1
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Wu J, Ren J, Cui H, Xie Y, Tang Y. Rapid and high-purity differentiation of human medium spiny neurons reveals LMNB1 hypofunction and subtype necessity in modeling Huntington's disease. Inflamm Regen 2024; 44:7. [PMID: 38360694 PMCID: PMC10870681 DOI: 10.1186/s41232-024-00320-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Different neural subtypes are selectively lost in diverse neurodegenerative diseases. Huntington's disease (HD) is an inherited neurodegenerative disease characterized by motor abnormalities that primarily affect the striatum. The Huntingtin (HTT) mutation involves an expanded CAG repeat, leading to insoluble polyQ, which renders GABA+ medium spiny neurons (MSN) more venerable to cell death. Human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) technology allows for the construction of disease-specific models, providing valuable cellular models for studying pathogenesis, drug screening, and high-throughput analysis. METHODS In this study, we established a method that allows for rapid and efficient generation of MSNs (> 90%) within 21 days from hPSC-derived neural progenitor cells, by introducing a specific combination of transcription factors. RESULTS We efficiently induced several neural subtypes, in parallel, based on the same cell source, and revealed that, compared to other neural subtypes, MSNs exhibited higher polyQ aggregation propensity and overexpression toxicity, more severe dysfunction in BDNF/TrkB signaling, greater susceptibility to BDNF withdrawal, and more severe disturbances in nucleocytoplasmic transport (NCT). We further found that the nuclear lamina protein LMNB1 was greatly reduced in HD neurons and mislocalized to the cytoplasm and axons. Knockdown of HTT or treatment with KPT335, an orally selective inhibitor of nuclear export (SINE), effectively attenuated the pathological phenotypes and alleviated neuronal death caused by BDNF withdrawal. CONCLUSIONS This study thus establishes an effective method for obtaining MSNs and underscores the necessity of using high-purity MSNs to study HD pathogenesis, especially the MSN-selective vulnerability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junjiao Wu
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China
- Provincial Clinical Research Center for Rheumatic and Immunologic Diseases, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China
| | - Jie Ren
- Department of Geriatrics, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China
| | - Hongfei Cui
- Department of Geriatrics, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China
| | - Yali Xie
- Department of Geriatrics, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China
| | - Yu Tang
- Department of Geriatrics, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China.
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China.
- Key Laboratory of Hunan Province in Neurodegenerative Disorders, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China.
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2
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Khor JM, Guerrero-Santoro J, Ettensohn CA. Molecular compartmentalization in a syncytium: restricted mobility of proteins within the sea urchin skeletogenic mesenchyme. Development 2023; 150:dev201804. [PMID: 37902109 DOI: 10.1242/dev.201804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023]
Abstract
Multinucleated cells, or syncytia, are found in diverse taxa. Their biological function is often associated with the compartmentalization of biochemical or cellular activities within the syncytium. How such compartments are generated and maintained is poorly understood. The sea urchin embryonic skeleton is secreted by a syncytium, and local patterns of skeletal growth are associated with distinct sub-domains of gene expression within the syncytium. For such molecular compartments to be maintained and to control local patterns of skeletal growth: (1) the mobility of TFs must be restricted to produce stable differences in the transcriptional states of nuclei within the syncytium; and (2) the mobility of biomineralization proteins must also be restricted to produce regional differences in skeletal growth. To test these predictions, we expressed fluorescently tagged forms of transcription factors and biomineralization proteins in sub-domains of the skeletogenic syncytium. We found that both classes of proteins have restricted mobility within the syncytium and identified motifs that limit their mobility. Our findings have general implications for understanding the functional and molecular compartmentalization of syncytia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Ming Khor
- Department of Biological Sciences, Carnegie Mellon University, 4400 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15218, USA
| | - Jennifer Guerrero-Santoro
- Department of Biological Sciences, Carnegie Mellon University, 4400 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15218, USA
| | - Charles A Ettensohn
- Department of Biological Sciences, Carnegie Mellon University, 4400 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15218, USA
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3
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Goldberg GW, Kogenaru M, Keegan S, Haase MAB, Kagermazova L, Arias MA, Onyebeke K, Adams S, Fenyö D, Noyes MB, Boeke JD. Engineered transcription-associated Cas9 targeting in eukaryotic cells. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.09.18.558319. [PMID: 37781609 PMCID: PMC10541143 DOI: 10.1101/2023.09.18.558319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
DNA targeting Class 2 CRISPR-Cas effector nucleases, including the well-studied Cas9 proteins, evolved protospacer-adjacent motif (PAM) and guide RNA interactions that sequentially license their binding and cleavage activities at protospacer target sites. Both interactions are nucleic acid sequence specific but function constitutively; thus, they provide intrinsic spatial control over DNA targeting activities but naturally lack temporal control. Here we show that engineered Cas9 fusion proteins which bind to nascent RNAs near a protospacer can facilitate spatiotemporal coupling between transcription and DNA targeting at that protospacer: Transcription-associated Cas9 Targeting (TraCT). Engineered TraCT is enabled when suboptimal PAM interactions limit basal activity in vivo and when one or more nascent RNA substrates are still tethered to the actively transcribing target DNA in cis. We further show that this phenomenon can be exploited for selective editing at one of two identical targets in distinct gene loci, or, in diploid allelic loci that are differentially transcribed. Our work demonstrates that temporal control over Cas9's targeting activity at specific DNA sites may be engineered without modifying Cas9's core domains and guide RNA components or their expression levels. More broadly, it establishes RNA binding in cis as a mechanism that can conditionally stimulate CRISPR-Cas DNA targeting in eukaryotes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregory W. Goldberg
- Institute for Systems Genetics and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Manjunatha Kogenaru
- Institute for Systems Genetics and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Sarah Keegan
- Institute for Systems Genetics and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY 10016, USA
- Denotes equivalent contribution to the work
| | - Max A. B. Haase
- Institute for Systems Genetics and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY 10016, USA
- Denotes equivalent contribution to the work
| | - Larisa Kagermazova
- Institute for Systems Genetics and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Mauricio A. Arias
- Courant Institute of Mathematical Sciences, New York University, New York, NY 10012, USA
| | - Kenenna Onyebeke
- Institute for Systems Genetics and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Samantha Adams
- Institute for Systems Genetics and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - David Fenyö
- Institute for Systems Genetics and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Marcus B. Noyes
- Institute for Systems Genetics and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Jef D. Boeke
- Institute for Systems Genetics and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY 10016, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, NYU Tandon School of Engineering, Brooklyn NY 11201
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4
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Coltogirone RA, Sherfinski EI, Dobler ZA, Peterson SN, Andlinger AR, Fadel LC, Patrick RL, Bergeron SA. Gsx2, but not Gsx1, is necessary for early forebrain patterning and long-term survival in zebrafish. Dev Dyn 2023; 252:377-399. [PMID: 36184733 PMCID: PMC9992111 DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.542] [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: 12/15/2021] [Revised: 07/23/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Homeobox transcription factor encoding genes, genomic screen homeobox 1 and 2 (gsx1 and gsx2), are expressed during neurodevelopment in multiple vertebrates. However, we have limited knowledge of the dynamic expression of these genes through developmental time and the gene networks that they regulate in zebrafish. RESULTS We confirmed that gsx1 is expressed initially in the hindbrain and diencephalon and later in the optic tectum, pretectum, and cerebellar plate. gsx2 is expressed in the early telencephalon and later in the pallium and olfactory bulb. gsx1 and gsx2 are co-expressed in the hypothalamus, preoptic area, and hindbrain, however, rarely co-localize in the same cells. gsx1 and gsx2 mutant zebrafish were made with TALENs. gsx1 mutants exhibit stunted growth, however, they survive to adulthood and are fertile. gsx2 mutants experience swim bladder inflation failure that prevents survival. We also observed significantly reduced expression of multiple forebrain patterning distal-less homeobox genes in mutants, and expression of foxp2 was not significantly affected. CONCLUSIONS This work provides novel tools with which other target genes and functions of Gsx1 and Gsx2 can be characterized across the central nervous system to better understand the unique and overlapping roles of these highly conserved transcription factors.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Emma I. Sherfinski
- Department of Biology, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West, Virginia, USA
| | - Zoë A. Dobler
- Department of Biology, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West, Virginia, USA
| | - Sarah N. Peterson
- Department of Biology, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West, Virginia, USA
| | | | - Lindsay C. Fadel
- Department of Biology, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West, Virginia, USA
| | - Regina L. Patrick
- Department of Biology, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West, Virginia, USA
| | - Sadie A. Bergeron
- Department of Biology, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West, Virginia, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West, Virginia, USA
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5
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Hughes AL, Szczurek AT, Kelley JR, Lastuvkova A, Turberfield AH, Dimitrova E, Blackledge NP, Klose RJ. A CpG island-encoded mechanism protects genes from premature transcription termination. Nat Commun 2023; 14:726. [PMID: 36759609 PMCID: PMC9911701 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-36236-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Transcription must be tightly controlled to regulate gene expression and development. However, our understanding of the molecular mechanisms that influence transcription and how these are coordinated in cells to ensure normal gene expression remains rudimentary. Here, by dissecting the function of the SET1 chromatin-modifying complexes that bind to CpG island-associated gene promoters, we discover that they play a specific and essential role in enabling the expression of low to moderately transcribed genes. Counterintuitively, this effect can occur independently of SET1 complex histone-modifying activity and instead relies on an interaction with the RNA Polymerase II-binding protein WDR82. Unexpectedly, we discover that SET1 complexes enable gene expression by antagonising premature transcription termination by the ZC3H4/WDR82 complex at CpG island-associated genes. In contrast, at extragenic sites of transcription, which typically lack CpG islands and SET1 complex occupancy, we show that the activity of ZC3H4/WDR82 is unopposed. Therefore, we reveal a gene regulatory mechanism whereby CpG islands are bound by a protein complex that specifically protects genic transcripts from premature termination, effectively distinguishing genic from extragenic transcription and enabling normal gene expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy L Hughes
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | | | | | - Anna Lastuvkova
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | | | | | | | - Robert J Klose
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
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6
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Khor JM, Ettensohn CA. An optimized Tet-On system for conditional control of gene expression in sea urchins. Development 2023; 150:dev201373. [PMID: 36607745 PMCID: PMC10108607 DOI: 10.1242/dev.201373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Sea urchins and other echinoderms are important experimental models for studying developmental processes. The lack of approaches for conditional gene perturbation, however, has made it challenging to investigate the late developmental functions of genes that have essential roles during early embryogenesis and genes that have diverse functions in multiple tissues. The doxycycline-controlled Tet-On system is a widely used molecular tool for temporally and spatially regulated transgene expression. Here, we optimized the Tet-On system to conditionally induce gene expression in sea urchin embryos. Using this approach, we explored the roles the MAPK signaling plays in skeletogenesis by expressing genes that perturb the pathway specifically in primary mesenchyme cells during later stages of development. We demonstrated the wide utility of the Tet-On system by applying it to a second sea urchin species and in cell types other than the primary mesenchyme cells. Our work provides a robust and flexible platform for the spatiotemporal regulation of gene expression in sea urchins, which will considerably enhance the utility of this prominent model system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Ming Khor
- Department of Biological Sciences, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Charles A. Ettensohn
- Department of Biological Sciences, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
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7
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Nishimura K, Nitta T, Doi K, Takata K. Rapid conversion of human induced pluripotent stem cells into dopaminergic neurons by inducible expression of two transcription factors. Stem Cells Dev 2022; 31:269-277. [PMID: 35420042 DOI: 10.1089/scd.2021.0363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) including human embryonic stem cells and human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) provide promising sources for regenerative therapy, disease modeling, and drug screening. Relevant efforts have been invested in establishing robust induction protocols for PSC-derived dopaminergic (DA) neuron generation by mimicking brain development-related signaling pathways. However, these protocols require fully trained techniques and a long time to yield mature DA neurons. In this study, to accelerate the entire process, we generated a hiPSC line differentiating into DA neurons by the inducible force expression of two transcription factors ASCL1 and LMX1A. Using this hiPSC line, we established a rapid and simple induction protocol to generate mature DA neurons in 28 days. The induced DA neurons were characterized by gene expression and immunohistochemical analyses of fundamental DA neuronal markers. Moreover, the cell functional properties were analyzed by a multielectrode array system on day 28. This resource offers future applications for high-throughput screening, such as drug development and toxicology that require highly validated DA neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaneyasu Nishimura
- Kyoto Pharmaceutical University, 12916, Kyoto, Japan.,Doshisha University, 12757, Kyoto, Kyoto, Japan;
| | - Tatsumi Nitta
- Kyoto Pharmaceutical University, 12916, Kyoto, Kyoto, Japan;
| | - Keisuke Doi
- Kyoto Pharmaceutical University, 12916, Kyoto, Kyoto, Japan;
| | - Kazuyuki Takata
- Kyoto Pharmaceutical University, 12916, Kyoto, Kyoto, Japan;
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8
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Lee HHC, Pearl PL, Rotenberg A. Enzyme Replacement Therapy for Succinic Semialdehyde Dehydrogenase Deficiency: Relevance in γ-Aminobutyric Acid Plasticity. J Child Neurol 2021; 36:1200-1209. [PMID: 33624531 PMCID: PMC8382780 DOI: 10.1177/0883073821993000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Succinic semialdehyde dehydrogenase deficiency (SSADHD) is a rare inborn metabolic disorder caused by the functional impairment of SSADH (encoded by the ALDH5A1 gene), an enzyme essential for metabolism of the inhibitory neurotransmitter γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA). In SSADHD, pathologic accumulation of GABA and its metabolite γ-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) results in broad spectrum encephalopathy including developmental delay, ataxia, seizures, and a heightened risk of sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP). Proof-of-concept systemic SSADH restoration via enzyme replacement therapy increased survival of SSADH knockout mice, suggesting that SSADH restoration might be a viable intervention for SSADHD. However, before testing enzyme replacement therapy or gene therapy in patients, we must consider its safety and feasibility in the context of early brain development and unique SSADHD pathophysiology. Specifically, a profound use-dependent downregulation of GABAA receptors in SSADHD indicates a risk that any sudden SSADH restoration might diminish GABAergic tone and provoke seizures. In addition, the tight developmental regulation of GABA circuit plasticity might limit the age window when SSADH restoration is accomplished safely. Moreover, given SSADH expressions are cell type-specific, targeted instead of global restoration might be necessary. We therefore describe 3 key parameters for the clinical readiness of SSADH restoration: (1) rate, (2) timing, and (3) cell type specificity. Our work focuses on the construction of a novel SSADHD mouse model that allows "on-demand" SSADH restoration for the systematic investigation of these key parameters. We aim to understand the impacts of specific SSADH restoration protocols on brain physiology, accelerating bench-to-bedside development of enzyme replacement therapy or gene therapy for SSADHD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henry Hing Cheong Lee
- FM Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children’s Hospital,Correspondence: Henry Lee () and Alexander Rotenberg ()
| | | | - Alexander Rotenberg
- FM Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children’s Hospital,Department of Neurology, Boston Children’s Hospital,Correspondence: Henry Lee () and Alexander Rotenberg ()
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9
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Mitsogiannis MD, Pancho A, Aerts T, Sachse SM, Vanlaer R, Noterdaeme L, Schmucker D, Seuntjens E. Subtle Roles of Down Syndrome Cell Adhesion Molecules in Embryonic Forebrain Development and Neuronal Migration. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 8:624181. [PMID: 33585465 PMCID: PMC7876293 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.624181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Down Syndrome (DS) Cell Adhesion Molecules (DSCAMs) are transmembrane proteins of the immunoglobulin superfamily. Human DSCAM is located within the DS critical region of chromosome 21 (duplicated in Down Syndrome patients), and mutations or copy-number variations of this gene have also been associated to Fragile X syndrome, intellectual disability, autism, and bipolar disorder. The DSCAM paralogue DSCAM-like 1 (DSCAML1) maps to chromosome 11q23, implicated in the development of Jacobsen and Tourette syndromes. Additionally, a spontaneous mouse DSCAM deletion leads to motor coordination defects and seizures. Previous research has revealed roles for DSCAMs in several neurodevelopmental processes, including synaptogenesis, dendritic self-avoidance, cell sorting, axon growth and branching. However, their functions in embryonic mammalian forebrain development have yet to be completely elucidated. In this study, we revealed highly dynamic spatiotemporal patterns of Dscam and Dscaml1 expression in definite cortical layers of the embryonic mouse brain, as well as in structures and ganglionic eminence-derived neural populations within the embryonic subpallium. However, an in-depth histological analysis of cortical development, ventral forebrain morphogenesis, cortical interneuron migration, and cortical-subcortical connectivity formation processes in Dscam and Dscaml1 knockout mice (Dscam del17 and Dscaml1 GT ) at several embryonic stages indicated that constitutive loss of Dscam and Dscaml1 does not affect these developmental events in a significant manner. Given that several Dscam- and Dscaml1-linked neurodevelopmental disorders are associated to chromosomal region duplication events, we furthermore sought to examine the neurodevelopmental effects of Dscam and Dscaml1 gain of function (GOF). In vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo GOF negatively impacted neural migration processes important to cortical development, and affected the morphology of maturing neurons. Overall, these findings contribute to existing knowledge on the molecular etiology of human neurodevelopmental disorders by elucidating how dosage variations of genes encoding adhesive cues can disrupt cell-cell or cell-environment interactions crucial for neuronal migration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuela D. Mitsogiannis
- Developmental Neurobiology Group, Animal Physiology and Neurobiology Division, Department of Biology, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Anna Pancho
- Developmental Neurobiology Group, Animal Physiology and Neurobiology Division, Department of Biology, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Tania Aerts
- Developmental Neurobiology Group, Animal Physiology and Neurobiology Division, Department of Biology, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Sonja M. Sachse
- Neuronal Wiring Laboratory, Department of Neurosciences, VIB-KU Leuven Center for Brain & Disease Research, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Ria Vanlaer
- Developmental Neurobiology Group, Animal Physiology and Neurobiology Division, Department of Biology, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Lut Noterdaeme
- Developmental Neurobiology Group, Animal Physiology and Neurobiology Division, Department of Biology, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Dietmar Schmucker
- Neuronal Wiring Laboratory, Department of Neurosciences, VIB-KU Leuven Center for Brain & Disease Research, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Neuronal Wiring Group, Life & Medical Sciences Institute, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Eve Seuntjens
- Developmental Neurobiology Group, Animal Physiology and Neurobiology Division, Department of Biology, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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10
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Troncoso-Escudero P, Sepulveda D, Pérez-Arancibia R, Parra AV, Arcos J, Grunenwald F, Vidal RL. On the Right Track to Treat Movement Disorders: Promising Therapeutic Approaches for Parkinson's and Huntington's Disease. Front Aging Neurosci 2020; 12:571185. [PMID: 33101007 PMCID: PMC7497570 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2020.571185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2020] [Accepted: 08/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Movement disorders are neurological conditions in which patients manifest a diverse range of movement impairments. Distinct structures within the basal ganglia of the brain, an area involved in movement regulation, are differentially affected for every disease. Among the most studied movement disorder conditions are Parkinson’s (PD) and Huntington’s disease (HD), in which the deregulation of the movement circuitry due to the loss of specific neuronal populations in basal ganglia is the underlying cause of motor symptoms. These symptoms are due to the loss principally of dopaminergic neurons of the substantia nigra (SN) par compacta and the GABAergic neurons of the striatum in PD and HD, respectively. Although these diseases were described in the 19th century, no effective treatment can slow down, reverse, or stop disease progression. Available pharmacological therapies have been focused on preventing or alleviating motor symptoms to improve the quality of life of patients, but these drugs are not able to mitigate the progressive neurodegeneration. Currently, considerable therapeutic advances have been achieved seeking a more efficacious and durable therapeutic effect. Here, we will focus on the new advances of several therapeutic approaches for PD and HD, starting with the available pharmacological treatments to alleviate the motor symptoms in both diseases. Then, we describe therapeutic strategies that aim to restore specific neuronal populations or their activity. Among the discussed strategies, the use of Neurotrophic factors (NTFs) and genetic approaches to prevent the neuronal loss in these diseases will be described. We will highlight strategies that have been evaluated in both Parkinson’s and Huntington’s patients, and also the ones with strong preclinical evidence. These current therapeutic techniques represent the most promising tools for the safe treatment of both diseases, specifically those aimed to avoid neuronal loss during disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paulina Troncoso-Escudero
- Center for Integrative Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Universidad Mayor, Santiago, Chile.,Faculty of Medicine, Biomedical Neuroscience Institute, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile.,Program of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile.,Center for Geroscience, Brain Health, and Metabolism, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Denisse Sepulveda
- Center for Integrative Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Universidad Mayor, Santiago, Chile.,Faculty of Medicine, Biomedical Neuroscience Institute, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile.,Center for Geroscience, Brain Health, and Metabolism, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Rodrigo Pérez-Arancibia
- Center for Integrative Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Universidad Mayor, Santiago, Chile.,Faculty of Medicine, Biomedical Neuroscience Institute, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile.,Center for Geroscience, Brain Health, and Metabolism, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Alejandra V Parra
- Center for Integrative Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Universidad Mayor, Santiago, Chile.,Faculty of Medicine, Biomedical Neuroscience Institute, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile.,Program of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile.,Center for Geroscience, Brain Health, and Metabolism, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Javiera Arcos
- Center for Integrative Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Universidad Mayor, Santiago, Chile.,Faculty of Medicine, Biomedical Neuroscience Institute, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile.,Center for Geroscience, Brain Health, and Metabolism, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Felipe Grunenwald
- Center for Integrative Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Universidad Mayor, Santiago, Chile.,Faculty of Medicine, Biomedical Neuroscience Institute, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile.,Center for Geroscience, Brain Health, and Metabolism, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Rene L Vidal
- Center for Integrative Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Universidad Mayor, Santiago, Chile.,Faculty of Medicine, Biomedical Neuroscience Institute, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile.,Center for Geroscience, Brain Health, and Metabolism, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile
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11
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Salado-Manzano C, Perpiña U, Straccia M, Molina-Ruiz FJ, Cozzi E, Rosser AE, Canals JM. Is the Immunological Response a Bottleneck for Cell Therapy in Neurodegenerative Diseases? Front Cell Neurosci 2020; 14:250. [PMID: 32848630 PMCID: PMC7433375 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2020.00250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2020] [Accepted: 07/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson's (PD) and Huntington's disease (HD) are characterized by a selective detrimental impact on neurons in a specific brain area. Currently, these diseases have no cures, although some promising trials of therapies that may be able to slow the loss of brain cells are underway. Cell therapy is distinguished by its potential to replace cells to compensate for those lost to the degenerative process and has shown a great potential to replace degenerated neurons in animal models and in clinical trials in PD and HD patients. Fetal-derived neural progenitor cells, embryonic stem cells or induced pluripotent stem cells are the main cell sources that have been tested in cell therapy approaches. Furthermore, new strategies are emerging, such as the use of adult stem cells, encapsulated cell lines releasing trophic factors or cell-free products, containing an enriched secretome, which have shown beneficial preclinical outcomes. One of the major challenges for these potential new treatments is to overcome the host immune response to the transplanted cells. Immune rejection can cause significant alterations in transplanted and endogenous tissue and requires immunosuppressive drugs that may produce adverse effects. T-, B-lymphocytes and microglia have been recognized as the main effectors in striatal graft rejection. This review aims to summarize the preclinical and clinical studies of cell therapies in PD and HD. In addition, the precautions and strategies to ensure the highest quality of cell grafts, the lowest risk during transplantation and the reduction of a possible immune rejection will be outlined. Altogether, the wide-ranging possibilities of advanced therapy medicinal products (ATMPs) could make therapeutic treatment of these incurable diseases possible in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Salado-Manzano
- Laboratory of Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Biomedicine, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Production and Validation Center of Advanced Therapies (Creatio), Faculty of Medicine and Health Science, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Institute of Neurosciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Networked Biomedical Research Centre for Neurodegenerative Disorders (CIBERNED), Barcelona, Spain
- August Pi i Sunyer Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Unai Perpiña
- Laboratory of Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Biomedicine, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Production and Validation Center of Advanced Therapies (Creatio), Faculty of Medicine and Health Science, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Institute of Neurosciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Networked Biomedical Research Centre for Neurodegenerative Disorders (CIBERNED), Barcelona, Spain
- August Pi i Sunyer Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Francisco J. Molina-Ruiz
- Laboratory of Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Biomedicine, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Production and Validation Center of Advanced Therapies (Creatio), Faculty of Medicine and Health Science, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Institute of Neurosciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Networked Biomedical Research Centre for Neurodegenerative Disorders (CIBERNED), Barcelona, Spain
- August Pi i Sunyer Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Emanuele Cozzi
- Department of Cardio-Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
- Transplant Immunology Unit, Padua University Hospital, Padua, Italy
| | - Anne E. Rosser
- Division of Psychological Medicine and Clinical Neurosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
- MRC Centre for Neuropsychiatric Genetics and Genomics, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
- Brain Repair Group, School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Josep M. Canals
- Laboratory of Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Biomedicine, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Production and Validation Center of Advanced Therapies (Creatio), Faculty of Medicine and Health Science, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Institute of Neurosciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Networked Biomedical Research Centre for Neurodegenerative Disorders (CIBERNED), Barcelona, Spain
- August Pi i Sunyer Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
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12
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Flitsch LJ, Laupman KE, Brüstle O. Transcription Factor-Based Fate Specification and Forward Programming for Neural Regeneration. Front Cell Neurosci 2020; 14:121. [PMID: 32508594 PMCID: PMC7251072 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2020.00121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2019] [Accepted: 04/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Traditionally, in vitro generation of donor cells for brain repair has been dominated by the application of extrinsic growth factors and morphogens. Recent advances in cell engineering strategies such as reprogramming of somatic cells into induced pluripotent stem cells and direct cell fate conversion have impressively demonstrated the feasibility to manipulate cell identities by the overexpression of cell fate-determining transcription factors. These strategies are now increasingly implemented for transcription factor-guided differentiation of neural precursors and forward programming of pluripotent stem cells toward specific neural subtypes. This review covers major achievements, pros and cons, as well as future prospects of transcription factor-based cell fate specification and the applicability of these approaches for the generation of donor cells for brain repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lea J Flitsch
- Institute of Reconstructive Neurobiology, Life & Brain Center, University of Bonn Medical Faculty and University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Karen E Laupman
- Institute of Reconstructive Neurobiology, Life & Brain Center, University of Bonn Medical Faculty and University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Oliver Brüstle
- Institute of Reconstructive Neurobiology, Life & Brain Center, University of Bonn Medical Faculty and University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
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13
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Besusso D, Schellino R, Boido M, Belloli S, Parolisi R, Conforti P, Faedo A, Cernigoj M, Campus I, Laporta A, Bocchi VD, Murtaj V, Parmar M, Spaiardi P, Talpo F, Maniezzi C, Toselli MG, Biella G, Moresco RM, Vercelli A, Buffo A, Cattaneo E. Stem Cell-Derived Human Striatal Progenitors Innervate Striatal Targets and Alleviate Sensorimotor Deficit in a Rat Model of Huntington Disease. Stem Cell Reports 2020; 14:876-891. [PMID: 32302555 PMCID: PMC7220987 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2020.03.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2019] [Revised: 03/17/2020] [Accepted: 03/18/2020] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Huntington disease (HD) is an inherited late-onset neurological disorder characterized by progressive neuronal loss and disruption of cortical and basal ganglia circuits. Cell replacement using human embryonic stem cells may offer the opportunity to repair the damaged circuits and significantly ameliorate disease conditions. Here, we showed that in-vitro-differentiated human striatal progenitors undergo maturation and integrate into host circuits upon intra-striatal transplantation in a rat model of HD. By combining graft-specific immunohistochemistry, rabies virus-mediated synaptic tracing, and ex vivo electrophysiology, we showed that grafts can extend projections to the appropriate target structures, including the globus pallidus, the subthalamic nucleus, and the substantia nigra, and receive synaptic contact from both host and graft cells with 6.6 ± 1.6 inputs cell per transplanted neuron. We have also shown that transplants elicited a significant improvement in sensory-motor tasks up to 2 months post-transplant further supporting the therapeutic potential of this approach. hESC-derived striatal progenitors give rise to MSNs in a neurotoxin model of HD Donor transplants extend projections to appropriate striatal target regions Grafted cells establish synaptic contact with both donor and resident cells Transplanted animals show improvements in HD-related sensorimotor responses
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Affiliation(s)
- Dario Besusso
- Department of Biosciences, University of Milan, Milan, 20133 Italy; Istituto Nazionale di Genetica Molecolare "Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi", Milan, 20122 Italy.
| | - Roberta Schellino
- Department of Neuroscience Rita Levi-Montalcini, University of Turin, Turin 10124, Italy; Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi, University of Turin, Orbassano, 10043 Italy
| | - Marina Boido
- Department of Neuroscience Rita Levi-Montalcini, University of Turin, Turin 10124, Italy; Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi, University of Turin, Orbassano, 10043 Italy
| | - Sara Belloli
- Institute of Molecular Bioimaging and Physiology of CNR, Segrate, Milan, 20090 Italy; PET and Nuclear Medicine Unit, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan 20132, Italy
| | - Roberta Parolisi
- Department of Neuroscience Rita Levi-Montalcini, University of Turin, Turin 10124, Italy; Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi, University of Turin, Orbassano, 10043 Italy
| | - Paola Conforti
- Department of Biosciences, University of Milan, Milan, 20133 Italy; Istituto Nazionale di Genetica Molecolare "Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi", Milan, 20122 Italy
| | - Andrea Faedo
- Department of Biosciences, University of Milan, Milan, 20133 Italy; Istituto Nazionale di Genetica Molecolare "Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi", Milan, 20122 Italy
| | - Manuel Cernigoj
- Department of Biosciences, University of Milan, Milan, 20133 Italy; Istituto Nazionale di Genetica Molecolare "Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi", Milan, 20122 Italy
| | - Ilaria Campus
- Department of Biosciences, University of Milan, Milan, 20133 Italy; Istituto Nazionale di Genetica Molecolare "Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi", Milan, 20122 Italy
| | - Angela Laporta
- Department of Biosciences, University of Milan, Milan, 20133 Italy; Istituto Nazionale di Genetica Molecolare "Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi", Milan, 20122 Italy
| | - Vittoria Dickinson Bocchi
- Department of Biosciences, University of Milan, Milan, 20133 Italy; Istituto Nazionale di Genetica Molecolare "Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi", Milan, 20122 Italy
| | - Valentina Murtaj
- PET and Nuclear Medicine Unit, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan 20132, Italy; PhD Program in Neuroscience, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano - Bicocca, Monza MB, 20900 Italy
| | - Malin Parmar
- Wallenberg Neuroscience Center and Lund Stem Cell Center, Lund University, 22184 Lund, Sweden
| | - Paolo Spaiardi
- Department of Biology and Biotechnologies, University of Pavia, Pavia, 27100 Italy
| | - Francesca Talpo
- Department of Biology and Biotechnologies, University of Pavia, Pavia, 27100 Italy
| | - Claudia Maniezzi
- Department of Biology and Biotechnologies, University of Pavia, Pavia, 27100 Italy
| | | | - Gerardo Biella
- Department of Biology and Biotechnologies, University of Pavia, Pavia, 27100 Italy
| | - Rosa Maria Moresco
- Institute of Molecular Bioimaging and Physiology of CNR, Segrate, Milan, 20090 Italy; PET and Nuclear Medicine Unit, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan 20132, Italy; Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano - Bicocca, Monza MB, 20900 Italy
| | - Alessandro Vercelli
- Department of Neuroscience Rita Levi-Montalcini, University of Turin, Turin 10124, Italy; Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi, University of Turin, Orbassano, 10043 Italy
| | - Annalisa Buffo
- Department of Neuroscience Rita Levi-Montalcini, University of Turin, Turin 10124, Italy; Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi, University of Turin, Orbassano, 10043 Italy.
| | - Elena Cattaneo
- Department of Biosciences, University of Milan, Milan, 20133 Italy; Istituto Nazionale di Genetica Molecolare "Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi", Milan, 20122 Italy.
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14
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Chohan MO. Deconstructing Neurogenesis, Transplantation and Genome-Editing as Neural Repair Strategies in Brain Disease. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:116. [PMID: 32232041 PMCID: PMC7082747 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.00116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2019] [Accepted: 02/11/2020] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Neural repair in injury and disease presents a pressing unmet need in regenerative medicine. Due to the intrinsically reduced ability of the brain to replace lost and damaged neurons, reversing long-term cognitive and functional impairments poses a unique problem. Over the years, advancements in cellular and molecular understanding of neurogenesis mechanisms coupled with sophistication of biotechnology tools have transformed neural repair into a cross-disciplinary field that integrates discoveries from developmental neurobiology, transplantation and tissue engineering to design disease- and patient-specific remedies aimed at boosting either native rehabilitation or delivering exogenous hypoimmunogenic interventions. Advances in deciphering the blueprint of neural ontogenesis and annotation of the human genome has led to the development of targeted therapeutic opportunities that have the potential of treating the most vulnerable patient populations and whose findings from benchside suggest looming clinical translation. This review discusses how findings from studies of adult neurogenesis have informed development of interventions that target endogenous neural regenerative machineries and how advances in biotechnology, including the use of new gene-editing tools, have made possible the development of promising, complex neural transplant-based strategies. Adopting a multi-pronged strategy that is tailored to underlying neural pathology and that encompasses facilitation of endogenous regeneration, correction of patient’s genomic mutations and delivery of transformed neural precursors and mature disease-relevant neuronal populations to replace injured or lost neural tissue remains no longer a fantasy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad O Chohan
- Department of Psychiatry, Division of Integrative Neuroscience, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, United States.,Department of Psychiatry, Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States
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15
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Cendelin J, Buffo A, Hirai H, Magrassi L, Mitoma H, Sherrard R, Vozeh F, Manto M. Task Force Paper On Cerebellar Transplantation: Are We Ready to Treat Cerebellar Disorders with Cell Therapy? THE CEREBELLUM 2019; 18:575-592. [PMID: 30607797 DOI: 10.1007/s12311-018-0999-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Restoration of damaged central nervous system structures, functional recovery, and prevention of neuronal loss during neurodegenerative diseases are major objectives in cerebellar research. The highly organized anatomical structure of the cerebellum with numerous inputs/outputs, the complexity of cerebellar functions, and the large spectrum of cerebellar ataxias render therapies of cerebellar disorders highly challenging. There are currently several therapeutic approaches including motor rehabilitation, neuroprotective drugs, non-invasive cerebellar stimulation, molecularly based therapy targeting pathogenesis of the disease, and neurotransplantation. We discuss the goals and possible beneficial mechanisms of transplantation therapy for cerebellar damage and its limitations and factors determining outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Cendelin
- Department of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, alej Svobody 1655/76, 323 00, Plzen, Czech Republic
- Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Disorders, Biomedical Center, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, alej Svobody 1655/76, 323 00, Plzen, Czech Republic
| | - Annalisa Buffo
- Department of Neuroscience Rita Levi-Montalcini, University of Turin, 10126, Turin, Italy
- Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi, Orbassano, 10043, Turin, Italy
| | - Hirokazu Hirai
- Department of Neurophysiology and Neural Repair, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, 3-39-22, Maebashi, Gunma, 371-8511, Japan
| | - Lorenzo Magrassi
- Neurosurgery, Dipartimento di Scienze Clinico-Chirurgiche Diagnostiche e Pediatriche, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico S. Matteo, Università degli Studi di Pavia, 27100, Pavia, Italy
- Istituto di Genetica Molecolare - CNR, 27100, Pavia, Italy
| | - Hiroshi Mitoma
- Medical Education Promotion Center, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Rachel Sherrard
- IBPS, UMR8256 Biological Adaptation and Ageing, Sorbonne Université and CNRS, Paris, France
| | - Frantisek Vozeh
- Department of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, alej Svobody 1655/76, 323 00, Plzen, Czech Republic
- Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Disorders, Biomedical Center, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, alej Svobody 1655/76, 323 00, Plzen, Czech Republic
| | - Mario Manto
- Department of Neurology, CHU-Charleroi, 6000, Charleroi, Belgium.
- Service des Neurosciences, Université de Mons, 7000, Mons, Belgium.
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16
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Hu Q, Lu H, Wang H, Li S, Truong L, Li J, Liu S, Xiang R, Wu X. Break-induced replication plays a prominent role in long-range repeat-mediated deletion. EMBO J 2019; 38:e101751. [PMID: 31571254 DOI: 10.15252/embj.2019101751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2019] [Revised: 09/07/2019] [Accepted: 09/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Repetitive DNA sequences are often associated with chromosomal rearrangements in cancers. Conventionally, single-strand annealing (SSA) is thought to mediate homology-directed repair of double-strand breaks (DSBs) between two repeats, causing repeat-mediated deletion (RMD). In this report, we demonstrate that break-induced replication (BIR) is used predominantly over SSA in mammalian cells for mediating RMD, especially when repeats are far apart. We show that SSA becomes inefficient in mammalian cells when the distance between the DSBs and the repeats is increased to the 1-2 kb range, while BIR-mediated RMD (BIR/RMD) can act over a long distance (e.g., ~ 100-200 kb) when the DSB is close to one repeat. Importantly, oncogene expression potentiates BIR/RMD but not SSA, and BIR/RMD is used more frequently at single-ended DSBs formed at collapsed replication forks than at double-ended DSBs. In contrast to short-range SSA, H2AX is required for long-range BIR/RMD, and sequence divergence strongly suppresses BIR/RMD in a manner partially dependent on MSH2. Our finding that BIR/RMD has a more important role than SSA in mammalian cells has a significant impact on the understanding of repeat-mediated rearrangements associated with oncogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Hu
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Hongyan Lu
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA.,School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Hongjun Wang
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Shibo Li
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Lan Truong
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Jun Li
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA.,School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Shuo Liu
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA.,School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Rong Xiang
- School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Xiaohua Wu
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
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17
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Naphade S, Tshilenge KT, Ellerby LM. Modeling Polyglutamine Expansion Diseases with Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells. Neurotherapeutics 2019; 16:979-998. [PMID: 31792895 PMCID: PMC6985408 DOI: 10.1007/s13311-019-00810-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Polyglutamine expansion disorders, which include Huntington's disease, have expanded CAG repeats that result in polyglutamine expansions in affected proteins. How this specific feature leads to distinct neuropathies in 11 different diseases is a fascinating area of investigation. Most proteins affected by polyglutamine expansions are ubiquitously expressed, yet their mechanisms of selective neurotoxicity are unknown. Induced pluripotent stem cells have emerged as a valuable tool to model diseases, understand molecular mechanisms, and generate relevant human neural and glia subtypes, cocultures, and organoids. Ideally, this tool will generate specific neuronal populations that faithfully recapitulate specific polyglutamine expansion disorder phenotypes and mimic the selective vulnerability of a given disease. Here, we review how induced pluripotent technology is used to understand the effects of the disease-causing polyglutamine protein on cell function, identify new therapeutic targets, and determine how polyglutamine expansion affects human neurodevelopment and disease. We will discuss ongoing challenges and limitations in our use of induced pluripotent stem cells to model polyglutamine expansion diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Swati Naphade
- Buck Institute for Research on Aging, 8001 Redwood Blvd, Novato, CA, 94945, USA
| | | | - Lisa M Ellerby
- Buck Institute for Research on Aging, 8001 Redwood Blvd, Novato, CA, 94945, USA.
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18
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Abstract
Huntington's disease (HD) is an autosomal dominant neurodegenerative disorder caused by expanded polyglutamine (polyQ)-encoding repeats in the Huntingtin (HTT) gene. Traditionally, HD cellular models consisted of either patient cells not affected by disease or rodent neurons expressing expanded polyQ repeats in HTT. As these models can be limited in their disease manifestation or proper genetic context, respectively, human HD pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) are currently under investigation as a way to model disease in patient-derived neurons and other neural cell types. This chapter reviews embryonic stem cell (ESC) and induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) models of disease, including published differentiation paradigms for neurons and their associated phenotypes, as well as current challenges to the field such as validation of the PSCs and PSC-derived cells. Highlighted are potential future technical advances to HD PSC modeling, including transdifferentiation, complex in vitro multiorgan/system reconstruction, and personalized medicine. Using a human HD patient model of the central nervous system, hopefully one day researchers can tease out the consequences of mutant HTT (mHTT) expression on specific cell types within the brain in order to identify and test novel therapies for disease.
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19
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Active intermixing of indirect and direct neurons builds the striatal mosaic. Nat Commun 2018; 9:4725. [PMID: 30413696 PMCID: PMC6226429 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-07171-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2017] [Accepted: 10/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The striatum controls behaviors via the activity of direct and indirect pathway projection neurons (dSPN and iSPN) that are intermingled in all compartments. While such cellular mosaic ensures the balanced activity of the two pathways, its developmental origin and pattern remains largely unknown. Here, we show that both SPN populations are specified embryonically and intermix progressively through multidirectional iSPN migration. Using conditional mutant mice, we found that inactivation of the dSPN-specific transcription factor Ebf1 impairs selective dSPN properties, including axon pathfinding, while molecular and functional features of iSPN were preserved. Ebf1 mutation disrupted iSPN/dSPN intermixing, resulting in an uneven distribution. Such architectural defect was selective of the matrix compartment, highlighting that intermixing is a parallel process to compartment formation. Our study reveals while iSPN/dSPN specification is largely independent, their intermingling emerges from an active migration of iSPN, thereby providing a novel framework for the building of striatal architecture.
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20
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Sassone J, Papadimitriou E, Thomaidou D. Regenerative Approaches in Huntington's Disease: From Mechanistic Insights to Therapeutic Protocols. Front Neurosci 2018; 12:800. [PMID: 30450032 PMCID: PMC6224350 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2018.00800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2018] [Accepted: 10/15/2018] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Huntington’s Disease (HD) is a neurodegenerative disorder caused by a CAG expansion in the exon-1 of the IT15 gene encoding the protein Huntingtin. Expression of mutated Huntingtin in humans leads to dysfunction and ultimately degeneration of selected neuronal populations of the striatum and cerebral cortex. Current available HD therapy relies on drugs to treat chorea and control psychiatric symptoms, however, no therapy has been proven to slow down disease progression or prevent disease onset. Thus, although 24 years have passed since HD gene identification, HD remains a relentless progressive disease characterized by cognitive dysfunction and motor disability that leads to death of the majority of patients, on average 10–20 years after its onset. Up to now several molecular pathways have been implicated in the process of neurodegeneration involved in HD and have provided potential therapeutic targets. Based on these data, approaches currently under investigation for HD therapy aim on the one hand at getting insight into the mechanisms of disease progression in a human-based context and on the other hand at silencing mHTT expression by using antisense oligonucleotides. An innovative and still poorly investigated approach is to identify new factors that increase neurogenesis and/or induce reprogramming of endogenous neuroblasts and parenchymal astrocytes to generate new healthy neurons to replace lost ones and/or enforce neuroprotection of pre-existent striatal and cortical neurons. Here, we review studies that use human disease-in-a-dish models to recapitulate HD pathogenesis or are focused on promoting in vivo neurogenesis of endogenous striatal neuroblasts and direct neuronal reprogramming of parenchymal astrocytes, which combined with neuroprotective protocols bear the potential to re-establish brain homeostasis lost in HD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenny Sassone
- Vita-Salute University and San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Dimitra Thomaidou
- Department of Neurobiology, Hellenic Pasteur Institute, Athens, Greece
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21
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Connor B. Concise Review: The Use of Stem Cells for Understanding and Treating Huntington's Disease. Stem Cells 2017; 36:146-160. [PMID: 29178352 DOI: 10.1002/stem.2747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2017] [Accepted: 10/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Two decades ago, researchers identified that a CAG expansion mutation in the huntingtin (HTT) gene was involved in the pathogenesis of Huntington's disease (HD). However, since the identification of the HTT gene, there has been no advance in the development of therapeutic strategies to prevent or reduce the progression of HD. With the recent advances in stem cell biology and human cell reprogramming technologies, several novel and exciting pathways have emerged allowing researchers to enhance their understanding of the pathogenesis of HD, to identify and screen potential drug targets, and to explore alternative donor cell sources for cell replacement therapy. This review will discuss the role of compensatory neurogenesis in the HD brain, the use of stem cell-based therapies for HD to replace or prevent cell loss, and the recent advance of cell reprogramming to model and/or treat HD. These new technologies, coupled with advances in genome editing herald a promising new era for HD research with the potential to identify a therapeutic strategy to alleviate this debilitating disorder. Stem Cells 2018;36:146-160.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bronwen Connor
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacology, Centre for Brain Research, School of Medical Science, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
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22
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Bugeon S, de Chevigny A, Boutin C, Coré N, Wild S, Bosio A, Cremer H, Beclin C. Direct and efficient transfection of mouse neural stem cells and mature neurons by in vivo mRNA electroporation. Development 2017; 144:3968-3977. [PMID: 28982684 DOI: 10.1242/dev.151381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2017] [Accepted: 09/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
In vivo brain electroporation of DNA expression vectors is a widely used method for lineage and gene function studies in the developing and postnatal brain. However, transfection efficiency of DNA is limited and adult brain tissue is refractory to electroporation. Here, we present a systematic study of mRNA as a vector for acute genetic manipulation in the developing and adult brain. We demonstrate that mRNA electroporation is far more efficient than DNA electroporation, and leads to faster and more homogeneous protein expression in vivo Importantly, mRNA electroporation allows the manipulation of neural stem cells and postmitotic neurons in the adult brain using minimally invasive procedures. Finally, we show that this approach can be efficiently used for functional studies, as exemplified by transient overexpression of the neurogenic factor Myt1l and by stably inactivating Dicer nuclease in vivo in adult born olfactory bulb interneurons and in fully integrated cortical projection neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stéphane Bugeon
- Aix-Marseille University, CNRS, IBDM UMR 7288, Marseille 13009, France
| | | | - Camille Boutin
- Aix-Marseille University, CNRS, IBDM UMR 7288, Marseille 13009, France
| | - Nathalie Coré
- Aix-Marseille University, CNRS, IBDM UMR 7288, Marseille 13009, France
| | - Stefan Wild
- Miltenyi Biotec, Bergisch-Gladbach 51429, Germany
| | | | - Harold Cremer
- Aix-Marseille University, CNRS, IBDM UMR 7288, Marseille 13009, France
| | - Christophe Beclin
- Aix-Marseille University, CNRS, IBDM UMR 7288, Marseille 13009, France
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