs
- UK Dementia Research Institute at UCL and Dept. of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, UK
| | - Henk-Jan Westeneng
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Leonard H van den Berg
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Jan H Veldink
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Domino K Schlegel
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - R Jeroen Pasterkamp
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
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12
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Jin Y, Li F, Li Z, Ikezu TC, O'Leary J, Selvaraj M, Zhu Y, Martens YA, Koga S, Santhakumar H, Li Y, Lu W, You Y, Lolo K, DeTure M, Beasley AI, Davis MD, McLean PJ, Ross OA, Kanekiyo T, Ikezu T, Caulfield T, Carr J, Wszolek ZK, Bu G, Dickson DW, Zhao N. Modeling Lewy body disease with SNCA triplication iPSC-derived cortical organoids and identifying therapeutic drugs. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2024; 10:eadk3700. [PMID: 39259788 PMCID: PMC11389790 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adk3700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2024] [Indexed: 09/13/2024]
Abstract
Aggregated α-synuclein (α-SYN) proteins, encoded by the SNCA gene, are hallmarks of Lewy body disease (LBD), affecting multiple brain regions. However, the specific mechanisms underlying α-SYN pathology in cortical neurons, crucial for LBD-associated dementia, remain unclear. Here, we recapitulated α-SYN pathologies in human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs)-derived cortical organoids generated from patients with LBD with SNCA gene triplication. Single-cell RNA sequencing, combined with functional and molecular validation, identified synaptic and mitochondrial dysfunction in excitatory neurons exhibiting high expression of the SNCA gene, aligning with observations in the cortex of autopsy-confirmed LBD human brains. Furthermore, we screened 1280 Food and Drug Administration-approved drugs and identified four candidates (entacapone, tolcapone, phenazopyridine hydrochloride, and zalcitabine) that inhibited α-SYN seeding activity in real-time quaking-induced conversion assays with human brains, reduced α-SYN aggregation, and alleviated mitochondrial dysfunction in SNCA triplication organoids and excitatory neurons. Our findings establish human cortical LBD models and suggest potential therapeutic drugs targeting α-SYN aggregation for LBD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunjung Jin
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA
| | - Fuyao Li
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA
| | - Zonghua Li
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA
| | - Tadafumi C Ikezu
- Department of Clinical Trials and Biostatistics, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA
| | - Justin O'Leary
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA
| | | | - Yiyang Zhu
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA
| | - Yuka A Martens
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA
| | - Shunsuke Koga
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA
| | | | - Yonghe Li
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA
| | - Wenyan Lu
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA
| | - Yang You
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA
| | - Kiara Lolo
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA
| | - Michael DeTure
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA
| | | | - Mary D Davis
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA
| | - Pamela J McLean
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA
| | - Owen A Ross
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA
| | - Takahisa Kanekiyo
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA
| | - Tsuneya Ikezu
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA
| | - Thomas Caulfield
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA
| | - Jonathan Carr
- Tygerberg Hospital and University of Stellenbosch, Tygerberg 7505, South Africa
| | | | - Guojun Bu
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA
| | - Dennis W Dickson
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA
| | - Na Zhao
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA
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13
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Glass MR, Waxman EA, Yamashita S, Lafferty M, Beltran AA, Farah T, Patel NK, Singla R, Matoba N, Ahmed S, Srivastava M, Drake E, Davis LT, Yeturi M, Sun K, Love MI, Hashimoto-Torii K, French DL, Stein JL. Cross-site reproducibility of human cortical organoids reveals consistent cell type composition and architecture. Stem Cell Reports 2024; 19:1351-1367. [PMID: 39178845 PMCID: PMC11411306 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2024.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2024] [Revised: 07/19/2024] [Accepted: 07/23/2024] [Indexed: 08/26/2024] Open
Abstract
While guided human cortical organoid (hCO) protocols reproducibly generate cortical cell types at one site, variability in hCO phenotypes across sites using a harmonized protocol has not yet been evaluated. To determine the cross-site reproducibility of hCO differentiation, three independent research groups assayed hCOs in multiple differentiation replicates from one induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) line using a harmonized miniaturized spinning bioreactor protocol across 3 months. hCOs were mostly cortical progenitor and neuronal cell types in reproducible proportions that were consistently organized in cortical wall-like buds. Cross-site differences were detected in hCO size and expression of metabolism and cellular stress genes. Variability in hCO phenotypes correlated with stem cell gene expression prior to differentiation and technical factors associated with seeding, suggesting iPSC quality and treatment are important for differentiation outcomes. Cross-site reproducibility of hCO cell type proportions and organization encourages future prospective meta-analytic studies modeling neurodevelopmental disorders in hCOs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madison R Glass
- UNC Neuroscience Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA; Department of Genetics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Elisa A Waxman
- Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Satoshi Yamashita
- Center for Neuroscience Research, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Michael Lafferty
- UNC Neuroscience Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA; Department of Genetics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Alvaro A Beltran
- UNC Neuroscience Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA; Department of Genetics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Tala Farah
- UNC Neuroscience Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA; Department of Genetics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Niyanta K Patel
- UNC Neuroscience Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA; Department of Genetics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Rubal Singla
- UNC Neuroscience Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA; Department of Genetics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Nana Matoba
- UNC Neuroscience Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA; Department of Genetics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Sara Ahmed
- UNC Neuroscience Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA; Department of Genetics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Mary Srivastava
- UNC Neuroscience Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA; Department of Genetics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Emma Drake
- UNC Neuroscience Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA; Department of Genetics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Liam T Davis
- UNC Neuroscience Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA; Department of Genetics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Meghana Yeturi
- UNC Neuroscience Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA; Department of Genetics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Kexin Sun
- UNC Neuroscience Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA; Department of Genetics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Michael I Love
- Department of Genetics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA; Department of Biostatistics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Kazue Hashimoto-Torii
- Center for Neuroscience Research, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC, USA; Departments of Pediatrics, and Pharmacology & Physiology, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Deborah L French
- Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Jason L Stein
- UNC Neuroscience Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA; Department of Genetics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
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14
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Shan Z, Zhao Y, Chen X, Zhan G, Huang J, Yang X, Xu C, Guo N, Xiong Z, Wu F, Liu Y, Liu H, Chen B, Chen B, Sun J, He J, Guo Y, Cao S, Wu K, Mao R, Wu G, Lin L, Zou X, Wang J, Chen J. KMT2D deficiency leads to cellular developmental disorders and enhancer dysregulation in neural-crest-containing brain organoids. Sci Bull (Beijing) 2024:S2095-9273(24)00638-8. [PMID: 39327125 DOI: 10.1016/j.scib.2024.09.004] [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: 12/30/2023] [Revised: 05/15/2024] [Accepted: 09/02/2024] [Indexed: 09/28/2024]
Abstract
KMT2D, a H3K4me1 methyltransferase primarily regulating enhancers, is a leading cause of KABUKI syndrome. This multisystem disorder leads to craniofacial and cognitive abnormalities, possibly through neural crest and neuronal lineages. However, the impacted cell-of-origin and molecular mechanism of KMT2D during the development of KABUKI disease remains unknown. Here we have optimized a brain organoid model to investigate neural crest and neuronal differentiation. To pinpoint KMT2D's enhancer target, we developed a genome-wide cis-regulatory element explorer (GREE) based on single-cell multiomic integration. Single cell RNA-seq revealed that KMT2D-knockout (KO) and patient-derived organoids exhibited neural crest deformities and GABAergic overproduction. Mechanistically, GREE identified that KMT2D targets a roof-plate-like niche cell and activates the niche cell-specific WNT3A enhancer, providing the microenvironment for neural crest and neuronal development. Interestingly, KMT2D-mutated mice displayed decreased WNT3A expression in the diencephalon roof plate, indicating impaired niche cell function. Deleting the WNT3A enhancer in the organoids presented phenotypic similarities to KMT2D-depletion, emphasizing the WNT3A enhancer as the predominant target of KMT2D. Conversely, reactivating WNT signaling in KMT2D-KO rescued the lineage defects by restoring the microenvironment. Overall, our discovery of KMT2D's primary target provides insights for reconciling complex phenotypes of KABUKI syndrome and establishes a new paradigm for dissecting the mechanisms of genetic disorders from genotype to phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziyun Shan
- Center for Cell Lineage and Development, CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Joint School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510530, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yingying Zhao
- Center for Cell Lineage and Development, CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Joint School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510530, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; Centre for Regenerative Medicine and Health, Hong Kong Institute of Science & Innovation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 999077, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of China
| | - Xiuyu Chen
- Center for Cell Lineage and Development, CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Joint School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510530, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Guodong Zhan
- Child Development and Behavior Center, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510630, China
| | - Junju Huang
- Center for Cell Lineage and Development, CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Joint School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510530, China
| | - Xuejie Yang
- Center for Cell Lineage and Development, CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Joint School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510530, China
| | - Chongshen Xu
- Center for Cell Lineage and Development, CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Joint School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510530, China
| | - Ning Guo
- Center for Cell Lineage and Development, CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Joint School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510530, China
| | - Zhi Xiong
- Center for Cell Lineage and Development, CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Joint School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510530, China; Guangzhou Laboratory, Guangzhou 510005, China
| | - Fang Wu
- Center for Cell Lineage and Development, CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Joint School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510530, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yujian Liu
- Center for Cell Lineage and Development, CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Joint School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510530, China
| | - He Liu
- Center for Cell Lineage and Atlas (CCLA), Bioland Laboratory, Guangzhou Regenerative Medicine and Health GuangDong Laboratory, Guangzhou 510005, China; The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510700, China
| | - Biyuan Chen
- Child Development and Behavior Center, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510630, China
| | - Bingqiu Chen
- Center for Cell Lineage and Development, CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Joint School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510530, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | | | - Jiangping He
- Center for Cell Lineage and Atlas (CCLA), Bioland Laboratory, Guangzhou Regenerative Medicine and Health GuangDong Laboratory, Guangzhou 510005, China; Guangzhou Laboratory, Guangzhou 510005, China
| | - Yiping Guo
- Center for Cell Lineage and Development, CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Joint School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510530, China
| | | | - Kaixin Wu
- Center for Cell Lineage and Atlas (CCLA), Bioland Laboratory, Guangzhou Regenerative Medicine and Health GuangDong Laboratory, Guangzhou 510005, China
| | - Rui Mao
- Animal Research Center, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510530, China
| | | | - Lihui Lin
- Center for Cell Lineage and Development, CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Joint School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510530, China
| | - Xiaobing Zou
- Child Development and Behavior Center, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510630, China.
| | - Jie Wang
- Center for Cell Lineage and Development, CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Joint School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510530, China.
| | - Jiekai Chen
- Center for Cell Lineage and Development, CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Joint School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510530, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; Centre for Regenerative Medicine and Health, Hong Kong Institute of Science & Innovation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 999077, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of China; Center for Cell Lineage and Atlas (CCLA), Bioland Laboratory, Guangzhou Regenerative Medicine and Health GuangDong Laboratory, Guangzhou 510005, China.
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15
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Teles E Silva AL, Yokota-Moreno BY, Branquinho MS, Salles GR, de Souza TC, de Carvalho RA, Batista G, Varella Branco E, Griesi-Oliveira K, Passos Bueno MR, Porcionatto MA, Herai RH, Gamarra LF, Sertié AL. Generation and characterization of cortical organoids from iPSC-derived dental pulp stem cells using traditional and innovative approaches. Neurochem Int 2024; 180:105854. [PMID: 39241808 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2024.105854] [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: 12/22/2023] [Revised: 09/02/2024] [Accepted: 09/02/2024] [Indexed: 09/09/2024]
Abstract
Cortical organoids derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) represent a powerful in vitro experimental system to investigate human brain development and disease, often inaccessible to direct experimentation. However, despite steady progress in organoid technology, several limitations remain, including high cost and variability, use of hiPSCs derived from tissues harvested invasively, unexplored three-dimensional (3D) structural features and neuronal connectivity. Here, using a cost-effective and reproducible protocol as well as conventional two-dimensional (2D) immunostaining, we show that cortical organoids generated from hiPSCs obtained by reprogramming stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHED) recapitulate key aspects of human corticogenesis, such as polarized organization of neural progenitor zones with the presence of outer radial glial stem cells, and differentiation of superficial- and deep-layer cortical neurons and glial cells. We also show that 3D bioprinting and magnetic resonance imaging of intact cortical organoids are alternative and complementary approaches to unravel critical features of the 3D architecture of organoids. Finally, extracellular electrical recordings in whole organoids showed functional neuronal networks. Together, our findings suggest that SHED-derived cortical organoids constitute an attractive model of human neurodevelopment, and support the notion that a combination of 2D and 3D techniques to analyze organoid structure and function may help improve this promising technology.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Geisa Rodrigues Salles
- Department of Biochemistry, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Ronald Almeida de Carvalho
- Pontifícia Universidade Católica Do Paraná, Escola de Medicina, Laboratório de Bioinformática e Neurogenética, Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Gabriel Batista
- Pontifícia Universidade Católica Do Paraná, Escola de Medicina, Laboratório de Bioinformática e Neurogenética, Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Elisa Varella Branco
- Centro de Estudos Do Genoma Humano e Células Tronco, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Maria Rita Passos Bueno
- Centro de Estudos Do Genoma Humano e Células Tronco, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Roberto Hirochi Herai
- Pontifícia Universidade Católica Do Paraná, Escola de Medicina, Laboratório de Bioinformática e Neurogenética, Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
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16
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Mazzini L, De Marchi F, Buzanska L, Follenzi A, Glover JC, Gelati M, Lombardi I, Maioli M, Mesa-Herrera F, Mitrečić D, Olgasi C, Pivoriūnas A, Sanchez-Pernaute R, Sgromo C, Zychowicz M, Vescovi A, Ferrari D. Current status and new avenues of stem cell-based preclinical and therapeutic approaches in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2024; 24:933-954. [PMID: 39162129 DOI: 10.1080/14712598.2024.2392307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 08/10/2024] [Indexed: 08/21/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Cell therapy development represents a critical challenge in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) research. Despite more than 20 years of basic and clinical research, no definitive safety and efficacy results of cell-based therapies for ALS have been published. AREAS COVERED This review summarizes advances using stem cells (SCs) in pre-clinical studies to promote clinical translation and in clinical trials to treat ALS. New technologies have been developed and new experimental in vitro and animal models are now available to facilitate pre-clinical research in this field and to determine the most promising approaches to pursue in patients. New clinical trial designs aimed at developing personalized SC-based treatment with biological endpoints are being defined. EXPERT OPINION Knowledge of the basic biology of ALS and on the use of SCs to study and potentially treat ALS continues to grow. However, a consensus has yet to emerge on how best to translate these results into therapeutic applications. The selection and follow-up of patients should be based on clinical, biological, and molecular criteria. Planning of SC-based clinical trials should be coordinated with patient profiling genetically and molecularly to achieve personalized treatment. Much work within basic and clinical research is still needed to successfully transition SC therapy in ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Letizia Mazzini
- ALS Center, Neurology Unit, Department of Translational Medicine, University of Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - Fabiola De Marchi
- ALS Center, Neurology Unit, Department of Translational Medicine, University of Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - Leonora Buzanska
- Department of Stem Cell Bioengineering, Mossakowski Medical Research Institute, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Antonia Follenzi
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Salute, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
- Dipartimento Attività Integrate Ricerca Innovazione, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria SS. Antonio e Biagio e C. Arrigo, Alessandria, Italy
| | - Joel Clinton Glover
- Norwegian Center for Stem Cell Research, Department of Immunology and Transfusion Medicine, Oslo University Hospital; Laboratory of Neural Development and Optical Recording (NDEVOR), Oslo, Norway
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Maurizio Gelati
- Unità Produttiva per Terapie Avanzate (UPTA), IRCCS Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy
| | - Ivan Lombardi
- Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milano, Italy
| | - Margherita Maioli
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
- Center for Developmental Biology and Reprogramming-CEDEBIOR, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Fatima Mesa-Herrera
- Reprogramming and Neural Regeneration Lab, BioBizkaia Health Research Institute, Barakaldo, Spain
| | - Dinko Mitrečić
- Laboratory for Stem Cells, Croatian Institute for Brain Research and Department of Histology and Embryology, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Cristina Olgasi
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - Augustas Pivoriūnas
- Department of Stem Cell Biology, State Research Institute Centre for Innovative Medicine, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Rosario Sanchez-Pernaute
- Reprogramming and Neural Regeneration Lab, BioBizkaia Health Research Institute, Barakaldo, Spain
- Ikerbaske, Basque Foundation for Science, Bilbao, Spain
| | - Chiara Sgromo
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Salute, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - Marzena Zychowicz
- Department of Stem Cell Bioengineering, Mossakowski Medical Research Institute, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Angelo Vescovi
- Unità Produttiva per Terapie Avanzate (UPTA), IRCCS Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy
- Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milano, Italy
| | - Daniela Ferrari
- Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milano, Italy
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17
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Oliva MK, Bourke J, Kornienko D, Mattei C, Mao M, Kuanyshbek A, Ovchinnikov D, Bryson A, Karle TJ, Maljevic S, Petrou S. Standardizing a method for functional assessment of neural networks in brain organoids. J Neurosci Methods 2024; 409:110178. [PMID: 38825241 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2024.110178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2024] [Revised: 04/05/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/04/2024]
Abstract
During the last decade brain organoids have emerged as an attractive model system, allowing stem cells to be differentiated into complex 3D models, recapitulating many aspects of human brain development. Whilst many studies have analysed anatomical and cytoarchitectural characteristics of organoids, their functional characterisation has been limited, and highly variable between studies. Standardised, consistent methods for recording functional activity are critical to providing a functional understanding of neuronal networks at the synaptic and network level that can yield useful information about functional network phenotypes in disease and healthy states. In this study we outline a detailed methodology for calcium imaging and Multi-Electrode Array (MEA) recordings in brain organoids. To illustrate the utility of these functional interrogation techniques in uncovering induced differences in neural network activity we applied various stimulating media protocols. We demonstrate overlapping information from the two modalities, with comparable numbers of active cells in the four treatment groups and an increase in synchronous behaviour in BrainPhys treated groups. Further development of analysis pipelines to reveal network level changes in brain organoids will enrich our understanding of network formation and perturbation in these structures, and aid in the future development of drugs that target neurological disorders at the network level.
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Affiliation(s)
- M K Oliva
- Ion Channels and Diseases Group, The Florey, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia.
| | - J Bourke
- Ion Channels and Diseases Group, The Florey, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - D Kornienko
- Ion Channels and Diseases Group, The Florey, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - C Mattei
- Ion Channels and Diseases Group, The Florey, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - M Mao
- Ion Channels and Diseases Group, The Florey, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - A Kuanyshbek
- Ion Channels and Diseases Group, The Florey, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - D Ovchinnikov
- Ion Channels and Diseases Group, The Florey, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - A Bryson
- Ion Channels and Diseases Group, The Florey, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - T J Karle
- Ion Channels and Diseases Group, The Florey, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - S Maljevic
- Ion Channels and Diseases Group, The Florey, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - S Petrou
- Ion Channels and Diseases Group, The Florey, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia; Praxis Precision Medicines, Inc., Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
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18
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Pavlinek A, Adhya D, Tsompanidis A, Warrier V, Vernon AC, Lancaster M, Mill J, Srivastava DP, Baron-Cohen S. Using Organoids to Model Sex Differences in the Human Brain. BIOLOGICAL PSYCHIATRY GLOBAL OPEN SCIENCE 2024; 4:100343. [PMID: 39092139 PMCID: PMC11292257 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpsgos.2024.100343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Revised: 05/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 08/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Sex differences are widespread during neurodevelopment and play a role in neuropsychiatric conditions such as autism, which is more prevalent in males than females. In humans, males have been shown to have larger brain volumes than females with development of the hippocampus and amygdala showing prominent sex differences. Mechanistically, sex steroids and sex chromosomes drive these differences in brain development, which seem to peak during prenatal and pubertal stages. Animal models have played a crucial role in understanding sex differences, but the study of human sex differences requires an experimental model that can recapitulate complex genetic traits. To fill this gap, human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived brain organoids are now being used to study how complex genetic traits influence prenatal brain development. For example, brain organoids from individuals with autism and individuals with X chromosome-linked Rett syndrome and fragile X syndrome have revealed prenatal differences in cell proliferation, a measure of brain volume differences, and excitatory-inhibitory imbalances. Brain organoids have also revealed increased neurogenesis of excitatory neurons due to androgens. However, despite growing interest in using brain organoids, several key challenges remain that affect its validity as a model system. In this review, we discuss how sex steroids and the sex chromosomes each contribute to sex differences in brain development. Then, we examine the role of X chromosome inactivation as a factor that drives sex differences. Finally, we discuss the combined challenges of modeling X chromosome inactivation and limitations of brain organoids that need to be taken into consideration when studying sex differences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Pavlinek
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
- MRC Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Dwaipayan Adhya
- Autism Research Centre, Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Wellcome-MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Alex Tsompanidis
- Autism Research Centre, Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Varun Warrier
- Autism Research Centre, Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Anthony C. Vernon
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
- MRC Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Jonathan Mill
- Department of Clinical and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
| | - Deepak P. Srivastava
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
- MRC Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Simon Baron-Cohen
- Autism Research Centre, Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
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19
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Zhu Y, Jiang D, Qiu Y, Liu X, Bian Y, Tian S, Wang X, Hsia KJ, Wan H, Zhuang L, Wang P. Dynamic microphysiological system chip platform for high-throughput, customizable, and multi-dimensional drug screening. Bioact Mater 2024; 39:59-73. [PMID: 38800720 PMCID: PMC11127178 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioactmat.2024.05.019] [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: 01/18/2024] [Revised: 04/13/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Spheroids and organoids have attracted significant attention as innovative models for disease modeling and drug screening. By employing diverse types of spheroids or organoids, it is feasible to establish microphysiological systems that enhance the precision of disease modeling and offer more dependable and comprehensive drug screening. High-throughput microphysiological systems that support optional, parallel testing of multiple drugs have promising applications in personalized medical treatment and drug research. However, establishing such a system is highly challenging and requires a multidisciplinary approach. This study introduces a dynamic Microphysiological System Chip Platform (MSCP) with multiple functional microstructures that encompass the mentioned advantages. We developed a high-throughput lung cancer spheroids model and an intestine-liver-heart-lung cancer microphysiological system for conducting parallel testing on four anti-lung cancer drugs, demonstrating the feasibility of the MSCP. This microphysiological system combines microscale and macroscale biomimetics to enable a comprehensive assessment of drug efficacy and side effects. Moreover, the microphysiological system enables evaluation of the real pharmacological effect of drug molecules reaching the target lesion after absorption by normal organs through fluid-based physiological communication. The MSCP could serves as a valuable platform for microphysiological system research, making significant contributions to disease modeling, drug development, and personalized medical treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxuan Zhu
- Biosensor National Special Laboratory, Key Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering of Ministry of Education, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310027, China
- State Key Laboratory of Transducer Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200050, China
| | - Deming Jiang
- Biosensor National Special Laboratory, Key Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering of Ministry of Education, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310027, China
- Cancer Center, Binjiang Institute of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, China
| | - Yong Qiu
- Biosensor National Special Laboratory, Key Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering of Ministry of Education, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310027, China
| | - Xin Liu
- Biosensor National Special Laboratory, Key Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering of Ministry of Education, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310027, China
| | - Yuhan Bian
- Biosensor National Special Laboratory, Key Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering of Ministry of Education, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310027, China
| | - Shichao Tian
- Biosensor National Special Laboratory, Key Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering of Ministry of Education, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310027, China
| | - Xiandi Wang
- Biosensor National Special Laboratory, Key Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering of Ministry of Education, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310027, China
| | - K. Jimmy Hsia
- Schools of Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering, of Chemical & Biomedical Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 639798, Singapore
| | - Hao Wan
- Biosensor National Special Laboratory, Key Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering of Ministry of Education, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310027, China
- Cancer Center, Binjiang Institute of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, China
| | - Liujing Zhuang
- Biosensor National Special Laboratory, Key Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering of Ministry of Education, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310027, China
- State Key Laboratory of Transducer Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200050, China
| | - Ping Wang
- Biosensor National Special Laboratory, Key Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering of Ministry of Education, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310027, China
- Cancer Center, Binjiang Institute of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, China
- The MOE Frontier Science Center for Brain Science & Brain-machine Integration, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, China
- State Key Laboratory of Transducer Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200050, China
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20
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Fitzgerald MQ, Chu T, Puppo F, Blanch R, Chillón M, Subramaniam S, Muotri AR. Generation of 'semi-guided' cortical organoids with complex neural oscillations. Nat Protoc 2024; 19:2712-2738. [PMID: 38702386 PMCID: PMC11380594 DOI: 10.1038/s41596-024-00994-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024]
Abstract
Temporal development of neural electrophysiology follows genetic programming, similar to cellular maturation and organization during development. The emergent properties of this electrophysiological development, namely neural oscillations, can be used to characterize brain development. Recently, we utilized the innate programming encoded in the human genome to generate functionally mature cortical organoids. In brief, stem cells are suspended in culture via continuous shaking and naturally aggregate into embryoid bodies before being exposed to media formulations for neural induction, differentiation and maturation. The specific culture format, media composition and duration of exposure to these media distinguish organoid protocols and determine whether a protocol is guided or unguided toward specific neural fate. The 'semi-guided' protocol presented here has shorter induction and differentiation steps with less-specific patterning molecules than most guided protocols but maintains the use of neurotrophic factors such as brain-derived growth factor and neurotrophin-3, unlike unguided approaches. This approach yields the cell type diversity of unguided approaches while maintaining reproducibility for disease modeling. Importantly, we characterized the electrophysiology of these organoids and found that they recapitulate the maturation of neural oscillations observed in the developing human brain, a feature not shown with other approaches. This protocol represents the potential first steps toward bridging molecular and cellular biology to human cognition, and it has already been used to discover underlying features of human brain development, evolution and neurological conditions. Experienced cell culture technicians can expect the protocol to take 1 month, with extended maturation, electrophysiology recording, and adeno-associated virus transduction procedure options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Q Fitzgerald
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Tiffany Chu
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Francesca Puppo
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Rebeca Blanch
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA
- Institut de Recerca Vall d'Hebron and Institut de Neurociències, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Miguel Chillón
- Institut de Recerca Vall d'Hebron and Institut de Neurociències, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Shankar Subramaniam
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Alysson R Muotri
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA.
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA.
- Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny and Archealization, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.
- Sanford Stem Cell Education and Integrated Space Stem Cell Orbital Research Center, Sanford Stem Cell Institute, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.
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21
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Munezane H, Imamura K, Fujimoto N, Hotta A, Yukitake H, Inoue H. Elimination of the extra chromosome of Dup15q syndrome iPSCs for cellular and molecular investigation. Eur J Cell Biol 2024; 103:151446. [PMID: 39059105 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejcb.2024.151446] [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: 04/17/2024] [Revised: 06/23/2024] [Accepted: 07/15/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Chromosome 15q11.2-13.1 duplication (Dup15q) syndrome is one of the most common autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) associated with copy number variants (CNVs). For the analysis of CNV-relevant pathological cellular phenotypes, a CNV-corrected isogenic cell line is useful for excluding the influence of genetic background. Here, we devised a strategy to remove the isodicentric chromosome 15 by inserting a puro-ΔTK selection cassette into the extra chromosome using the CRISPR-Cas9 system, followed by a subsequent two-step drug selection. A series of assays, including qPCR-based copy number analysis and karyotype analysis, confirmed the elimination of the extra chromosome. Furthermore, cerebral organoids were generated from the parental Dup15q iPSCs and their isogenic iPSCs. scRNA-seq analysis revealed the alteration of expression levels in ion-channel-related genes and synapse-related genes in glutamatergic and GABAergic neurons in Dup15q organoids, respectively. The established isogenic cell line is a valuable resource for unraveling cellular and molecular alterations associated with Dup15q syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haruka Munezane
- Center for iPS Cell Research and Application (CiRA), Kyoto University, 53 Shogoin Kawahara-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan; Takeda-CiRA (T-CiRA) Joint Program, 2-26-1, Muraoka-Higashi, Fujisawa 251-8555, Japan
| | - Keiko Imamura
- Center for iPS Cell Research and Application (CiRA), Kyoto University, 53 Shogoin Kawahara-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan; Takeda-CiRA (T-CiRA) Joint Program, 2-26-1, Muraoka-Higashi, Fujisawa 251-8555, Japan; iPSC-based Drug discovery and Development Team, RIKEN BioResource Research Center, 1-7 Hikaridai, Seika-cho, Soraku-gun, Kyoto 619-0237, Japan; Medical-Risk Avoidance based on iPS Cells Team, RIKEN Center for Advanced Intelligence Project (AIP), 53 Shogoin Kawahara-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
| | - Naoko Fujimoto
- Center for iPS Cell Research and Application (CiRA), Kyoto University, 53 Shogoin Kawahara-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan; Takeda-CiRA (T-CiRA) Joint Program, 2-26-1, Muraoka-Higashi, Fujisawa 251-8555, Japan
| | - Akitsu Hotta
- Center for iPS Cell Research and Application (CiRA), Kyoto University, 53 Shogoin Kawahara-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan; Takeda-CiRA (T-CiRA) Joint Program, 2-26-1, Muraoka-Higashi, Fujisawa 251-8555, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Yukitake
- Takeda-CiRA (T-CiRA) Joint Program, 2-26-1, Muraoka-Higashi, Fujisawa 251-8555, Japan; Global Advanced Platform, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, 2-26-1, Muraoka-Higashi, Fujisawa 251-8555, Japan
| | - Haruhisa Inoue
- Center for iPS Cell Research and Application (CiRA), Kyoto University, 53 Shogoin Kawahara-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan; Takeda-CiRA (T-CiRA) Joint Program, 2-26-1, Muraoka-Higashi, Fujisawa 251-8555, Japan; iPSC-based Drug discovery and Development Team, RIKEN BioResource Research Center, 1-7 Hikaridai, Seika-cho, Soraku-gun, Kyoto 619-0237, Japan; Medical-Risk Avoidance based on iPS Cells Team, RIKEN Center for Advanced Intelligence Project (AIP), 53 Shogoin Kawahara-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan.
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22
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Ren K, Wang Q, Jiang D, Liu E, Alsmaan J, Jiang R, Rutkove SB, Tian F. A comprehensive review of electrophysiological techniques in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis research. Front Cell Neurosci 2024; 18:1435619. [PMID: 39280794 PMCID: PMC11393746 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2024.1435619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2024] [Accepted: 08/08/2024] [Indexed: 09/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a devastating neurodegenerative disease, is characterized by progressive motor neuron degeneration, leading to widespread weakness and respiratory failure. While a variety of mechanisms have been proposed as causes of this disease, a full understanding remains elusive. Electrophysiological alterations, including increased motor axon excitability, likely play an important role in disease progression. There remains a critical need for non-animal disease models that can integrate electrophysiological tools to better understand underlying mechanisms, track disease progression, and evaluate potential therapeutic interventions. This review explores the integration of electrophysiological technologies with ALS disease models. It covers cellular and clinical electrophysiological tools and their applications in ALS research. Additionally, we examine conventional animal models and highlight advancements in humanized models and 3D organoid technologies. By bridging the gap between these models, we aim to enhance our understanding of ALS pathogenesis and facilitate the development of new therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keyuan Ren
- Department of Neurology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Qinglong Wang
- Department of Neurology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Douglas Jiang
- Department of Neurology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
- Scripps Institution of Oceanography, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Ethan Liu
- Department of Neurology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Julie Alsmaan
- Department of Neurology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
- School of Arts and Science, Harvard College, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - Rui Jiang
- Department of Neurology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
- School of Arts and Science, Harvard College, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - Seward B Rutkove
- Department of Neurology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Feng Tian
- Department of Neurology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
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23
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Bellotti C, Samudyata S, Thams S, Sellgren CM, Rostami E. Organoids and chimeras: the hopeful fusion transforming traumatic brain injury research. Acta Neuropathol Commun 2024; 12:141. [PMID: 39215375 PMCID: PMC11363608 DOI: 10.1186/s40478-024-01845-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2024] [Accepted: 07/10/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Research in the field of traumatic brain injury has until now heavily relied on the use of animal models to identify potential therapeutic approaches. However, a long series of failed clinical trials has brought many scientists to question the translational reliability of pre-clinical results obtained in animals. The search for an alternative to conventional models that better replicate human pathology in traumatic brain injury is thus of the utmost importance for the field. Recently, orthotopic xenotransplantation of human brain organoids into living animal models has been achieved. This review summarizes the existing literature on this new method, focusing on its potential applications in preclinical research, both in the context of cell replacement therapy and disease modelling. Given the obvious advantages of this approach to study human pathologies in an in vivo context, we here critically review its current limitations while considering its possible applications in traumatic brain injury research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Bellotti
- Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Samudyata Samudyata
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Sebastian Thams
- Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Carl M Sellgren
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Centre for Psychiatry Research, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Stockholm Health Care Services, Karolinska Institutet, and Stockholm Health Care Services, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Elham Rostami
- Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Neurosurgery, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.
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24
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Pothayee N, Greene G, Jahanipour J, Jie H, Tao-Cheng JH, Petrus E, Maric D, Koretsky AP. Age Dependent Integration of Cortical Progenitors Transplanted at the Adult CSF-Brain Interface. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.08.28.609860. [PMID: 39372766 PMCID: PMC11451743 DOI: 10.1101/2024.08.28.609860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/08/2024]
Abstract
There has been renewed interest in neural transplantation of cells and tissues for brain repair. Recent studies have demonstrated the ability of transplanted neural precursor cells and in vitro grown organoids to mature and locally integrate into host brain neural circuitry. Much effort has focused on how the transplant behaves and functions after the procedure, but the extent to which the host brain can properly innervate the transplant, particularly in the context of aging, is largely unexplored. Here we report that transplantation of rat embryonic cortical precursor cells into the cerebrospinal fluid-subventricular zone (CSF-SVZ) of adult rat brains generates a brain-like tissue (BLT) at an ectopic site. This model allows for the assessment of long-range connectivity and cellular interactions between the transplant and the host brain as a function of host age. The transplanted precursor cells initially proliferate, then differentiate, and develop into mature BLTs, which receive supportive cellular components from the host including blood vessels, microglia, astrocytes, and oligodendrocytes. There was integration of the BLT into the host brain which occurred at all ages studied, suggesting that host age does not affect the maturation and integration of the transplant-derived BLT. Long-range axonal projections from the BLT into the host brain were robust throughout the different aged recipients. However, long-distance innervation originating from the host brain into the BLT significantly declined with age. This work demonstrates the feasibility and utility of integrating new neural tissue structures at ectopic sites into adult brain circuits to study host-transplant interactions.
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Patton MH, Thomas KT, Bayazitov IT, Newman KD, Kurtz NB, Robinson CG, Ramirez CA, Trevisan AJ, Bikoff JB, Peters ST, Pruett-Miller SM, Jiang Y, Schild AB, Nityanandam A, Zakharenko SS. Synaptic plasticity in human thalamocortical assembloids. Cell Rep 2024; 43:114503. [PMID: 39018245 PMCID: PMC11407288 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.114503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2024] [Revised: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 06/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Synaptic plasticities, such as long-term potentiation (LTP) and depression (LTD), tune synaptic efficacy and are essential for learning and memory. Current studies of synaptic plasticity in humans are limited by a lack of adequate human models. Here, we modeled the thalamocortical system by fusing human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived thalamic and cortical organoids. Single-nucleus RNA sequencing revealed that >80% of cells in thalamic organoids were glutamatergic neurons. When fused to form thalamocortical assembloids, thalamic and cortical organoids formed reciprocal long-range axonal projections and reciprocal synapses detectable by light and electron microscopy, respectively. Using whole-cell patch-clamp electrophysiology and two-photon imaging, we characterized glutamatergic synaptic transmission. Thalamocortical and corticothalamic synapses displayed short-term plasticity analogous to that in animal models. LTP and LTD were reliably induced at both synapses; however, their mechanisms differed from those previously described in rodents. Thus, thalamocortical assembloids provide a model system for exploring synaptic plasticity in human circuits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary H Patton
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Kristen T Thomas
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Ildar T Bayazitov
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Kyle D Newman
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Nathaniel B Kurtz
- Cell and Tissue Imaging Center, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Camenzind G Robinson
- Cell and Tissue Imaging Center, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Cody A Ramirez
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Alexandra J Trevisan
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Jay B Bikoff
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Samuel T Peters
- Center for Advanced Genome Engineering, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Shondra M Pruett-Miller
- Center for Advanced Genome Engineering, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA; Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Yanbo Jiang
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Andrew B Schild
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Anjana Nityanandam
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Stanislav S Zakharenko
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA.
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Fagiani F, Pedrini E, Taverna S, Brambilla E, Murtaj V, Podini P, Ruffini F, Butti E, Braccia C, Andolfo A, Magliozzi R, Smirnova L, Kuhlmann T, Quattrini A, Calabresi PA, Reich DS, Martino G, Panina-Bordignon P, Absinta M. A glia-enriched stem cell 3D model of the human brain mimics the glial-immune neurodegenerative phenotypes of multiple sclerosis. Cell Rep Med 2024; 5:101680. [PMID: 39121861 PMCID: PMC11384947 DOI: 10.1016/j.xcrm.2024.101680] [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: 06/06/2023] [Revised: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 07/16/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024]
Abstract
The role of central nervous system (CNS) glia in sustaining self-autonomous inflammation and driving clinical progression in multiple sclerosis (MS) is gaining scientific interest. We applied a single transcription factor (SOX10)-based protocol to accelerate oligodendrocyte differentiation from human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-derived neural precursor cells, generating self-organizing forebrain organoids. These organoids include neurons, astrocytes, oligodendroglia, and hiPSC-derived microglia to achieve immunocompetence. Over 8 weeks, organoids reproducibly generated mature CNS cell types, exhibiting single-cell transcriptional profiles similar to the adult human brain. Exposed to inflamed cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from patients with MS, organoids properly mimic macroglia-microglia neurodegenerative phenotypes and intercellular communication seen in chronic active MS. Oligodendrocyte vulnerability emerged by day 6 post-MS-CSF exposure, with nearly 50% reduction. Temporally resolved organoid data support and expand on the role of soluble CSF mediators in sustaining downstream events leading to oligodendrocyte death and inflammatory neurodegeneration. Such findings support the implementation of this organoid model for drug screening to halt inflammatory neurodegeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Fagiani
- Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Edoardo Pedrini
- Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Stefano Taverna
- Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Elena Brambilla
- Division of Neuroscience, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Valentina Murtaj
- Division of Neuroscience, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Paola Podini
- Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Francesca Ruffini
- Division of Neuroscience, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Erica Butti
- Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Clarissa Braccia
- ProMeFa, Proteomics and Metabolomics Facility, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Annapaola Andolfo
- ProMeFa, Proteomics and Metabolomics Facility, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Roberta Magliozzi
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, 37124 Verona, Italy
| | - Lena Smirnova
- Center for Alternatives to Animal Testing, Department of Environmental Health and Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Tanja Kuhlmann
- Institute of Neuropathology, University Hospital of Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Angelo Quattrini
- Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy; Division of Neuroscience, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Peter A Calabresi
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Daniel S Reich
- Translational Neuroradiology Section, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Gianvito Martino
- Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy; Division of Neuroscience, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Paola Panina-Bordignon
- Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy; Division of Neuroscience, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Martina Absinta
- Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy; Division of Neuroscience, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, 20132 Milan, Italy; Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
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27
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Qu B, Mu Q, Bi H, Chen Y, Wang Q, Ma X, Lu L. Interpretation of the past, present, and future of organoid technology: an updated bibliometric analysis from 2009 to 2024. Front Cell Dev Biol 2024; 12:1433111. [PMID: 39193361 PMCID: PMC11347291 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2024.1433111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2024] [Accepted: 07/31/2024] [Indexed: 08/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Organoid technology has been developed rapidly in the past decade, which involves the exploration of the mechanism of development, regeneration and various diseases, and intersects among multiple disciplines. Thousands of literature on 3D-culture or organoids have been published in the research areas of cell biology tissue engineering, nanoscience, oncology and so on, resulting in it being challenging for researchers to timely summarize these studies. Bibliometric statistics is a helpful way to help researchers clarify the above issues efficiently and manage the whole landscape systematically. In our study, all original articles on organoids were included in the Web of Science database from January 2009 to May 2024, and related information was collected and analyzed using Excel software, "bibliometrix" packages of the R software, VOSviewer and CiteSpace. As results, a total of 6222 papers were included to classify the status quo of the organoids and predict future research areas. Our findings highlight a growing trend in publications related to organoids, with the United States and Netherlands leading in this field. The University of California System, Harvard University, Utrecht University and Utrecht University Medical Center have emerged as pivotal contributors and the key authors in the field include Clevers, H, Beekman, JM and Spence JR. Our results also revealed that the research hotspots and trends of organoids mainly focused on clinical treatment, drug screening, and the application of materials and technologies such as "hydrogel" and "microfluidic technology" in organoids. Next, we had an in-depth interpretation of the development process of organoid research area, including the emergence of technology, the translation from bench to bedsides, the profiles of the most widely studied types of organoids, the application of materials and technologies, and the emerging organoid-immune co-cultures trends. Furthermore, we also discussed the pitfalls, challenges and prospects of organoid technology. In conclusion, this study provides readers straightforward and convenient access to the organoid research field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baozhen Qu
- Qingdao Cancer Prevention and Treatment Research Institute, Qingdao Central Hospital, University of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences (Qingdao Central Hospital), Qingdao, China
| | - Qiang Mu
- The First Department of Breast Surgery, Qingdao Central Hospital, University of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences (Qingdao Central Hospital), Qingdao, China
| | - Huanhuan Bi
- College of Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Yuxian Chen
- College of Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Qitang Wang
- The First Department of Breast Surgery, Qingdao Central Hospital, University of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences (Qingdao Central Hospital), Qingdao, China
| | - Xuezhen Ma
- Department of Oncology, Qingdao Central Hospital, University of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences (Qingdao Central Hospital), Qingdao, China
| | - Linlin Lu
- Qingdao Cancer Prevention and Treatment Research Institute, Qingdao Central Hospital, University of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences (Qingdao Central Hospital), Qingdao, China
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28
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Kim Y, Kim H, Cho B, An S, Kang S, Kim S, Kim J. Modeling APOE ε4 familial Alzheimer's disease in directly converted 3D brain organoids. Front Aging Neurosci 2024; 16:1435445. [PMID: 39185458 PMCID: PMC11341472 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2024.1435445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2024] [Accepted: 07/25/2024] [Indexed: 08/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Brain organoids have become a valuable tool for studying human brain development, disease modeling, and drug testing. However, generating brain organoids with mature neurons is time-intensive and often incomplete, limiting their utility in studying age-related neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease (AD). Here, we report the generation of 3D brain organoids from human fibroblasts through direct reprogramming, with simplicity, efficiency, and reduced variability. We also demonstrate that induced brain organoids from APOE ε4 AD patient fibroblasts capture some disease-specific features and pathologies associated with APOE ε4 AD. Moreover, APOE ε4-induced brain organoids with mutant APP overexpression faithfully recapitulate the acceleration of AD-related pathologies, providing a more physiologically relevant and patient-specific model of familial AD. Importantly, transcriptome analysis reveals that gene sets specific to APOE ε4 patient-induced brain organoids are highly similar to those of APOE ε4 post-mortem AD brains. Overall, induced brain organoids from direct reprogramming offer a promising approach for more efficient and controlled studies of neurodegenerative disease modeling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunkyung Kim
- Department of Chemistry, Dongguk University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hongwon Kim
- Department of Chemistry, Dongguk University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ, United States
| | - Byounggook Cho
- Department of Chemistry, Dongguk University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Saemin An
- Department of Chemistry, Dongguk University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Soi Kang
- Department of Chemistry, Dongguk University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sumin Kim
- Department of Chemistry, Dongguk University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jongpil Kim
- Department of Chemistry, Dongguk University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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29
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Hong SJ, Bock M, Zhang S, An SB, Han I. Therapeutic Transplantation of Human Central Nervous System Organoids for Neural Reconstruction. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:8540. [PMID: 39126108 PMCID: PMC11313261 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25158540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2024] [Revised: 08/03/2024] [Accepted: 08/03/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Damage to the central nervous system (CNS) often leads to irreversible neurological deficits, and there are currently few effective treatments available. However, recent advancements in regenerative medicine have identified CNS organoids as promising therapeutic options for addressing CNS injuries. These organoids, composed of various neurons and supporting cells, have shown potential for direct repair at injury sites. CNS organoids resemble the structure and function of actual brain tissue, which allows them to adapt and function well within the physiological environment when transplanted into injury sites. Research findings suggest that CNS organoids can replace damaged neurons, form new neural connections, and promote neural recovery. This review highlights the emerging benefits, evaluates preclinical transplantation outcomes, and explores future strategies for optimizing neuroregeneration using CNS organoids. With continued research and technological advancements, these organoids could provide new hope for patients suffering from neurological deficits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sung Jun Hong
- Research Competency Milestones Program (RECOMP), School of Medicine, CHA University, Seongnam-si 13488, Republic of Korea;
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, CHA University, Seongnam-si 13496, Republic of Korea
| | - Minsung Bock
- Department of Neurosurgery, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University, Seongnam-si 13496, Republic of Korea; (M.B.); (S.Z.); (S.B.A.)
| | - Songzi Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University, Seongnam-si 13496, Republic of Korea; (M.B.); (S.Z.); (S.B.A.)
| | - Seong Bae An
- Department of Neurosurgery, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University, Seongnam-si 13496, Republic of Korea; (M.B.); (S.Z.); (S.B.A.)
| | - Inbo Han
- Department of Neurosurgery, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University, Seongnam-si 13496, Republic of Korea; (M.B.); (S.Z.); (S.B.A.)
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30
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Banerjee P, Senapati S. Translational Utility of Organoid Models for Biomedical Research on Gastrointestinal Diseases. Stem Cell Rev Rep 2024; 20:1441-1458. [PMID: 38758462 DOI: 10.1007/s12015-024-10733-3] [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] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
Organoid models have recently been utilized to study 3D human-derived tissue systems to uncover tissue architecture and adult stem cell biology. Patient-derived organoids unambiguously provide the most suitable in vitro system to study disease biology with the actual genetic background. With the advent of much improved and innovative approaches, patient-derived organoids can potentially be used in regenerative medicine. Various human tissues were explored to develop organoids due to their multifold advantage over the conventional in vitro cell line culture approach and in vivo models. Gastrointestinal (GI) tissues have been widely studied to establish organoids and organ-on-chip for screening drugs, nutraceuticals, and other small molecules having therapeutic potential. The function of channel proteins, transporters, and transmembrane proteins was also explained. The successful application of genome editing in organoids using the CRISPR-Cas approach has been reported recently. GI diseases such as Celiac disease (CeD), Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and common GI cancers have been investigated using several patient-derived organoid models. Recent advancements on organoid bio-banking and 3D bio-printing contributed significantly in personalized disease management and therapeutics. This article reviews the available literature on investigations and translational applications of patient-derived GI organoid models, notably on elucidating gut-microbial interaction and epigenetic modifications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pratibha Banerjee
- Immunogenomics Laboratory, Department of Human Genetics and Molecular Medicine, School of Health Sciences, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda, Punjab, India
| | - Sabyasachi Senapati
- Immunogenomics Laboratory, Department of Human Genetics and Molecular Medicine, School of Health Sciences, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda, Punjab, India.
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31
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Yang H, Niu S, Guo M, Xue Y. Applications of 3D organoids in toxicological studies: a comprehensive analysis based on bibliometrics and advances in toxicological mechanisms. Arch Toxicol 2024; 98:2309-2330. [PMID: 38806717 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-024-03777-4] [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: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024]
Abstract
A mechanism exploration is an important part of toxicological studies. However, traditional cell and animal models can no longer meet the current needs for in-depth studies of toxicological mechanisms. The three-dimensional (3D) organoid derived from human embryonic stem cells (hESC) or induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSC) is an ideal experimental model for the study of toxicological effects and mechanisms, which further recapitulates the human tissue microenvironment and provides a reliable method for studying complex cell-cell interactions. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the state of the 3D organoid technology in toxicological studies, including a bibliometric analysis of the existing literature and an exploration of the latest advances in toxicological mechanisms. The use of 3D organoids in toxicology research is growing rapidly, with applications in disease modeling, organ-on-chips, and drug toxicity screening being emphasized, but academic communications among countries/regions, institutions, and research scholars need to be further strengthened. Attempts to study the toxicological mechanisms of exogenous chemicals such as heavy metals, nanoparticles, drugs and organic pollutants are also increasing. It can be expected that 3D organoids can be better applied to the safety evaluation of exogenous chemicals by establishing a standardized methodology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haitao Yang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Shuyan Niu
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Menghao Guo
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Yuying Xue
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, China.
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32
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Patel D, Shetty S, Acha C, Pantoja IEM, Zhao A, George D, Gracias DH. Microinstrumentation for Brain Organoids. Adv Healthc Mater 2024; 13:e2302456. [PMID: 38217546 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202302456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2023] [Revised: 12/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2024]
Abstract
Brain organoids are three-dimensional aggregates of self-organized differentiated stem cells that mimic the structure and function of human brain regions. Organoids bridge the gaps between conventional drug screening models such as planar mammalian cell culture, animal studies, and clinical trials. They can revolutionize the fields of developmental biology, neuroscience, toxicology, and computer engineering. Conventional microinstrumentation for conventional cellular engineering, such as planar microfluidic chips; microelectrode arrays (MEAs); and optical, magnetic, and acoustic techniques, has limitations when applied to three-dimensional (3D) organoids, primarily due to their limits with inherently two-dimensional geometry and interfacing. Hence, there is an urgent need to develop new instrumentation compatible with live cell culture techniques and with scalable 3D formats relevant to organoids. This review discusses conventional planar approaches and emerging 3D microinstrumentation necessary for advanced organoid-machine interfaces. Specifically, this article surveys recently developed microinstrumentation, including 3D printed and curved microfluidics, 3D and fast-scan optical techniques, buckling and self-folding MEAs, 3D interfaces for electrochemical measurements, and 3D spatially controllable magnetic and acoustic technologies relevant to two-way information transfer with brain organoids. This article highlights key challenges that must be addressed for robust organoid culture and reliable 3D spatiotemporal information transfer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Devan Patel
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21218, USA
| | - Saniya Shetty
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21218, USA
| | - Chris Acha
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21218, USA
| | - Itzy E Morales Pantoja
- Center for Alternatives to Animal Testing (CAAT), Department of Environmental Health and Engineering, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Alice Zhao
- Department of Biology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21218, USA
| | - Derosh George
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21218, USA
| | - David H Gracias
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21218, USA
- Department of Chemistry, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21218, USA
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21218, USA
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
- Laboratory for Computational Sensing and Robotics (LCSR), Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21218, USA
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center (SKCCC), Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
- Center for MicroPhysiological Systems (MPS), Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
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33
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Kelley KW, Revah O, Gore F, Kaganovsky K, Chen X, Deisseroth K, Pașca SP. Host circuit engagement of human cortical organoids transplanted in rodents. Nat Protoc 2024:10.1038/s41596-024-01029-4. [PMID: 39075308 DOI: 10.1038/s41596-024-01029-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 07/31/2024]
Abstract
Human neural organoids represent promising models for studying neural function; however, organoids grown in vitro lack certain microenvironments and sensory inputs that are thought to be essential for maturation. The transplantation of patient-derived neural organoids into animal hosts helps overcome some of these limitations and offers an approach for neural organoid maturation and circuit integration. Here, we describe a method for transplanting human stem cell-derived cortical organoids (hCOs) into the somatosensory cortex of newborn rats. The differentiation of human induced pluripotent stem cells into hCOs occurs over 30-60 days, and the transplantation procedure itself requires ~0.5-1 hours per animal. The use of neonatal hosts provides a developmentally appropriate stage for circuit integration and allows the generation and experimental manipulation of a unit of human neural tissue within the cortex of a living animal host. After transplantation, animals can be maintained for hundreds of days, and transplanted hCO growth can be monitored by using brain magnetic resonance imaging. We describe the assessment of human neural circuit function in vivo by monitoring genetically encoded calcium responses and extracellular activity. To demonstrate human neuron-host functional integration, we also describe a procedure for engaging host neural circuits and for modulating animal behavior by using an optogenetic behavioral training paradigm. The transplanted human neurons can then undergo ex vivo characterization across modalities including dendritic morphology reconstruction, single-nucleus transcriptomics, optogenetic manipulation and electrophysiology. This approach may enable the discovery of cellular phenotypes from patient-derived cells and uncover mechanisms that contribute to human brain evolution from previously inaccessible developmental stages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin W Kelley
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Stanford Brain Organogenesis, Wu Tsai Neurosciences Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Omer Revah
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Stanford Brain Organogenesis, Wu Tsai Neurosciences Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Felicity Gore
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Konstantin Kaganovsky
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Stanford Brain Organogenesis, Wu Tsai Neurosciences Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Xiaoyu Chen
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Stanford Brain Organogenesis, Wu Tsai Neurosciences Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Karl Deisseroth
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Sergiu P Pașca
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.
- Stanford Brain Organogenesis, Wu Tsai Neurosciences Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.
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34
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Li K, Gu L, Cai H, Lu HC, Mackie K, Guo F. Human brain organoids for understanding substance use disorders. Drug Metab Pharmacokinet 2024; 58:101031. [PMID: 39146603 DOI: 10.1016/j.dmpk.2024.101031] [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: 06/20/2024] [Revised: 07/23/2024] [Accepted: 07/26/2024] [Indexed: 08/17/2024]
Abstract
Substance use disorders (SUDs) are complex mental health conditions involving a problematic pattern of substance use. Challenges remain in understanding their neural mechanisms, which are likely to lead to improved SUD treatments. Human brain organoids, brain-like 3D in vitro cultures derived from human stem cells, show unique potential in recapitulating the response of a developing human brain to substances. Here, we review the recent progress in understanding SUDs using human brain organoid models focusing on neurodevelopmental perspectives. We first summarize the background of SUDs in humans. Moreover, we introduce the development of various human brain organoid models and then discuss current progress and findings underlying the abuse of substances like nicotine, alcohol, and other addictive drugs using organoid models. Furthermore, we review efforts to develop organ chips and microphysiological systems to engineer better human brain organoids for advancing SUD studies. Lastly, we conclude by elaborating on the current challenges and future directions of SUD studies using human brain organoids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kangle Li
- Department of Intelligent Systems Engineering, Indiana University Bloomington, IN, 47405, United States
| | - Longjun Gu
- Department of Intelligent Systems Engineering, Indiana University Bloomington, IN, 47405, United States
| | - Hongwei Cai
- Department of Intelligent Systems Engineering, Indiana University Bloomington, IN, 47405, United States
| | - Hui-Chen Lu
- Gill Center for Biomolecular Science, Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University Bloomington, IN, 47405, United States
| | - Ken Mackie
- Gill Center for Biomolecular Science, Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University Bloomington, IN, 47405, United States
| | - Feng Guo
- Department of Intelligent Systems Engineering, Indiana University Bloomington, IN, 47405, United States.
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35
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Fazzari E, Azizad DJ, Yu K, Ge W, Li MX, Nano PR, Kan RL, Tum HA, Tse C, Bayley NA, Haka V, Cadet D, Perryman T, Soto JA, Wick B, Raleigh DR, Crouch EE, Patel KS, Liau LM, Deneen B, Nathanson DA, Bhaduri A. Glioblastoma Neurovascular Progenitor Orchestrates Tumor Cell Type Diversity. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.07.24.604840. [PMID: 39091877 PMCID: PMC11291138 DOI: 10.1101/2024.07.24.604840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/04/2024]
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is the deadliest form of primary brain tumor with limited treatment options. Recent studies have profiled GBM tumor heterogeneity, revealing numerous axes of variation that explain the molecular and spatial features of the tumor. Here, we seek to bridge descriptive characterization of GBM cell type heterogeneity with the functional role of individual populations within the tumor. Our lens leverages a gene program-centric meta-atlas of published transcriptomic studies to identify commonalities between diverse tumors and cell types in order to decipher the mechanisms that drive them. This approach led to the discovery of a tumor-derived stem cell population with mixed vascular and neural stem cell features, termed a neurovascular progenitor (NVP). Following in situ validation and molecular characterization of NVP cells in GBM patient samples, we characterized their function in vivo. Genetic depletion of NVP cells resulted in altered tumor cell composition, fewer cycling cells, and extended survival, underscoring their critical functional role. Clonal analysis of primary patient tumors in a human organoid tumor transplantation system demonstrated that the NVP has dual potency, generating both neuronal and vascular tumor cells. Although NVP cells comprise a small fraction of the tumor, these clonal analyses demonstrated that they strongly contribute to the total number of cycling cells in the tumor and generate a defined subset of the whole tumor. This study represents a paradigm by which cell type-specific interrogation of tumor populations can be used to study functional heterogeneity and therapeutically targetable vulnerabilities of GBM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Fazzari
- Department of Biological Chemistry, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Daria J Azizad
- Department of Biological Chemistry, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Kwanha Yu
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Weihong Ge
- Department of Biological Chemistry, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Matthew X Li
- Department of Biological Chemistry, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Patricia R Nano
- Department of Biological Chemistry, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Ryan L Kan
- Department of Biological Chemistry, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Hong A Tum
- Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Christopher Tse
- Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Nicholas A Bayley
- Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Vjola Haka
- Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Dimitri Cadet
- Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Travis Perryman
- Department of Neurosurgery, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Jose A Soto
- Department of Biological Chemistry, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Brittney Wick
- Genomics Institute, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, USA
| | - David R Raleigh
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Elizabeth E Crouch
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- The Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Kunal S Patel
- Department of Neurosurgery, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Linda M Liau
- Department of Neurosurgery, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Benjamin Deneen
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - David A Nathanson
- Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Aparna Bhaduri
- Department of Biological Chemistry, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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Charles S, Jackson-Holmes E, Sun G, Zhou Y, Siciliano B, Niu W, Han H, Nikitina A, Kemp ML, Wen Z, Lu H. Non-Invasive Quality Control of Organoid Cultures Using Mesofluidic CSTR Bioreactors and High-Content Imaging. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.07.19.604365. [PMID: 39091761 PMCID: PMC11291105 DOI: 10.1101/2024.07.19.604365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/04/2024]
Abstract
Human brain organoids produce anatomically relevant cellular structures and recapitulate key aspects of in vivo brain function, which holds great potential to model neurological diseases and screen therapeutics. However, the long growth time of 3D systems complicates the culturing of brain organoids and results in heterogeneity across samples hampering their applications. We developed an integrated platform to enable robust and long-term culturing of 3D brain organoids. We designed a mesofluidic bioreactor device based on a reaction-diffusion scaling theory, which achieves robust media exchange for sufficient nutrient delivery in long-term culture. We integrated this device with longitudinal tracking and machine learning-based classification tools to enable non-invasive quality control of live organoids. This integrated platform allows for sample pre-selection for downstream molecular analysis. Transcriptome analyses of organoids revealed that our mesofluidic bioreactor promoted organoid development while reducing cell death. Our platform thus offers a generalizable tool to establish reproducible culture standards for 3D cellular systems for a variety of applications beyond brain organoids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seleipiri Charles
- Interdisciplinary Program in Bioengineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, 311 Ferst Drive NW, Atlanta, Georgia 30332, U.S.A
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, 313 Ferst Drive NW, Atlanta, Georgia 30332, U.S.A
| | - Emily Jackson-Holmes
- School of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, 311 Ferst Drive NW Atlanta, Georgia 30332, U.S.A
| | - Gongchen Sun
- School of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, 311 Ferst Drive NW Atlanta, Georgia 30332, U.S.A
| | - Ying Zhou
- Departments of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Cell Biology, and Neurology, Emory University School of Medicine, 615 Michael Street, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, U.S.A
| | - Benjamin Siciliano
- Graduate Program in Molecular and Systems Pharmacology, Laney Graduate School, Emory University, 615 Michael Street, Atlanta, GA, 30322, U.S.A
| | - Weibo Niu
- Departments of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Cell Biology, and Neurology, Emory University School of Medicine, 615 Michael Street, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, U.S.A
| | - Haejun Han
- Interdisciplinary Program in Bioengineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, 311 Ferst Drive NW, Atlanta, Georgia 30332, U.S.A
- School of Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, 310 Ferst Drive NW, Atlanta, Georgia 30332, U.S.A
| | - Arina Nikitina
- School of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, 311 Ferst Drive NW Atlanta, Georgia 30332, U.S.A
| | - Melissa L Kemp
- Interdisciplinary Program in Bioengineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, 311 Ferst Drive NW, Atlanta, Georgia 30332, U.S.A
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, 313 Ferst Drive NW, Atlanta, Georgia 30332, U.S.A
| | - Zhexing Wen
- Departments of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Cell Biology, and Neurology, Emory University School of Medicine, 615 Michael Street, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, U.S.A
| | - Hang Lu
- Interdisciplinary Program in Bioengineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, 311 Ferst Drive NW, Atlanta, Georgia 30332, U.S.A
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, 313 Ferst Drive NW, Atlanta, Georgia 30332, U.S.A
- School of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, 311 Ferst Drive NW Atlanta, Georgia 30332, U.S.A
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De Meulemeester AS, Reid C, Auvin S, Carlen PL, Cole AJ, Szlendak R, Di Sapia R, Moshé SL, Sankar R, O'Brien TJ, Baulac S, Henshall DC, Akman Ö, Galanopoulou AS. WONOEP appraisal: Modeling early onset epilepsies. Epilepsia 2024. [PMID: 39042520 DOI: 10.1111/epi.18063] [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: 03/20/2024] [Revised: 07/01/2024] [Accepted: 07/02/2024] [Indexed: 07/25/2024]
Abstract
Epilepsy has a peak incidence during the neonatal to early childhood period. These early onset epilepsies may be severe conditions frequently associated with comorbidities such as developmental deficits and intellectual disability and, in a significant percentage of patients, may be medication-resistant. The use of adult rodent models in the exploration of mechanisms and treatments for early life epilepsies is challenging, as it ignores significant age-specific developmental differences. More recently, models developed in immature animals, such as rodent pups, or in three-dimensional organoids may more closely model aspects of the immature brain and could result in more translatable findings. Although models are not perfect, they may offer a more controlled screening platform in studies of mechanisms and treatments, which cannot be done in pediatric patient cohorts. On the other hand, more simplified models with higher throughput capacities are required to deal with the large number of epilepsy candidate genes and the need for new treatment options. Therefore, a combination of different modeling approaches will be beneficial in addressing the unmet needs of pediatric epilepsy patients. In this review, we summarize the discussions on this topic that occurred during the XVI Workshop on Neurobiology of Epilepsy, organized in 2022 by the Neurobiology Commission of the International League Against Epilepsy. We provide an overview of selected models of early onset epilepsies, discussing their advantages and disadvantages. Heterologous expression models provide initial functional insights, and zebrafish, rodent models, and brain organoids present increasingly complex platforms for modeling and validating epilepsy-related phenomena. Together, these models offer valuable insights into early onset epilepsies and accelerate hypothesis generation and therapy discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ann-Sofie De Meulemeester
- Institut du Cerveau-Paris Brain Institute-ICM, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), CNRS, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
- Laboratory for Molecular Biodiscovery, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Christopher Reid
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Medicine, Epilepsy Research Centre, Austin Health, University of Melbourne, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia
| | - Stéphane Auvin
- Pediatric Neurology Department, CRMR Épilepsies Rares, EpiCARE member, AP-HP, Robert-Debré University Hospital, Paris, France
- INSERM NeuroDiderot, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
- Institut Universitaire de France, Paris, France
| | - Peter L Carlen
- Krembil Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Medicine and Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Andrew J Cole
- MGH Epilepsy Service, Division of Clinical Neurophysiology, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Roza Szlendak
- Department of Medical Genetics, Institute of Mother and Child, Warsaw, Poland
- Institut de Génomique Fonctionnelle, University of Montpellier, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), Montpellier, France
| | - Rossella Di Sapia
- Department of Acute Brain and Cardiovascular Injury, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Solomon L Moshé
- Saul R. Korey Department of Neurology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA
- Isabelle Rapin Division of Child Neurology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA
- Dominick P. Purpura Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA
| | - Raman Sankar
- Department of Neurology and Pediatrics, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Terence J O'Brien
- Department of Medicine, Royal Melbourne Hospital, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Neurology, Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Stéphanie Baulac
- Institut du Cerveau-Paris Brain Institute-ICM, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), CNRS, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - David C Henshall
- FutureNeuro SFI Research Centre, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
- Department of Physiology and Medical Physics, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Özlem Akman
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Demiroglu Bilim University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Aristea S Galanopoulou
- Saul R. Korey Department of Neurology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA
- Isabelle Rapin Division of Child Neurology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA
- Dominick P. Purpura Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA
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38
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Bock M, Hong SJ, Zhang S, Yu Y, Lee S, Shin H, Choi BH, Han I. Morphogenetic Designs, and Disease Models in Central Nervous System Organoids. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:7750. [PMID: 39062993 PMCID: PMC11276855 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25147750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2024] [Revised: 07/11/2024] [Accepted: 07/12/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Since the emergence of the first cerebral organoid (CO) in 2013, advancements have transformed central nervous system (CNS) research. Initial efforts focused on studying the morphogenesis of COs and creating reproducible models. Numerous methodologies have been proposed, enabling the design of the brain organoid to represent specific regions and spinal cord structures. CNS organoids now facilitate the study of a wide range of CNS diseases, from infections to tumors, which were previously difficult to investigate. We summarize the major advancements in CNS organoids, concerning morphogenetic designs and disease models. We examine the development of fabrication procedures and how these advancements have enabled the generation of region-specific brain organoids and spinal cord models. We highlight the application of these organoids in studying various CNS diseases, demonstrating the versatility and potential of organoid models in advancing our understanding of complex conditions. We discuss the current challenges in the field, including issues related to reproducibility, scalability, and the accurate recapitulation of the in vivo environment. We provide an outlook on prospective studies and future directions. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the state-of-the-art CNS organoid research, highlighting key developments, current challenges, and prospects in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minsung Bock
- Department of Neurosurgery, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University, Seongnam-si 13496, Republic of Korea; (M.B.); (S.Z.); (Y.Y.); (S.L.); (H.S.)
| | - Sung Jun Hong
- Research Competency Milestones Program, School of Medicine, CHA University, Seongnam-si 13488, Republic of Korea;
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, CHA University, Seongnam-si 13496, Republic of Korea
| | - Songzi Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University, Seongnam-si 13496, Republic of Korea; (M.B.); (S.Z.); (Y.Y.); (S.L.); (H.S.)
| | - Yerin Yu
- Department of Neurosurgery, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University, Seongnam-si 13496, Republic of Korea; (M.B.); (S.Z.); (Y.Y.); (S.L.); (H.S.)
| | - Somin Lee
- Department of Neurosurgery, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University, Seongnam-si 13496, Republic of Korea; (M.B.); (S.Z.); (Y.Y.); (S.L.); (H.S.)
| | - Haeeun Shin
- Department of Neurosurgery, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University, Seongnam-si 13496, Republic of Korea; (M.B.); (S.Z.); (Y.Y.); (S.L.); (H.S.)
| | - Byung Hyune Choi
- Department of Biomedical Science, Inha University College of Medicine, Incheon 22212, Republic of Korea;
| | - Inbo Han
- Department of Neurosurgery, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University, Seongnam-si 13496, Republic of Korea; (M.B.); (S.Z.); (Y.Y.); (S.L.); (H.S.)
- Advanced Regenerative Medicine Research Center, CHA Future Medicine Research Institute, Seongnam-si 13488, Republic of Korea
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Kalpana K, Rao C, Semrau S, Zhang B, Noggle S, Fossati V. Generating Neuroimmune Assembloids Using Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell (iPSC)-Derived Cortical Organoids and Microglia. Methods Mol Biol 2024. [PMID: 38976205 DOI: 10.1007/7651_2024_554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/09/2024]
Abstract
The emergence of brain organoids has revolutionized our understanding of neurodevelopment and neurological diseases by providing an in vitro model system that recapitulates key aspects of human brain development. However, conventional organoid protocols often overlook the role of microglia, the resident immune cells of the central nervous system. Microglia dysfunction is implicated in various neurological disorders, highlighting the need for their inclusion in organoid models. Here, we present a novel method for generating neuroimmune assembloids using human-induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived cortical organoids and microglia. Building upon our previous work generating myelinating cortical organoids, we extend our methodology to include the integration of microglia, ensuring their long-term survival and maturation within the organoids. We describe two integration methods: one involving direct addition of microglia progenitors to the organoids and an alternative approach where microglia and dissociated neuronal progenitors are aggregated together in a defined ratio. To facilitate downstream analysis, we also describe a dissociation protocol for single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) and provide guidance on fixation, cryosectioning, and immunostaining of assembloid structures. Overall, our protocol provides a comprehensive framework for generating neuroimmune assembloids, offering researchers a valuable tool for studying the interactions between neural cell types and immune cells in the context of neurological diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kriti Kalpana
- The New York Stem Cell Foundation Research Institute, New York, NY, USA
| | - Chandrika Rao
- The New York Stem Cell Foundation Research Institute, New York, NY, USA
| | - Stefan Semrau
- The New York Stem Cell Foundation Research Institute, New York, NY, USA
| | - Bin Zhang
- Department of Genetics & Genomic Sciences, Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Department of Artificial Intelligence and Human Health, Mount Sinai Center for Transformative Disease Modeling, Icahn Genomics Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Scott Noggle
- The New York Stem Cell Foundation Research Institute, New York, NY, USA
| | - Valentina Fossati
- The New York Stem Cell Foundation Research Institute, New York, NY, USA.
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40
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Wan S, Aregueta Robles U, Poole-Warren L, Esrafilzadeh D. Advances in 3D tissue models for neural engineering: self-assembled versus engineered tissue models. Biomater Sci 2024; 12:3522-3549. [PMID: 38829222 DOI: 10.1039/d4bm00317a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2024]
Abstract
Neural tissue engineering has emerged as a promising field that aims to create functional neural tissue for therapeutic applications, drug screening, and disease modelling. It is becoming evident in the literature that this goal requires development of three-dimensional (3D) constructs that can mimic the complex microenvironment of native neural tissue, including its biochemical, mechanical, physical, and electrical properties. These 3D models can be broadly classified as self-assembled models, which include spheroids, organoids, and assembloids, and engineered models, such as those based on decellularized or polymeric scaffolds. Self-assembled models offer advantages such as the ability to recapitulate neural development and disease processes in vitro, and the capacity to study the behaviour and interactions of different cell types in a more realistic environment. However, self-assembled constructs have limitations such as lack of standardised protocols, inability to control the cellular microenvironment, difficulty in controlling structural characteristics, reproducibility, scalability, and lengthy developmental timeframes. Integrating biomimetic materials and advanced manufacturing approaches to present cells with relevant biochemical, mechanical, physical, and electrical cues in a controlled tissue architecture requires alternate engineering approaches. Engineered scaffolds, and specifically 3D hydrogel-based constructs, have desirable properties, lower cost, higher reproducibility, long-term stability, and they can be rapidly tailored to mimic the native microenvironment and structure. This review explores 3D models in neural tissue engineering, with a particular focus on analysing the benefits and limitations of self-assembled organoids compared with hydrogel-based engineered 3D models. Moreover, this paper will focus on hydrogel based engineered models and probe their biomaterial components, tuneable properties, and fabrication techniques that allow them to mimic native neural tissue structures and environment. Finally, the current challenges and future research prospects of 3D neural models for both self-assembled and engineered models in neural tissue engineering will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuqian Wan
- Graduate School of Biomedical Engineering, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia.
| | - Ulises Aregueta Robles
- Graduate School of Biomedical Engineering, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia.
| | - Laura Poole-Warren
- Graduate School of Biomedical Engineering, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia.
- Tyree Foundation Institute of Health Engineering, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Dorna Esrafilzadeh
- Graduate School of Biomedical Engineering, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia.
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41
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Urrestizala-Arenaza N, Cerchio S, Cavaliere F, Magliaro C. Limitations of human brain organoids to study neurodegenerative diseases: a manual to survive. Front Cell Neurosci 2024; 18:1419526. [PMID: 39049825 PMCID: PMC11267621 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2024.1419526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 06/20/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024] Open
Abstract
In 2013, M. Lancaster described the first protocol to obtain human brain organoids. These organoids, usually generated from human-induced pluripotent stem cells, can mimic the three-dimensional structure of the human brain. While they recapitulate the salient developmental stages of the human brain, their use to investigate the onset and mechanisms of neurodegenerative diseases still faces crucial limitations. In this review, we aim to highlight these limitations, which hinder brain organoids from becoming reliable models to study neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Parkinson’s disease (PD), and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Specifically, we will describe structural and biological impediments, including the lack of an aging footprint, angiogenesis, myelination, and the inclusion of functional and immunocompetent microglia—all important factors in the onset of neurodegeneration in AD, PD, and ALS. Additionally, we will discuss technical limitations for monitoring the microanatomy and electrophysiology of these organoids. In parallel, we will propose solutions to overcome the current limitations, thereby making human brain organoids a more reliable tool to model neurodegeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nerea Urrestizala-Arenaza
- Achucarro Basque Center for Neuroscience, The Basque Biomodels Platform for Human Research (BBioH), Leioa, Spain
| | - Sonia Cerchio
- Centro di Ricerca “E. Piaggio” – University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Fabio Cavaliere
- Achucarro Basque Center for Neuroscience, The Basque Biomodels Platform for Human Research (BBioH), Leioa, Spain
- Fundación Biofisica Bizkaia, Leioa, Spain
| | - Chiara Magliaro
- Centro di Ricerca “E. Piaggio” – University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
- Department of Information Engineering, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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42
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Xu C, Alameri A, Leong W, Johnson E, Chen Z, Xu B, Leong KW. Multiscale engineering of brain organoids for disease modeling. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2024; 210:115344. [PMID: 38810702 PMCID: PMC11265575 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2024.115344] [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: 02/13/2024] [Revised: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024]
Abstract
Brain organoids hold great potential for modeling human brain development and pathogenesis. They recapitulate certain aspects of the transcriptional trajectory, cellular diversity, tissue architecture and functions of the developing brain. In this review, we explore the engineering strategies to control the molecular-, cellular- and tissue-level inputs to achieve high-fidelity brain organoids. We review the application of brain organoids in neural disorder modeling and emerging bioengineering methods to improve data collection and feature extraction at multiscale. The integration of multiscale engineering strategies and analytical methods has significant potential to advance insight into neurological disorders and accelerate drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cong Xu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA
| | - Alia Alameri
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA
| | - Wei Leong
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA
| | - Emily Johnson
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA
| | - Zaozao Chen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA
| | - Bin Xu
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA.
| | - Kam W Leong
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA.
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Yang Y, Kong Y, Cui J, Hou Y, Gu Z, Ma C. Advances and Applications of Cancer Organoids in Drug Screening and Personalized Medicine. Stem Cell Rev Rep 2024; 20:1213-1226. [PMID: 38532032 DOI: 10.1007/s12015-024-10714-6] [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] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024]
Abstract
In recent years, the rapid emergence of 3D organoid technology has garnered significant attention from researchers. These miniature models accurately replicate the structure and function of human tissues and organs, offering more physiologically relevant platforms for cancer research. These intricate 3D structures not only serve as promising models for studying human cancer, but also significantly contribute to the advancement of various potential applications in the field of cancer research. To date, organoids have been efficiently constructed from both normal and malignant tissues originating from patients. Using such bioengineering platforms, simulations of infections and cancer processes, mutations and carcinogenesis can be achieved, and organoid technology is also expected to facilitate drug testing and personalized therapies. In conclusion, regenerative medicine has the potential to enhance organoid technology and current transplantation treatments by utilizing genetically identical healthy organoids as substitutes for irreversibly deteriorating diseased organs. This review explored the evolution of cancer organoids and emphasized the significant role these models play in fundamental research and the advancement of personalized medicine in oncology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yujia Yang
- Hebei Medical University-National University of Ireland Galway Stem Cell Research Center, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050017, Hebei Province, China
- Hebei Research Center for Stem Cell Medical Translational Engineering, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050017, Hebei Province, China
| | - Yajie Kong
- Hebei Medical University-National University of Ireland Galway Stem Cell Research Center, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050017, Hebei Province, China
- Hebei Research Center for Stem Cell Medical Translational Engineering, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050017, Hebei Province, China
| | - Jinlei Cui
- Immunology Department, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050017, Hebei Province, China
| | - Yu Hou
- Hebei Medical University-National University of Ireland Galway Stem Cell Research Center, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050017, Hebei Province, China
- Hebei Research Center for Stem Cell Medical Translational Engineering, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050017, Hebei Province, China
| | - Zhanjing Gu
- Hebei Medical University-National University of Ireland Galway Stem Cell Research Center, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050017, Hebei Province, China
- Hebei Research Center for Stem Cell Medical Translational Engineering, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050017, Hebei Province, China
| | - Cuiqing Ma
- Hebei Medical University-National University of Ireland Galway Stem Cell Research Center, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050017, Hebei Province, China.
- Hebei Research Center for Stem Cell Medical Translational Engineering, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050017, Hebei Province, China.
- Immunology Department, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050017, Hebei Province, China.
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Zhang J, Hu G, Lu Y, Ren H, Huang Y, Wen Y, Ji B, Wang D, Wang H, Liu H, Ma N, Zhang L, Pan G, Qu Y, Wang H, Zhang W, Miao Z, Yao H. CTCF mutation at R567 causes developmental disorders via 3D genome rearrangement and abnormal neurodevelopment. Nat Commun 2024; 15:5524. [PMID: 38951485 PMCID: PMC11217373 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-49684-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 07/03/2024] Open
Abstract
The three-dimensional genome structure organized by CTCF is required for development. Clinically identified mutations in CTCF have been linked to adverse developmental outcomes. Nevertheless, the underlying mechanism remains elusive. In this investigation, we explore the regulatory roles of a clinically relevant R567W point mutation, located within the 11th zinc finger of CTCF, by introducing this mutation into both murine models and human embryonic stem cell-derived cortical organoid models. Mice with homozygous CTCFR567W mutation exhibit growth impediments, resulting in postnatal mortality, and deviations in brain, heart, and lung development at the pathological and single-cell transcriptome levels. This mutation induces premature stem-like cell exhaustion, accelerates the maturation of GABAergic neurons, and disrupts neurodevelopmental and synaptic pathways. Additionally, it specifically hinders CTCF binding to peripheral motifs upstream to the core consensus site, causing alterations in local chromatin structure and gene expression, particularly at the clustered protocadherin locus. Comparative analysis using human cortical organoids mirrors the consequences induced by this mutation. In summary, this study elucidates the influence of the CTCFR567W mutation on human neurodevelopmental disorders, paving the way for potential therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Gongcheng Hu
- Department of Basic Research, Guangzhou National Laboratory, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuli Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Huawei Ren
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jinzhong, China
| | - Yin Huang
- Department of Basic Research, Guangzhou National Laboratory, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yulin Wen
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Binrui Ji
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
- Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Diyang Wang
- Key Laboratory of CNS Regeneration (Ministry of Education), Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Haidong Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jinzhong, China
| | - Huisheng Liu
- Department of Basic Research, Guangzhou National Laboratory, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ning Ma
- Department of Basic Research, Guangzhou National Laboratory, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lingling Zhang
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Key Laboratory of Anti-Inflammatory and Immune Medicine (Ministry of Education), Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Guangjin Pan
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yibo Qu
- Key Laboratory of CNS Regeneration (Ministry of Education), Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hua Wang
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Key Laboratory of Anti-Inflammatory and Immune Medicine (Ministry of Education), Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Department of Basic Research, Guangzhou National Laboratory, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhichao Miao
- Department of Basic Research, Guangzhou National Laboratory, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hongjie Yao
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China.
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
- Department of Basic Research, Guangzhou National Laboratory, Guangzhou, China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
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45
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McInvale JJ, Canoll P, Hargus G. Induced pluripotent stem cell models as a tool to investigate and test fluid biomarkers in Alzheimer's disease and frontotemporal dementia. Brain Pathol 2024; 34:e13231. [PMID: 38246596 PMCID: PMC11189780 DOI: 10.1111/bpa.13231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases are increasing in prevalence and comprise a large socioeconomic burden on patients and their caretakers. The need for effective therapies and avenues for disease prevention and monitoring is of paramount importance. Fluid biomarkers for neurodegenerative diseases have gained a variety of uses, including informing participant selection for clinical trials, lending confidence to clinical diagnosis and disease staging, determining prognosis, and monitoring therapeutic response. Their role is expected to grow as disease-modifying therapies start to be available to a broader range of patients and as prevention strategies become established. Many of the underlying molecular mechanisms of currently used biomarkers are incompletely understood. Animal models and in vitro systems using cell lines have been extensively employed but face important translatability limitations. Induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technology, where a theoretically unlimited range of cell types can be reprogrammed from peripheral cells sampled from patients or healthy individuals, has gained prominence over the last decade. It is a promising avenue to study physiological and pathological biomarker function and response to experimental therapeutics. Such systems are amenable to high-throughput drug screening or multiomics readouts such as transcriptomics, lipidomics, and proteomics for biomarker discovery, investigation, and validation. The present review describes the current state of biomarkers in the clinical context of neurodegenerative diseases, with a focus on Alzheimer's disease and frontotemporal dementia. We include a discussion of how iPSC models have been used to investigate and test biomarkers such as amyloid-β, phosphorylated tau, neurofilament light chain or complement proteins, and even nominate novel biomarkers. We discuss the limitations of current iPSC methods, mentioning alternatives such as coculture systems and three-dimensional organoids which address some of these concerns. Finally, we propose exciting prospects for stem cell transplantation paradigms using animal models as a preclinical tool to study biomarkers in the in vivo context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie J. McInvale
- Department of Pathology and Cell BiologyColumbia UniversityNew YorkNew YorkUSA
- Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer's Disease and the Aging Brain, Columbia UniversityNew YorkNew YorkUSA
- Medical Scientist Training Program, Columbia UniversityNew YorkNew YorkUSA
| | - Peter Canoll
- Department of Pathology and Cell BiologyColumbia UniversityNew YorkNew YorkUSA
| | - Gunnar Hargus
- Department of Pathology and Cell BiologyColumbia UniversityNew YorkNew YorkUSA
- Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer's Disease and the Aging Brain, Columbia UniversityNew YorkNew YorkUSA
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Bhaduri A. Chimeric brain organoids capture human genetic diversity. Nature 2024; 631:32-33. [PMID: 38926554 DOI: 10.1038/d41586-024-01648-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
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Antón-Bolaños N, Faravelli I, Faits T, Andreadis S, Kastli R, Trattaro S, Adiconis X, Wei A, Sampath Kumar A, Di Bella DJ, Tegtmeyer M, Nehme R, Levin JZ, Regev A, Arlotta P. Brain Chimeroids reveal individual susceptibility to neurotoxic triggers. Nature 2024; 631:142-149. [PMID: 38926573 PMCID: PMC11338177 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-024-07578-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
Interindividual genetic variation affects the susceptibility to and progression of many diseases1,2. However, efforts to study how individual human brains differ in normal development and disease phenotypes are limited by the paucity of faithful cellular human models, and the difficulty of scaling current systems to represent multiple people. Here we present human brain Chimeroids, a highly reproducible, multidonor human brain cortical organoid model generated by the co-development of cells from a panel of individual donors in a single organoid. By reaggregating cells from multiple single-donor organoids at the neural stem cell or neural progenitor cell stage, we generate Chimeroids in which each donor produces all cell lineages of the cerebral cortex, even when using pluripotent stem cell lines with notable growth biases. We used Chimeroids to investigate interindividual variation in the susceptibility to neurotoxic triggers that exhibit high clinical phenotypic variability: ethanol and the antiepileptic drug valproic acid. Individual donors varied in both the penetrance of the effect on target cell types, and the molecular phenotype within each affected cell type. Our results suggest that human genetic background may be an important mediator of neurotoxin susceptibility and introduce Chimeroids as a scalable system for high-throughput investigation of interindividual variation in processes of brain development and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noelia Antón-Bolaños
- Department of Stem Cell & Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Irene Faravelli
- Department of Stem Cell & Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Tyler Faits
- Department of Stem Cell & Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Klarman Cell Observatory, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Sophia Andreadis
- Department of Stem Cell & Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Rahel Kastli
- Department of Stem Cell & Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Sebastiano Trattaro
- Department of Stem Cell & Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Xian Adiconis
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Klarman Cell Observatory, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Anqi Wei
- Department of Stem Cell & Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Abhishek Sampath Kumar
- Department of Stem Cell & Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Daniela J Di Bella
- Department of Stem Cell & Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Matthew Tegtmeyer
- Department of Stem Cell & Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Ralda Nehme
- Department of Stem Cell & Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Joshua Z Levin
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Klarman Cell Observatory, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Aviv Regev
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Boston, MA, USA
- Genentech, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Paola Arlotta
- Department of Stem Cell & Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA.
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA.
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Maksour S, Ng N, Hulme AJ, Miellet S, Engel M, Muñoz SS, Balez R, Rollo B, Finol-Urdaneta RK, Ooi L, Dottori M. REST and RCOR genes display distinct expression profiles in neurons and astrocytes using 2D and 3D human pluripotent stem cell models. Heliyon 2024; 10:e32680. [PMID: 38975076 PMCID: PMC11226837 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e32680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 05/22/2024] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 07/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Repressor element-1 silencing transcription factor (REST) is a transcriptional repressor involved in neurodevelopment and neuroprotection. REST forms a complex with the REST corepressors, CoREST1, CoREST2, or CoREST3 (encoded by RCOR1, RCOR2, and RCOR3, respectively). Emerging evidence suggests that the CoREST family can target unique genes independently of REST, in various neural and glial cell types during different developmental stages. However, there is limited knowledge regarding the expression and function of the CoREST family in human neurodevelopment. To address this gap, we employed 2D and 3D human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC) models to investigate REST and RCOR gene expression levels. Our study revealed a significant increase in RCOR3 expression in glutamatergic cortical and GABAergic ventral forebrain neurons, as well as mature functional NGN2-induced neurons. Additionally, a simplified astrocyte transdifferentiation protocol resulted in a significant decrease in RCOR2 expression following differentiation. REST expression was notably reduced in mature neurons and cerebral organoids. In summary, our findings provide the first insights into the cell-type-specific expression patterns of RCOR genes in human neuronal and glial differentiation. Specifically, RCOR3 expression increases in neurons, while RCOR2 levels decrease in astrocytes. The dynamic expression patterns of REST and RCOR genes during hPSC neuronal and glial differentiation underscore the potential distinct roles played by REST and CoREST proteins in regulating the development of these cell types in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Maksour
- School of Medical and Indigenous Health Sciences, University of Wollongong, NSW, Australia
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, University of Wollongong, NSW, Australia
- Molecular Horizons and School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, University of Wollongong, Northfields Avenue, Wollongong, NSW, 2522, Australia
| | - Neville Ng
- Molecular Horizons and School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, University of Wollongong, Northfields Avenue, Wollongong, NSW, 2522, Australia
| | - Amy J. Hulme
- School of Medical and Indigenous Health Sciences, University of Wollongong, NSW, Australia
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, University of Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - Sara Miellet
- School of Medical and Indigenous Health Sciences, University of Wollongong, NSW, Australia
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, University of Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - Martin Engel
- Molecular Horizons and School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, University of Wollongong, Northfields Avenue, Wollongong, NSW, 2522, Australia
| | - Sonia Sanz Muñoz
- Molecular Horizons and School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, University of Wollongong, Northfields Avenue, Wollongong, NSW, 2522, Australia
| | - Rachelle Balez
- Molecular Horizons and School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, University of Wollongong, Northfields Avenue, Wollongong, NSW, 2522, Australia
| | - Ben Rollo
- Department of Neuroscience, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Rocio K. Finol-Urdaneta
- School of Medical and Indigenous Health Sciences, University of Wollongong, NSW, Australia
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, University of Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - Lezanne Ooi
- Molecular Horizons and School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, University of Wollongong, Northfields Avenue, Wollongong, NSW, 2522, Australia
| | - Mirella Dottori
- School of Medical and Indigenous Health Sciences, University of Wollongong, NSW, Australia
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, University of Wollongong, NSW, Australia
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Fagiani F, Pedrini E, Taverna S, Brambilla E, Murtaj V, Podini P, Ruffini F, Butti E, Braccia C, Andolfo A, Magliozzi R, Smirnova L, Kuhlmann T, Quattrini A, Calabresi PA, Reich DS, Martino G, Panina-Bordignon P, Absinta M. Glia-enriched stem-cell 3D model of the human brain mimics the glial-immune neurodegenerative phenotypes of multiple sclerosis. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.06.20.597748. [PMID: 39372788 PMCID: PMC11451585 DOI: 10.1101/2024.06.20.597748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/08/2024]
Abstract
The role of central nervous system (CNS) glia in sustaining self-autonomous inflammation and driving clinical progression in multiple sclerosis (MS) is gaining scientific interest. We applied a single transcription factor ( SOX10 )-based protocol to accelerate oligodendrocyte differentiation from hiPSC-derived neural precursor cells, generating self-organizing forebrain organoids. These organoids include neurons, astrocytes, oligodendroglia, and hiPSC-derived microglia to achieve immunocompetence. Over 8 weeks, organoids reproducibly generated mature CNS cell types, exhibiting single-cell transcriptional profiles similar to the adult human brain. Exposed to inflamed cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from MS patients, organoids properly mimic macroglia-microglia neuro-degenerative phenotypes and intercellular communication seen in chronic active MS. Oligodendrocyte vulnerability emerged by day 6 post-MS-CSF exposure, with nearly 50% reduction. Temporally-resolved organoid data support and expand on the role of soluble CSF mediators in sustaining downstream events leading to oligodendrocyte death and inflammatory neurodegeneration. Such findings support implementing this organoid model for drug screening to halt inflammatory neurodegeneration.
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Narasipura SD, Zayas JP, Ash MK, Reyes A, Shull T, Gambut S, Schneider JR, Lorenzo-Redondo R, Al-Harthi L, Mamede JI. HIV-1 infection promotes neuroinflammation and neuron pathogenesis in novel microglia-containing cerebral organoids. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.06.13.598579. [PMID: 38915632 PMCID: PMC11195220 DOI: 10.1101/2024.06.13.598579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/26/2024]
Abstract
Cerebral organoids (COs) are a valuable tool to study the intricate interplay between glial cells and neurons in brain development and disease, including HIV-associated neuroinflammation. We developed a novel approach to generate microglia containing COs (CO-iMs) by co-culturing hematopoietic progenitors and induced pluripotent stem cells. This approach allowed for the differentiation of microglia within the organoids concomitantly to the neuronal progenitors. CO- iMs exhibited higher efficiency in generation of CD45 + /CD11b + /Iba-1 + microglia cells compared to conventional COs with physiologically relevant proportion of microglia (∼7%). CO-iMs exhibited substantially higher expression of microglial homeostatic and sensome markers as well as markers for the complement cascade. CO-iMs showed susceptibility to HIV infection resulting in a significant increase in several pro-inflammatory cytokines/chemokines and compromised neuronal function, which were abrogated by addition of antiretrovirals. Thus, CO-iM is a robust model to decipher neuropathogenesis, neurological disorders, and viral infections of brain cells in a 3D culture system.
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