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Rahman AA, Ohkura T, Bhave S, Pan W, Ohishi K, Ott L, Han C, Leavitt A, Stavely R, Burns AJ, Goldstein AM, Hotta R. Enteric neural stem cell transplant restores gut motility in mice with Hirschsprung disease. JCI Insight 2024; 9:e179755. [PMID: 39042470 PMCID: PMC11385093 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.179755] [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: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 07/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The goal of this study was to determine if transplantation of enteric neural stem cells (ENSCs) can rescue the enteric nervous system, restore gut motility, reduce colonic inflammation, and improve survival in the Ednrb-KO mouse model of Hirschsprung disease (HSCR). ENSCs were isolated from mouse intestine, expanded to form neurospheres, and microinjected into the colons of recipient Ednrb-KO mice. Transplanted ENSCs were identified in recipient colons as cell clusters in "neo-ganglia." Immunohistochemical evaluation demonstrated extensive cell migration away from the sites of cell delivery and across the muscle layers. Electrical field stimulation and optogenetics showed significantly enhanced contractile activity of aganglionic colonic smooth muscle following ENSC transplantation and confirmed functional neuromuscular integration of the transplanted ENSC-derived neurons. ENSC injection also partially restored the colonic migrating motor complex. Histological examination revealed a significant reduction in inflammation in ENSC-transplanted aganglionic recipient colon compared with that of sham-operated mice. Interestingly, mice that received cell transplant also had prolonged survival compared with controls. This study demonstrates that ENSC transplantation can improve outcomes in HSCR by restoring gut motility and reducing the severity of Hirschsprung-associated enterocolitis, the leading cause of death in human HSCR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed A Rahman
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Takahiro Ohkura
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Sukhada Bhave
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Weikang Pan
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Surgery, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Kensuke Ohishi
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Drug Discovery Laboratory, Wakunaga Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Leah Ott
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Christopher Han
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Abigail Leavitt
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Rhian Stavely
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Alan J Burns
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, United Kingdom
| | - Allan M Goldstein
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Ryo Hotta
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Stavely R, Rahman AA, Mueller JL, Leavitt AR, Han CY, Pan W, Kaiser KN, Ott LC, Ohkura T, Guyer RA, Burns AJ, Koppes AN, Hotta R, Goldstein AM. Mature enteric neurons have the capacity to reinnervate the intestine with glial cells as their guide. Neuron 2024:S0896-6273(24)00453-7. [PMID: 39019043 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2024.06.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2023] [Revised: 04/21/2024] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 07/19/2024]
Abstract
Here, we establish that plasticity exists within the postnatal enteric nervous system by demonstrating the reinnervation potential of post-mitotic enteric neurons (ENs). Employing BAF53b-Cre mice for selective neuronal tracing, the reinnervation capabilities of mature postnatal ENs are shown across multiple model systems. Isolated ENs regenerate neurites in vitro, with neurite complexity and direction influenced by contact with enteric glial cells (EGCs). Nerve fibers from transplanted ENs exclusively interface and travel along EGCs within the muscularis propria. Resident EGCs persist after Cre-dependent ablation of ENs and govern the architecture of the myenteric plexus for reinnervating ENs, as shown by nerve fiber projection tracing. Transplantation and optogenetic experiments in vivo highlight the rapid reinnervation potential of post-mitotic neurons, leading to restored gut muscle contractile activity within 2 weeks. These studies illustrate the structural and functional reinnervation capacity of post-mitotic ENs and the critical role of EGCs in guiding and patterning their trajectories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rhian Stavely
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Ahmed A Rahman
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Jessica L Mueller
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Abigail R Leavitt
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Christopher Y Han
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Weikang Pan
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Kyla N Kaiser
- Northeastern University, Department of Chemical Engineering, 360 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Leah C Ott
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Takahiro Ohkura
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Richard A Guyer
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Alan J Burns
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Abigail N Koppes
- Northeastern University, Department of Chemical Engineering, 360 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Ryo Hotta
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Allan M Goldstein
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA.
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Mandal A, Moneme C, Tewari BP, Goldstein AM, Sontheimer H, Cheng L, Moore SR, Levin D. A novel method for culturing enteric neurons generates neurospheres containing functional myenteric neuronal subtypes. J Neurosci Methods 2024; 407:110144. [PMID: 38670535 PMCID: PMC11144385 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2024.110144] [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: 12/23/2023] [Revised: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The enteric nervous system (ENS) is comprised of neurons, glia, and neural progenitor cells that regulate essential gastrointestinal functions. Advances in high-efficiency enteric neuron culture would facilitate discoveries surrounding ENS regulatory processes, pathophysiology, and therapeutics. NEW METHOD Development of a simple, robust, one-step method to culture murine enteric neurospheres in a 3D matrix that supports neural growth and differentiation. RESULTS Myenteric plexus cells isolated from the entire length of adult murine small intestine formed ≥3000 neurospheres within 7 days. Matrigel-embedded neurospheres exhibited abundant neural stem and progenitor cells expressing Sox2, Sox10 and Msi1 by day 4. By day 5, neural progenitor cell marker Nestin appeared in the periphery of neurospheres prior to differentiation. Neurospheres produced extensive neurons and neurites, confirmed by Tubulin beta III, PGP9.5, HuD/C, and NeuN immunofluorescence, including neural subtypes Calretinin, ChAT, and nNOS following 8 days of differentiation. Individual neurons within and external to neurospheres generated depolarization induced action potentials which were inhibited in the presence of sodium channel blocker, Tetrodotoxin. Differentiated neurospheres also contained a limited number of glia and endothelial cells. COMPARISON WITH EXISTING METHODS This novel one-step neurosphere growth and differentiation culture system, in 3D format (in the presence of GDNF, EGF, and FGF2), allows for ∼2-fold increase in neurosphere count in the derivation of enteric neurons with measurable action potentials. CONCLUSION Our method describes a novel, robust 3D culture of electrophysiologically active enteric neurons from adult myenteric neural stem and progenitor cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arabinda Mandal
- Department of Surgery, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Chioma Moneme
- Department of Surgery, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Bhanu P Tewari
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Allan M Goldstein
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Harald Sontheimer
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Lily Cheng
- Department of Surgery, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Sean R Moore
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology Hepatology, and Nutrition, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA.
| | - Daniel Levin
- Department of Surgery, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA.
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Pan W, Rahman AA, Ohkura T, Stavely R, Ohishi K, Han CY, Leavitt A, Kashiwagi A, Burns AJ, Goldstein AM, Hotta R. Autologous cell transplantation for treatment of colorectal aganglionosis in mice. Nat Commun 2024; 15:2479. [PMID: 38509106 PMCID: PMC10954649 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-46793-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Neurointestinal diseases cause significant morbidity and effective treatments are lacking. This study aimes to test the feasibility of transplanting autologous enteric neural stem cells (ENSCs) to rescue the enteric nervous system (ENS) in a model of colonic aganglionosis. ENSCs are isolated from a segment of small intestine from Wnt1::Cre;R26iDTR mice in which focal colonic aganglionosis is simultaneously created by diphtheria toxin injection. Autologous ENSCs are isolated, expanded, labeled with lentiviral-GFP, and transplanted into the aganglionic segment in vivo. ENSCs differentiate into neurons and glia, cluster to form neo-ganglia, and restore colonic contractile activity as shown by electrical field stimulation and optogenetics. Using a non-lethal model of colonic aganglionosis, our results demonstrate the potential of autologous ENSC therapy to improve functional outcomes in neurointestinal disease, laying the groundwork for clinical application of this regenerative cell-based approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weikang Pan
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, The second affiliated hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Ahmed A Rahman
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Takahiro Ohkura
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Rhian Stavely
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Kensuke Ohishi
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Drug Discovery Laboratory, Wakunaga Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Christopher Y Han
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Abigail Leavitt
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Aki Kashiwagi
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Alan J Burns
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK
| | - Allan M Goldstein
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ryo Hotta
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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Ohkura T, Burns AJ, Hotta R. Updates and Challenges in ENS Cell Therapy for the Treatment of Neurointestinal Diseases. Biomolecules 2024; 14:229. [PMID: 38397466 PMCID: PMC10887039 DOI: 10.3390/biom14020229] [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: 01/04/2024] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Neurointestinal diseases represent a significant challenge in clinical management with current palliative approaches failing to overcome disease and treatment-related morbidity. The recent progress with cell therapy to restore missing or defective components of the gut neuromusculature offers new hope for potential cures. This review discusses the progress that has been made in the sourcing of putative stem cells and the studies into their biology and therapeutic potential. We also explore some of the practical challenges that must be overcome before cell-based therapies can be applied in the clinical setting. Although a number of obstacles remain, the rapid advances made in the enteric neural stem cell field suggest that such therapies are on the near horizon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takahiro Ohkura
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA; (T.O.); (A.J.B.)
| | - Alan J. Burns
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA; (T.O.); (A.J.B.)
- Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - Ryo Hotta
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA; (T.O.); (A.J.B.)
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Rahman AA, Stavely R, Pan W, Ott L, Ohishi K, Ohkura T, Han C, Hotta R, Goldstein AM. Optogenetic Activation of Cholinergic Enteric Neurons Reduces Inflammation in Experimental Colitis. Cell Mol Gastroenterol Hepatol 2024; 17:907-921. [PMID: 38272444 PMCID: PMC11026705 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcmgh.2024.01.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Revised: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Intestinal inflammation is associated with loss of enteric cholinergic neurons. Given the systemic anti-inflammatory role of cholinergic innervation, we hypothesized that enteric cholinergic neurons similarly possess anti-inflammatory properties and may represent a novel target to treat inflammatory bowel disease. METHODS Mice were fed 2.5% dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) for 7 days to induce colitis. Cholinergic enteric neurons, which express choline acetyltransferase (ChAT), were focally ablated in the midcolon of ChAT::Cre;R26-iDTR mice by local injection of diphtheria toxin before colitis induction. Activation of enteric cholinergic neurons was achieved using ChAT::Cre;R26-ChR2 mice, in which ChAT+ neurons express channelrhodopsin-2, with daily blue light stimulation delivered via an intracolonic probe during the 7 days of DSS treatment. Colitis severity, ENS structure, and smooth muscle contractility were assessed by histology, immunohistochemistry, quantitative polymerase chain reaction, organ bath, and electromyography. In vitro studies assessed the anti-inflammatory role of enteric cholinergic neurons on cultured muscularis macrophages. RESULTS Ablation of ChAT+ neurons in DSS-treated mice exacerbated colitis, as measured by weight loss, colon shortening, histologic inflammation, and CD45+ cell infiltration, and led to colonic dysmotility. Conversely, optogenetic activation of enteric cholinergic neurons improved colitis, preserved smooth muscle contractility, protected against loss of cholinergic neurons, and reduced proinflammatory cytokine production. Both acetylcholine and optogenetic cholinergic neuron activation in vitro reduced proinflammatory cytokine expression in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated muscularis macrophages. CONCLUSIONS These findings show that enteric cholinergic neurons have an anti-inflammatory role in the colon and should be explored as a potential inflammatory bowel disease treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed A Rahman
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Rhian Stavely
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Weikang Pan
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Leah Ott
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Kensuke Ohishi
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts; Drug Discovery Laboratory, Wakunaga Pharmaceuticals Company, Ltd, Akitakata, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Takahiro Ohkura
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Christopher Han
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Ryo Hotta
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Allan M Goldstein
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts.
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Tsunokuma N, Tetteh DN, Isono K, Kuniishi-Hikosaka M, Tsuneto M, Ishii K, Yamazaki H. Depletion of Neural Crest-Derived Cells Leads to Plasma Noradrenaline Decrease and Alters T Cell Development. JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY (BALTIMORE, MD. : 1950) 2023; 211:1494-1505. [PMID: 37747298 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.2300045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
The differentiation of neural crest (NC) cells into various cell lineages contributes to the formation of many organs, including the thymus. In this study, we explored the role of NC cells in thymic T cell development. In double-transgenic mice expressing NC-specific Cre and the Cre-driven diphtheria toxin receptor, plasma noradrenaline and adrenaline levels were significantly reduced, as were thymic T cell progenitors, when NC-derived cells were ablated with short-term administration of diphtheria toxin. Additionally, yellow fluorescent protein+ NC-derived mesenchymal cells, perivascular cells, and tyrosine hydroxylase+ sympathetic nerves in the thymus significantly decreased. Furthermore, i.p. administration of 6-hydroxydopamine, a known neurotoxin for noradrenergic neurons, resulted in a significant decrease in thymic tyrosine hydroxylase+ nerves, a phenotype similar to that of depleted NC-derived cells, whereas administration of a noradrenaline precursor for ablating NC-derived cells or sympathetic nerves rarely rescued this phenotype. To clarify the role of NC-derived cells in the adult thymus, we transplanted thymus into the renal capsules of wild-type mice and observed abnormal T cell development in lethally irradiated thymus with ablation of NC-derived cells or sympathetic nerves, suggesting that NC-derived cells inside and outside of the thymus contribute to T cell development. In particular, the ablation of NC-derived mesenchymal cells in the thymus decreases the number of thymocytes and T cell progenitors. Overall, ablation of NC-derived cells, including sympathetic nerves, in the thymus leads to abnormal T cell development in part by lowering plasma noradrenalin levels. This study reveals that NC-derived cells including mesenchymal cells and sympathetic nerves within thymus regulate T cell development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naoki Tsunokuma
- Department of Stem Cell and Developmental Biology, Mie University Graduate School of Medicine, Tsu, Japan
| | - Doris Narki Tetteh
- Department of Stem Cell and Developmental Biology, Mie University Graduate School of Medicine, Tsu, Japan
| | - Kana Isono
- Department of Stem Cell and Developmental Biology, Mie University Graduate School of Medicine, Tsu, Japan
| | - Mari Kuniishi-Hikosaka
- Department of Stem Cell and Developmental Biology, Mie University Graduate School of Medicine, Tsu, Japan
- Laboratory of Molecular Cell Biology, Graduate School of Medicine and Pharmacological Science, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
| | - Motokazu Tsuneto
- Department of Stem Cell and Developmental Biology, Mie University Graduate School of Medicine, Tsu, Japan
- Division of Regenerative Medicine and Therapeutics, Department of Genetic Medicine and Regenerative Therapeutics, Tottori University, Yonago, Japan
| | - Kenichiro Ishii
- Department of Nursing, Nagoya University of Arts and Sciences, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Hidetoshi Yamazaki
- Department of Stem Cell and Developmental Biology, Mie University Graduate School of Medicine, Tsu, Japan
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Hotta R, Rahman A, Bhave S, Stavely R, Pan W, Srinivasan S, de Couto G, Rodriguez-Borlado L, Myers R, Burns AJ, Goldstein AM. Transplanted ENSCs form functional connections with intestinal smooth muscle and restore colonic motility in nNOS-deficient mice. Stem Cell Res Ther 2023; 14:232. [PMID: 37667277 PMCID: PMC10478362 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-023-03469-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Enteric neuropathies, which result from abnormalities of the enteric nervous system, are associated with significant morbidity and high health-care costs, but current treatments are unsatisfactory. Cell-based therapy offers an innovative approach to replace the absent or abnormal enteric neurons and thereby restore gut function. METHODS Enteric neuronal stem cells (ENSCs) were isolated from the gastrointestinal tract of Wnt1-Cre;R26tdTomato mice and generated neurospheres (NS). NS transplants were performed via injection into the mid-colon mesenchyme of nNOS-/- mouse, a model of colonic dysmotility, using either 1 (n = 12) or 3 (n = 12) injections (30 NS per injection) targeted longitudinally 1-2 mm apart. Functional outcomes were assessed up to 6 weeks later using electromyography (EMG), electrical field stimulation (EFS), optogenetics, and by measuring colorectal motility. RESULTS Transplanted ENSCs formed nitrergic neurons in the nNOS-/- recipient colon. Multiple injections of ENSCs resulted in a significantly larger area of coverage compared to single injection alone and were associated with a marked improvement in colonic function, demonstrated by (1) increased colonic muscle activity by EMG recording, (2) faster rectal bead expulsion, and (3) increased fecal pellet output in vivo. Organ bath studies revealed direct neuromuscular communication by optogenetic stimulation of channelrhodopsin-expressing ENSCs and restoration of smooth muscle relaxation in response to EFS. CONCLUSIONS These results demonstrate that transplanted ENSCs can form effective neuromuscular connections and improve colonic motor function in a model of colonic dysmotility, and additionally reveal that multiple sites of cell delivery led to an improved response, paving the way for optimized clinical trial design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryo Hotta
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ahmed Rahman
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sukhada Bhave
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Rhian Stavely
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Weikang Pan
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Shriya Srinivasan
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endoscopy, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Society of Fellows, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Geoffrey de Couto
- Gastrointestinal Drug Discovery Unit, Takeda Development Center Americas, Inc., Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Luis Rodriguez-Borlado
- Gastrointestinal Drug Discovery Unit, Takeda Development Center Americas, Inc., Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Richard Myers
- Gastrointestinal Drug Discovery Unit, Takeda Development Center Americas, Inc., Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Alan J Burns
- Gastrointestinal Drug Discovery Unit, Takeda Development Center Americas, Inc., Cambridge, MA, USA
- Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK
| | - Allan M Goldstein
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
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Ott LC, Han CY, Mueller JL, Rahman AA, Hotta R, Goldstein AM, Stavely R. Bone Marrow Stem Cells Derived from Nerves Have Neurogenic Properties and Potential Utility for Regenerative Therapy. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:5211. [PMID: 36982286 PMCID: PMC10048809 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24065211] [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: 02/04/2023] [Revised: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurons and glia of the peripheral nervous system are derived from progenitor cell populations, originating from embryonic neural crest. The neural crest and vasculature are intimately associated during embryonic development and in the mature central nervous system, in which they form a neurovascular unit comprised of neurons, glia, pericytes, and vascular endothelial cells that play important roles in health and disease. Our group and others have previously reported that postnatal populations of stem cells originating from glia or Schwann cells possess neural stem cell qualities, including rapid proliferation and differentiation into mature glia and neurons. Bone marrow receives sensory and sympathetic innervation from the peripheral nervous system and is known to contain myelinating and unmyelinating Schwann cells. Herein, we describe a population of neural crest-derived Schwann cells residing in a neurovascular niche of bone marrow in association with nerve fibers. These Schwann cells can be isolated and expanded. They demonstrate plasticity in vitro, generating neural stem cells that exhibit neurogenic potential and form neural networks within the enteric nervous system in vivo following transplantation to the intestine. These cells represent a novel source of autologous neural stem cells for the treatment of neurointestinal disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Allan M. Goldstein
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Rhian Stavely
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
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10
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Stavely R, Hotta R, Guyer RA, Picard N, Rahman AA, Omer M, Soos A, Szocs E, Mueller J, Goldstein AM, Nagy N. A distinct transcriptome characterizes neural crest-derived cells at the migratory wavefront during enteric nervous system development. Development 2023; 150:dev201090. [PMID: 36779913 PMCID: PMC10108706 DOI: 10.1242/dev.201090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/14/2023]
Abstract
Enteric nervous system development relies on intestinal colonization by enteric neural crest-derived cells (ENCDCs). This is driven by a population of highly migratory and proliferative ENCDCs at the wavefront, but the molecular characteristics of these cells are unknown. ENCDCs from the wavefront and the trailing region were isolated and subjected to RNA-seq. Wavefront-ENCDCs were transcriptionally distinct from trailing ENCDCs, and temporal modelling confirmed their relative immaturity. This population of ENCDCs exhibited altered expression of ECM and cytoskeletal genes, consistent with a migratory phenotype. Unlike trailing ENCDCs, the wavefront lacked expression of genes related to neuronal or glial maturation. As wavefront ENCDC genes were associated with migration and developmental immaturity, the genes that remain expressed in later progenitor populations may be particularly pertinent to understanding the maintenance of ENCDC progenitor characteristics. Dusp6 expression was specifically upregulated at the wavefront. Inhibiting DUSP6 activity prevented wavefront colonization of the hindgut, and inhibited the migratory ability of post-colonized ENCDCs from midgut and postnatal neurospheres. These effects were reversed by simultaneous inhibition of ERK signaling, indicating that DUSP6-mediated ERK inhibition is required for ENCDC migration in mouse and chick.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rhian Stavely
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Pediatric Surgery Research Laboratories, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Ryo Hotta
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Pediatric Surgery Research Laboratories, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Richard A. Guyer
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Pediatric Surgery Research Laboratories, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Nicole Picard
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Pediatric Surgery Research Laboratories, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Ahmed A. Rahman
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Pediatric Surgery Research Laboratories, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Meredith Omer
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Pediatric Surgery Research Laboratories, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Adam Soos
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Semmelweis University, Budapest 1094, Hungary
| | - Emoke Szocs
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Semmelweis University, Budapest 1094, Hungary
| | - Jessica Mueller
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Pediatric Surgery Research Laboratories, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Allan M. Goldstein
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Pediatric Surgery Research Laboratories, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Nandor Nagy
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Semmelweis University, Budapest 1094, Hungary
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11
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Stavely R, Sahakian L, Filippone RT, Stojanovska V, Bornstein JC, Sakkal S, Nurgali K. Oxidative Stress-Induced HMGB1 Translocation in Myenteric Neurons Contributes to Neuropathy in Colitis. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12121831. [PMID: 36551259 PMCID: PMC9776169 DOI: 10.3390/biom12121831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2022] [Revised: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
High-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) is a damage-associated molecular pattern released by dying cells to stimulate the immune response. During cell death, HMGB1 is translocated from the nucleus to the cytoplasm and passively released. High levels of secreted HMGB1 are observed in the faeces of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients, indicating its role in IBD pathophysiology and potential as a non-invasive IBD biomarker. HMGB1 is important in regulating neuronal damage in the central nervous system; its pathological activity is intertwined with oxidative stress and inflammation. In this study, HMGB1 expression in the enteric nervous system and its relevance to intestinal neuroinflammation is explored in organotypic cultures of the myenteric plexus exposed to oxidative stimuli and in Winnie mice with spontaneous chronic colitis. Oxidative stimuli induced cytoplasmic translocation of HMGB1 in myenteric neurons in organotypic preparations. HMGB1 translocation correlated with enteric neuronal loss and oxidative stress in the myenteric ganglia of Winnie mice. Inhibition of HMGB1 by glycyrrhizic acid ameliorated HMGB1 translocation and myenteric neuronal loss in Winnie mice. These data highlight modulation of HMGB1 signalling as a therapeutic strategy to reduce the consequences of enteric neuroinflammation in colitis, warranting the exploration of therapeutics acting on the HMGB1 pathway as an adjunct treatment with current anti-inflammatory agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rhian Stavely
- Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Western Centre for Health, Research and Education, Sunshine Hospital, St Albans, VIC 3021, Australia
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Pediatric Surgery Research Laboratories, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
- Department of Medicine Western Health, The University of Melbourne, St Albans, VIC 3021, Australia
| | - Lauren Sahakian
- Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Western Centre for Health, Research and Education, Sunshine Hospital, St Albans, VIC 3021, Australia
| | - Rhiannon T. Filippone
- Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Western Centre for Health, Research and Education, Sunshine Hospital, St Albans, VIC 3021, Australia
| | - Vanesa Stojanovska
- Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Western Centre for Health, Research and Education, Sunshine Hospital, St Albans, VIC 3021, Australia
- The Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Monash Health Translation Precinct, Melbourne, VIC 3168, Australia
| | - Joel C. Bornstein
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Samy Sakkal
- Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Western Centre for Health, Research and Education, Sunshine Hospital, St Albans, VIC 3021, Australia
| | - Kulmira Nurgali
- Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Western Centre for Health, Research and Education, Sunshine Hospital, St Albans, VIC 3021, Australia
- Department of Medicine Western Health, The University of Melbourne, St Albans, VIC 3021, Australia
- Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Program, Australian Institute for Musculoskeletal Science (AIMSS), St Albans, VIC 3021, Australia
- Correspondence:
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12
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Pan W, Rahman AA, Stavely R, Bhave S, Guyer R, Omer M, Picard N, Goldstein AM, Hotta R. Schwann Cells in the Aganglionic Colon of Hirschsprung Disease Can Generate Neurons for Regenerative Therapy. Stem Cells Transl Med 2022; 11:1232-1244. [PMID: 36322091 PMCID: PMC9801298 DOI: 10.1093/stcltm/szac076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2022] [Accepted: 09/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell therapy offers the potential to replace the missing enteric nervous system (ENS) in patients with Hirschsprung disease (HSCR) and to restore gut function. The Schwann cell (SC) lineage has been shown to generate enteric neurons pre- and post-natally. Here, we aimed to isolate SCs from the aganglionic segment of HSCR and to determine their potential to restore motility in the aganglionic colon. Proteolipid protein 1 (PLP1) expressing SCs were isolated from the extrinsic nerve fibers present in the aganglionic segment of postnatal mice and patients with HSCR. Following 7-10 days of in vitro expansion, HSCR-derived SCs were transplanted into the aganglionic mouse colon ex vivo and in vivo. Successful engraftment and neuronal differentiation were confirmed immunohistochemically and calcium activity of transplanted cells was demonstrated by live cell imaging. Organ bath studies revealed the restoration of motor function in the recipient aganglionic smooth muscle. These results show that SCs isolated from the aganglionic segment of HSCR mouse can generate functional neurons within the aganglionic gut environment and restore the neuromuscular activity of recipient mouse colon. We conclude that HSCR-derived SCs represent a potential autologous source of neural progenitor cells for regenerative therapy in HSCR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weikang Pan
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA,Department of Pediatric Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Shaanxi, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ahmed A Rahman
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Rhian Stavely
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sukhada Bhave
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Richard Guyer
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Meredith Omer
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Nicole Picard
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Allan M Goldstein
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ryo Hotta
- Corresponding author: Ryo Hotta, MD PhD, 185 Cambridge St, CPZN 6-215, Boston, MA 02114, USA. Tel: +1 617 726 6460;
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13
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Pan W, Goldstein AM, Hotta R. Opportunities for novel diagnostic and cell-based therapies for Hirschsprung disease. J Pediatr Surg 2022; 57:61-68. [PMID: 34852916 PMCID: PMC9068833 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2021.10.049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2021] [Revised: 10/17/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Despite significant progress in our understanding of the etiology and pathophysiology of Hirschsprung disease (HSCR), early and accurate diagnosis and operative management can be challenging. Moreover, long-term morbidity following surgery, including fecal incontinence, constipation, and Hirschsprung-associated enterocolitis (HAEC), remains problematic. Recent advances applying state-of-the art imaging for visualization of the enteric nervous system and utilizing neuronal stem cells to replace the missing enteric neurons and glial cells offer the possibility of a promising new future for patients with HSCR. In this review, we summarize recent research advances that may one day offer novel approaches for the diagnosis and management of this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weikang Pan
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 55 Fruit Street, 185 Cambridge St, CPZN 6-215, Boston, MA 02114, USA; Department of Pediatric Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710004, China
| | - Allan M Goldstein
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 55 Fruit Street, 185 Cambridge St, CPZN 6-215, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Ryo Hotta
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 55 Fruit Street, 185 Cambridge St, CPZN 6-215, Boston, MA 02114, USA.
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14
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Mueller JL, Stavely R, Hotta R, Goldstein AM. Peripheral nervous system: A promising source of neuronal progenitors for central nervous system repair. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:970350. [PMID: 35968387 PMCID: PMC9374275 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.970350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
With a steadily aging population there is an increasing prevalence of neurological disorders. Given the lack of effective treatment strategies and a limited ability for the central nervous system (CNS) to regenerate endogenously, there is a critical need to better understand exogenous strategies for nervous system repair. Stem cell therapy offers a promising approach to promote the repair of neurologic tissue and function, however studies to date have been limited by various factors including challenges in harvesting donor cells from the CNS, ethical concerns regarding use of embryonic or fetal tissue, tumorigenic potential of induced pluripotent stem cells, and immune-mediated rejection of non-autologous cell sources. Here we review and propose two alternative sources of autologous cells derived from the peripheral nervous system (PNS) for CNS repair: enteric neuronal stem cells (ENSCs) and neural crest-derived Schwann cells found in subcutaneous adipose tissue (termed SAT-NSCs). ENSCs can be successfully isolated from the postnatal enteric nervous system, propagated in vitro, and transplanted successfully into models of CNS injury via both direct intracerebral injection and systemic tail vein injection. Similarly, SAT-NSCs can be readily isolated from both human and mouse adipose tissue and, although not yet utilized in models of CNS injury, have successfully been transplanted and restored function in models of colonic aganglionosis and gastroparesis. These unique sources of PNS-derived autologous cells offer an exciting option for stem cell therapies for the CNS as they have proven neurogenic potential and eliminate concerns around tumorigenic risk, ethical considerations, and immune-mediated rejection.
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15
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Stavely R, Hotta R, Picard N, Rahman AA, Pan W, Bhave S, Omer M, Ho WLN, Guyer RA, Goldstein AM. Schwann cells in the subcutaneous adipose tissue have neurogenic potential and can be used for regenerative therapies. Sci Transl Med 2022; 14:eabl8753. [PMID: 35613280 PMCID: PMC9745588 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.abl8753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Stem cell therapies for nervous system disorders are hindered by a lack of accessible autologous sources of neural stem cells (NSCs). In this study, neural crest-derived Schwann cells are found to populate nerve fiber bundles (NFBs) residing in mouse and human subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT). NFBs containing Schwann cells were harvested from mouse and human SAT and cultured in vitro. During in vitro culture, SAT-derived Schwann cells remodeled NFBs to form neurospheres and exhibited neurogenic differentiation potential. Transcriptional profiling determined that the acquisition of these NSC properties can be attributed to dedifferentiation processes in cultured Schwann cells. The emerging population of cells were termed SAT-NSCs because of their considerably distinct gene expression profile, cell markers, and differentiation potential compared to endogenous Schwann cells existing in vivo. SAT-NSCs successfully engrafted to the gastrointestinal tract of mice, migrated longitudinally and circumferentially within the muscularis, differentiated into neurons and glia, and exhibited neurochemical coding and calcium signaling properties consistent with an enteric neuronal phenotype. These cells rescued functional deficits associated with colonic aganglionosis and gastroparesis, indicating their therapeutic potential as a cell therapy for gastrointestinal dysmotility. SAT can be harvested easily and offers unprecedented accessibility for the derivation of autologous NSCs from adult tissues. Evidence from this study indicates that SAT-NSCs are not derived from mesenchymal stem cells and instead originate from Schwann cells within NFBs. Our data describe efficient isolation procedures for mouse and human SAT-NSCs and suggest that these cells have potential for therapeutic applications in gastrointestinal motility disorders.
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16
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Stavely R, Abalo R, Nurgali K. Targeting Enteric Neurons and Plexitis for the Management of Inflammatory Bowel Disease. Curr Drug Targets 2021; 21:1428-1439. [PMID: 32416686 DOI: 10.2174/1389450121666200516173242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2019] [Revised: 01/11/2020] [Accepted: 01/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD) are pathological conditions with an unknown aetiology that are characterised by severe inflammation of the intestinal tract and collectively referred to as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Current treatments are mostly ineffective due to their limited efficacy or toxicity, necessitating surgical resection of the affected bowel. The management of IBD is hindered by a lack of prognostic markers for clinical inflammatory relapse. Intestinal inflammation associates with the infiltration of immune cells (leukocytes) into, or surrounding the neuronal ganglia of the enteric nervous system (ENS) termed plexitis or ganglionitis. Histological observation of plexitis in unaffected intestinal regions is emerging as a vital predictive marker for IBD relapses. Plexitis associates with alterations to the structure, cellular composition, molecular expression and electrophysiological function of enteric neurons. Moreover, plexitis often occurs before the onset of gross clinical inflammation, which may indicate that plexitis can contribute to the progression of intestinal inflammation. In this review, the bilateral relationships between the ENS and inflammation are discussed. These include the effects and mechanisms of inflammation-induced enteric neuronal loss and plasticity. Additionally, the role of enteric neurons in preventing antigenic/pathogenic insult and immunomodulation is explored. While all current treatments target the inflammatory pathology of IBD, interventions that protect the ENS may offer an alternative avenue for therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rhian Stavely
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Pediatric Surgery Research Laboratories, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA,Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University; Western Centre for Health, Research and Education, Sunshine Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Raquel Abalo
- Área de Farmacología y Nutrición, Departamento de Ciencias Básicas de la Salud, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos (URJC), 28922 Alcorcón, Spain,Unidad Asociada I+D+i del Instituto de Química Médica (IQM), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas
(CSIC), Madrid, Spain,High Performance Research Group in Physiopathology and Pharmacology of the Digestive System NeuGut-URJC
| | - Kulmira Nurgali
- Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University; Western Centre for Health, Research and Education, Sunshine Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia,Department of Medicine Western Health, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences,
The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia,Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cells Program, Australian Institute for Musculoskeletal Science (AIMSS), Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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17
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Stavely R, Bhave S, Ho WLN, Ahmed M, Pan W, Rahman AA, Ulloa J, Bousquet N, Omer M, Guyer R, Nagy N, Goldstein AM, Hotta R. Enteric mesenchymal cells support the growth of postnatal enteric neural stem cells. Stem Cells 2021; 39:1236-1252. [PMID: 33938072 DOI: 10.1002/stem.3388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2020] [Accepted: 04/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Interplay between embryonic enteric neural stem cells (ENSCs) and enteric mesenchymal cells (EMCs) in the embryonic gut is essential for normal development of the enteric nervous system. Disruption of these interactions underlies the pathogenesis of intestinal aganglionosis in Hirschsprung disease (HSCR). ENSC therapy has been proposed as a possible treatment for HSCR, but whether the survival and development of postnatal-derived ENSCs similarly rely on signals from the mesenchymal environment is unknown and has important implications for developing protocols to expand ENSCs for cell transplantation therapy. Enteric neural crest-derived cells (ENCDCs) and EMCs were cultured from the small intestine of Wnt1-Rosa26-tdTomato mice. EMCs promoted the expansion of ENCDCs 9.5-fold by inducing ENSC properties, including expression of Nes, Sox10, Sox2, and Ngfr. EMCs enhanced the neurosphere-forming ability of ENCDCs, and this persisted after withdrawal of the EMCs. These effects were mediated by paracrine factors and several ligands known to support neural stem cells were identified in EMCs. Using the optimized expansion procedures, neurospheres were generated from small intestine of the Ednrb-/- mouse model of HSCR. These ENSCs had similar proliferative and migratory capacity to Ednrb+/+ ENSCs, albeit neurospheres contained fewer neurons. ENSCs derived from Ednrb-/- mice generated functional neurons with similar calcium responses to Ednrb+/+ ENSCs and survived after transplantation into the aganglionic colon of Ednrb-/- recipients. EMCs act as supporting cells to ENSCs postnatally via an array of synergistically acting paracrine signaling factors. These properties can be leveraged to expand autologous ENSCs from patients with HSCR mutations for therapeutic application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rhian Stavely
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Sukhada Bhave
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Wing Lam N Ho
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Minhal Ahmed
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- College of Engineering, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Weikang Pan
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an City, People's Republic of China
| | - Ahmed A Rahman
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jessica Ulloa
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Nicole Bousquet
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Meredith Omer
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Richard Guyer
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Nandor Nagy
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Allan M Goldstein
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Ryo Hotta
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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18
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Dynamic integration of enteric neural stem cells in ex vivo organotypic colon cultures. Sci Rep 2021; 11:15889. [PMID: 34354183 PMCID: PMC8342505 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-95434-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2020] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Enteric neural stem cells (ENSC) have been identified as a possible treatment for enteric neuropathies. After in vivo transplantation, ENSC and their derivatives have been shown to engraft within colonic tissue, migrate and populate endogenous ganglia, and functionally integrate with the enteric nervous system. However, the mechanisms underlying the integration of donor ENSC, in recipient tissues, remain unclear. Therefore, we aimed to examine ENSC integration using an adapted ex vivo organotypic culture system. Donor ENSC were obtained from Wnt1cre/+;R26RYFP/YFP mice allowing specific labelling, selection and fate-mapping of cells. YFP+ neurospheres were transplanted to C57BL6/J (6–8-week-old) colonic tissue and maintained in organotypic culture for up to 21 days. We analysed and quantified donor cell integration within recipient tissues at 7, 14 and 21 days, along with assessing the structural and molecular consequences of ENSC integration. We found that organotypically cultured tissues were well preserved up to 21-days in ex vivo culture, which allowed for assessment of donor cell integration after transplantation. Donor ENSC-derived cells integrated across the colonic wall in a dynamic fashion, across a three-week period. Following transplantation, donor cells displayed two integrative patterns; longitudinal migration and medial invasion which allowed donor cells to populate colonic tissue. Moreover, significant remodelling of the intestinal ECM and musculature occurred upon transplantation, to facilitate donor cell integration within endogenous enteric ganglia. These results provide critical evidence on the timescale and mechanisms, which regulate donor ENSC integration, within recipient gut tissue, which are important considerations in the future clinical translation of stem cell therapies for enteric disease.
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19
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Liu Z, Li J, Hu X, Xu H. Helicobacter pylori-induced protein tyrosine phosphatase receptor type C as a prognostic biomarker for gastric cancer. J Gastrointest Oncol 2021; 12:1058-1073. [PMID: 34295557 DOI: 10.21037/jgo-21-305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 06/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection is closely associated with the tumorigenesis of gastric cancer. The aim of the present study was to identify the key regulator in H. pylori-related gastric cancer and to study the expression level and clinical value of the indicated key regulator in gastric cancer. Methods The GSE6143 dataset was used to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) with limma R package, and enrichment analysis was done using the Metascape web-based portal. The protein-protein interaction analysis was done using Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes/Proteins. Gastric adenocarcinoma AGS and BGC-823 cells were treated with H. pylori strain 26695 to construct the in vitro H. pylori infection model, and quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction was used to analyze the mRNA levels of indicated genes. The correlation analysis between two genes in gastric cancer was done by GEPIA. Furthermore, the PTPRC expression by pathological features analysis was conducted in UALCAN, an easy to use, interactive web-portal (http://ualcan.path.uab.edu). The survival analysis for gastric cancer, based on PTPRC expression levels, was done using the Kaplan-Meier plotter. Results DEGs in gastric mucosa with or without H. pylori infection were identified and enriched in immune-related pathways and cancer pathways. The protein-protein interaction analysis confirmed the enrichment analysis of gene ontology. H. pylori strain 26695 exposure also confirmed the alteration of gene expression levels in AGS and BGC-823 cells. PTPRC was co-expressed with CSF2RB and TNFRSF7, indicating a significant positive correlation in gastric cancer. PTPRC was overexpressed in gastric cancer, and the overexpression of PTPRC was positively correlated with the progression of gastric cancer. Furthermore, the high expression of PTPRC could act as a poor prognostic factor for gastric cancer patients, especially for those at advanced stage. Conclusions H. pylori-induced PTPRC is overexpressed in gastric cancer, and the overexpression of PTPRC is positively associated with the development of gastric cancer. The high expression of PTPRC could serve as poor prognostic biomarker for gastric cancer patients, especially for those at advanced stage. H. pylori-induced PTPRC is a prognostic biomarker for gastric cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zichuan Liu
- Department of Internal Medicine, Affiliated Cancer Hospital & Institute of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jianchang Li
- Department of Internal Medicine, Affiliated Cancer Hospital & Institute of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoshan Hu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Affiliated Cancer Hospital & Institute of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Houwei Xu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Affiliated Cancer Hospital & Institute of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
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