1
|
Sandoval SO, Méndez-Albelo NM, Xu Z, Zhao X. From wings to whiskers to stem cells: why every model matters in fragile X syndrome research. J Neurodev Disord 2024; 16:30. [PMID: 38872088 PMCID: PMC11177515 DOI: 10.1186/s11689-024-09545-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is caused by epigenetic silencing of the X-linked fragile X messenger ribonucleoprotein 1 (FMR1) gene located on chromosome Xq27.3, which leads to the loss of its protein product, fragile X messenger ribonucleoprotein (FMRP). It is the most prevalent inherited form of intellectual disability and the highest single genetic cause of autism. Since the discovery of the genetic basis of FXS, extensive studies using animal models and human pluripotent stem cells have unveiled the functions of FMRP and mechanisms underlying FXS. However, clinical trials have not yielded successful treatment. Here we review what we have learned from commonly used models for FXS, potential limitations of these models, and recommendations for future steps.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Soraya O Sandoval
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53705, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53705, USA
- Neuroscience Training Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53705, USA
| | - Natasha M Méndez-Albelo
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53705, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53705, USA
- Molecular Cellular Pharmacology Training Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53705, USA
| | - Zhiyan Xu
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53705, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53705, USA
- Graduate Program in Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53705, USA
| | - Xinyu Zhao
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53705, USA.
- Department of Neuroscience, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53705, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Prem S, Dev B, Peng C, Mehta M, Alibutud R, Connacher RJ, St Thomas M, Zhou X, Matteson P, Xing J, Millonig JH, DiCicco-Bloom E. Dysregulation of mTOR signaling mediates common neurite and migration defects in both idiopathic and 16p11.2 deletion autism neural precursor cells. eLife 2024; 13:e82809. [PMID: 38525876 PMCID: PMC11003747 DOI: 10.7554/elife.82809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is defined by common behavioral characteristics, raising the possibility of shared pathogenic mechanisms. Yet, vast clinical and etiological heterogeneity suggests personalized phenotypes. Surprisingly, our iPSC studies find that six individuals from two distinct ASD subtypes, idiopathic and 16p11.2 deletion, have common reductions in neural precursor cell (NPC) neurite outgrowth and migration even though whole genome sequencing demonstrates no genetic overlap between the datasets. To identify signaling differences that may contribute to these developmental defects, an unbiased phospho-(p)-proteome screen was performed. Surprisingly despite the genetic heterogeneity, hundreds of shared p-peptides were identified between autism subtypes including the mTOR pathway. mTOR signaling alterations were confirmed in all NPCs across both ASD subtypes, and mTOR modulation rescued ASD phenotypes and reproduced autism NPC-associated phenotypes in control NPCs. Thus, our studies demonstrate that genetically distinct ASD subtypes have common defects in neurite outgrowth and migration which are driven by the shared pathogenic mechanism of mTOR signaling dysregulation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Smrithi Prem
- Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical SchoolPiscatawayUnited States
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, Rutgers UniversityPiscatawayUnited States
| | - Bharati Dev
- Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical SchoolPiscatawayUnited States
| | - Cynthia Peng
- Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical SchoolPiscatawayUnited States
| | - Monal Mehta
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, Rutgers UniversityPiscatawayUnited States
- Center for Advanced Biotechnology and Medicine, Rutgers UniversityPiscatawayUnited States
| | - Rohan Alibutud
- Department of Genetics, Rutgers UniversityPiscatawayUnited States
| | - Robert J Connacher
- Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical SchoolPiscatawayUnited States
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, Rutgers UniversityPiscatawayUnited States
| | - Madeline St Thomas
- Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical SchoolPiscatawayUnited States
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, Rutgers UniversityPiscatawayUnited States
| | - Xiaofeng Zhou
- Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical SchoolPiscatawayUnited States
| | - Paul Matteson
- Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical SchoolPiscatawayUnited States
- Center for Advanced Biotechnology and Medicine, Rutgers UniversityPiscatawayUnited States
| | - Jinchuan Xing
- Department of Genetics, Rutgers UniversityPiscatawayUnited States
| | - James H Millonig
- Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical SchoolPiscatawayUnited States
- Center for Advanced Biotechnology and Medicine, Rutgers UniversityPiscatawayUnited States
| | - Emanuel DiCicco-Bloom
- Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical SchoolPiscatawayUnited States
- Department of Pediatrics, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical SchoolNew BrunswickUnited States
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Vacharasin JM, Ward JA, McCord MM, Cox K, Imitola J, Lizarraga SB. Neuroimmune mechanisms in autism etiology - untangling a complex problem using human cellular models. OXFORD OPEN NEUROSCIENCE 2024; 3:kvae003. [PMID: 38665176 PMCID: PMC11044813 DOI: 10.1093/oons/kvae003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2023] [Revised: 01/13/2024] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) affects 1 in 36 people and is more often diagnosed in males than in females. Core features of ASD are impaired social interactions, repetitive behaviors and deficits in verbal communication. ASD is a highly heterogeneous and heritable disorder, yet its underlying genetic causes account only for up to 80% of the cases. Hence, a subset of ASD cases could be influenced by environmental risk factors. Maternal immune activation (MIA) is a response to inflammation during pregnancy, which can lead to increased inflammatory signals to the fetus. Inflammatory signals can cross the placenta and blood brain barriers affecting fetal brain development. Epidemiological and animal studies suggest that MIA could contribute to ASD etiology. However, human mechanistic studies have been hindered by a lack of experimental systems that could replicate the impact of MIA during fetal development. Therefore, mechanisms altered by inflammation during human pre-natal brain development, and that could underlie ASD pathogenesis have been largely understudied. The advent of human cellular models with induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) and organoid technology is closing this gap in knowledge by providing both access to molecular manipulations and culturing capability of tissue that would be otherwise inaccessible. We present an overview of multiple levels of evidence from clinical, epidemiological, and cellular studies that provide a potential link between higher ASD risk and inflammation. More importantly, we discuss how stem cell-derived models may constitute an ideal experimental system to mechanistically interrogate the effect of inflammation during the early stages of brain development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Janay M Vacharasin
- Department of Biological Sciences, and Center for Childhood Neurotherapeutics, Univ. of South Carolina, 715 Sumter Street, Columbia, SC 29208, USA
- Department of Biological Sciences, Francis Marion University, 4822 East Palmetto Street, Florence, S.C. 29506, USA
| | - Joseph A Ward
- Department of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, & Biochemistry, Brown University, 185 Meeting Street, Providence, RI 02912, USA
- Center for Translational Neuroscience, Carney Institute of Brain Science, Brown University, 70 Ship Street, Providence, RI 02903, USA
| | - Mikayla M McCord
- Department of Biological Sciences, and Center for Childhood Neurotherapeutics, Univ. of South Carolina, 715 Sumter Street, Columbia, SC 29208, USA
| | - Kaitlin Cox
- Department of Biological Sciences, and Center for Childhood Neurotherapeutics, Univ. of South Carolina, 715 Sumter Street, Columbia, SC 29208, USA
| | - Jaime Imitola
- Laboratory of Neural Stem Cells and Functional Neurogenetics, UConn Health, Departments of Neuroscience, Neurology, Genetics and Genome Sciences, UConn Health, 263 Farmington Avenue, Farmington, CT 06030-5357, USA
| | - Sofia B Lizarraga
- Department of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, & Biochemistry, Brown University, 185 Meeting Street, Providence, RI 02912, USA
- Center for Translational Neuroscience, Carney Institute of Brain Science, Brown University, 70 Ship Street, Providence, RI 02903, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Fang M, Deibler SK, Krishnamurthy PM, Wang F, Rodriguez P, Banday S, Virbasius CM, Sena-Esteves M, Watts JK, Green MR. EZH2 inhibition reactivates epigenetically silenced FMR1 and normalizes molecular and electrophysiological abnormalities in fragile X syndrome neurons. Front Neurosci 2024; 18:1348478. [PMID: 38449737 PMCID: PMC10915284 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2024.1348478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Fragile X Syndrome (FXS) is a neurological disorder caused by epigenetic silencing of the FMR1 gene. Reactivation of FMR1 is a potential therapeutic approach for FXS that would correct the root cause of the disease. Here, using a candidate-based shRNA screen, we identify nine epigenetic repressors that promote silencing of FMR1 in FXS cells (called FMR1 Silencing Factors, or FMR1- SFs). Inhibition of FMR1-SFs with shRNAs or small molecules reactivates FMR1 in cultured undifferentiated induced pluripotent stem cells, neural progenitor cells (NPCs) and post-mitotic neurons derived from FXS patients. One of the FMR1-SFs is the histone methyltransferase EZH2, for which an FDA-approved small molecule inhibitor, EPZ6438 (also known as tazemetostat), is available. We show that EPZ6438 substantially corrects the characteristic molecular and electrophysiological abnormalities of cultured FXS neurons. Unfortunately, EZH2 inhibitors do not efficiently cross the blood-brain barrier, limiting their therapeutic use for FXS. Recently, antisense oligonucleotide (ASO)-based approaches have been developed as effective treatment options for certain central nervous system disorders. We therefore derived efficacious ASOs targeting EZH2 and demonstrate that they reactivate FMR1 expression and correct molecular and electrophysiological abnormalities in cultured FXS neurons, and reactivate FMR1 expression in human FXS NPCs engrafted within the brains of mice. Collectively, our results establish EZH2 inhibition in general, and EZH2 ASOs in particular, as a therapeutic approach for FXS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Minggang Fang
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States
| | - Sara K. Deibler
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States
| | | | - Feng Wang
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States
| | - Paola Rodriguez
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States
| | - Shahid Banday
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States
| | - Ching-Man Virbasius
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States
| | - Miguel Sena-Esteves
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States
| | - Jonathan K. Watts
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States
| | - Michael R. Green
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
El Yacoubi FA, Oukabli M, Ibrahimi A, Kisra H, Bensaid M. Unraveling the Role of Neuroligin3 in Autism Spectrum Disorders: Pathophysiological Insights and Targeted Therapies. CNS & NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS DRUG TARGETS 2024; 23:801-811. [PMID: 37497709 DOI: 10.2174/1871527323666230727102244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023]
Abstract
Autism Spectrum Disorder is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by impaired social and communication skills, repetitive behaviors, and/or restricted interests with a prevalence of as high as 1% of children. Autism spectrum has strongly associated with genetic factors and exhibits wide clinical and heterogeneous genetic architecture. Most genes associated with Autism are involved in neuronal and synaptic development. The neuroligin3, the sex-linked gene on the X chromosome, was the first gene to be associated with a monogenic form of Autism. Neuroligin3 is a postsynaptic cell adhesion protein involved in synapse transmission, brain formation, and neuronal development. In this review, we provide recent findings on different mutations in the Neuroligin3 gene linked to Autism spectrum disorder and their molecular pathway effect. We also give the behavioral, and synaptic alterations reported in the Neuroligin3 animal model of Autism and the potential therapeutic strategies targeting the biological processes and the main symptoms of autism spectrum disorder. In addition, we discuss the use of novel technologies like induced pluripotent stem cells from Autistic patients that have the potential to differentiate in human neurons and therefore have a variety of applications in therapy and biomedical studies to search specific biomarkers, and develop systems for screening chemical molecules in human cells to discover target therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fatima Azzahrae El Yacoubi
- Laboratory of Immunology, Infectious Disease and Tropical Biotechnology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mohammed VI University of Health Sciences (UM6SS), Casablanca, Morocco
- Medical and Pharmacy School, University Mohammed V, Rabat, Morocco
| | - Mohamed Oukabli
- Laboratory of Pathological Anatomy, Military Hospital Mohamed V, Rabat, Morocco
| | - Azeddine Ibrahimi
- Biotechnology Lab (MedBiotech), Rabat Medical and Pharmacy School, University Mohammed V, Rabat, Morocco
- Centre Mohammed VI for Research & Innovation (CM6), Rabat, Morocco
- Mohammed VI University of Health Sciences (UM6SS), Casablanca, Morocco
| | - Hassan Kisra
- Medical and Pharmacy School, University Mohammed V, Rabat, Morocco
- Center of Child Psychiatry, Arrazi Hospital, Salé, Morocco
| | - Mounia Bensaid
- Laboratory of Pathological Anatomy, Military Hospital Mohamed V, Rabat, Morocco
- Royal School of Military Health Service. Rabat, Morocco
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Shen M, Sirois CL, Guo Y, Li M, Dong Q, Méndez-Albelo NM, Gao Y, Khullar S, Kissel L, Sandoval SO, Wolkoff NE, Huang SX, Xu Z, Bryan JE, Contractor AM, Korabelnikov T, Glass IA, Doherty D, Levine JE, Sousa AMM, Chang Q, Bhattacharyya A, Wang D, Werling DM, Zhao X. Species-specific FMRP regulation of RACK1 is critical for prenatal cortical development. Neuron 2023; 111:3988-4005.e11. [PMID: 37820724 PMCID: PMC10841112 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2023.09.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
Fragile X messenger ribonucleoprotein 1 protein (FMRP) deficiency leads to fragile X syndrome (FXS), an autism spectrum disorder. The role of FMRP in prenatal human brain development remains unclear. Here, we show that FMRP is important for human and macaque prenatal brain development. Both FMRP-deficient neurons in human fetal cortical slices and FXS patient stem cell-derived neurons exhibit mitochondrial dysfunctions and hyperexcitability. Using multiomics analyses, we have identified both FMRP-bound mRNAs and FMRP-interacting proteins in human neurons and unveiled a previously unknown role of FMRP in regulating essential genes during human prenatal development. We demonstrate that FMRP interaction with CNOT1 maintains the levels of receptor for activated C kinase 1 (RACK1), a species-specific FMRP target. Genetic reduction of RACK1 leads to both mitochondrial dysfunctions and hyperexcitability, resembling FXS neurons. Finally, enhancing mitochondrial functions rescues deficits of FMRP-deficient cortical neurons during prenatal development, demonstrating targeting mitochondrial dysfunction as a potential treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Minjie Shen
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA; Department of Neuroscience, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Carissa L Sirois
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA; Department of Neuroscience, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Yu Guo
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA; Department of Neuroscience, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Meng Li
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA; Department of Neuroscience, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Qiping Dong
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Natasha M Méndez-Albelo
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA; Department of Neuroscience, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA; Molecular Cellular Pharmacology Training Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Yu Gao
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA; Department of Neuroscience, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Saniya Khullar
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA; Departments of Biostatistics and Medical Informatics, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Lee Kissel
- Neuroscience Training Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Soraya O Sandoval
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA; Department of Neuroscience, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA; Neuroscience Training Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Natalie E Wolkoff
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA; Department of Neuroscience, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Sabrina X Huang
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA; Department of Neuroscience, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Zhiyan Xu
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA; Department of Neuroscience, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA; Graduate Program in Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Jonathan E Bryan
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA; Departments of Biostatistics and Medical Informatics, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Amaya M Contractor
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA; Department of Neuroscience, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Tomer Korabelnikov
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA; Department of Neuroscience, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Ian A Glass
- Birth Defects Research Laboratory, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Dan Doherty
- Birth Defects Research Laboratory, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Jon E Levine
- Department of Neuroscience, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA; Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53715, USA
| | - André M M Sousa
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA; Department of Neuroscience, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Qiang Chang
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA; Department of Neurology, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA; Laboratory of Genetics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Anita Bhattacharyya
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA; Department of Cell and Regenerative Biology, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Daifeng Wang
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA; Departments of Biostatistics and Medical Informatics, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Donna M Werling
- Laboratory of Genetics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Xinyu Zhao
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA; Department of Neuroscience, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Yu J, Woo Y, Kim H, An S, Park SK, Jang SK. FMRP Enhances the Translation of 4EBP2 mRNA during Neuronal Differentiation. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:16319. [PMID: 38003508 PMCID: PMC10671300 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242216319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2023] [Revised: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
FMRP is a multifunctional protein encoded by the Fragile X Messenger Ribonucleoprotein 1 gene (FMR1). The inactivation of the FMR1 gene results in fragile X syndrome (FXS), a serious neurodevelopmental disorder. FMRP deficiency causes abnormal neurite outgrowth, which is likely to lead to abnormal learning and memory capabilities. However, the mechanism of FMRP in modulating neuronal development remains unknown. We found that FMRP enhances the translation of 4EBP2, a neuron-specific form of 4EBPs that inactivates eIF4E by inhibiting the interaction between eIF4E and eIF4G. Depletion of 4EBP2 results in abnormal neurite outgrowth. Moreover, the impairment of neurite outgrowth upon FMRP depletion was overcome by the ectopic expression of 4EBP2. These results suggest that FMRP controls neuronal development by enhancing 4EBP2 expression at the translational level. In addition, treatment with 4EGI-1, a chemical that blocks eIF4E activity, restored neurite length in FMRP-depleted and 4EBP2-depleted cells. In conclusion, we discovered that 4EBP2 functions as a key downstream regulator of FMRP activity in neuronal development and that FMRP represses eIF4E activity by enhancing 4EBP2 translation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Sang Ki Park
- Department of Life Sciences, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang 37673, Gyeongsangbuk, Republic of Korea; (J.Y.); (Y.W.); (H.K.); (S.A.)
| | - Sung Key Jang
- Department of Life Sciences, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang 37673, Gyeongsangbuk, Republic of Korea; (J.Y.); (Y.W.); (H.K.); (S.A.)
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Maussion G, Rocha C, Abdian N, Yang D, Turk J, Carrillo Valenzuela D, Pimentel L, You Z, Morquette B, Nicouleau M, Deneault E, Higgins S, Chen CXQ, Reintsch WE, Ho S, Soubannier V, Lépine S, Modrusan Z, Lund J, Stephenson W, Schubert R, Durcan TM. Transcriptional Dysregulation and Impaired Neuronal Activity in FMR1 Knock-Out and Fragile X Patients' iPSC-Derived Models. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14926. [PMID: 37834379 PMCID: PMC10573568 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241914926] [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: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is caused by a repression of the FMR1 gene that codes the Fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP), an RNA binding protein involved in processes that are crucial for proper brain development. To better understand the consequences of the absence of FMRP, we analyzed gene expression profiles and activities of cortical neural progenitor cells (NPCs) and neurons obtained from FXS patients' induced pluripotent stem cells (IPSCs) and IPSC-derived cells from FMR1 knock-out engineered using CRISPR-CAS9 technology. Multielectrode array recordings revealed in FMR1 KO and FXS patient cells, decreased mean firing rates; activities blocked by tetrodotoxin application. Increased expression of presynaptic mRNA and transcription factors involved in the forebrain specification and decreased levels of mRNA coding AMPA and NMDA subunits were observed using RNA sequencing on FMR1 KO neurons and validated using quantitative PCR in both models. Intriguingly, 40% of the differentially expressed genes were commonly deregulated between NPCs and differentiating neurons with significant enrichments in FMRP targets and autism-related genes found amongst downregulated genes. Our findings suggest that the absence of FMRP affects transcriptional profiles since the NPC stage, and leads to impaired activity and neuronal differentiation over time, which illustrates the critical role of FMRP protein in neuronal development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gilles Maussion
- The Neuro’s Early Drug Discovery Unit (EDDU), McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 2B4, Canada; (G.M.); (C.R.)
| | - Cecilia Rocha
- The Neuro’s Early Drug Discovery Unit (EDDU), McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 2B4, Canada; (G.M.); (C.R.)
| | - Narges Abdian
- The Neuro’s Early Drug Discovery Unit (EDDU), McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 2B4, Canada; (G.M.); (C.R.)
| | - Dimitri Yang
- The Neuro’s Early Drug Discovery Unit (EDDU), McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 2B4, Canada; (G.M.); (C.R.)
| | - Julien Turk
- The Neuro’s Early Drug Discovery Unit (EDDU), McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 2B4, Canada; (G.M.); (C.R.)
| | - Dulce Carrillo Valenzuela
- The Neuro’s Early Drug Discovery Unit (EDDU), McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 2B4, Canada; (G.M.); (C.R.)
| | - Luisa Pimentel
- The Neuro’s Early Drug Discovery Unit (EDDU), McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 2B4, Canada; (G.M.); (C.R.)
| | - Zhipeng You
- The Neuro’s Early Drug Discovery Unit (EDDU), McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 2B4, Canada; (G.M.); (C.R.)
| | - Barbara Morquette
- The Neuro’s Early Drug Discovery Unit (EDDU), McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 2B4, Canada; (G.M.); (C.R.)
| | - Michael Nicouleau
- The Neuro’s Early Drug Discovery Unit (EDDU), McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 2B4, Canada; (G.M.); (C.R.)
| | - Eric Deneault
- Regulatory Research Division, Centre for Oncology, Radiopharmaceuticals and Research, Biologic and Radiopharmaceutical Drugs Directorate, Health Products and Food Branch, Health Canada, Ottawa, ON K1A 0K9, Canada
| | - Samuel Higgins
- Roche Sequencing, Computational Science and Informatics, Roche Molecular Systems, Santa Clara, CA 95050, USA
| | - Carol X.-Q. Chen
- The Neuro’s Early Drug Discovery Unit (EDDU), McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 2B4, Canada; (G.M.); (C.R.)
| | - Wolfgang E. Reintsch
- The Neuro’s Early Drug Discovery Unit (EDDU), McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 2B4, Canada; (G.M.); (C.R.)
| | - Stanley Ho
- Research and Early Development, Roche Molecular Systems, Pleasanton, CA 94588, USA
| | - Vincent Soubannier
- The Neuro’s Early Drug Discovery Unit (EDDU), McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 2B4, Canada; (G.M.); (C.R.)
| | - Sarah Lépine
- The Neuro’s Early Drug Discovery Unit (EDDU), McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 2B4, Canada; (G.M.); (C.R.)
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3G 2M1, Canada
| | | | | | | | - Rajib Schubert
- Research and Early Development, Roche Molecular Systems, Pleasanton, CA 94588, USA
| | - Thomas M. Durcan
- The Neuro’s Early Drug Discovery Unit (EDDU), McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 2B4, Canada; (G.M.); (C.R.)
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Réthelyi JM, Vincze K, Schall D, Glennon J, Berkel S. The role of insulin/IGF1 signalling in neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric disorders - Evidence from human neuronal cell models. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2023; 153:105330. [PMID: 37516219 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2023.105330] [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: 09/30/2022] [Revised: 07/15/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/31/2023]
Abstract
Insulin and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1) signalling play a central role in the development and maintenance of neurons in the brain, and human neurodevelopmental as well as neuropsychiatric disorders have been linked to impaired insulin and IGF1 signalling. This review focuses on the impairments of the insulin and IGF1 signalling cascade in the context of neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric disorders, based on evidence from human neuronal cell models. Clear evidence was obtained for impaired insulin and IGF1 receptor downstream signalling in neurodevelopmental disorders, while the evidence for its role in neuropsychiatric disorders was less substantial. Human neuronal model systems can greatly add to our knowledge about insulin/IGF1 signalling in the brain, its role in restoring dendritic maturity, and complement results from clinical studies and animal models. Moreover, they represent a useful model for the development of new therapeutic strategies. Further research is needed to systematically investigate the exact role of the insulin/IGF1 signalling cascades in neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric disorders, and to elucidate the respective therapeutic implications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- János M Réthelyi
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Katalin Vincze
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary; Doctoral School of Mental Health Sciences, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Dorothea Schall
- Institute of Human Genetics, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jeffrey Glennon
- Conway Institute of Biomedical and Biomolecular Research, School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Simone Berkel
- Institute of Human Genetics, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany; Interdisciplinary Centre of Neurosciences (IZN), Heidelberg University, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Edwards N, Combrinck C, McCaughey-Chapman A, Connor B. Directly reprogrammed fragile X syndrome dorsal forebrain precursor cells generate cortical neurons exhibiting impaired neuronal maturation. Front Cell Neurosci 2023; 17:1254412. [PMID: 37810261 PMCID: PMC10552551 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2023.1254412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction The neurodevelopmental disorder fragile X syndrome (FXS) is the most common monogenic cause of intellectual disability associated with autism spectrum disorder. Inaccessibility to developing human brain cells is a major barrier to studying FXS. Direct-to-neural precursor reprogramming provides a unique platform to investigate the developmental profile of FXS-associated phenotypes throughout neural precursor and neuron generation, at a temporal resolution not afforded by post-mortem tissue and in a patient-specific context not represented in rodent models. Direct reprogramming also circumvents the protracted culture times and low efficiency of current induced pluripotent stem cell strategies. Methods We have developed a chemically modified mRNA (cmRNA) -based direct reprogramming protocol to generate dorsal forebrain precursors (hiDFPs) from FXS patient-derived fibroblasts, with subsequent differentiation to glutamatergic cortical neurons and astrocytes. Results We observed differential expression of mature neuronal markers suggesting impaired neuronal development and maturation in FXS- hiDFP-derived neurons compared to controls. FXS- hiDFP-derived cortical neurons exhibited dendritic growth and arborization deficits characterized by reduced neurite length and branching consistent with impaired neuronal maturation. Furthermore, FXS- hiDFP-derived neurons exhibited a significant decrease in the density of pre- and post- synaptic proteins and reduced glutamate-induced calcium activity, suggesting impaired excitatory synapse development and functional maturation. We also observed a reduced yield of FXS- hiDFP-derived neurons with a significant increase in FXS-affected astrocytes. Discussion This study represents the first reported derivation of FXS-affected cortical neurons following direct reprogramming of patient fibroblasts to dorsal forebrain precursors and subsequently neurons that recapitulate the key molecular hallmarks of FXS as it occurs in human tissue. We propose that direct to hiDFP reprogramming provides a unique platform for further study into the pathogenesis of FXS as well as the identification and screening of new drug targets for the treatment of FXS.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Guo Y, Shen M, Dong Q, Méndez-Albelo NM, Huang SX, Sirois CL, Le J, Li M, Jarzembowski ED, Schoeller KA, Stockton ME, Horner VL, Sousa AMM, Gao Y, Levine JE, Wang D, Chang Q, Zhao X. Elevated levels of FMRP-target MAP1B impair human and mouse neuronal development and mouse social behaviors via autophagy pathway. Nat Commun 2023; 14:3801. [PMID: 37365192 PMCID: PMC10293283 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-39337-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2022] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Fragile X messenger ribonucleoprotein 1 protein (FMRP) binds many mRNA targets in the brain. The contribution of these targets to fragile X syndrome (FXS) and related autism spectrum disorder (ASD) remains unclear. Here, we show that FMRP deficiency leads to elevated microtubule-associated protein 1B (MAP1B) in developing human and non-human primate cortical neurons. Targeted MAP1B gene activation in healthy human neurons or MAP1B gene triplication in ASD patient-derived neurons inhibit morphological and physiological maturation. Activation of Map1b in adult male mouse prefrontal cortex excitatory neurons impairs social behaviors. We show that elevated MAP1B sequesters components of autophagy and reduces autophagosome formation. Both MAP1B knockdown and autophagy activation rescue deficits of both ASD and FXS patients' neurons and FMRP-deficient neurons in ex vivo human brain tissue. Our study demonstrates conserved FMRP regulation of MAP1B in primate neurons and establishes a causal link between MAP1B elevation and deficits of FXS and ASD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yu Guo
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53705, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53705, USA
| | - Minjie Shen
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53705, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53705, USA
| | - Qiping Dong
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53705, USA
| | - Natasha M Méndez-Albelo
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53705, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53705, USA
| | - Sabrina X Huang
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53705, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53705, USA
| | - Carissa L Sirois
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53705, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53705, USA
| | - Jonathan Le
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53705, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53705, USA
| | - Meng Li
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53705, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53705, USA
| | - Ezra D Jarzembowski
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53705, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53705, USA
| | - Keegan A Schoeller
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53705, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53705, USA
| | - Michael E Stockton
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53705, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53705, USA
| | - Vanessa L Horner
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53705, USA
- Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53705, USA
| | - André M M Sousa
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53705, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53705, USA
| | - Yu Gao
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53705, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53705, USA
| | - Jon E Levine
- Department of Neuroscience, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53705, USA
- Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53715, USA
| | - Daifeng Wang
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53705, USA
- Departments of Biostatistics and Medical Informatics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53705, USA
| | - Qiang Chang
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53705, USA
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53705, USA
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53705, USA
| | - Xinyu Zhao
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53705, USA.
- Department of Neuroscience, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53705, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Ren B, Burkovetskaya M, Jung Y, Bergdolt L, Totusek S, Martinez-Cerdeno V, Stauch K, Korade Z, Dunaevsky A. Dysregulated cholesterol metabolism, aberrant excitability and altered cell cycle of astrocytes in fragile X syndrome. Glia 2023; 71:1176-1196. [PMID: 36594399 PMCID: PMC10023374 DOI: 10.1002/glia.24331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Revised: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Fragile X syndrome (FXS), the most prevalent heritable form of intellectual disability, is caused by the transcriptional silencing of the FMR1 gene. While neuronal contribution to FXS has been extensively studied in both animal and human-based models of FXS, the roles of astrocytes, a type of glial cells in the brain, are largely unknown. Here, we generated a human-based FXS model via differentiation of astrocytes from human-induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) and human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) and characterized their development, function, and proteomic profiles. We identified shortened cell cycle, enhanced Ca2+ signaling, impaired sterol biosynthesis, and pervasive alterations in the proteome of FXS astrocytes. Our work identified astrocytic impairments that could contribute to the pathogenesis of FXS and highlight astrocytes as a novel therapeutic target for FXS treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Baiyan Ren
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Maria Burkovetskaya
- Department of Neurological Sciences, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Yoosun Jung
- Department of Neurological Sciences, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Lara Bergdolt
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Steven Totusek
- Department of Neurological Sciences, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Veronica Martinez-Cerdeno
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, MIND Institute, and Institute for Pediatric Regenerative Medicine at UC Davis School of Medicine, and Shriners Hospitals for Children of Northern California, Sacramento, California, USA
| | - Kelly Stauch
- Department of Neurological Sciences, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Zeljka Korade
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
- Munroe-Meyer Institute for Genetics and Rehabilitation, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, CHRI, College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Anna Dunaevsky
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
- Department of Neurological Sciences, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Sharma SD, Reddy BK, Pal R, Ritakari TE, Cooper JD, Selvaraj BT, Kind PC, Chandran S, Wyllie DJA, Chattarji S. Astrocytes mediate cell non-autonomous correction of aberrant firing in human FXS neurons. Cell Rep 2023; 42:112344. [PMID: 37018073 PMCID: PMC10157295 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.112344] [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: 08/24/2022] [Revised: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 04/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Pre-clinical studies of fragile X syndrome (FXS) have focused on neurons, with the role of glia remaining largely underexplored. We examined the astrocytic regulation of aberrant firing of FXS neurons derived from human pluripotent stem cells. Human FXS cortical neurons, co-cultured with human FXS astrocytes, fired frequent short-duration spontaneous bursts of action potentials compared with less frequent, longer-duration bursts of control neurons co-cultured with control astrocytes. Intriguingly, bursts fired by FXS neurons co-cultured with control astrocytes are indistinguishable from control neurons. Conversely, control neurons exhibit aberrant firing in the presence of FXS astrocytes. Thus, the astrocyte genotype determines the neuronal firing phenotype. Strikingly, astrocytic-conditioned medium, and not the physical presence of astrocytes, is capable of determining the firing phenotype. The mechanistic basis of this effect indicates that the astroglial-derived protein, S100β, restores normal firing by reversing the suppression of a persistent sodium current in FXS neurons.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shreya Das Sharma
- National Centre for Biological Sciences, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Bangalore 560065, India; University of Trans-Disciplinary Health Science and Technology, Bangalore 560064, India; Centre for Brain Development and Repair, Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Bangalore 560065, India; Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Chancellor's Building, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK; UK Dementia Research Institute at the University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh Medical School, Chancellor's Building, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK
| | - Bharath Kumar Reddy
- National Centre for Biological Sciences, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Bangalore 560065, India; Centre for Brain Development and Repair, Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Bangalore 560065, India
| | - Rakhi Pal
- National Centre for Biological Sciences, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Bangalore 560065, India; Centre for Brain Development and Repair, Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Bangalore 560065, India
| | - Tuula E Ritakari
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Chancellor's Building, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK; UK Dementia Research Institute at the University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh Medical School, Chancellor's Building, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK
| | - James D Cooper
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Chancellor's Building, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK; UK Dementia Research Institute at the University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh Medical School, Chancellor's Building, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK
| | - Bhuvaneish T Selvaraj
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Chancellor's Building, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK; UK Dementia Research Institute at the University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh Medical School, Chancellor's Building, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK
| | - Peter C Kind
- Centre for Brain Development and Repair, Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Bangalore 560065, India; Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Hugh Robson Building, Edinburgh EH8 9XD, UK; Patrick Wild Centre, University of Edinburgh, Hugh Robson Building, Edinburgh EH8 9XD, UK; Simons Initiative for the Developing Brain, University of Edinburgh, Hugh Robson Building, Edinburgh EH8 9XD, UK
| | - Siddharthan Chandran
- Centre for Brain Development and Repair, Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Bangalore 560065, India; Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Chancellor's Building, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK; UK Dementia Research Institute at the University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh Medical School, Chancellor's Building, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK; Patrick Wild Centre, University of Edinburgh, Hugh Robson Building, Edinburgh EH8 9XD, UK; Simons Initiative for the Developing Brain, University of Edinburgh, Hugh Robson Building, Edinburgh EH8 9XD, UK
| | - David J A Wyllie
- Centre for Brain Development and Repair, Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Bangalore 560065, India; Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Hugh Robson Building, Edinburgh EH8 9XD, UK; Patrick Wild Centre, University of Edinburgh, Hugh Robson Building, Edinburgh EH8 9XD, UK; Simons Initiative for the Developing Brain, University of Edinburgh, Hugh Robson Building, Edinburgh EH8 9XD, UK.
| | - Sumantra Chattarji
- National Centre for Biological Sciences, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Bangalore 560065, India; Centre for Brain Development and Repair, Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Bangalore 560065, India; Patrick Wild Centre, University of Edinburgh, Hugh Robson Building, Edinburgh EH8 9XD, UK; Simons Initiative for the Developing Brain, University of Edinburgh, Hugh Robson Building, Edinburgh EH8 9XD, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Chen J, Huang L, Yang Y, Xu W, Qin Q, Qin R, Liang X, Lai X, Huang X, Xie M, Chen L. Somatic Cell Reprogramming for Nervous System Diseases: Techniques, Mechanisms, Potential Applications, and Challenges. Brain Sci 2023; 13:brainsci13030524. [PMID: 36979334 PMCID: PMC10046178 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13030524] [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: 02/04/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Nervous system diseases present significant challenges to the neuroscience community due to ethical and practical constraints that limit access to appropriate research materials. Somatic cell reprogramming has been proposed as a novel way to obtain neurons. Various emerging techniques have been used to reprogram mature and differentiated cells into neurons. This review provides an overview of somatic cell reprogramming for neurological research and therapy, focusing on neural reprogramming and generating different neural cell types. We examine the mechanisms involved in reprogramming and the challenges that arise. We herein summarize cell reprogramming strategies to generate neurons, including transcription factors, small molecules, and microRNAs, with a focus on different types of cells.. While reprogramming somatic cells into neurons holds the potential for understanding neurological diseases and developing therapeutic applications, its limitations and risks must be carefully considered. Here, we highlight the potential benefits of somatic cell reprogramming for neurological disease research and therapy. This review contributes to the field by providing a comprehensive overview of the various techniques used to generate neurons by cellular reprogramming and discussing their potential applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiafeng Chen
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China
| | - Lijuan Huang
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China
| | - Yue Yang
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China
| | - Wei Xu
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China
| | - Qingchun Qin
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China
| | - Rongxing Qin
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China
| | - Xiaojun Liang
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China
| | - Xinyu Lai
- Key Laboratory of Longevity and Aging-Related Diseases of Chinese Ministry of Education, Nanning 530021, China
| | - Xiaoying Huang
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China
| | - Minshan Xie
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China
| | - Li Chen
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China
- Key Laboratory of Longevity and Aging-Related Diseases of Chinese Ministry of Education, Nanning 530021, China
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Cencelli G, Pacini L, De Luca A, Messia I, Gentile A, Kang Y, Nobile V, Tabolacci E, Jin P, Farace MG, Bagni C. Age-Dependent Dysregulation of APP in Neuronal and Skin Cells from Fragile X Individuals. Cells 2023; 12:758. [PMID: 36899894 PMCID: PMC10000963 DOI: 10.3390/cells12050758] [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: 11/06/2022] [Revised: 01/02/2023] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is the most common form of monogenic intellectual disability and autism, caused by the absence of the functional fragile X messenger ribonucleoprotein 1 (FMRP). FXS features include increased and dysregulated protein synthesis, observed in both murine and human cells. Altered processing of the amyloid precursor protein (APP), consisting of an excess of soluble APPα (sAPPα), may contribute to this molecular phenotype in mice and human fibroblasts. Here we show an age-dependent dysregulation of APP processing in fibroblasts from FXS individuals, human neural precursor cells derived from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), and forebrain organoids. Moreover, FXS fibroblasts treated with a cell-permeable peptide that decreases the generation of sAPPα show restored levels of protein synthesis. Our findings suggest the possibility of using cell-based permeable peptides as a future therapeutic approach for FXS during a defined developmental window.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Cencelli
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Faculty of Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy
- Institute of Neurosurgery, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Catholic University, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Pacini
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Faculty of Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy
- Faculty of Medicine, UniCamillus, Saint Camillus International University of Health and Medical Sciences, 00131 Rome, Italy
| | - Anastasia De Luca
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Faculty of Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Ilenia Messia
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Faculty of Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Antonietta Gentile
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Faculty of Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy
- Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) San Raffaele Roma, 00166 Rome, Italy
| | - Yunhee Kang
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Veronica Nobile
- Institute of Genomic Medicine, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Catholic University, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Tabolacci
- Institute of Genomic Medicine, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Catholic University, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Peng Jin
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Maria Giulia Farace
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Faculty of Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Claudia Bagni
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Faculty of Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy
- Department of Fundamental Neurosciences, Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, 1005 Lausanne, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Krzisch MA, Wu H, Yuan B, Whitfield TW, Liu XS, Fu D, Garrett-Engele CM, Khalil AS, Lungjangwa T, Shih J, Chang AN, Warren S, Cacace A, Andrykovich KR, Rietjens RGJ, Wallace O, Sur M, Jain B, Jaenisch R. Fragile X Syndrome Patient-Derived Neurons Developing in the Mouse Brain Show FMR1-Dependent Phenotypes. Biol Psychiatry 2023; 93:71-81. [PMID: 36372569 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2022.08.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Revised: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is characterized by physical abnormalities, anxiety, intellectual disability, hyperactivity, autistic behaviors, and seizures. Abnormal neuronal development in FXS is poorly understood. Data on patients with FXS remain scarce, and FXS animal models have failed to yield successful therapies. In vitro models do not fully recapitulate the morphology and function of human neurons. METHODS To mimic human neuron development in vivo, we coinjected neural precursor cells derived from FXS patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells and neural precursor cells derived from corrected isogenic control induced pluripotent stem cells into the brain of neonatal immune-deprived mice. RESULTS The transplanted cells populated the brain and a proportion differentiated into neurons and glial cells. Immunofluorescence and single and bulk RNA sequencing analyses showed accelerated maturation of FXS neurons after an initial delay. Additionally, we found increased percentages of Arc- and Egr-1-positive FXS neurons and wider dendritic protrusions of mature FXS striatal medium spiny neurons. CONCLUSIONS This transplantation approach provides new insights into the alterations of neuronal development in FXS by facilitating physiological development of cells in a 3-dimensional context.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marine A Krzisch
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, Massachusetts.
| | - Hao Wu
- Full Circles Therapeutics, Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Bingbing Yuan
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Troy W Whitfield
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - X Shawn Liu
- Department of Physiology and Cellular Biophysics, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York
| | - Dongdong Fu
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | | | - Andrew S Khalil
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Tenzin Lungjangwa
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Jennifer Shih
- Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | | | - Stephen Warren
- Departments of Human Genetics, Biochemistry, and Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
| | | | | | | | | | - Mriganka Sur
- Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Bhav Jain
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Rudolf Jaenisch
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, Massachusetts; Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Zhu W, Xu L, Li X, Hu H, Lou S, Liu Y. iPSCs-Derived Neurons and Brain Organoids from Patients. Handb Exp Pharmacol 2023; 281:59-81. [PMID: 37306818 DOI: 10.1007/164_2023_657] [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] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) can be differentiated into specific neurons and brain organoids by adding induction factors and small molecules in vitro, which carry human genetic information and recapitulate the development process of human brain as well as physiological, pathological, and pharmacological characteristics. Hence, iPSC-derived neurons and organoids hold great promise for studying human brain development and related nervous system diseases in vitro, and provide a platform for drug screening. In this chapter, we summarize the development of the differentiation techniques for neurons and brain organoids from iPSCs, and their applications in studying brain disease, drug screening, and transplantation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wanying Zhu
- School of Pharmacy, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Disease Translational Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Lei Xu
- School of Pharmacy, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Disease Translational Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xinrui Li
- School of Pharmacy, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Disease Translational Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Hao Hu
- School of Pharmacy, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Disease Translational Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Shuning Lou
- School of Pharmacy, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Disease Translational Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yan Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Disease Translational Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Kuznitsov-Yanovsky L, Shapira G, Gildin L, Shomron N, Ben-Yosef D. Transcriptomic Analysis of Human Fragile X Syndrome Neurons Reveals Neurite Outgrowth Modulation by the TGFβ/BMP Pathway. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23169278. [PMID: 36012539 PMCID: PMC9409179 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23169278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Revised: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 08/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Fragile X Syndrome (FXS) is the main genetic reason for intellectual disability and is caused by the silencing of fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP), an RNA-binding protein regulating the translation of many neuronal mRNAs. Neural differentiation of FX human embryonic stem cells (hESC) mimics the neurodevelopment of FXS fetuses and thus serves as a good model to explore the mechanisms underlining the development of FXS. Isogenic hESC clones with and without the FX mutation that share the same genetic background were in vitro differentiated into neurons, and their transcriptome was analyzed by RNA sequencing. FX neurons inactivating FMR1 expression presented delayed neuronal development and maturation, concomitant with dysregulation of the TGFβ/BMP signaling pathway, and genes related to the extracellular matrix. Migration assay showed decreased neurite outgrowth in FX neurons that was rescued by inhibition of the TGFβ/BMP signaling pathway. Our results provide new insights into the molecular pathway by which loss of FMRP affects neuronal network development. In FX neurons, the lack of FMRP dysregulates members of the BMP signaling pathway associated with ECM organization which, in a yet unknown mechanism, reduces the guidance of axonal growth cones, probably leading to the aberrant neuronal network function seen in FXS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Liron Kuznitsov-Yanovsky
- Wolfe PGD Stem Cell Lab, Racine IVF Unit, Lis Maternity Hospital Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv 64239, Israel
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Guy Shapira
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Lital Gildin
- Wolfe PGD Stem Cell Lab, Racine IVF Unit, Lis Maternity Hospital Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv 64239, Israel
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Noam Shomron
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
- Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel-Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Dalit Ben-Yosef
- Wolfe PGD Stem Cell Lab, Racine IVF Unit, Lis Maternity Hospital Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv 64239, Israel
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
- Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel-Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Lee A, Xu J, Wen Z, Jin P. Across Dimensions: Developing 2D and 3D Human iPSC-Based Models of Fragile X Syndrome. Cells 2022; 11:1725. [PMID: 35681419 PMCID: PMC9179297 DOI: 10.3390/cells11111725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2022] [Revised: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is the most common inherited cause of intellectual disability and autism spectrum disorder. FXS is caused by a cytosine-guanine-guanine (CGG) trinucleotide repeat expansion in the untranslated region of the FMR1 gene leading to the functional loss of the gene's protein product FMRP. Various animal models of FXS have provided substantial knowledge about the disorder. However, critical limitations exist in replicating the pathophysiological mechanisms. Human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) provide a unique means of studying the features and processes of both normal and abnormal human neurodevelopment in large sample quantities in a controlled setting. Human iPSC-based models of FXS have offered a better understanding of FXS pathophysiology specific to humans. This review summarizes studies that have used hiPSC-based two-dimensional cellular models of FXS to reproduce the pathology, examine altered gene expression and translation, determine the functions and targets of FMRP, characterize the neurodevelopmental phenotypes and electrophysiological features, and, finally, to reactivate FMR1. We also provide an overview of the most recent studies using three-dimensional human brain organoids of FXS and end with a discussion of current limitations and future directions for FXS research using hiPSCs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Azalea Lee
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA;
- MD/PhD Program, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Jie Xu
- Genetics and Molecular Biology Graduate Program, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA;
| | - Zhexing Wen
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
- Department of Cell Biology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Peng Jin
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Impaired Functional Connectivity Underlies Fragile X Syndrome. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23042048. [PMID: 35216162 PMCID: PMC8878121 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23042048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2021] [Revised: 02/06/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Fragile X syndrome (FXS), the most common form of inherited intellectual disability, is caused by a developmentally regulated silencing of the FMR1 gene, but its effect on human neuronal network development and function is not fully understood. Here, we isolated isogenic human embryonic stem cell (hESC) subclones—one with a full FX mutation and one that is free of the mutation (control) but shares the same genetic background—differentiated them into induced neurons (iNs) by forced expression of NEUROG-1, and compared the functional properties of the derived neuronal networks. High-throughput image analysis demonstrates that FX-iNs have significantly smaller cell bodies and reduced arborizations than the control. Both FX- and control-neurons can discharge repetitive action potentials, and FX neuronal networks are also able to generate spontaneous excitatory synaptic currents with slight differences from the control, demonstrating that iNs generate more mature neuronal networks than the previously used protocols. MEA analysis demonstrated that FX networks are hyperexcitable with significantly higher spontaneous burst-firing activity compared to the control. Most importantly, cross-correlation analysis enabled quantification of network connectivity to demonstrate that the FX neuronal networks are significantly less synchronous than the control, which can explain the origin of the development of intellectual dysfunction associated with FXS.
Collapse
|
21
|
Zhang Y, Glineburg MR, Basrur V, Conlon K, Wright SE, Krans A, Hall DA, Todd PK. Mechanistic convergence across initiation sites for RAN translation in fragile X associated tremor ataxia syndrome. Hum Mol Genet 2022; 31:2317-2332. [PMID: 35137065 PMCID: PMC9307318 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddab353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2021] [Revised: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Repeat associated non-AUG (RAN) translation of CGG repeats in the 5'UTR of FMR1 produces toxic proteins that contribute to fragile X-associated tremor/ataxia syndrome (FXTAS) pathogenesis. The most abundant RAN product, FMRpolyG, initiates predominantly at an ACG upstream of the repeat. Accurate FMRpolyG measurements in FXTAS patients are lacking. We used data-dependent acquisition and parallel reaction monitoring (PRM) mass spectrometry coupled with stable isotope labeled standard peptides to identify signature FMRpolyG fragments in patient samples. Following immunoprecipitation, PRM detected FMRpolyG signature peptides in transfected cells, and FXTAS tissues and cells, but not in controls. We identified two amino-terminal peptides: an ACG-initiated Ac-MEAPLPGGVR and a GUG-initiated Ac-TEAPLPGGVR, as well as evidence for RAN translation initiation within the CGG repeat itself in two reading frames. Initiation at all sites increased following cellular stress, decreased following eIF1 overexpression and was eIF4A and M7G cap-dependent. These data demonstrate that FMRpolyG is quantifiable in human samples and FMR1 RAN translation initiates via similar mechanisms for near-cognate codons and within the repeat through processes dependent on available initiation factors and cellular environment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Zhang
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA,Department of Respiratory Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China
| | - M Rebecca Glineburg
- To whom correspondence should be addressed at: Todd Lab (ATTN: Drs Glineburg and Todd), 4005 BSRB, 109 Zina Pitcher Place, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2200, USA. Tel: +1 7346155632; Fax: +1 7346479777; ;
| | | | - Kevin Conlon
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Shannon E Wright
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Amy Krans
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Deborah A Hall
- Department of Neurological Sciences, Rush University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Peter K Todd
- To whom correspondence should be addressed at: Todd Lab (ATTN: Drs Glineburg and Todd), 4005 BSRB, 109 Zina Pitcher Place, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2200, USA. Tel: +1 7346155632; Fax: +1 7346479777; ;
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Chiola S, Edgar NU, Shcheglovitov A. iPSC toolbox for understanding and repairing disrupted brain circuits in autism. Mol Psychiatry 2022; 27:249-258. [PMID: 34497379 PMCID: PMC8901782 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-021-01288-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2021] [Revised: 08/16/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Over the past decade, tremendous progress has been made in defining autism spectrum disorder (ASD) as a disorder of brain connectivity. Indeed, whole-brain imaging studies revealed altered connectivity in the brains of individuals with ASD, and genetic studies identified rare ASD-associated mutations in genes that regulate synaptic development and function. However, it remains unclear how specific mutations alter the development of neuronal connections in different brain regions and whether altered connections can be restored therapeutically. The main challenge is the lack of preclinical models that recapitulate important aspects of human development for studying connectivity. Through recent technological innovations, it is now possible to generate patient- or mutation-specific human neurons or organoids from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and to study altered connectivity in vitro or in vivo upon xenotransplantation into an intact rodent brain. Here, we discuss how deficits in neurodevelopmental processes may lead to abnormal brain connectivity and how iPSC-based models can be used to identify abnormal connections and to gain insights into underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms to develop novel therapeutics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Simone Chiola
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Nicolas U Edgar
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
23
|
Liu X, Bennison SA, Robinson L, Toyo-oka K. Responsible Genes for Neuronal Migration in the Chromosome 17p13.3: Beyond Pafah1b1(Lis1), Crk and Ywhae(14-3-3ε). Brain Sci 2021; 12:brainsci12010056. [PMID: 35053800 PMCID: PMC8774252 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci12010056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2021] [Revised: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The 17p13.3 chromosome region is often deleted or duplicated in humans, resulting in severe neurodevelopmental disorders such as Miller–Dieker syndrome (MDS) and 17p13.3 duplication syndrome. Lissencephaly can also be caused by gene mutations or deletions of a small piece of the 17p13.3 region, including a single gene or a few genes. PAFAH1B1 gene, coding for LIS1 protein, is a responsible gene for lissencephaly and MDS and regulates neuronal migration by controlling microtubules (MTs) and cargo transport along MTs via dynein. CRK is a downstream regulator of the reelin signaling pathways and regulates neuronal migration. YWHAE, coding for 14-3-3ε, is also responsible for MDS and regulates neuronal migration by binding to LIS1-interacting protein, NDEL1. Although these three proteins are known to be responsible for neuronal migration defects in MDS, there are 23 other genes in the MDS critical region on chromosome 17p13.3, and little is known about their functions in neurodevelopment, especially in neuronal migration. This review will summarize the recent progress on the functions of LIS1, CRK, and 14-3-3ε and describe the recent findings of other molecules in the MDS critical regions in neuronal migration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaonan Liu
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19129, USA;
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19129, USA; (S.A.B.); (L.R.)
| | - Sarah A. Bennison
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19129, USA; (S.A.B.); (L.R.)
| | - Lozen Robinson
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19129, USA; (S.A.B.); (L.R.)
| | - Kazuhito Toyo-oka
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19129, USA; (S.A.B.); (L.R.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-(215)-991-8288
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Hunt JFV, Li M, Risgaard R, Ananiev GE, Wildman S, Zhang F, Bugni TS, Zhao X, Bhattacharyya A. High Throughput Small Molecule Screen for Reactivation of FMR1 in Fragile X Syndrome Human Neural Cells. Cells 2021; 11:cells11010069. [PMID: 35011630 PMCID: PMC8750025 DOI: 10.3390/cells11010069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2021] [Revised: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is the most common inherited cause of autism and intellectual disability. The majority of FXS cases are caused by transcriptional repression of the FMR1 gene due to epigenetic changes that are not recapitulated in current animal disease models. FXS patient induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived gene edited reporter cell lines enable novel strategies to discover reactivators of FMR1 expression in human cells on a much larger scale than previously possible. Here, we describe the workflow using FXS iPSC-derived neural cell lines to conduct a massive, unbiased screen for small molecule activators of the FMR1 gene. The proof-of-principle methodology demonstrates the utility of human stem-cell-based methodology for the untargeted discovery of reactivators of the human FMR1 gene that can be applied to other diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jack F. V. Hunt
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA; (J.F.V.H.); (M.L.); (R.R.)
| | - Meng Li
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA; (J.F.V.H.); (M.L.); (R.R.)
- Department of Neuroscience, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Ryan Risgaard
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA; (J.F.V.H.); (M.L.); (R.R.)
| | - Gene E. Ananiev
- Carbone Cancer Center Drug Discovery Core, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA; (G.E.A.); (S.W.)
| | - Scott Wildman
- Carbone Cancer Center Drug Discovery Core, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA; (G.E.A.); (S.W.)
| | - Fan Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA; (F.Z.); (T.S.B.)
| | - Tim S. Bugni
- School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA; (F.Z.); (T.S.B.)
| | - Xinyu Zhao
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA; (J.F.V.H.); (M.L.); (R.R.)
- Department of Neuroscience, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
- Correspondence: (X.Z.); (A.B.); Tel.: +1-(608)-263-9906 (X.Z.); +1-(608)-265-6142 (A.B.)
| | - Anita Bhattacharyya
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA; (J.F.V.H.); (M.L.); (R.R.)
- Department of Cell and Regenerative Biology, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
- Correspondence: (X.Z.); (A.B.); Tel.: +1-(608)-263-9906 (X.Z.); +1-(608)-265-6142 (A.B.)
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Lannom MC, Nielsen J, Nawaz A, Shilikbay T, Ceman S. FMRP and MOV10 regulate Dicer1 expression and dendrite development. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0260005. [PMID: 34847178 PMCID: PMC8631628 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0260005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Fragile X syndrome results from the loss of expression of the Fragile X Mental Retardation Protein (FMRP). FMRP and RNA helicase Moloney Leukemia virus 10 (MOV10) are important Argonaute (AGO) cofactors for miRNA-mediated translation regulation. We previously showed that MOV10 functionally associates with FMRP. Here we quantify the effect of reduced MOV10 and FMRP expression on dendritic morphology. Murine neurons with reduced MOV10 and FMRP phenocopied Dicer1 KO neurons which exhibit impaired dendritic maturation Hong J (2013), leading us to hypothesize that MOV10 and FMRP regulate DICER expression. In cells and tissues expressing reduced MOV10 or no FMRP, DICER expression was significantly reduced. Moreover, the Dicer1 mRNA is a Cross-Linking Immunoprecipitation (CLIP) target of FMRP Darnell JC (2011), MOV10 Skariah G (2017) and AGO2 Kenny PJ (2020). MOV10 and FMRP modulate expression of DICER1 mRNA through its 3’untranslated region (UTR) and introduction of a DICER1 transgene restores normal neurite outgrowth in the Mov10 KO neuroblastoma Neuro2A cell line and branching in MOV10 heterozygote neurons. Moreover, we observe a global reduction in AGO2-associated microRNAs isolated from Fmr1 KO brain. We conclude that the MOV10-FMRP-AGO2 complex regulates DICER expression, revealing a novel mechanism for regulation of miRNA production required for normal neuronal morphology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Monica C. Lannom
- Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Illinois, Urbana, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Joshua Nielsen
- Integrative Biology, University of Illinois, Urbana, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Aatiqa Nawaz
- Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Illinois, Urbana, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Temirlan Shilikbay
- Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Illinois, Urbana, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Stephanie Ceman
- Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Illinois, Urbana, Illinois, United States of America
- Neuroscience Program, University of Illinois, Urbana, Illinois, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Kang Y, Zhou Y, Li Y, Han Y, Xu J, Niu W, Li Z, Liu S, Feng H, Huang W, Duan R, Xu T, Raj N, Zhang F, Dou J, Xu C, Wu H, Bassell GJ, Warren ST, Allen EG, Jin P, Wen Z. A human forebrain organoid model of fragile X syndrome exhibits altered neurogenesis and highlights new treatment strategies. Nat Neurosci 2021; 24:1377-1391. [PMID: 34413513 PMCID: PMC8484073 DOI: 10.1038/s41593-021-00913-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2020] [Accepted: 07/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is caused by the loss of fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP), an RNA-binding protein that can regulate the translation of specific mRNAs. In this study, we developed an FXS human forebrain organoid model and observed that the loss of FMRP led to dysregulated neurogenesis, neuronal maturation and neuronal excitability. Bulk and single-cell gene expression analyses of FXS forebrain organoids revealed that the loss of FMRP altered gene expression in a cell-type-specific manner. The developmental deficits in FXS forebrain organoids could be rescued by inhibiting the phosphoinositide 3-kinase pathway but not the metabotropic glutamate pathway disrupted in the FXS mouse model. We identified a large number of human-specific mRNAs bound by FMRP. One of these human-specific FMRP targets, CHD2, contributed to the altered gene expression in FXS organoids. Collectively, our study revealed molecular, cellular and electrophysiological abnormalities associated with the loss of FMRP during human brain development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yunhee Kang
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA;,Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Emory University School of Public Health, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Ying Zhou
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Scieces, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA;,Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Emory University School of Public Health, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Yujing Li
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA;,Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Emory University School of Public Health, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Yanfei Han
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Scieces, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Jie Xu
- The Graduate Program in Genetics and Molecular Biology, Emory University, GA 30322, USA
| | - Weibo Niu
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Scieces, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Ziyi Li
- Department of Biostatistics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030
| | - Shiying Liu
- Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, OH 44106, USA
| | - Hao Feng
- Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, OH 44106, USA
| | - Wen Huang
- Center for Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410078, China
| | - Ranhui Duan
- Center for Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410078, China
| | - Tianmin Xu
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Nisha Raj
- Department of Cell Biology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Feiran Zhang
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Juan Dou
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Scieces, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Chongchong Xu
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Scieces, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Hao Wu
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Emory University School of Public Health, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Gary J Bassell
- Department of Cell Biology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Stephen T Warren
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Emily G Allen
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Peng Jin
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA;,To whom correspondence should be addressed: (P.J.) and (Z.W.)
| | - Zhexing Wen
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Scieces, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA;,Department of Cell Biology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA;,To whom correspondence should be addressed: (P.J.) and (Z.W.)
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Wang Z, Zheng J, Pan R, Chen Y. Current status and future prospects of patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells. Hum Cell 2021; 34:1601-1616. [PMID: 34378170 DOI: 10.1007/s13577-021-00592-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2021] [Accepted: 08/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) are produced from adult somatic cells through reprogramming, which behave like embryonic stem cells (ESCs) but avoiding the controversial ethical issues from destruction of embryos. Since the first discovery in 2006 of four factors that are essential for maintaining the basic characteristics of ESC, global researches have rapidly improved the techniques for generating iPSCs. In this paper, we review new insights into patient-specific iPSC and summarize selected "disease-in-a-dish" examples that model the genetic and epigenetic variations of human diseases. Although more researches need to be done, studies have increasingly focused on the potential utility of iPSCs. The usability of iPSC technology is changing the fields of disease modeling and precision treatment. Aside from its potential use in regenerative cellular therapy for degenerative diseases, iPSC offers a range of new opportunities for the study of genetic human disorders, particularly, rare diseases. We believe that this rapidly moving field promises many more developments that will benefit modern medicine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhiqiang Wang
- Division of Medical Genetics and Genomics, The Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, Zhejiang, China.,Department of Genetics, Institute of Genetics, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, 866 Yuhangtang Road, Hangzhou, 310058, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jing Zheng
- Division of Medical Genetics and Genomics, The Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, Zhejiang, China.,Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Genetic and Developmental Disorders, Hangzhou, 310058, Zhejiang, China
| | - Ruolang Pan
- Institute for Cell-Based Drug Development of Zhejiang Province, S-Evans Biosciences, Hangzhou, 310012, Zhejiang, China.,Key Laboratory of Cell-Based Drug and Applied Technology Development in Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310012, Zhejiang, China
| | - Ye Chen
- Division of Medical Genetics and Genomics, The Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, Zhejiang, China. .,Department of Genetics, Institute of Genetics, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, 866 Yuhangtang Road, Hangzhou, 310058, Zhejiang, China. .,Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Genetic and Developmental Disorders, Hangzhou, 310058, Zhejiang, China.
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Deletion of RBMX RGG/RG motif in Shashi-XLID syndrome leads to aberrant p53 activation and neuronal differentiation defects. Cell Rep 2021; 36:109337. [PMID: 34260915 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2021.109337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2020] [Revised: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 06/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
RNA-binding proteins play important roles in X-linked intellectual disability (XLID). In this study, we investigate the contribution of the XLID-associated RBMX in neuronal differentiation. We show that RBMX-depleted cells exhibit aberrant activation of the p53 pathway. Moreover, we identify that the RBMX RGG/RG motif is methylated by protein arginine methyltransferase 5 (PRMT5), and this regulates assembly with the SRSF1 splicing factor into higher-order complexes. Depletion of RBMX or disruption of the RBMX/SRSF1 complex in PRMT5-depleted cells reduces SRSF1 binding to the MDM4 precursor (pre-)mRNA, leading to exon 6 exclusion and lower MDM4 protein levels. Transcriptomic analysis of isogenic Shashi-XLID human-induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) generated using CRISPR-Cas9 reveals a dysregulation of MDM4 splicing and aberrant p53 upregulation. Shashi-XLID neural progenitor cells (NPCs) display differentiation and morphological abnormalities accompanied with excessive apoptosis. Our findings identify RBMX as a regulator of SRSF1 and the p53 pathway, suggesting that the loss of function of the RBMX RGG/RG motif is the cause of Shashi-XLID syndrome.
Collapse
|
29
|
Hommersom MP, Buijsen RAM, van Roon-Mom WMC, van de Warrenburg BPC, van Bokhoven H. Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Based Modelling of Spinocerebellar Ataxias. Stem Cell Rev Rep 2021; 18:441-456. [PMID: 34031815 PMCID: PMC8930896 DOI: 10.1007/s12015-021-10184-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Abstract Dominant spinocerebellar ataxias (SCAs) constitute a large group of phenotypically and genetically heterogeneous disorders that mainly present with dysfunction of the cerebellum as their main hallmark. Although animal and cell models have been highly instrumental for our current insight into the underlying disease mechanisms of these neurodegenerative disorders, they do not offer the full human genetic and physiological context. The advent of human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) and protocols to differentiate these into essentially every cell type allows us to closely model SCAs in a human context. In this review, we systematically summarize recent findings from studies using hiPSC-based modelling of SCAs, and discuss what knowledge has been gained from these studies. We conclude that hiPSC-based models are a powerful tool for modelling SCAs as they contributed to new mechanistic insights and have the potential to serve the development of genetic therapies. However, the use of standardized methods and multiple clones of isogenic lines are essential to increase validity and reproducibility of the insights gained. Graphical Abstract ![]()
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marina P Hommersom
- Department of Human Genetics, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, 6500 HB, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Ronald A M Buijsen
- Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, 2300 RC, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Willeke M C van Roon-Mom
- Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, 2300 RC, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Bart P C van de Warrenburg
- Department of Neurology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, 6500 HB, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
| | - Hans van Bokhoven
- Department of Human Genetics, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, 6500 HB, Nijmegen, The Netherlands. .,Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, 6500 HB, Nijmegen, Netherlands.
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Brighi C, Salaris F, Soloperto A, Cordella F, Ghirga S, de Turris V, Rosito M, Porceddu PF, D’Antoni C, Reggiani A, Rosa A, Di Angelantonio S. Novel fragile X syndrome 2D and 3D brain models based on human isogenic FMRP-KO iPSCs. Cell Death Dis 2021; 12:498. [PMID: 33993189 PMCID: PMC8124071 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-021-03776-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2020] [Revised: 04/26/2021] [Accepted: 04/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is a neurodevelopmental disorder, characterized by intellectual disability and sensory deficits, caused by epigenetic silencing of the FMR1 gene and subsequent loss of its protein product, fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP). Delays in synaptic and neuronal development in the cortex have been reported in FXS mouse models; however, the main goal of translating lab research into pharmacological treatments in clinical trials has been so far largely unsuccessful, leaving FXS a still incurable disease. Here, we generated 2D and 3D in vitro human FXS model systems based on isogenic FMR1 knock-out mutant and wild-type human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC) lines. Phenotypical and functional characterization of cortical neurons derived from FMRP-deficient hiPSCs display altered gene expression and impaired differentiation when compared with the healthy counterpart. FXS cortical cultures show an increased number of GFAP positive cells, likely astrocytes, increased spontaneous network activity, and depolarizing GABAergic transmission. Cortical brain organoid models show an increased number of glial cells, and bigger organoid size. Our findings demonstrate that FMRP is required to correctly support neuronal and glial cell proliferation, and to set the correct excitation/inhibition ratio in human brain development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carlo Brighi
- grid.25786.3e0000 0004 1764 2907Center for Life Nano- & Neuro-Science, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Viale Regina Elena 291, 00161 Rome, Italy ,grid.7841.aDepartment of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le A. Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Federico Salaris
- grid.25786.3e0000 0004 1764 2907Center for Life Nano- & Neuro-Science, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Viale Regina Elena 291, 00161 Rome, Italy ,grid.7841.aDepartment of Biology and Biotechnologies “Charles Darwin”, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le A. Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandro Soloperto
- grid.25786.3e0000 0004 1764 2907Center for Life Nano- & Neuro-Science, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Viale Regina Elena 291, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Federica Cordella
- grid.25786.3e0000 0004 1764 2907Center for Life Nano- & Neuro-Science, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Viale Regina Elena 291, 00161 Rome, Italy ,grid.7841.aDepartment of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le A. Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia Ghirga
- grid.25786.3e0000 0004 1764 2907Center for Life Nano- & Neuro-Science, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Viale Regina Elena 291, 00161 Rome, Italy ,grid.7841.aDepartment of Physics, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le A. Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Valeria de Turris
- grid.25786.3e0000 0004 1764 2907Center for Life Nano- & Neuro-Science, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Viale Regina Elena 291, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Rosito
- grid.25786.3e0000 0004 1764 2907Center for Life Nano- & Neuro-Science, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Viale Regina Elena 291, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Pier Francesca Porceddu
- grid.25786.3e0000 0004 1764 2907D3 Validation Research Line, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Via Morego 30, 16163 Genova, Italy
| | - Chiara D’Antoni
- grid.25786.3e0000 0004 1764 2907Center for Life Nano- & Neuro-Science, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Viale Regina Elena 291, 00161 Rome, Italy ,grid.7841.aDepartment of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le A. Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Angelo Reggiani
- grid.25786.3e0000 0004 1764 2907D3 Validation Research Line, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Via Morego 30, 16163 Genova, Italy
| | - Alessandro Rosa
- grid.25786.3e0000 0004 1764 2907Center for Life Nano- & Neuro-Science, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Viale Regina Elena 291, 00161 Rome, Italy ,grid.7841.aDepartment of Biology and Biotechnologies “Charles Darwin”, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le A. Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia Di Angelantonio
- grid.25786.3e0000 0004 1764 2907Center for Life Nano- & Neuro-Science, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Viale Regina Elena 291, 00161 Rome, Italy ,grid.7841.aDepartment of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le A. Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
RHOA signaling defects result in impaired axon guidance in iPSC-derived neurons from patients with tuberous sclerosis complex. Nat Commun 2021; 12:2589. [PMID: 33972524 PMCID: PMC8110792 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-22770-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2019] [Accepted: 03/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Patients with Tuberous Sclerosis Complex (TSC) show aberrant wiring of neuronal connections formed during development which may contribute to symptoms of TSC, such as intellectual disabilities, autism, and epilepsy. Yet models examining the molecular basis for axonal guidance defects in developing human neurons have not been developed. Here, we generate human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC) lines from a patient with TSC and genetically engineer counterparts and isogenic controls. By differentiating hiPSCs, we show that control neurons respond to canonical guidance cues as predicted. Conversely, neurons with heterozygous loss of TSC2 exhibit reduced responses to several repulsive cues and defective axon guidance. While TSC2 is a known key negative regulator of MTOR-dependent protein synthesis, we find that TSC2 signaled through MTOR-independent RHOA in growth cones. Our results suggest that neural network connectivity defects in patients with TSC may result from defects in RHOA-mediated regulation of cytoskeletal dynamics during neuronal development. Patients with Tuberous Sclerosis Complex (TSC) show aberrant wiring of neuronal connections. Here, the authors generate iPSC-derived neurons from patients with TSC. TSC2 +/− neurons show impaired mTOR-independent RhoA signaling-mediated axon guidance.
Collapse
|
32
|
Griesi-Oliveira K, Fogo MS, Pinto BGG, Alves AY, Suzuki AM, Morales AG, Ezquina S, Sosa OJ, Sutton GJ, Sunaga-Franze DY, Bueno AP, Seabra G, Sardinha L, Costa SS, Rosenberg C, Zachi EC, Sertie AL, Martins-de-Souza D, Reis EM, Voineagu I, Passos-Bueno MR. Transcriptome of iPSC-derived neuronal cells reveals a module of co-expressed genes consistently associated with autism spectrum disorder. Mol Psychiatry 2021; 26:1589-1605. [PMID: 32060413 PMCID: PMC8159745 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-020-0669-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2019] [Revised: 12/11/2019] [Accepted: 01/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Evaluation of expression profile in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) patients is an important approach to understand possible similar functional consequences that may underlie disease pathophysiology regardless of its genetic heterogeneity. Induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived neuronal models have been useful to explore this question, but larger cohorts and different ASD endophenotypes still need to be investigated. Moreover, whether changes seen in this in vitro model reflect previous findings in ASD postmortem brains and how consistent they are across the studies remain underexplored questions. We examined the transcriptome of iPSC-derived neuronal cells from a normocephalic ASD cohort composed mostly of high-functioning individuals and from non-ASD individuals. ASD patients presented expression dysregulation of a module of co-expressed genes involved in protein synthesis in neuronal progenitor cells (NPC), and a module of genes related to synapse/neurotransmission and a module related to translation in neurons. Proteomic analysis in NPC revealed potential molecular links between the modules dysregulated in NPC and in neurons. Remarkably, the comparison of our results to a series of transcriptome studies revealed that the module related to synapse has been consistently found as upregulated in iPSC-derived neurons-which has an expression profile more closely related to fetal brain-while downregulated in postmortem brain tissue, indicating a reliable association of this network to the disease and suggesting that its dysregulation might occur in different directions across development in ASD individuals. Therefore, the expression pattern of this network might be used as biomarker for ASD and should be experimentally explored as a therapeutic target.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- K Griesi-Oliveira
- Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, São Paulo, Brazil.
- Departamento de Genética e Biologia Evolutiva, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
| | - M S Fogo
- Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, São Paulo, Brazil
- Departamento de Genética e Biologia Evolutiva, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - B G G Pinto
- Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - A Y Alves
- Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - A M Suzuki
- Departamento de Genética e Biologia Evolutiva, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - A G Morales
- Departamento de Genética e Biologia Evolutiva, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - S Ezquina
- Departamento de Genética e Biologia Evolutiva, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - O J Sosa
- Programa Interunidades de Pós-Graduação em Bioinformática, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - G J Sutton
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - D Y Sunaga-Franze
- Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association, Berlin, Germany
| | - A P Bueno
- Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - G Seabra
- Laboratory of Neuroproteomics, Department of Biochemistry and Tissue Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - L Sardinha
- Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - S S Costa
- Departamento de Genética e Biologia Evolutiva, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - C Rosenberg
- Departamento de Genética e Biologia Evolutiva, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - E C Zachi
- Núcleo de Neurociências e Comportamento, Departamento de Psicologia Experimental, Instituto de Psicologia, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - A L Sertie
- Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - D Martins-de-Souza
- Laboratory of Neuroproteomics, Department of Biochemistry and Tissue Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), São Paulo, Brazil
- Instituto Nacional de Biomarcadores em Neuropsiquiatria (INBION), Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq), São Paulo, Brazil
- Experimental Medicine Research Cluster (EMC), University of Campinas, Campinas, Brazil
| | - E M Reis
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Química, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - I Voineagu
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - M R Passos-Bueno
- Departamento de Genética e Biologia Evolutiva, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Richter JD, Zhao X. The molecular biology of FMRP: new insights into fragile X syndrome. Nat Rev Neurosci 2021; 22:209-222. [PMID: 33608673 PMCID: PMC8094212 DOI: 10.1038/s41583-021-00432-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 166] [Impact Index Per Article: 55.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP) is the product of the fragile X mental retardation 1 gene (FMR1), a gene that - when epigenetically inactivated by a triplet nucleotide repeat expansion - causes the neurodevelopmental disorder fragile X syndrome (FXS). FMRP is a widely expressed RNA-binding protein with activity that is essential for proper synaptic plasticity and architecture, aspects of neural function that are known to go awry in FXS. Although the neurophysiology of FXS has been described in remarkable detail, research focusing on the molecular biology of FMRP has only scratched the surface. For more than two decades, FMRP has been well established as a translational repressor; however, recent whole transcriptome and translatome analyses in mouse and human models of FXS have shown that FMRP is involved in the regulation of nearly all aspects of gene expression. The emerging mechanistic details of the mechanisms by which FMRP regulates gene expression may offer ways to design new therapies for FXS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joel D Richter
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA.
| | - Xinyu Zhao
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA. .,Department of Neuroscience, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Patient-Derived Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (iPSCs) and Cerebral Organoids for Drug Screening and Development in Autism Spectrum Disorder: Opportunities and Challenges. Pharmaceutics 2021; 13:pharmaceutics13020280. [PMID: 33669772 PMCID: PMC7922555 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics13020280] [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: 01/29/2021] [Revised: 02/17/2021] [Accepted: 02/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) represents a group of neurodevelopmental diseases characterized by persistent deficits in social communication, interaction, and repetitive patterns of behaviors, interests, and activities. The etiopathogenesis is multifactorial with complex interactions between genetic and environmental factors. The clinical heterogeneity and complex etiology of this pediatric disorder have limited the development of pharmacological therapies. The major limit to ASD research remains a lack of relevant human disease models which can faithfully recapitulate key features of the human pathology and represent its genetic heterogeneity. Recent advances in induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), reprogrammed from somatic cells of patients into all types of patient-specific neural cells, have provided a promising cellular tool for disease modeling and development of novel drug treatments. The iPSCs technology allowed not only a better investigation of the disease etiopathogenesis but also opened up the potential for personalized therapies and offered new opportunities for drug discovery, pharmacological screening, and toxicity assessment. Moreover, iPSCs can be differentiated and organized into three-dimensional (3D) organoids, providing a model which mimics the complexity of the brain’s architecture and more accurately recapitulates tissue- and organ-level disease pathophysiology. The aims of this review were to describe the current state of the art of the use of human patient-derived iPSCs and brain organoids in modeling ASD and developing novel therapeutic strategies and to discuss the opportunities and major challenges in this rapidly moving field.
Collapse
|
35
|
Pintacuda G, Martín JM, Eggan KC. Mind the translational gap: using iPS cell models to bridge from genetic discoveries to perturbed pathways and therapeutic targets. Mol Autism 2021; 12:10. [PMID: 33557935 PMCID: PMC7869517 DOI: 10.1186/s13229-021-00417-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2020] [Accepted: 01/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) comprises a group of neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by impaired social interactions as well as the presentation of restrictive and repetitive behaviors. ASD is highly heritable but genetically heterogenous with both common and rare genetic variants collaborating to predispose individuals to the disorder. In this review, we synthesize recent efforts to develop human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived models of ASD-related phenotypes. We firstly address concerns regarding the relevance and validity of available neuronal iPSC-derived models. We then critically evaluate the robustness of various differentiation and cell culture protocols used for producing cell types of relevance to ASD. By exploring iPSC models of ASD reported thus far, we examine to what extent cellular and neuronal phenotypes with potential relevance to ASD can be linked to genetic variants found to underlie it. Lastly, we outline promising strategies by which iPSC technology can both enhance the power of genetic studies to identify ASD risk factors and nominate pathways that are disrupted across groups of ASD patients that might serve as common points for therapeutic intervention.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Greta Pintacuda
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA.
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA.
| | - Jacqueline M Martín
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA
| | - Kevin C Eggan
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA.
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Loss of the fragile X syndrome protein FMRP results in misregulation of nonsense-mediated mRNA decay. Nat Cell Biol 2021; 23:40-48. [PMID: 33420492 PMCID: PMC8273690 DOI: 10.1038/s41556-020-00618-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2019] [Accepted: 11/29/2020] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Loss of the fragile X protein FMRP is a leading cause of intellectual disability and autism1,2, but the underlying mechanism remains poorly understood. We report that FMRP deficiency results in hyperactivated nonsense-mediated mRNA decay (NMD)3,4 in human SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells and fragile X syndrome (FXS) fibroblast-derived induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). We examined the underlying mechanism and found that the key NMD factor UPF1 binds directly to FMRP, promoting FMRP binding to NMD targets. Our data indicate that FMRP acts as an NMD repressor. In the absence of FMRP, NMD targets are relieved from FMRP-mediated translational repression so that their half-lives are decreased and, for those NMD targets encoding NMD factors, increased translation produces abnormally high factor levels despite their hyperactivated NMD. Transcriptome-wide alterations caused by NMD hyperactivation have a role in the FXS phenotype. Consistent with this, small-molecule-mediated inhibition of hyperactivated NMD, which typifies iPSCs derived from patients with FXS, restores a number of neurodifferentiation markers, including those not deriving from NMD targets. Our mechanistic studies reveal that many molecular abnormalities in FMRP-deficient cells are attributable-either directly or indirectly-to misregulated NMD.
Collapse
|
37
|
Zhang X, Li Z, Liu Y, Gai Z. Great Expectations: Induced pluripotent stem cell technologies in neurodevelopmental impairments. Int J Med Sci 2021; 18:459-473. [PMID: 33390815 PMCID: PMC7757149 DOI: 10.7150/ijms.51842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2020] [Accepted: 11/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Somatic cells such as skin fibroblasts, umbilical cord blood, peripheral blood, urinary epithelial cells, etc., are transformed into induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) by reprogramming technology, a milestone in the stem-cell research field. IPSCs are similar to embryonic stem cells (ESCs), exhibiting the potential to differentiate into various somatic cells. Still, the former avoid problems of immune rejection and medical ethics in the study of ESCs and clinical trials. Neurodevelopmental disorders are chronic developmental brain dysfunctions that affect cognition, exercise, social adaptability, behavior, etc. Due to various inherited or acquired causes, they seriously affect the physical and psychological health of infants and children. These include generalized stunting / mental disability (GDD/ID), Epilepsy, autism spectrum disease (ASD), and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Most neurodevelopmental disorders are challenging to cure. Establishing a neurodevelopmental disorder system model is essential for researching and treating neurodevelopmental disorders. At this stage, the scarcity of samples is a bigger problem for studying neurological diseases based on the donor, ethics, etc. Some iPSCs are reprogrammed from somatic cells that carry disease-causing mutations. They differentiate into nerve cells by induction, which has the original characteristics of diseases. Disease-specific iPSCs are used to study the mechanism and pathogenesis of neurodevelopmental disorders. The process provided samples and the impetus for developing drugs and developing treatment plans for neurodevelopmental disorders. Here, this article mainly introduced the development of iPSCs, the currently established iPSCs disease models, and artificial organoids related to neurodevelopmental impairments. This technology will promote our understanding of neurodevelopmental impairments and bring great expectations to children with neurological disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xue Zhang
- Pediatric Research Institute, Qilu Children's Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Ji'nan 250022, China.,Jinan Pediatric Research Institute, Jinan Children's Hospital, Ji'nan 250022, China.,Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Children's Medical Center, The Second Hospital of Shandong University, Ji'nan 250033, China
| | - Zilong Li
- Pediatric Research Institute, Qilu Children's Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Ji'nan 250022, China.,Jinan Pediatric Research Institute, Jinan Children's Hospital, Ji'nan 250022, China
| | - Yi Liu
- Pediatric Research Institute, Qilu Children's Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Ji'nan 250022, China.,Jinan Pediatric Research Institute, Jinan Children's Hospital, Ji'nan 250022, China
| | - Zhongtao Gai
- Pediatric Research Institute, Qilu Children's Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Ji'nan 250022, China.,Jinan Pediatric Research Institute, Jinan Children's Hospital, Ji'nan 250022, China
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Sabitha KR, Shetty AK, Upadhya D. Patient-derived iPSC modeling of rare neurodevelopmental disorders: Molecular pathophysiology and prospective therapies. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2020; 121:201-219. [PMID: 33370574 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2020.12.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2020] [Revised: 12/18/2020] [Accepted: 12/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The pathological alterations that manifest during the early embryonic development due to inherited and acquired factors trigger various neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs). Besides major NDDs, there are several rare NDDs, exhibiting specific characteristics and varying levels of severity triggered due to genetic and epigenetic anomalies. The rarity of subjects, paucity of neural tissues for detailed analysis, and the unavailability of disease-specific animal models have hampered detailed comprehension of rare NDDs, imposing heightened challenge to the medical and scientific community until a decade ago. The generation of functional neurons and glia through directed differentiation protocols for patient-derived iPSCs, CRISPR/Cas9 technology, and 3D brain organoid models have provided an excellent opportunity and vibrant resource for decoding the etiology of brain development for rare NDDs caused due to monogenic as well as polygenic disorders. The present review identifies cellular and molecular phenotypes demonstrated from patient-derived iPSCs and possible therapeutic opportunities identified for these disorders. New insights to reinforce the existing knowledge of the pathophysiology of these disorders and prospective therapeutic applications are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- K R Sabitha
- Centre for Molecular Neurosciences, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, 576104, Karnataka, India
| | - Ashok K Shetty
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Texas A&M University College of Medicine, College Station, TX, USA.
| | - Dinesh Upadhya
- Centre for Molecular Neurosciences, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, 576104, Karnataka, India.
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Pensado-López A, Veiga-Rúa S, Carracedo Á, Allegue C, Sánchez L. Experimental Models to Study Autism Spectrum Disorders: hiPSCs, Rodents and Zebrafish. Genes (Basel) 2020; 11:E1376. [PMID: 33233737 PMCID: PMC7699923 DOI: 10.3390/genes11111376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2020] [Revised: 10/26/2020] [Accepted: 11/18/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) affect around 1.5% of the global population, which manifest alterations in communication and socialization, as well as repetitive behaviors or restricted interests. ASD is a complex disorder with known environmental and genetic contributors; however, ASD etiology is far from being clear. In the past decades, many efforts have been put into developing new models to study ASD, both in vitro and in vivo. These models have a lot of potential to help to validate some of the previously associated risk factors to the development of the disorder, and to test new potential therapies that help to alleviate ASD symptoms. The present review is focused on the recent advances towards the generation of models for the study of ASD, which would be a useful tool to decipher the bases of the disorder, as well as to conduct drug screenings that hopefully lead to the identification of useful compounds to help patients deal with the symptoms of ASD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alba Pensado-López
- Department of Zoology, Genetics and Physical Anthropology, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Campus de Lugo, 27002 Lugo, Spain; (A.P.-L.); (S.V.-R.)
- Genomic Medicine Group, Center for Research in Molecular Medicine and Chronic Diseases (CiMUS), Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 15706 Santiago de Compostela, Spain;
| | - Sara Veiga-Rúa
- Department of Zoology, Genetics and Physical Anthropology, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Campus de Lugo, 27002 Lugo, Spain; (A.P.-L.); (S.V.-R.)
- Genomic Medicine Group, Center for Research in Molecular Medicine and Chronic Diseases (CiMUS), Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 15706 Santiago de Compostela, Spain;
| | - Ángel Carracedo
- Genomic Medicine Group, Center for Research in Molecular Medicine and Chronic Diseases (CiMUS), Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 15706 Santiago de Compostela, Spain;
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), CIMUS, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 15706 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Catarina Allegue
- Genomic Medicine Group, Center for Research in Molecular Medicine and Chronic Diseases (CiMUS), Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 15706 Santiago de Compostela, Spain;
| | - Laura Sánchez
- Department of Zoology, Genetics and Physical Anthropology, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Campus de Lugo, 27002 Lugo, Spain; (A.P.-L.); (S.V.-R.)
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Prem S, Millonig JH, DiCicco-Bloom E. Dysregulation of Neurite Outgrowth and Cell Migration in Autism and Other Neurodevelopmental Disorders. ADVANCES IN NEUROBIOLOGY 2020; 25:109-153. [PMID: 32578146 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-45493-7_5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Despite decades of study, elucidation of the underlying etiology of complex developmental disorders such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD), schizophrenia (SCZ), intellectual disability (ID), and bipolar disorder (BPD) has been hampered by the inability to study human neurons, the heterogeneity of these disorders, and the relevance of animal model systems. Moreover, a majority of these developmental disorders have multifactorial or idiopathic (unknown) causes making them difficult to model using traditional methods of genetic alteration. Examination of the brains of individuals with ASD and other developmental disorders in both post-mortem and MRI studies shows defects that are suggestive of dysregulation of embryonic and early postnatal development. For ASD, more recent genetic studies have also suggested that risk genes largely converge upon the developing human cerebral cortex between weeks 8 and 24 in utero. Yet, an overwhelming majority of studies in autism rodent models have focused on postnatal development or adult synaptic transmission defects in autism related circuits. Thus, studies looking at early developmental processes such as proliferation, cell migration, and early differentiation, which are essential to build the brain, are largely lacking. Yet, interestingly, a few studies that did assess early neurodevelopment found that alterations in brain structure and function associated with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) begin as early as the initial formation and patterning of the neural tube. By the early to mid-2000s, the derivation of human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) and later induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) allowed us to study living human neural cells in culture for the first time. Specifically, iPSCs gave us the unprecedented ability to study cells derived from individuals with idiopathic disorders. Studies indicate that iPSC-derived neural cells, whether precursors or "matured" neurons, largely resemble cortical cells of embryonic humans from weeks 8 to 24. Thus, these cells are an excellent model to study early human neurodevelopment, particularly in the context of genetically complex diseases. Indeed, since 2011, numerous studies have assessed developmental phenotypes in neurons derived from individuals with both genetic and idiopathic forms of ASD and other NDDs. However, while iPSC-derived neurons are fetal in nature, they are post-mitotic and thus cannot be used to study developmental processes that occur before terminal differentiation. Moreover, it is important to note that during the 8-24-week window of human neurodevelopment, neural precursor cells are actively undergoing proliferation, migration, and early differentiation to form the basic cytoarchitecture of the brain. Thus, by studying NPCs specifically, we could gain insight into how early neurodevelopmental processes contribute to the pathogenesis of NDDs. Indeed, a few studies have explored NPC phenotypes in NDDs and have uncovered dysregulations in cell proliferation. Yet, few studies have explored migration and early differentiation phenotypes of NPCs in NDDs. In this chapter, we will discuss cell migration and neurite outgrowth and the role of these processes in neurodevelopment and NDDs. We will begin by reviewing the processes that are important in early neurodevelopment and early cortical development. We will then delve into the roles of neurite outgrowth and cell migration in the formation of the brain and how errors in these processes affect brain development. We also provide review of a few key molecules that are involved in the regulation of neurite outgrowth and migration while discussing how dysregulations in these molecules can lead to abnormalities in brain structure and function thereby highlighting their contribution to pathogenesis of NDDs. Then we will discuss whether neurite outgrowth, migration, and the molecules that regulate these processes are associated with ASD. Lastly, we will review the utility of iPSCs in modeling NDDs and discuss future goals for the study of NDDs using this technology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Smrithi Prem
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - James H Millonig
- Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Center for Advanced Biotechnology and Medicine, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Emanuel DiCicco-Bloom
- Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology/Pediatrics, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Identification of Molecular Signatures in Neural Differentiation and Neurological Diseases Using Digital Color-Coded Molecular Barcoding. Stem Cells Int 2020; 2020:8852313. [PMID: 33005195 PMCID: PMC7503121 DOI: 10.1155/2020/8852313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2020] [Revised: 08/26/2020] [Accepted: 08/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Human pluripotent stem cells (PSCs), including embryonic stem cells and induced pluripotent stem cells, represent powerful tools for disease modeling and for therapeutic applications. PSCs are particularly useful for the study of development and diseases of the nervous system. However, generating in vitro models that recapitulate the architecture and the full variety of subtypes of cells that make the complexity of our brain remains a challenge. In order to fully exploit the potential of PSCs, advanced methods that facilitate the identification of molecular signatures in neural differentiation and neurological diseases are highly demanded. Here, we review the literature on the development and application of digital color-coded molecular barcoding as a potential tool for standardizing PSC research and applications in neuroscience. We will also describe relevant examples of the use of this technique for the characterization of the heterogeneous composition of the brain tumor glioblastoma multiforme.
Collapse
|
42
|
FMR1 loss in a human stem cell model reveals early changes to intrinsic membrane excitability. Dev Biol 2020; 468:93-100. [PMID: 32976839 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2020.09.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2020] [Accepted: 09/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Fragile X mental retardation 1 (FMR1) encodes the RNA binding protein FMRP. Loss of FMRP drives Fragile X syndrome (FXS), the leading inherited cause of intellectual disability and a leading monogenic cause of autism. While cortical hyperexcitability is a hallmark of FXS, the reported phenotypes and underlying mechanisms, including alterations in synaptic transmission and ion channel properties, are heterogeneous and at times contradictory. Here, we report the generation of new isogenic FMR1y/+ and FMR1y/- human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC) lines using CRISPR-Cas9 to facilitate the study of how complete FMRP loss, independent of genetic background, drives molecular and cellular alterations relevant for FXS. After differentiating these stem cell tools into excitatory neurons, we systematically assessed the impact of FMRP loss on intrinsic membrane and synaptic properties over time. Using whole-cell patch clamp analyses, we found that FMR1y/- neurons overall showed an increased intrinsic membrane excitability compared to age-matched FMR1y/+ controls, with no discernable alternations in synaptic transmission. Surprisingly, longitudinal analyses of cell intrinsic defects revealed that a majority of significant changes emerged early following in vitro differentiation and some were not stable over time. Collectively, this study provides a new isogenic hPSC model which can be further leveraged by the scientific community to investigate basic mechanisms of FMR1 gene function relevant for FXS. Moreover, our results suggest that precocious changes in the intrinsic membrane properties during early developmental could be a critical cellular pathology ultimately contributing to cortical hyperexcitability in FXS.
Collapse
|
43
|
Utami KH, Skotte NH, Colaço AR, Yusof NABM, Sim B, Yeo XY, Bae HG, Garcia-Miralles M, Radulescu CI, Chen Q, Chaldaiopoulou G, Liany H, Nama S, Peteri UKA, Sampath P, Castrén ML, Jung S, Mann M, Pouladi MA. Integrative Analysis Identifies Key Molecular Signatures Underlying Neurodevelopmental Deficits in Fragile X Syndrome. Biol Psychiatry 2020; 88:500-511. [PMID: 32653109 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2020.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2019] [Revised: 03/26/2020] [Accepted: 05/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is a neurodevelopmental disorder caused by epigenetic silencing of FMR1 and loss of FMRP expression. Efforts to understand the molecular underpinnings of the disease have been largely performed in rodent or nonisogenic settings. A detailed examination of the impact of FMRP loss on cellular processes and neuronal properties in the context of isogenic human neurons remains lacking. METHODS Using CRISPR (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats)/Cas9 to introduce indels in exon 3 of FMR1, we generated an isogenic human pluripotent stem cell model of FXS that shows complete loss of FMRP expression. We generated neuronal cultures and performed genome-wide transcriptome and proteome profiling followed by functional validation of key dysregulated processes. We further analyzed neurodevelopmental and neuronal properties, including neurite length and neuronal activity, using multielectrode arrays and patch clamp electrophysiology. RESULTS We showed that the transcriptome and proteome profiles of isogenic FMRP-deficient neurons demonstrate perturbations in synaptic transmission, neuron differentiation, cell proliferation and ion transmembrane transporter activity pathways, and autism spectrum disorder-associated gene sets. We uncovered key deficits in FMRP-deficient cells demonstrating abnormal neural rosette formation and neural progenitor cell proliferation. We further showed that FMRP-deficient neurons exhibit a number of additional phenotypic abnormalities, including neurite outgrowth and branching deficits and impaired electrophysiological network activity. These FMRP-deficient related impairments have also been validated in additional FXS patient-derived human-induced pluripotent stem cell neural cells. CONCLUSIONS Using isogenic human pluripotent stem cells as a model to investigate the pathophysiology of FXS in human neurons, we reveal key neural abnormalities arising from the loss of FMRP.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kagistia Hana Utami
- Translational Laboratory in Genetic Medicine, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore (A∗STAR), Singapore
| | - Niels H Skotte
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Protein Research, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen N, Denmark
| | - Ana R Colaço
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Protein Research, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen N, Denmark
| | | | - Bernice Sim
- Translational Laboratory in Genetic Medicine, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore (A∗STAR), Singapore
| | - Xin Yi Yeo
- Singapore Bioimaging Consortium, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore (A∗STAR), Singapore; Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Han-Gyu Bae
- Singapore Bioimaging Consortium, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore (A∗STAR), Singapore
| | - Marta Garcia-Miralles
- Translational Laboratory in Genetic Medicine, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore (A∗STAR), Singapore
| | - Carola I Radulescu
- Translational Laboratory in Genetic Medicine, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore (A∗STAR), Singapore; UK Dementia Research Institute, Department of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Qiyu Chen
- Translational Laboratory in Genetic Medicine, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore (A∗STAR), Singapore
| | - Georgia Chaldaiopoulou
- Translational Laboratory in Genetic Medicine, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore (A∗STAR), Singapore
| | - Herty Liany
- Genome Institute of Singapore, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore (A∗STAR), Singapore
| | - Srikanth Nama
- Institute of Medical Biology, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore (A∗STAR), Singapore
| | - Ulla-Kaisa A Peteri
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Prabha Sampath
- Institute of Medical Biology, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore (A∗STAR), Singapore
| | - Maija L Castrén
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Sangyong Jung
- Singapore Bioimaging Consortium, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore (A∗STAR), Singapore; Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Matthias Mann
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Protein Research, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen N, Denmark
| | - Mahmoud A Pouladi
- Translational Laboratory in Genetic Medicine, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore (A∗STAR), Singapore; Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore; Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore.
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Stock R, Jeckel P, Kraushaar U, Wüst R, Fallgatter A, Volkmer H. The potential of induced pluripotent stem cells for discriminating neurodevelopmental disorders. Stem Cells Transl Med 2020; 10:50-56. [PMID: 32864861 PMCID: PMC7780807 DOI: 10.1002/sctm.20-0206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2020] [Revised: 07/20/2020] [Accepted: 08/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Studying human disease‐specific processes and mechanisms in vitro is limited by a lack of valid human test systems. Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) evolve as an important and promising tool to better understand the molecular pathology of neurodevelopmental disorders. Patient‐derived iPSCs enable analysis of unique disease mechanisms and may also serve for preclinical drug development. Here, we review the current knowledge on iPSC models for schizophrenia and autism spectrum disorders with emphasis on the discrimination between them. It appears that transcriptomic analyses and functional read‐outs are the most promising approaches to uncover specific disease mechanisms in vitro.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ricarda Stock
- Department of Molecular Biology, NMI Natural and Medical Sciences Institute at the University of Tübingen, Reutlingen, Germany
| | - Pauline Jeckel
- Department of Molecular Biology, NMI Natural and Medical Sciences Institute at the University of Tübingen, Reutlingen, Germany
| | - Udo Kraushaar
- Department of Molecular Biology, NMI Natural and Medical Sciences Institute at the University of Tübingen, Reutlingen, Germany
| | - Richard Wüst
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | | | - Hansjürgen Volkmer
- Department of Molecular Biology, NMI Natural and Medical Sciences Institute at the University of Tübingen, Reutlingen, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Wang X, Kohl A, Yu X, Zorio DAR, Klar A, Sela-Donenfeld D, Wang Y. Temporal-specific roles of fragile X mental retardation protein in the development of the hindbrain auditory circuit. Development 2020; 147:dev.188797. [PMID: 32747436 DOI: 10.1242/dev.188797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2020] [Accepted: 06/29/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP) is an RNA-binding protein abundant in the nervous system. Functional loss of FMRP leads to sensory dysfunction and severe intellectual disabilities. In the auditory system, FMRP deficiency alters neuronal function and synaptic connectivity and results in perturbed processing of sound information. Nevertheless, roles of FMRP in embryonic development of the auditory hindbrain have not been identified. Here, we developed high-specificity approaches to genetically track and manipulate throughout development of the Atoh1+ neuronal cell type, which is highly conserved in vertebrates, in the cochlear nucleus of chicken embryos. We identified distinct FMRP-containing granules in the growing axons of Atoh1+ neurons and post-migrating NM cells. FMRP downregulation induced by CRISPR/Cas9 and shRNA techniques resulted in perturbed axonal pathfinding, delay in midline crossing, excess branching of neurites, and axonal targeting errors during the period of circuit development. Together, these results provide the first in vivo identification of FMRP localization and actions in developing axons of auditory neurons, and demonstrate the importance of investigating early embryonic alterations toward understanding the pathogenesis of neurodevelopmental disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyu Wang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Program in Neuroscience, Florida State University College of Medicine, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA.,Division of Histology & Embryology, Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine of the Ministry of Education, Medical College, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Ayelet Kohl
- Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot 76100, Israel
| | - Xiaoyan Yu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Program in Neuroscience, Florida State University College of Medicine, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA
| | - Diego A R Zorio
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Program in Neuroscience, Florida State University College of Medicine, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA
| | - Avihu Klar
- Department of Medical Neurobiology IMRIC, Hebrew University Medical School, Jerusalem 91120, Israel
| | - Dalit Sela-Donenfeld
- Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot 76100, Israel
| | - Yuan Wang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Program in Neuroscience, Florida State University College of Medicine, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Primary Ciliary Deficits in the Dentate Gyrus of Fragile X Syndrome. Stem Cell Reports 2020; 15:454-466. [PMID: 32735823 PMCID: PMC7419715 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2020.07.001] [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: 11/16/2018] [Revised: 06/30/2020] [Accepted: 07/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The primary cilium is the non-motile cilium present in most mammalian cell types and functions as an antenna for cells to sense signals. Ablating primary cilia in postnatal newborn neurons of the dentate gyrus (DG) results in both reduced dendritic arborization and synaptic strength, leading to hippocampal-dependent learning and memory deficits. Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is a common form of inheritance for intellectual disabilities with a high risk for autism spectrum disorders, and Fmr1 KO mice, a mouse model for FXS, demonstrate deficits in newborn neuron differentiation, dendritic morphology, and memory formation in the DG. Here, we found that the number of primary cilia in Fmr1 KO mice is reduced, specifically in the DG of the hippocampus. Moreover, this cilia loss was observed postnatally mainly in newborn neurons generated from the DG, implicating that these primary ciliary deficits may possibly contribute to the pathophysiology of FXS. Primary cilia are significantly reduced in the DG of Fmr1 KO mice Fmr1 KO mice show age-dependent primary cilia deficits Neuronal ciliogenesis defects are shown in the DG of Fmr1 KO mice Primary cilia deficits are observed in newborn neurons from SGZ, but not from DNe
Collapse
|
47
|
Lo LHY, Lai KO. Dysregulation of protein synthesis and dendritic spine morphogenesis in ASD: studies in human pluripotent stem cells. Mol Autism 2020; 11:40. [PMID: 32460854 PMCID: PMC7251853 DOI: 10.1186/s13229-020-00349-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2020] [Accepted: 05/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a brain disorder that involves changes in neuronal connections. Abnormal morphology of dendritic spines on postsynaptic neurons has been observed in ASD patients and transgenic mice that model different monogenetic causes of ASD. A number of ASD-associated genetic variants are known to disrupt dendritic local protein synthesis, which is essential for spine morphogenesis, synaptic transmission, and plasticity. Most of our understanding on the molecular mechanism underlying ASD depends on studies using rodents. However, recent advance in human pluripotent stem cells and their neural differentiation provides a powerful alternative tool to understand the cellular aspects of human neurological disorders. In this review, we summarize recent progress on studying mRNA targeting and local protein synthesis in stem cell-derived neurons, and discuss how perturbation of these processes may impact synapse development and functions that are relevant to cognitive deficits in ASD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Louisa Hoi-Ying Lo
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, 21 Sassoon Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, China
| | - Kwok-On Lai
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, 21 Sassoon Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, China. .,State Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, China.
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Utami KH, Yusof NABM, Kwa JE, Peteri UK, Castrén ML, Pouladi MA. Elevated de novo protein synthesis in FMRP-deficient human neurons and its correction by metformin treatment. Mol Autism 2020; 11:41. [PMID: 32460900 PMCID: PMC7251671 DOI: 10.1186/s13229-020-00350-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2019] [Accepted: 05/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
FXS is the most common genetic cause of intellectual (ID) and autism spectrum disorders (ASD). FXS is caused by loss of FMRP, an RNA-binding protein involved in the translational regulation of a large number of neuronal mRNAs. Absence of FMRP has been shown to lead to elevated protein synthesis and is thought to be a major cause of the synaptic plasticity and behavioural deficits in FXS. The increase in protein synthesis results in part from abnormal activation of key protein translation pathways downstream of ERK1/2 and mTOR signalling. Pharmacological and genetic interventions that attenuate hyperactivation of these pathways can normalize levels of protein synthesis and improve phenotypic outcomes in animal models of FXS. Several efforts are currently underway to trial this strategy in patients with FXS. To date, elevated global protein synthesis as a result of FMRP loss has not been validated in the context of human neurons. Here, using an isogenic human stem cell-based model, we show that de novo protein synthesis is elevated in FMRP-deficient neural cells. We further show that this increase is associated with elevated ERK1/2 and Akt signalling and can be rescued by metformin treatment. Finally, we examined the effect of normalizing protein synthesis on phenotypic abnormalities in FMRP-deficient neural cells. We find that treatment with metformin attenuates the increase in proliferation of FMRP-deficient neural progenitor cells but not the neuronal deficits in neurite outgrowth. The elevated level of protein synthesis and the normalization of neural progenitor proliferation by metformin treatment were validated in additional control and FXS patient-derived hiPSC lines. Overall, our results validate that loss of FMRP results in elevated de novo protein synthesis in human neurons and suggest that approaches targeting this abnormality are likely to be of partial therapeutic benefit in FXS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kagistia Hana Utami
- Translational Laboratory in Genetic Medicine, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore (A*STAR), 8A Biomedical Grove, Immunos, Level 5, Singapore, 138648, Singapore.
| | - Nur Amirah Binte Mohammad Yusof
- Translational Laboratory in Genetic Medicine, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore (A*STAR), 8A Biomedical Grove, Immunos, Level 5, Singapore, 138648, Singapore
| | - Jing Eugene Kwa
- Translational Laboratory in Genetic Medicine, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore (A*STAR), 8A Biomedical Grove, Immunos, Level 5, Singapore, 138648, Singapore
| | - Ulla-Kaisa Peteri
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Maija L Castrén
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Mahmoud A Pouladi
- Translational Laboratory in Genetic Medicine, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore (A*STAR), 8A Biomedical Grove, Immunos, Level 5, Singapore, 138648, Singapore.
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Pernia C, Tobe BTD, O'Donnell R, Snyder EY. The Evolution of Stem Cells, Disease Modeling, and Drug Discovery for Neurological Disorders. Stem Cells Dev 2020; 29:1131-1141. [PMID: 32024446 DOI: 10.1089/scd.2019.0217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Human neurological disorders are among the most challenging areas of translational research. The difficulty of acquiring human neural samples or specific representative animal models has necessitated a multifaceted approach to understanding disease pathology and drug discovery. The dedifferentiation of somatic cells to human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) for the generation of neural derivatives has broadened the capability of biomedical research to study human cell types in neurological disorders. The initial zeal for the potential of hiPSCs for immediate biomedical breakthroughs has evolved to more reasonable expectations. Over the past decade, hiPSC technology has demonstrated the capacity to successfully establish "disease in a dish" models of complex neurological disorders and to identify possible novel therapeutics. However, as hiPSCs are used more broadly, an increased understanding of the limitations of hiPSC studies is becoming more evident. In this study, we review the challenges of studying neurological disorders, the current limitations of stem cell-based disease modeling, and the degrees to which hiPSC studies to date have demonstrated the capacity to fill essential gaps in neurological research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cameron Pernia
- Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, California, USA.,Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Brian T D Tobe
- Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, California, USA.,Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, La Jolla, California, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, Veterans Administration Medical Center, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Ryan O'Donnell
- Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, California, USA.,Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Evan Y Snyder
- Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, California, USA.,Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, La Jolla, California, USA
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW We review the ways in which stem cells are used in psychiatric disease research, including the related advances in gene editing and directed cell differentiation. RECENT FINDINGS The recent development of induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technologies has created new possibilities for the study of psychiatric disease. iPSCs can be derived from patients or controls and differentiated to an array of neuronal and non-neuronal cell types. Their genomes can be edited as desired, and they can be assessed for a variety of phenotypes. This makes them especially interesting for studying genetic variation, which is particularly useful today now that our knowledge on the genetics of psychiatric disease is quickly expanding. The recent advances in cell engineering have led to powerful new methods for studying psychiatric illness including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and autism. There is a wide array of possible applications as illustrated by the many examples from the literature, most of which are cited here.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Debamitra Das
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Kyra Feuer
- Predoctoral Training Program in Human Genetics, Department of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Marah Wahbeh
- Predoctoral Training Program in Human Genetics, Department of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Dimitrios Avramopoulos
- Department of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
- Department of Psychiatry, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| |
Collapse
|