1
|
Poon JYY, Mok MTS, Ho SKL, Cheng SSW, Lo IFM, Luk HM. A de novo pathogenic variant in neuronal differentiation factor 2 in a Chinese patient with early infantile epileptic encephalopathy. Clin Dysmorphol 2024; 33:128-133. [PMID: 38818821 DOI: 10.1097/mcd.0000000000000498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2024]
|
2
|
Hernandez M, Cullell N, Cendros M, Serra-Llovich A, Arranz MJ. Clinical Utility and Implementation of Pharmacogenomics for the Personalisation of Antipsychotic Treatments. Pharmaceutics 2024; 16:244. [PMID: 38399298 PMCID: PMC10893329 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics16020244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Decades of pharmacogenetic research have revealed genetic biomarkers of clinical response to antipsychotics. Genetic variants in antipsychotic targets, dopamine and serotonin receptors in particular, and in metabolic enzymes have been associated with the efficacy and toxicity of antipsychotic treatments. However, genetic prediction of antipsychotic response based on these biomarkers is far from accurate. Despite the clinical validity of these findings, the clinical utility remains unclear. Nevertheless, genetic information on CYP metabolic enzymes responsible for the biotransformation of most commercially available antipsychotics has proven to be effective for the personalisation of clinical dosing, resulting in a reduction of induced side effects and in an increase in efficacy. However, pharmacogenetic information is rarely used in psychiatric settings as a prescription aid. Lack of studies on cost-effectiveness, absence of clinical guidelines based on pharmacogenetic biomarkers for several commonly used antipsychotics, the cost of genetic testing and the delay in results delivery hamper the implementation of pharmacogenetic interventions in clinical settings. This narrative review will comment on the existing pharmacogenetic information, the clinical utility of pharmacogenetic findings, and their current and future implementations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marta Hernandez
- PHAGEX Research Group, University Ramon Llull, 08022 Barcelona, Spain;
- School of Health Sciences Blanquerna, University Ramon Llull, 08022 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Natalia Cullell
- Fundació Docència i Recerca Mútua Terrassa, 08221 Terrassa, Spain; (N.C.); (A.S.-L.)
- Department of Neurology, Hospital Universitari Mútua Terrassa, 08221 Terrassa, Spain
| | - Marc Cendros
- EUGENOMIC Genómica y Farmacogenética, 08029 Barcelona, Spain;
| | | | - Maria J. Arranz
- PHAGEX Research Group, University Ramon Llull, 08022 Barcelona, Spain;
- Fundació Docència i Recerca Mútua Terrassa, 08221 Terrassa, Spain; (N.C.); (A.S.-L.)
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Cota P, Saber L, Taskin D, Jing C, Bastidas-Ponce A, Vanheusden M, Shahryari A, Sterr M, Burtscher I, Bakhti M, Lickert H. NEUROD2 function is dispensable for human pancreatic β cell specification. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1286590. [PMID: 37955006 PMCID: PMC10634430 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1286590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction The molecular programs regulating human pancreatic endocrine cell induction and fate allocation are not well deciphered. Here, we investigated the spatiotemporal expression pattern and the function of the neurogenic differentiation factor 2 (NEUROD2) during human endocrinogenesis. Methods Using Crispr-Cas9 gene editing, we generated a reporter knock-in transcription factor (TF) knock-out human inducible pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) line in which the open reading frame of both NEUROD2 alleles are replaced by a nuclear histone 2B-Venus reporter (NEUROD2nVenus/nVenus). Results We identified a transient expression of NEUROD2 mRNA and its nuclear Venus reporter activity at the stage of human endocrine progenitor formation in an iPSC differentiation model. This expression profile is similar to what was previously reported in mice, uncovering an evolutionarily conserved gene expression pattern of NEUROD2 during endocrinogenesis. In vitro differentiation of the generated homozygous NEUROD2nVenus/nVenus iPSC line towards human endocrine lineages uncovered no significant impact upon the loss of NEUROD2 on endocrine cell induction. Moreover, analysis of endocrine cell specification revealed no striking changes in the generation of insulin-producing b cells and glucagon-secreting a cells upon lack of NEUROD2. Discussion Overall, our results suggest that NEUROD2 is expendable for human b cell formation in vitro.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Perla Cota
- Institute of Diabetes and Regeneration Research, Helmholtz Munich, Neuherberg, Germany
- German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), Neuherberg, Germany
- School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich (TUM), Munich, Germany
| | - Lama Saber
- Institute of Diabetes and Regeneration Research, Helmholtz Munich, Neuherberg, Germany
- German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), Neuherberg, Germany
- School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich (TUM), Munich, Germany
| | - Damla Taskin
- Institute of Diabetes and Regeneration Research, Helmholtz Munich, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Changying Jing
- Institute of Diabetes and Regeneration Research, Helmholtz Munich, Neuherberg, Germany
- German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), Neuherberg, Germany
- Munich Medical Research School (MMRS), Ludwig Maximilian University (LMU), Munich, Germany
| | - Aimée Bastidas-Ponce
- Institute of Diabetes and Regeneration Research, Helmholtz Munich, Neuherberg, Germany
- German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Matthew Vanheusden
- Institute of Diabetes and Regeneration Research, Helmholtz Munich, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Alireza Shahryari
- Institute of Diabetes and Regeneration Research, Helmholtz Munich, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Michael Sterr
- Institute of Diabetes and Regeneration Research, Helmholtz Munich, Neuherberg, Germany
- German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Ingo Burtscher
- Institute of Diabetes and Regeneration Research, Helmholtz Munich, Neuherberg, Germany
- German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Mostafa Bakhti
- Institute of Diabetes and Regeneration Research, Helmholtz Munich, Neuherberg, Germany
- German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Heiko Lickert
- Institute of Diabetes and Regeneration Research, Helmholtz Munich, Neuherberg, Germany
- German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), Neuherberg, Germany
- School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich (TUM), Munich, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Lee DG, Kim YK, Baek KH. The bHLH Transcription Factors in Neural Development and Therapeutic Applications for Neurodegenerative Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232213936. [PMID: 36430421 PMCID: PMC9696289 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232213936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2022] [Revised: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The development of functional neural circuits in the central nervous system (CNS) requires the production of sufficient numbers of various types of neurons and glial cells, such as astrocytes and oligodendrocytes, at the appropriate periods and regions. Hence, severe neuronal loss of the circuits can cause neurodegenerative diseases such as Huntington's disease (HD), Parkinson's disease (PD), Alzheimer's disease (AD), and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). Treatment of such neurodegenerative diseases caused by neuronal loss includes some strategies of cell therapy employing stem cells (such as neural progenitor cells (NPCs)) and gene therapy through cell fate conversion. In this report, we review how bHLH acts as a regulator in neuronal differentiation, reprogramming, and cell fate determination. Moreover, several different researchers are conducting studies to determine the importance of bHLH factors to direct neuronal and glial cell fate specification and differentiation. Therefore, we also investigated the limitations and future directions of conversion or transdifferentiation using bHLH factors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dong Gi Lee
- Joint Section of Science in Environmental Technology, Food Technology, and Molecular Biotechnology, Ghent University, Incheon 21569, Korea
| | - Young-Kwang Kim
- Department of Biomedical Science, CHA Stem Cell Institute, CHA University, Seongnam 13488, Korea
| | - Kwang-Hyun Baek
- Department of Biomedical Science, CHA Stem Cell Institute, CHA University, Seongnam 13488, Korea
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +82-31-881-7134
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Tutukova S, Tarabykin V, Hernandez-Miranda LR. The Role of Neurod Genes in Brain Development, Function, and Disease. Front Mol Neurosci 2021; 14:662774. [PMID: 34177462 PMCID: PMC8221396 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2021.662774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Transcriptional regulation is essential for the correct functioning of cells during development and in postnatal life. The basic Helix-loop-Helix (bHLH) superfamily of transcription factors is well conserved throughout evolution and plays critical roles in tissue development and tissue maintenance. A subgroup of this family, called neural lineage bHLH factors, is critical in the development and function of the central nervous system. In this review, we will focus on the function of one subgroup of neural lineage bHLH factors, the Neurod family. The Neurod family has four members: Neurod1, Neurod2, Neurod4, and Neurod6. Available evidence shows that these four factors are key during the development of the cerebral cortex but also in other regions of the central nervous system, such as the cerebellum, the brainstem, and the spinal cord. We will also discuss recent reports that link the dysfunction of these transcription factors to neurological disorders in humans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Svetlana Tutukova
- Institute of Neuroscience, Lobachevsky University of Nizhny Novgorod, Nizhny Novgorod, Russia.,Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Institute for Cell- and Neurobiology, Berlin, Germany
| | - Victor Tarabykin
- Institute of Neuroscience, Lobachevsky University of Nizhny Novgorod, Nizhny Novgorod, Russia.,Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Institute for Cell- and Neurobiology, Berlin, Germany
| | - Luis R Hernandez-Miranda
- Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Institute for Cell- and Neurobiology, Berlin, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Safari MS, Obexer D, Baier-Bitterlich G, Zur Nedden S. PKN1 Is a Novel Regulator of Hippocampal GluA1 Levels. Front Synaptic Neurosci 2021; 13:640495. [PMID: 33613259 PMCID: PMC7892898 DOI: 10.3389/fnsyn.2021.640495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2020] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Alterations in the processes that control α-Amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid receptor (AMPAR) expression, assembly and trafficking are closely linked to psychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders. We have recently shown that the serine/threonine kinase Protein kinase N1 (PKN1) is a developmentally active regulator of cerebellar synaptic maturation by inhibiting AKT and the neurogenic transcription factor neurogenic differentiation factor-2 (NeuroD2). NeuroD2 is involved in glutamatergic synaptic maturation by regulating expression levels of various synaptic proteins. Here we aimed to study the effect of Pkn1 knockout on AKT phosphorylation and NeuroD2 levels in the hippocampus and the subsequent expression levels of the NeuroD2 targets and AMPAR subunits: glutamate receptor 1 (GluA1) and GluA2/3. We show that PKN1 is expressed throughout the hippocampus. Interestingly, not only postnatal but also adult hippocampal phospho-AKT and NeuroD2 levels were significantly elevated upon Pkn1 knockout. Postnatal and adult Pkn1 -/- hippocampi showed enhanced expression of the AMPAR subunit GluA1, particularly in area CA1. Surprisingly, GluA2/3 levels were not different between both genotypes. In addition to higher protein levels, we also found an enhanced GluA1 content in the membrane fraction of postnatal and adult Pkn1 -/- animals, while GluA2/3 levels remained unchanged. This points toward a very specific regulation of GluA1 expression and/or trafficking by the novel PKN1-AKT-NeuroD2 axis. Considering the important role of GluA1 in hippocampal development as well as the pathophysiology of several disorders, ranging from Alzheimer's, to depression and schizophrenia, our results validate PKN1 for future studies into neurological disorders related to altered AMPAR subunit expression in the hippocampus.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Motahareh Solina Safari
- CCB-Biocenter, Institute of Neurobiochemistry, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Dido Obexer
- CCB-Biocenter, Institute of Neurobiochemistry, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | | | - Stephanie Zur Nedden
- CCB-Biocenter, Institute of Neurobiochemistry, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Arranz MJ, Salazar J, Hernández MH. Pharmacogenetics of antipsychotics: Clinical utility and implementation. Behav Brain Res 2020; 401:113058. [PMID: 33316324 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2020.113058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Revised: 11/23/2020] [Accepted: 12/04/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Decades of research have produced extensive evidence of the contribution of genetic factors to the efficacy and toxicity of antipsychotics. Numerous genetic variants in genes controlling drug availability or involved in antipsychotic processes have been linked to treatment variability. The complex mechanism of action and multitarget profile of most antipsychotic drugs hinder the identification of pharmacogenetic markers of clinical value. Nevertheless, the validity of associations between variants in CYP1A2, CYP2D6, CYP2C19, ABCB1, DRD2, DRD3, HTR2A, HTR2C, BDNF, COMT, MC4R genes and antipsychotic response has been confirmed in independent candidate gene studies. Genome wide pharmacogenomic studies have proven the role of the glutamatergic pathway in mediating antipsychotic activity and have reported novel associations with antipsychotic response. However, only a limited number of the findings, mainly functional variants of CYP metabolic enzymes, have been shown to be of clinical utility and translated into useful pharmacogenetic markers. Based on the currently available information, actionable pharmacogenetics should be reduced to antipsychotics' dose adjustment according to the genetically predicted metabolic status (CYPs' profile) of the patient. Growing evidence suggests that such interventions will reduce antipsychotics' side-effects and increase treatment safety. Despite this evidence, the use of pharmacogenetics in psychiatric wards is minimal. Hopefully, further evidence on the clinical and economic benefits, the development of clinical protocols based on pharmacogenetic information, and improved and cheaper genetic testing will increase the implementation of pharmacogenetic guided prescription in clinical settings.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria J Arranz
- Fundació Docència i Recerca Mútua Terrassa, Spain; Centro de investigación en Red de Salud Mental, CIBERSAM, Madrid, Spain; PHAGEX Research Group, Universitat Ramon LLull, Spain.
| | - Juliana Salazar
- Translational Medical Oncology Laboratory, Institut d'Investigació Biomèdica Sant Pau (IIB-Sant Pau), Barcelona, Spain; U705, ISCIII Center for Biomedical Research on Rare Diseases (CIBERER), Barcelona, Spain; PHAGEX Research Group, Universitat Ramon LLull, Spain
| | - Marta H Hernández
- PHAGEX Research Group, Universitat Ramon LLull, Spain; School of Health Sciences Blanquerna. University Ramon Llull, Barcelona, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Unterholzner J, Gryglewski G, Philippe C, Seiger R, Pichler V, Godbersen GM, Berroterán-Infante N, Murgaš M, Hahn A, Wadsak W, Mitterhauser M, Kasper S, Lanzenberger R. Topologically Guided Prioritization of Candidate Gene Transcripts Coexpressed with the 5-HT1A Receptor by Combining In Vivo PET and Allen Human Brain Atlas Data. Cereb Cortex 2020; 30:3771-3780. [PMID: 31989157 PMCID: PMC7232988 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhz341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2019] [Revised: 11/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The serotonin-1A receptor (5-HT1AR) represents a viable target in the treatment of disorders of the brain. However, development of psychiatric drugs continues to be hindered by the relative inaccessibility of brain tissue. Although the efficacy of drugs selective for the 5-HT1AR has not been proven, research continues to focus on drugs that influence this receptor subtype. To further knowledge on this topic, we investigated the topological coexpression patterns of the 5-HT1AR. We calculated Spearman’s rho for the correlation of positron emission tomography-binding potentials (BPND) of the 5-HT1AR assessed in 30 healthy subjects using the tracer [carbonyl-11C]WAY-100635 and predicted whole-brain mRNA expression of 18 686 genes. After applying a threshold of r > 0.3 in a leave-one-out cross-validation of the prediction of mRNA expression, genes with ρ ≥ 0.7 were considered to be relevant. In cortical regions, 199 genes showed high correlation with the BPND of the 5-HT1AR, in subcortical regions 194 genes. Using our approach, we could consolidate the role of BDNF and implicate new genes (AnxA8, NeuroD2) in serotonergic functioning. Despite its explorative nature, the analysis can be seen as a gene prioritization approach to reduce the number of genes potentially connected to 5-HT1AR functioning and guide future in vitro studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jakob Unterholzner
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Währinger Gürtel 18-20, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Gregor Gryglewski
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Währinger Gürtel 18-20, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Cecile Philippe
- Division of Nuclear Medicine, Department of Biomedical Imaging and Image-guided Therapy, Medical University of Vienna, Währinger Gürtel 18-20, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Rene Seiger
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Währinger Gürtel 18-20, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Verena Pichler
- Division of Nuclear Medicine, Department of Biomedical Imaging and Image-guided Therapy, Medical University of Vienna, Währinger Gürtel 18-20, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Godber M Godbersen
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Währinger Gürtel 18-20, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Neydher Berroterán-Infante
- Division of Nuclear Medicine, Department of Biomedical Imaging and Image-guided Therapy, Medical University of Vienna, Währinger Gürtel 18-20, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Matej Murgaš
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Währinger Gürtel 18-20, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Andreas Hahn
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Währinger Gürtel 18-20, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Wolfgang Wadsak
- Division of Nuclear Medicine, Department of Biomedical Imaging and Image-guided Therapy, Medical University of Vienna, Währinger Gürtel 18-20, 1090, Vienna, Austria.,Centre for Biomarker Research in Medicine (CBmed), Stiftingtalstrasse 5, 8010, Graz, Austria
| | - Markus Mitterhauser
- Division of Nuclear Medicine, Department of Biomedical Imaging and Image-guided Therapy, Medical University of Vienna, Währinger Gürtel 18-20, 1090, Vienna, Austria.,Ludwig Boltzmann Institute Applied Diagnostics, Währinger Gürtel 18-20, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Siegfried Kasper
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Währinger Gürtel 18-20, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Rupert Lanzenberger
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Währinger Gürtel 18-20, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This review highlights recent advances in the investigation of genetic factors for antipsychotic response and side effects. RECENT FINDINGS Antipsychotics prescribed to treat psychotic symptoms are variable in efficacy and propensity for causing side effects. The major side effects include tardive dyskinesia, antipsychotic-induced weight gain (AIWG), and clozapine-induced agranulocytosis (CIA). Several promising associations of polymorphisms in genes including HSPG2, CNR1, and DPP6 with tardive dyskinesia have been reported. In particular, a functional genetic polymorphism in SLC18A2, which is a target of recently approved tardive dyskinesia medication valbenazine, was associated with tardive dyskinesia. Similarly, several consistent findings primarily from genes modulating energy homeostasis have also been reported (e.g. MC4R, HTR2C). CIA has been consistently associated with polymorphisms in the HLA genes (HLA-DQB1 and HLA-B). The association findings between glutamate system genes and antipsychotic response require additional replications. SUMMARY The findings to date are promising and provide us a better understanding of the development of side effects and response to antipsychotics. However, more comprehensive investigations in large, well characterized samples will bring us closer to clinically actionable findings.
Collapse
|
10
|
Dennis DJ, Han S, Schuurmans C. bHLH transcription factors in neural development, disease, and reprogramming. Brain Res 2018; 1705:48-65. [PMID: 29544733 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2018.03.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 120] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2017] [Revised: 03/07/2018] [Accepted: 03/10/2018] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
The formation of functional neural circuits in the vertebrate central nervous system (CNS) requires that appropriate numbers of the correct types of neuronal and glial cells are generated in their proper places and times during development. In the embryonic CNS, multipotent progenitor cells first acquire regional identities, and then undergo precisely choreographed temporal identity transitions (i.e. time-dependent changes in their identity) that determine how many neuronal and glial cells of each type they will generate. Transcription factors of the basic-helix-loop-helix (bHLH) family have emerged as key determinants of neural cell fate specification and differentiation, ensuring that appropriate numbers of specific neuronal and glial cell types are produced. Recent studies have further revealed that the functions of these bHLH factors are strictly regulated. Given their essential developmental roles, it is not surprising that bHLH mutations and de-regulated expression are associated with various neurological diseases and cancers. Moreover, the powerful ability of bHLH factors to direct neuronal and glial cell fate specification and differentiation has been exploited in the relatively new field of cellular reprogramming, in which pluripotent stem cells or somatic stem cells are converted to neural lineages, often with a transcription factor-based lineage conversion strategy that includes one or more of the bHLH genes. These concepts are reviewed herein.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel J Dennis
- Sunnybrook Research Institute, 2075 Bayview Ave, Toronto, ON M4N3M5, Canada
| | - Sisu Han
- Sunnybrook Research Institute, 2075 Bayview Ave, Toronto, ON M4N3M5, Canada; Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Carol Schuurmans
- Sunnybrook Research Institute, 2075 Bayview Ave, Toronto, ON M4N3M5, Canada; Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|