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Huang T, Fakurazi S, Cheah PS, Ling KH. Chromosomal and cellular therapeutic approaches for Down syndrome: A research update. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2024; 735:150664. [PMID: 39260337 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2024.150664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2024] [Revised: 08/20/2024] [Accepted: 09/03/2024] [Indexed: 09/13/2024]
Abstract
In individuals with Down syndrome (DS), an additional HSA21 chromosome copy leads to the overexpression of a myriad of HSA21 genes, disrupting the transcription of the entire genome. This dysregulation in transcription and post-transcriptional modifications contributes to abnormal phenotypes across nearly all tissues and organs in DS individuals. The array of severe clinical symptoms associated with trisomy 21 poses a considerable challenge in the quest for a cure for DS. Fortunately, a wealth of research suggests that chromosome therapy, hinging on cutting-edge genome editing technologies, can potentially eliminate the extra copy of the human chromosome 21. Genome editing tools have demonstrated their efficacy in restoring trisomy to a normal diploid state in vitro DS cell models. Furthermore, we delve into the noteworthy findings in cellular therapy for DS, with recent studies showcasing the increasing feasibility of strategies involving stem cells and CAR T-cells to address corresponding clinical phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tan Huang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Sharida Fakurazi
- Department of Human Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Pike-See Cheah
- Department of Human Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia; Malaysian Research Institute on Ageing (MyAgeing(TM)), Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - King-Hwa Ling
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia; Malaysian Research Institute on Ageing (MyAgeing(TM)), Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia.
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2
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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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Gupta K, Czerminski JT, Lawrence JB. Trisomy silencing by XIST: translational prospects and challenges. Hum Genet 2024; 143:843-855. [PMID: 38459355 PMCID: PMC11294271 DOI: 10.1007/s00439-024-02651-8] [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: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 03/10/2024]
Abstract
XIST RNA is heavily studied for its role in fundamental epigenetics and X-chromosome inactivation; however, the translational potential of this singular RNA has been much less explored. This article combines elements of a review on XIST biology with our perspective on the translational prospects and challenges of XIST transgenics. We first briefly review aspects of XIST RNA basic biology that are key to its translational relevance, and then discuss recent efforts to develop translational utility of XIST for chromosome dosage disorders, particularly Down syndrome (DS). Remarkably, it was shown in vitro that expression of an XIST transgene inserted into one chromosome 21 can comprehensively silence that chromosome and "dosage compensate" Trisomy 21, the cause of DS. Here we summarize recent findings and discuss potential paths whereby ability to induce "trisomy silencing" can advance translational research for new therapeutic strategies. Despite its common nature, the underlying biology for various aspects of DS, including cell types and pathways impacted (and when), is poorly understood. Recent studies show that an inducible iPSC system to dosage-correct chromosome 21 can provide a powerful approach to unravel the cells and pathways directly impacted, and the developmental timing, information key to design pharmacotherapeutics. In addition, we discuss prospects of a more far-reaching and challenging possibility that XIST itself could be developed into a therapeutic agent, for targeted cellular "chromosome therapy". A few rare case studies of imbalanced X;autosome translocations indicate that natural XIST can rescue an otherwise lethal trisomy. The potential efficacy of XIST transgenes later in development faces substantial biological and technical challenges, although recent findings are encouraging, and technology is rapidly evolving. Hence, it is compelling to consider the transformative possibility that XIST-mediated chromosome therapy may ultimately be developed, for specific pathologies seen in DS, or other duplication disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khusali Gupta
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01655, USA
| | - Jan T Czerminski
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01655, USA
- Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01655, USA
| | - Jeanne B Lawrence
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01655, USA.
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01655, USA.
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Pereira MF, Shyti R, Testa G. In and out: Benchmarking in vitro, in vivo, ex vivo, and xenografting approaches for an integrative brain disease modeling pipeline. Stem Cell Reports 2024; 19:767-795. [PMID: 38865969 PMCID: PMC11390705 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2024.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2022] [Revised: 05/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/11/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Human cellular models and their neuronal derivatives have afforded unprecedented advances in elucidating pathogenic mechanisms of neuropsychiatric diseases. Notwithstanding their indispensable contribution, animal models remain the benchmark in neurobiological research. In an attempt to harness the best of both worlds, researchers have increasingly relied on human/animal chimeras by xenografting human cells into the animal brain. Despite the unparalleled potential of xenografting approaches in the study of the human brain, literature resources that systematically examine their significance and advantages are surprisingly lacking. We fill this gap by providing a comprehensive account of brain diseases that were thus far subjected to all three modeling approaches (transgenic rodents, in vitro human lineages, human-animal xenografting) and provide a critical appraisal of the impact of xenografting approaches for advancing our understanding of those diseases and brain development. Next, we give our perspective on integrating xenografting modeling pipeline with recent cutting-edge technological advancements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marlene F Pereira
- Department of Experimental Oncology, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Via Adamello 16, 20139 Milan, Italy; Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, Via Santa Sofia 9, 20122 Milan, Italy; Neurogenomics Centre, Human Technopole, Viale Rita Levi-Montalcini 1, 20157 Milan, Italy.
| | - Reinald Shyti
- Department of Experimental Oncology, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Via Adamello 16, 20139 Milan, Italy; Neurogenomics Centre, Human Technopole, Viale Rita Levi-Montalcini 1, 20157 Milan, Italy.
| | - Giuseppe Testa
- Department of Experimental Oncology, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Via Adamello 16, 20139 Milan, Italy; Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, Via Santa Sofia 9, 20122 Milan, Italy; Neurogenomics Centre, Human Technopole, Viale Rita Levi-Montalcini 1, 20157 Milan, Italy.
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Bansal P, Banda EC, Glatt-Deeley HR, Stoddard CE, Linsley JW, Arora N, Deleschaux C, Ahern DT, Kondaveeti Y, Massey RE, Nicouleau M, Wang S, Sabariego-Navarro M, Dierssen M, Finkbeiner S, Pinter SF. A dynamic in vitro model of Down syndrome neurogenesis with trisomy 21 gene dosage correction. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2024; 10:eadj0385. [PMID: 38848354 PMCID: PMC11160455 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adj0385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024]
Abstract
Excess gene dosage from chromosome 21 (chr21) causes Down syndrome (DS), spanning developmental and acute phenotypes in terminal cell types. Which phenotypes remain amenable to intervention after development is unknown. To address this question in a model of DS neurogenesis, we derived trisomy 21 (T21) human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) alongside, otherwise, isogenic euploid controls from mosaic DS fibroblasts and equipped one chr21 copy with an inducible XIST transgene. Monoallelic chr21 silencing by XIST is near-complete and irreversible in iPSCs. Differential expression reveals that T21 neural lineages and iPSCs share suppressed translation and mitochondrial pathways and activate cellular stress responses. When XIST is induced before the neural progenitor stage, T21 dosage correction suppresses a pronounced skew toward astrogenesis in neural differentiation. Because our transgene remains inducible in postmitotic T21 neurons and astrocytes, we demonstrate that XIST efficiently represses genes even after terminal differentiation, which will empower exploration of cell type-specific T21 phenotypes that remain responsive to chr21 dosage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prakhar Bansal
- Graduate Program in Genetics and Developmental Biology, UCONN Health, University of Connecticut, Farmington, CT, USA
- Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences, UCONN Health, University of Connecticut, Farmington, CT, USA
| | - Erin C. Banda
- Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences, UCONN Health, University of Connecticut, Farmington, CT, USA
| | - Heather R. Glatt-Deeley
- Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences, UCONN Health, University of Connecticut, Farmington, CT, USA
| | - Christopher E. Stoddard
- Cell and Genome Engineering Core, UCONN Health, University of Connecticut, Farmington, CT, USA
| | - Jeremy W. Linsley
- Center for Systems and Therapeutics, Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Taube/Koret Center for Neurodegenerative Disease, Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Neha Arora
- Center for Systems and Therapeutics, Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Cécile Deleschaux
- Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences, UCONN Health, University of Connecticut, Farmington, CT, USA
| | - Darcy T. Ahern
- Graduate Program in Genetics and Developmental Biology, UCONN Health, University of Connecticut, Farmington, CT, USA
- Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences, UCONN Health, University of Connecticut, Farmington, CT, USA
| | - Yuvabharath Kondaveeti
- Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences, UCONN Health, University of Connecticut, Farmington, CT, USA
| | - Rachael E. Massey
- Graduate Program in Genetics and Developmental Biology, UCONN Health, University of Connecticut, Farmington, CT, USA
- Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences, UCONN Health, University of Connecticut, Farmington, CT, USA
- Institute for Systems Genomics, University of Connecticut, Farmington, CT, USA
| | - Michael Nicouleau
- Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences, UCONN Health, University of Connecticut, Farmington, CT, USA
| | - Shijie Wang
- Center for Systems and Therapeutics, Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Miguel Sabariego-Navarro
- Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Mara Dierssen
- Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain
- Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain
- Human Pharmacology and Clinical Neurosciences Research Group, Neurosciences Research Program, Hospital Del Mar Medical Research Institute (IMIM), Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Madrid, Spain
| | - Steven Finkbeiner
- Center for Systems and Therapeutics, Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Taube/Koret Center for Neurodegenerative Disease, Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Departments of Neurology and Physiology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Neuroscience and Biomedical Sciences Graduate Programs, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Stefan F. Pinter
- Graduate Program in Genetics and Developmental Biology, UCONN Health, University of Connecticut, Farmington, CT, USA
- Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences, UCONN Health, University of Connecticut, Farmington, CT, USA
- Institute for Systems Genomics, University of Connecticut, Farmington, CT, USA
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Kawatani K, Holm ML, Starling SC, Martens YA, Zhao J, Lu W, Ren Y, Li Z, Jiang P, Jiang Y, Baker SK, Wang N, Roy B, Parsons TM, Perkerson RB, Bao H, Han X, Bu G, Kanekiyo T. ABCA7 deficiency causes neuronal dysregulation by altering mitochondrial lipid metabolism. Mol Psychiatry 2024; 29:809-819. [PMID: 38135757 PMCID: PMC11153016 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-023-02372-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2023] [Revised: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023]
Abstract
ABCA7 loss-of-function variants are associated with increased risk of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Using ABCA7 knockout human iPSC models generated with CRISPR/Cas9, we investigated the impacts of ABCA7 deficiency on neuronal metabolism and function. Lipidomics revealed that mitochondria-related phospholipids, such as phosphatidylglycerol and cardiolipin were reduced in the ABCA7-deficient iPSC-derived cortical organoids. Consistently, ABCA7 deficiency-induced alterations of mitochondrial morphology accompanied by reduced ATP synthase activity and exacerbated oxidative damage in the organoids. Furthermore, ABCA7-deficient iPSC-derived neurons showed compromised mitochondrial respiration and excess ROS generation, as well as enlarged mitochondrial morphology compared to the isogenic controls. ABCA7 deficiency also decreased spontaneous synaptic firing and network formation in iPSC-derived neurons, in which the effects were rescued by supplementation with phosphatidylglycerol or NAD+ precursor, nicotinamide mononucleotide. Importantly, effects of ABCA7 deficiency on mitochondria morphology and synapses were recapitulated in synaptosomes isolated from the brain of neuron-specific Abca7 knockout mice. Together, our results provide evidence that ABCA7 loss-of-function contributes to AD risk by modulating mitochondria lipid metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keiji Kawatani
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA
| | - Marie-Louise Holm
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA
| | - Skylar C Starling
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA
| | - Yuka A Martens
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA
- SciNeuro Pharmaceuticals, Rockville, MD, 20850, USA
| | - Jing Zhao
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA
- Center for Regenerative Biotherapeutics, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA
| | - Wenyan Lu
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA
- Center for Regenerative Biotherapeutics, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA
| | - Yingxue Ren
- Quantitative Health Sciences, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA
| | - Zonghua Li
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA
| | - Peizhou Jiang
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA
| | - Yangying Jiang
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA
| | - Samantha K Baker
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA
| | - Ni Wang
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA
| | - Bhaskar Roy
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA
| | - Tammee M Parsons
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA
- Center for Regenerative Biotherapeutics, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA
| | - Ralph B Perkerson
- Center for Regenerative Biotherapeutics, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA
| | - Hanmei Bao
- Barshop Institute for Longevity and Aging Studies, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA
| | - Xianlin Han
- Barshop Institute for Longevity and Aging Studies, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA
| | - Guojun Bu
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA
- Division of Life Science, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong, China
| | - Takahisa Kanekiyo
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA.
- Center for Regenerative Biotherapeutics, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA.
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Rabeling A, Goolam M. Cerebral organoids as an in vitro model to study autism spectrum disorders. Gene Ther 2023; 30:659-669. [PMID: 35790793 DOI: 10.1038/s41434-022-00356-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2022] [Revised: 06/01/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are a set of disorders characterised by social and communication deficits caused by numerous genetic lesions affecting brain development. Progress in ASD research has been hampered by the lack of appropriate models, as both 2D cell culture as well as animal models cannot fully recapitulate the developing human brain or the pathogenesis of ASD. Recently, cerebral organoids have been developed to provide a more accurate, 3D in vitro model of human brain development. Cerebral organoids have been shown to recapitulate the foetal brain gene expression profile, transcriptome, epigenome, as well as disease dynamics of both idiopathic and syndromic ASDs. They are thus an excellent tool to investigate development of foetal stage ASDs, as well as interventions that can reverse or rescue the altered phenotypes observed. In this review, we discuss the development of cerebral organoids, their recent applications in the study of both syndromic and idiopathic ASDs, their use as an ASD drug development platform, as well as limitations of their use in ASD research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexa Rabeling
- Department of Human Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, 7925, South Africa
| | - Mubeen Goolam
- Department of Human Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, 7925, South Africa.
- UCT Neuroscience Institute, Cape Town, South Africa.
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Watson LA, Meharena HS. From neurodevelopment to neurodegeneration: utilizing human stem cell models to gain insight into Down syndrome. Front Genet 2023; 14:1198129. [PMID: 37323671 PMCID: PMC10267712 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2023.1198129] [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: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Down syndrome (DS), caused by triplication of chromosome 21, is the most frequent aneuploidy observed in the human population and represents the most common genetic form of intellectual disability and early-onset Alzheimer's disease (AD). Individuals with DS exhibit a wide spectrum of clinical presentation, with a number of organs implicated including the neurological, immune, musculoskeletal, cardiac, and gastrointestinal systems. Decades of DS research have illuminated our understanding of the disorder, however many of the features that limit quality of life and independence of individuals with DS, including intellectual disability and early-onset dementia, remain poorly understood. This lack of knowledge of the cellular and molecular mechanisms leading to neurological features of DS has caused significant roadblocks in developing effective therapeutic strategies to improve quality of life for individuals with DS. Recent technological advances in human stem cell culture methods, genome editing approaches, and single-cell transcriptomics have provided paradigm-shifting insights into complex neurological diseases such as DS. Here, we review novel neurological disease modeling approaches, how they have been used to study DS, and what questions might be addressed in the future using these innovative tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- L. Ashley Watson
- Developmental and Cognitive Genomics Research Laboratory, Division of Biological Sciences, Section of Neurobiology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Hiruy S. Meharena
- Developmental and Cognitive Genomics Research Laboratory, Division of Biological Sciences, Section of Neurobiology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
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Peng L, Baradar AA, Aguado J, Wolvetang E. Cellular senescence and premature aging in Down Syndrome. Mech Ageing Dev 2023; 212:111824. [PMID: 37236373 DOI: 10.1016/j.mad.2023.111824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2023] [Revised: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Down syndrome (DS) is a genetic disorder caused by an extra copy of chromosome 21, resulting in cognitive impairment, physical abnormalities, and an increased risk of age-related co-morbidities. Individuals with DS exhibit accelerated aging, which has been attributed to several cellular mechanisms, including cellular senescence, a state of irreversible cell cycle arrest that is associated with aging and age-related diseases. Emerging evidence suggests that cellular senescence may play a key role in the pathogenesis of DS and the development of age-related disorders in this population. Importantly, cellular senescence may be a potential therapeutic target in alleviating age-related DS pathology. Here, we discuss the importance of focusing on cellular senescence to understand accelerated aging in DS. We review the current state of knowledge regarding cellular senescence and other hallmarks of aging in DS, including its putative contribution to cognitive impairment, multi-organ dysfunction, and premature aging phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lianli Peng
- Australian Institute for Biotechnology and Nanotechnology, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Alireza A Baradar
- Australian Institute for Biotechnology and Nanotechnology, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Julio Aguado
- Australian Institute for Biotechnology and Nanotechnology, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia.
| | - Ernst Wolvetang
- Australian Institute for Biotechnology and Nanotechnology, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia.
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10
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Zhao HH, Haddad GG. Alzheimer's disease like neuropathology in Down syndrome cortical organoids. Front Cell Neurosci 2022; 16:1050432. [PMID: 36568886 PMCID: PMC9773144 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2022.1050432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Down syndrome (DS) is a genetic disorder with an extra copy of chromosome 21 and DS remains one of the most common causes of intellectual disabilities in humans. All DS patients have Alzheimer's disease (AD)-like neuropathological changes including accumulation of plaques and tangles by their 40s, much earlier than the onset of such neuropathological changes in AD patients. Due to the lack of human samples and appropriate techniques, our understanding of DS neuropathology during brain development or before the clinical onset of the disease remains largely unexplored at the cellular and molecular levels. Methods: We used induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) and iPSC-derived 3D cortical organoids to model Alzheimer's disease in Down syndrome and explore the earliest cellular and molecular changes during DS fetal brain development. Results: We report that DS iPSCs have a decreased growth rate than control iPSCs due to a decreased cell proliferation. DS iPSC-derived cortical organoids have a much higher immunoreactivity of amyloid beta (Aß) antibodies and a significantly higher amount of amyloid plaques than control organoids. Although Elisa results did not detect a difference of Aß40 and Aß42 level between the two groups, the ratio of Aß42/Aß40 in the detergent-insoluble fraction of DS organoids was significantly higher than control organoids. Furthermore, an increased Tau phosphorylation (pTau S396) in DS organoids was confirmed by immunostaining and Western blot. Elisa data demonstrated that the ratio of insoluble Tau/total Tau in DS organoids was significantly higher than control organoids. Conclusion: DS iPSC-derived cortical organoids mimic AD-like pathophysiologyical phenotype in vitro, including abnormal Aß and insoluble Tau accumulation. The molecular neuropathologic signature of AD is present in DS much earlier than predicted, even in early fetal brain development, illustrating the notion that brain organoids maybe a good model to study early neurodegenerative conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen H. Zhao
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Gabriel G. Haddad
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States,Department of Neurosciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States,The Rady Children’s Hospital, San Diego, CA, United States,*Correspondence: Gabriel G. Haddad
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11
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Kleschevnikov AM. Enhanced GIRK2 channel signaling in Down syndrome: A feasible role in the development of abnormal nascent neural circuits. Front Genet 2022; 13:1006068. [PMID: 36171878 PMCID: PMC9510977 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.1006068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The most distinctive feature of Down syndrome (DS) is moderate to severe cognitive impairment. Genetic, molecular, and neuronal mechanisms of this complex DS phenotype are currently under intensive investigation. It is becoming increasingly clear that the abnormalities arise from a combination of initial changes caused by triplication of genes on human chromosome 21 (HSA21) and later compensatory adaptations affecting multiple brain systems. Consequently, relatively mild initial cognitive deficits become pronounced with age. This pattern of changes suggests that one approach to improving cognitive function in DS is to target the earliest critical changes, the prevention of which can change the ‘trajectory’ of the brain development and reduce the destructive effects of the secondary alterations. Here, we review the experimental data on the role of KCNJ6 in DS-specific brain abnormalities, focusing on a putative role of this gene in the development of abnormal neural circuits in the hippocampus of genetic mouse models of DS. It is suggested that the prevention of these early abnormalities with pharmacological or genetic means can ameliorate cognitive impairment in DS.
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Development of an efficient single-cell cloning and expansion strategy for genome edited induced pluripotent stem cells. Mol Biol Rep 2022; 49:7887-7898. [PMID: 35637316 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-022-07621-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2021] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Disease-specific human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) can be generated directly from individuals with known disease characteristics or alternatively be modified using genome editing approaches to introduce disease causing genetic mutations to study the biological response of those mutations. The genome editing procedure in hiPSCs is still inefficient, particularly when it comes to homology directed repair (HDR) of genetic mutations or targeted transgene insertion in the genome and single cell cloning of edited cells. In addition, genome editing processes also involve additional cellular stresses such as poor cell viability and genetic stability of hiPSCs. Therefore, efficient workflows are desired to increase genome editing application to hiPSC disease models and therapeutic applications. METHODS AND RESULTS To this end, we demonstrate an efficient workflow for feeder-free single cell clone generation and expansion in both CRISPR-mediated knock-out (KO) and knock-in (KI) hiPSC lines. Using StemFlex medium and CloneR supplement in conjunction with Matrigel cell culture matrix, we show that cell viability and expansion during single-cell cloning in edited and unedited cells is significantly enhanced. Keeping all factors into account, we have successfully achieved hiPSC single-cell survival and cloning in both edited and unedited cells with rates as maximum as 70% in less than 2 weeks. CONCLUSION This simplified and efficient workflow will allow for a new level of sophistication in generating hiPSC-based disease models to promote rapid advancement in basic research and also the development of novel cellular therapeutics.
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Cell models for Down syndrome-Alzheimer’s disease research. Neuronal Signal 2022; 6:NS20210054. [PMID: 35449591 PMCID: PMC8996251 DOI: 10.1042/ns20210054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2021] [Revised: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Down syndrome (DS) is the most common chromosomal abnormality and leads to intellectual disability, increased risk of cardiac defects, and an altered immune response. Individuals with DS have an extra full or partial copy of chromosome 21 (trisomy 21) and are more likely to develop early-onset Alzheimer’s disease (AD) than the general population. Changes in expression of human chromosome 21 (Hsa21)-encoded genes, such as amyloid precursor protein (APP), play an important role in the pathogenesis of AD in DS (DS-AD). However, the mechanisms of DS-AD remain poorly understood. To date, several mouse models with an extra copy of genes syntenic to Hsa21 have been developed to characterise DS-AD-related phenotypes. Nonetheless, due to genetic and physiological differences between mouse and human, mouse models cannot faithfully recapitulate all features of DS-AD. Cells differentiated from human-induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), isolated from individuals with genetic diseases, can be used to model disease-related cellular and molecular pathologies, including DS. In this review, we will discuss the limitations of mouse models of DS and how these can be addressed using recent advancements in modelling DS using human iPSCs and iPSC-mouse chimeras, and potential applications of iPSCs in preclinical studies for DS-AD.
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Miyazaki Y, Kikuchi M, Umezawa K, Descamps A, Nakamura D, Furuie G, Sumida T, Saito K, Kimura N, Niwa T, Sumida Y, Umehara T, Hosoya T, Kii I. Structure-activity relationship for the folding intermediate-selective inhibition of DYRK1A. Eur J Med Chem 2022; 227:113948. [PMID: 34742017 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2021.113948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2021] [Revised: 10/21/2021] [Accepted: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
DYRK1A phosphorylates proteins involved in neurological disorders in an intermolecular manner. Meanwhile, during the protein folding process of DYRK1A, a transitional folding intermediate catalyzes the intramolecular autophosphorylation required for the "one-off" inceptive activation and stabilization. In our previous study, a small molecule termed FINDY (1) was identified, which inhibits the folding intermediate-catalyzed intramolecular autophosphorylation of DYRK1A but not the folded state-catalyzed intermolecular phosphorylation. However, the structural features of FINDY (1) responsible for this intermediate-selective inhibition remain elusive. In this study, structural derivatives of FINDY (1) were designed and synthesized according to its predicted binding mode in the ATP pocket of DYRK1A. Quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) of the derivatives revealed that the selectivity against the folding intermediate is determined by steric hindrance between the bulky hydrophobic moiety of the derivatives and the entrance to the pocket. In addition, a potent derivative 3 was identified, which inhibited the folding intermediate more strongly than FINDY (1); it was designated as dp-FINDY. Although dp-FINDY (3) did not inhibit the folded state, as well as FINDY (1), it inhibited the intramolecular autophosphorylation of DYRK1A in an in vitro cell-free protein synthesis assay. Furthermore, dp-FINDY (3) destabilized endogenous DYRK1A in HEK293 cells. This study provides structural insights into the folding intermediate-selective inhibition of DYRK1A and expands the chemical options for the design of a kinase inhibitor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuka Miyazaki
- Laboratory for Drug Target Research, Department of Agriculture, Graduate School of Science and Technology, Shinshu University, 8304 Minami-Minowa, Kami-Ina, Nagano, 399-4598, Japan
| | - Masaki Kikuchi
- Laboratory for Epigenetics Drug Discovery, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, 1-7-22 Suehiro-cho, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 230-0045, Japan
| | - Koji Umezawa
- Department of Biomolecular Innovation, Institute for Biomedical Sciences, Shinshu University, 8304 Minami-Minowa, Kami-Ina, Nagano, 399-4598, Japan
| | - Aurelie Descamps
- Laboratory for Chemical Biology, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, 6-7-3 Minatojima-Minamimachi, Chuo-ku, Kobe, 650-0047, Japan
| | - Daichi Nakamura
- Laboratory for Chemical Biology, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, 6-7-3 Minatojima-Minamimachi, Chuo-ku, Kobe, 650-0047, Japan
| | - Gaku Furuie
- Laboratory for Drug Target Research, Department of Agriculture, Graduate School of Science and Technology, Shinshu University, 8304 Minami-Minowa, Kami-Ina, Nagano, 399-4598, Japan
| | - Tomoe Sumida
- Laboratory for Chemical Biology, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, 6-7-3 Minatojima-Minamimachi, Chuo-ku, Kobe, 650-0047, Japan
| | - Kanako Saito
- Laboratory for Drug Target Research, Department of Agriculture, Graduate School of Science and Technology, Shinshu University, 8304 Minami-Minowa, Kami-Ina, Nagano, 399-4598, Japan
| | - Ninako Kimura
- Laboratory for Drug Target Research, Department of Agriculture, Graduate School of Science and Technology, Shinshu University, 8304 Minami-Minowa, Kami-Ina, Nagano, 399-4598, Japan
| | - Takashi Niwa
- Laboratory for Chemical Biology, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, 6-7-3 Minatojima-Minamimachi, Chuo-ku, Kobe, 650-0047, Japan
| | - Yuto Sumida
- Laboratory for Chemical Biology, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, 6-7-3 Minatojima-Minamimachi, Chuo-ku, Kobe, 650-0047, Japan
| | - Takashi Umehara
- Laboratory for Epigenetics Drug Discovery, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, 1-7-22 Suehiro-cho, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 230-0045, Japan
| | - Takamitsu Hosoya
- Laboratory for Chemical Biology, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, 6-7-3 Minatojima-Minamimachi, Chuo-ku, Kobe, 650-0047, Japan; Laboratory of Chemical Bioscience, Institute of Biomaterials and Bioengineering, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), 2-3-10 Kanda-Surugadai, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, 101-0062, Japan
| | - Isao Kii
- Laboratory for Drug Target Research, Department of Agriculture, Graduate School of Science and Technology, Shinshu University, 8304 Minami-Minowa, Kami-Ina, Nagano, 399-4598, Japan; Department of Biomolecular Innovation, Institute for Biomedical Sciences, Shinshu University, 8304 Minami-Minowa, Kami-Ina, Nagano, 399-4598, Japan; Laboratory for Chemical Biology, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, 6-7-3 Minatojima-Minamimachi, Chuo-ku, Kobe, 650-0047, Japan.
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Human-Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Based Models for Studying Sex-Specific Differences in Neurodegenerative Diseases. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2021; 1387:57-88. [PMID: 34921676 DOI: 10.1007/5584_2021_683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
The prevalence of neurodegenerative diseases is steadily increasing worldwide, and epidemiological studies strongly suggest that many of the diseases are sex-biased. It has long been suggested that biological sex differences are crucial for neurodegenerative diseases; however, how biological sex affects disease initiation, progression, and severity is not well-understood. Sex is a critical biological variable that should be taken into account in basic research, and this review aims to highlight the utility of human-induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC)-derived models for studying sex-specific differences in neurodegenerative diseases, with advantages and limitations. In vitro systems utilizing species-specific, renewable, and physiologically relevant cell sources can provide powerful platforms for mechanistic studies, toxicity testings, and drug discovery. Matched healthy, patient-derived, and gene-corrected human iPSCs, from both sexes, can be utilized to generate neuronal and glial cell types affected by specific neurodegenerative diseases to study sex-specific differences in two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) human culture systems. Such relatively simple and well-controlled systems can significantly contribute to the elucidation of molecular mechanisms underlying sex-specific differences, which can yield effective, and potentially sex-based strategies, against neurodegenerative diseases.
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