1
|
De Vincentiis S, Baggiani M, Merighi F, Cappello V, Lopane J, Di Caprio M, Costa M, Mainardi M, Onorati M, Raffa V. Low Forces Push the Maturation of Neural Precursors into Neurons. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2023:e2205871. [PMID: 37058009 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202205871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2022] [Revised: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Mechanical stimulation modulates neural development and neuronal activity. In a previous study, magnetic "nano-pulling" is proposed as a tool to generate active forces. By loading neural cells with magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs), a precise force vector is remotely generated through static magnetic fields. In the present study, human neural stem cells (NSCs) are subjected to a standard differentiation protocol, in the presence or absence of nano-pulling. Under mechanical stimulation, an increase in the length of the neural processes which showed an enrichment in microtubules, endoplasmic reticulum, and mitochondria is found. A stimulation lasting up to 82 days induces a strong remodeling at the level of synapse density and a re-organization of the neuronal network, halving the time required for the maturation of neural precursors into neurons. The MNP-loaded NSCs are then transplanted into mouse spinal cord organotypic slices, demonstrating that nano-pulling stimulates the elongation of the NSC processes and modulates their orientation even in an ex vivo model. Thus, it is shown that active mechanical stimuli can guide the outgrowth of NSCs transplanted into the spinal cord tissue. The findings suggest that mechanical forces play an important role in neuronal maturation which could be applied in regenerative medicine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Matteo Baggiani
- Department of Biology, Università di Pisa, Pisa, 56127, Italy
| | | | - Valentina Cappello
- Center for Materials Interfaces, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Pontedera, 56025, Italy
| | - Jakub Lopane
- Department of Biology, Università di Pisa, Pisa, 56127, Italy
| | - Mariachiara Di Caprio
- Laboratory of Biology "Bio@SNS", Scuola Normale Superiore, Piazza dei Cavalieri 7, Pisa, 56126, Italy
| | - Mario Costa
- Neuroscience Institute, National Research Council, via Giuseppe Moruzzi 1, Pisa, 56124, Italy
| | - Marco Mainardi
- Neuroscience Institute, National Research Council, via Giuseppe Moruzzi 1, Pisa, 56124, Italy
| | - Marco Onorati
- Department of Biology, Università di Pisa, Pisa, 56127, Italy
| | - Vittoria Raffa
- Department of Biology, Università di Pisa, Pisa, 56127, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Litwa K. Shared mechanisms of neural circuit disruption in tuberous sclerosis across lifespan: Bridging neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative pathology. Front Genet 2022; 13:997461. [PMID: 36506334 PMCID: PMC9732432 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.997461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Tuberous Sclerosis (TS) is a rare genetic disorder manifesting with multiple benign tumors impacting the function of vital organs. In TS patients, dominant negative mutations in TSC1 or TSC2 increase mTORC1 activity. Increased mTORC1 activity drives tumor formation, but also severely impacts central nervous system function, resulting in infantile seizures, intractable epilepsy, and TS-associated neuropsychiatric disorders, including autism, attention deficits, intellectual disability, and mood disorders. More recently, TS has also been linked with frontotemporal dementia. In addition to TS, accumulating evidence implicates increased mTORC1 activity in the pathology of other neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders. Thus, TS provides a unique disease model to address whether developmental neural circuit abnormalities promote age-related neurodegeneration, while also providing insight into the therapeutic potential of mTORC1 inhibitors for both developing and degenerating neural circuits. In the following review, we explore the ability of both mouse and human brain organoid models to capture TS pathology, elucidate disease mechanisms, and shed light on how neurodevelopmental alterations may later contribute to age-related neurodegeneration.
Collapse
|
3
|
Ago K, Nagoshi N, Imaizumi K, Kitagawa T, Kawai M, Kajikawa K, Shibata R, Kamata Y, Kojima K, Shinozaki M, Kondo T, Iwano S, Miyawaki A, Ohtsuka M, Bito H, Kobayashi K, Shibata S, Shindo T, Kohyama J, Matsumoto M, Nakamura M, Okano H. A non-invasive system to monitor in vivo neural graft activity after spinal cord injury. Commun Biol 2022; 5:803. [PMID: 35948599 PMCID: PMC9365819 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-022-03736-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2021] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Expectations for neural stem/progenitor cell (NS/PC) transplantation as a treatment for spinal cord injury (SCI) are increasing. However, whether and how grafted cells are incorporated into the host neural circuit and contribute to motor function recovery remain unknown. The aim of this project was to establish a novel non-invasive in vivo imaging system to visualize the activity of neural grafts by which we can simultaneously demonstrate the circuit-level integration between the graft and host and the contribution of graft neuronal activity to host behaviour. We introduced Akaluc, a newly engineered luciferase, under the control of enhanced synaptic activity-responsive element (E-SARE), a potent neuronal activity-dependent synthetic promoter, into NS/PCs and engrafted the cells into SCI model mice. Through the use of this system, we found that the activity of grafted cells was integrated with host behaviour and driven by host neural circuit inputs. This non-invasive system is expected to help elucidate the therapeutic mechanism of cell transplantation treatment for SCI. Visualisation of the activity of neural grafts using engineered luciferase provides insights into the integration between the graft and host.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kentaro Ago
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 160-8582, Japan.,Department of Physiology, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 160-8582, Japan
| | - Narihito Nagoshi
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 160-8582, Japan.
| | - Kent Imaizumi
- Department of Physiology, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 160-8582, Japan
| | - Takahiro Kitagawa
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 160-8582, Japan.,Department of Physiology, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 160-8582, Japan
| | - Momotaro Kawai
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 160-8582, Japan.,Department of Physiology, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 160-8582, Japan
| | - Keita Kajikawa
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 160-8582, Japan
| | - Reo Shibata
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 160-8582, Japan
| | - Yasuhiro Kamata
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 160-8582, Japan
| | - Kota Kojima
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 160-8582, Japan
| | - Munehisa Shinozaki
- Department of Physiology, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 160-8582, Japan
| | - Takahiro Kondo
- Department of Physiology, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 160-8582, Japan
| | - Satoshi Iwano
- Laboratory for Cell Function and Dynamics, Brain Science Institute, RIKEN, 2-1 Hirosawa, Wako, Saitama, 351-0198, Japan
| | - Atsushi Miyawaki
- Laboratory for Cell Function and Dynamics, Brain Science Institute, RIKEN, 2-1 Hirosawa, Wako, Saitama, 351-0198, Japan
| | - Masanari Ohtsuka
- Laboratory for Molecular Analysis of Higher Brain Function, Brain Science Institute, RIKEN, 2-1 Hirosawa, Wako, Saitama, 351-0198, Japan
| | - Haruhiko Bito
- Department of Neurochemistry, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan
| | - Kenta Kobayashi
- Section of Viral Vector Development, National Institute for Physiological Sciences, 38 Nishigonaka Myodaiji, Okazaki, Aichi, 444-8585, Japan
| | - Shinsuke Shibata
- Division of Microscopic Anatomy, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, 1-757 Asahimachi-dori, Chuo-ku, Niigata, Niigata, 951-8510, Japan.,Electron Microscope Laboratory, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 160-8582, Japan
| | - Tomoko Shindo
- Electron Microscope Laboratory, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 160-8582, Japan
| | - Jun Kohyama
- Department of Physiology, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 160-8582, Japan
| | - Morio Matsumoto
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 160-8582, Japan
| | - Masaya Nakamura
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 160-8582, Japan
| | - Hideyuki Okano
- Department of Physiology, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 160-8582, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Kitagawa T, Nagoshi N, Kamata Y, Kawai M, Ago K, Kajikawa K, Shibata R, Sato Y, Imaizumi K, Shindo T, Shinozaki M, Kohyama J, Shibata S, Matsumoto M, Nakamura M, Okano H. Modulation by DREADD reveals the therapeutic effect of human iPSC-derived neuronal activity on functional recovery after spinal cord injury. Stem Cell Reports 2022; 17:127-142. [PMID: 35021049 PMCID: PMC8758967 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2021.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2021] [Revised: 12/10/2021] [Accepted: 12/11/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Transplantation of neural stem/progenitor cells (NS/PCs) derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) is considered to be a promising therapy for spinal cord injury (SCI) and will soon be translated to the clinical phase. However, how grafted neuronal activity influences functional recovery has not been fully elucidated. Here, we show the locomotor functional changes caused by inhibiting the neuronal activity of grafted cells using a designer receptor exclusively activated by designer drugs (DREADD). In vitro analyses of inhibitory DREADD (hM4Di)-expressing cells demonstrated the precise inhibition of neuronal activity via administration of clozapine N-oxide. This inhibition led to a significant decrease in locomotor function in SCI mice with cell transplantation, which was exclusively observed following the maturation of grafted neurons. Furthermore, trans-synaptic tracing revealed the integration of graft neurons into the host motor circuitry. These results highlight the significance of engrafting functionally competent neurons by hiPSC-NS/PC transplantation for sufficient recovery from SCI. The neuronal activity of hM4Di-NS/PCs was controlled by CNO administration Inhibiting the neuronal activity of grafted NS/PCs led to functional decline Grafted neurons derived from hiPSC-NS/PCs integrated into host motor circuits
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Takahiro Kitagawa
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan; Department of Physiology, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Narihito Nagoshi
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan.
| | - Yasuhiro Kamata
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan; Department of Physiology, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Momotaro Kawai
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan; Department of Physiology, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Kentaro Ago
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan; Department of Physiology, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Keita Kajikawa
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan; Department of Physiology, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Reo Shibata
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan; Department of Physiology, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Yuta Sato
- Graduate School of Science and Technology, Keio University, 3-14-1 Hiyoshi, Kohoku-ku, Yokohama City, Kanagawa 223-8522, Japan; Laboratory for Marmoset Neural Architecture, RIKEN Center for Brain Science, 2-1 Hirosawa, Wako City, Saitama 351-0198, Japan
| | - Kent Imaizumi
- Department of Physiology, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Tomoko Shindo
- Electron Microscope Laboratory, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Munehisa Shinozaki
- Department of Physiology, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Jun Kohyama
- Department of Physiology, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Shinsuke Shibata
- Electron Microscope Laboratory, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan; Division of Microscopic Anatomy, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, 1-757 Asahimachi-dori, Chuo-ku, Niigata City, Niigata 951-8510, Japan
| | - Morio Matsumoto
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Masaya Nakamura
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Hideyuki Okano
- Department of Physiology, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Chandrasekaran A, Jensen P, Mohamed FA, Lancaster M, Benros ME, Larsen MR, Freude KK. A protein-centric view of in vitro biological model systems for schizophrenia. Stem Cells 2021; 39:1569-1578. [PMID: 34431581 DOI: 10.1002/stem.3447] [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: 05/01/2021] [Accepted: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Schizophrenia (SCZ) is a severe brain disorder, characterized by psychotic, negative, and cognitive symptoms, affecting 1% of the population worldwide. The precise etiology of SCZ is still unknown; however, SCZ has a high heritability and is associated with genetic, environmental, and social risk factors. Even though the genetic contribution is indisputable, the discrepancies between transcriptomics and proteomics in brain tissues are consistently challenging the field to decipher the disease pathology. Here we provide an overview of the state of the art of neuronal two-dimensional and three-dimensional model systems that can be combined with proteomics analyses to decipher specific brain pathology and detection of alternative entry points for drug development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Abinaya Chandrasekaran
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Pia Jensen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Fadumo A Mohamed
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Madeline Lancaster
- MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Francis Crick Avenue, Cambridge, UK
| | - Michael E Benros
- Biological and Precision Psychiatry, Copenhagen Research Centre for Mental Health, Mental Health Centre Copenhagen, Copenhagen University Hospital, Hellerup, Denmark
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen N, Denmark
| | - Martin R Larsen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Kristine K Freude
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
German OL, Vallese-Maurizi H, Soto TB, Rotstein NP, Politi LE. Retina stem cells, hopes and obstacles. World J Stem Cells 2021; 13:1446-1479. [PMID: 34786153 PMCID: PMC8567457 DOI: 10.4252/wjsc.v13.i10.1446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2021] [Revised: 07/14/2021] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Retinal degeneration is a major contributor to visual dysfunction worldwide. Although it comprises several eye diseases, loss of retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) and photoreceptor cells are the major contributors to their pathogenesis. Early therapies included diverse treatments, such as provision of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor and many survival and trophic factors that, in some cases, slow down the progression of the degeneration, but do not effectively prevent it. The finding of stem cells (SC) in the eye has led to the proposal of cell replacement strategies for retina degeneration. Therapies using different types of SC, such as retinal progenitor cells (RPCs), embryonic SC, pluripotent SCs (PSCs), induced PSCs (iPSCs), and mesenchymal stromal cells, capable of self-renewal and of differentiating into multiple cell types, have gained ample support. Numerous preclinical studies have assessed transplantation of SC in animal models, with encouraging results. The aim of this work is to revise the different preclinical and clinical approaches, analyzing the SC type used, their efficacy, safety, cell attachment and integration, absence of tumor formation and immunorejection, in order to establish which were the most relevant and successful. In addition, we examine the questions and concerns still open in the field. The data demonstrate the existence of two main approaches, aimed at replacing either RPE cells or photoreceptors. Emerging evidence suggests that RPCs and iPSC are the best candidates, presenting no ethical concerns and a low risk of immunorejection. Clinical trials have already supported the safety and efficacy of SC treatments. Serious concerns are pending, such as the risk of tumor formation, lack of attachment or integration of transplanted cells into host retinas, immunorejection, cell death, and also ethical. However, the amazing progress in the field in the last few years makes it possible to envisage safe and effective treatments to restore vision loss in a near future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Olga L German
- Department of Biology, Biochemistry and Pharmacy, Universidad Nacional del Sur, Bahia blanca 8000, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Department of Biology, Biochemistry and Pharmacy, Universidad Nacional del Sur, and Neurobiology Department, Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de Bahía Blanca (INIBIBB) Conicet, Bahía Blanca 8000, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Harmonie Vallese-Maurizi
- Department of Biology, Biochemistry and Pharmacy, Universidad Nacional del Sur, Bahia blanca 8000, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Department of Biology, Biochemistry and Pharmacy, Universidad Nacional del Sur, and Neurobiology Department, Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de Bahía Blanca (INIBIBB) Conicet, Bahía Blanca 8000, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Tamara B Soto
- Department of Biology, Biochemistry and Pharmacy, Universidad Nacional del Sur, and Neurobiology Department, Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de Bahía Blanca (INIBIBB) Conicet, Bahía Blanca 8000, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Nora P Rotstein
- Department of Biology, Biochemistry and Pharmacy, Universidad Nacional del Sur, Bahia blanca 8000, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Department of Biology, Biochemistry and Pharmacy, Universidad Nacional del Sur, and Neurobiology Department, Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de Bahía Blanca (INIBIBB) Conicet, Bahía Blanca 8000, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Luis Enrique Politi
- Department of Biology, Biochemistry and Pharmacy, Universidad Nacional del Sur, and Neurobiology Department, Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de Bahía Blanca (INIBIBB) Conicet, Bahía Blanca 8000, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Togo K, Fukusumi H, Shofuda T, Ohnishi H, Yamazaki H, Hayashi MK, Kawasaki N, Takei N, Nakazawa T, Saito Y, Baba K, Hashimoto H, Sekino Y, Shirao T, Mochizuki H, Kanemura Y. Postsynaptic structure formation of human iPS cell-derived neurons takes longer than presynaptic formation during neural differentiation in vitro. Mol Brain 2021; 14:149. [PMID: 34629097 PMCID: PMC8504131 DOI: 10.1186/s13041-021-00851-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2021] [Accepted: 09/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
The generation of mature synaptic structures using neurons differentiated from human-induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSC-neurons) is expected to be applied to physiological studies of synapses in human cells and to pathological studies of diseases that cause abnormal synaptic function. Although it has been reported that synapses themselves change from an immature to a mature state as neurons mature, there are few reports that clearly show when and how human stem cell-derived neurons change to mature synaptic structures. This study was designed to elucidate the synapse formation process of hiPSC-neurons. We propagated hiPSC-derived neural progenitor cells (hiPSC-NPCs) that expressed localized markers of the ventral hindbrain as neurospheres by dual SMAD inhibition and then differentiated them into hiPSC-neurons in vitro. After 49 days of in vitro differentiation, hiPSC-neurons significantly expressed pre- and postsynaptic markers at both the transcript and protein levels. However, the expression of postsynaptic markers was lower than in normal human or normal rat brain tissues, and immunostaining analysis showed that it was relatively modest and was lower than that of presynaptic markers and that its localization in synaptic structures was insufficient. Neurophysiological analysis using a microelectrode array also revealed that no synaptic activity was generated on hiPSC-neurons at 49 days of differentiation. Analysis of subtype markers by immunostaining revealed that most hiPSC-neurons expressed vesicular glutamate transporter 2 (VGLUT2). The presence or absence of NGF, which is required for the survival of cholinergic neurons, had no effect on their cell fractionation. These results suggest that during the synaptogenesis of hiPSC-neurons, the formation of presynaptic structures is not the only requirement for the formation of postsynaptic structures and that the mRNA expression of postsynaptic markers does not correlate with the formation of their mature structures. Technically, we also confirmed a certain level of robustness and reproducibility of our neuronal differentiation method in a multicenter setting, which will be helpful for future research. Synapse formation with mature postsynaptic structures will remain an interesting issue for stem cell-derived neurons, and the present method can be used to obtain early and stable quality neuronal cultures from hiPSC-NPCs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kazuyuki Togo
- Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan.,Division of Stem Cell Research, Department of Biomedical Research and Innovation, Institute for Clinical Research, National Hospital Organization Osaka National Hospital, Osaka, Osaka, 540-0006, Japan
| | - Hayato Fukusumi
- Division of Stem Cell Research, Department of Biomedical Research and Innovation, Institute for Clinical Research, National Hospital Organization Osaka National Hospital, Osaka, Osaka, 540-0006, Japan
| | - Tomoko Shofuda
- Division of Stem Cell Research, Department of Biomedical Research and Innovation, Institute for Clinical Research, National Hospital Organization Osaka National Hospital, Osaka, Osaka, 540-0006, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Ohnishi
- Department of Laboratory Sciences, Gunma University Graduate School of Health Sciences, Maebashi, Gunma, 371-8514, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Yamazaki
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, Maebashi, Gunma, 371-8511, Japan.,Faculty of Social Welfare, Gunma University of Health and Welfare, Maebashi, Gunma, 371-0823, Japan
| | - Mariko Kato Hayashi
- School of Medicine, International University of Health and Welfare, Narita, Chiba, 286-8686, Japan.,Department of Food Science and Nutrition, Faculty of Food and Health Sciences, Showa Women's University, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo, 154-8533, Japan
| | - Nana Kawasaki
- Laboratory of Biopharmaceutical and Regenerative Sciences, Graduate School of Medical Life Science, Yokohama City University, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 230-0045, Japan
| | - Nobuyuki Takei
- Department of Brain Tumor Biology, Brain Research Institute, Niigata University, Niigata, Niigata, 951-8585, Japan
| | - Takanobu Nakazawa
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuropharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan.,Department of Bioscience, Faculty of Life Sciences, Tokyo University of Agriculture, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo, 156-8502, Japan
| | - Yumiko Saito
- Graduate School of Integrated Sciences for Life, Hiroshima University, Higashi-Hiroshima, Hiroshima, 739-8521, Japan
| | - Kousuke Baba
- Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Hitoshi Hashimoto
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuropharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan.,Molecular Research Center for Children's Mental Development, United Graduate School of Child Development, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan.,Division of Bioscience, Institute for Datability Science, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan.,Open and Transdisciplinary Research Initiatives, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan.,Department of Molecular Pharmaceutical Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Yuko Sekino
- Endowed Laboratory of Human Cell-Based Drug Discovery, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan
| | - Tomoaki Shirao
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, Maebashi, Gunma, 371-8511, Japan
| | - Hideki Mochizuki
- Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Yonehiro Kanemura
- Division of Regenerative Medicine, Department of Biomedical Research and Innovation, Institute for Clinical Research, National Hospital Organization Osaka National Hospital, 2-1-14 Hoenzaka, Chuo-ku, Osaka, Osaka, 540-0006, Japan. .,Department of Neurosurgery, National Hospital Organization Osaka National Hospital, Osaka, Osaka, 540-0006, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Wilson ES, Litwa K. Synaptic Hyaluronan Synthesis and CD44-Mediated Signaling Coordinate Neural Circuit Development. Cells 2021; 10:2574. [PMID: 34685554 PMCID: PMC8533746 DOI: 10.3390/cells10102574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2021] [Revised: 09/17/2021] [Accepted: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The hyaluronan-based extracellular matrix is expressed throughout nervous system development and is well-known for the formation of perineuronal nets around inhibitory interneurons. Since perineuronal nets form postnatally, the role of hyaluronan in the initial formation of neural circuits remains unclear. Neural circuits emerge from the coordinated electrochemical signaling of excitatory and inhibitory synapses. Hyaluronan localizes to the synaptic cleft of developing excitatory synapses in both human cortical spheroids and the neonatal mouse brain and is diminished in the adult mouse brain. Given this developmental-specific synaptic localization, we sought to determine the mechanisms that regulate hyaluronan synthesis and signaling during synapse formation. We demonstrate that hyaluronan synthase-2, HAS2, is sufficient to increase hyaluronan levels in developing neural circuits of human cortical spheroids. This increased hyaluronan production reduces excitatory synaptogenesis, promotes inhibitory synaptogenesis, and suppresses action potential formation. The hyaluronan receptor, CD44, promotes hyaluronan retention and suppresses excitatory synaptogenesis through regulation of RhoGTPase signaling. Our results reveal mechanisms of hyaluronan synthesis, retention, and signaling in developing neural circuits, shedding light on how disease-associated hyaluronan alterations can contribute to synaptic defects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Karen Litwa
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27834, USA;
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Tate K, Kirk B, Tseng A, Ulffers A, Litwa K. Effects of the Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor Fluoxetine on Developing Neural Circuits in a Model of the Human Fetal Cortex. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:10457. [PMID: 34638815 PMCID: PMC8508811 DOI: 10.3390/ijms221910457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2021] [Revised: 09/23/2021] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The developing prenatal brain is particularly susceptible to environmental disturbances. During prenatal brain development, synapses form between neurons, resulting in neural circuits that support complex cognitive functions. In utero exposure to environmental factors such as pharmaceuticals that alter the process of synapse formation increases the risk of neurodevelopmental abnormalities. However, there is a lack of research into how specific environmental factors directly impact the developing neural circuitry of the human brain. For example, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors are commonly used throughout pregnancy to treat depression, yet their impact on the developing fetal brain remains unclear. Recently, human brain models have provided unprecedented access to the critical window of prenatal brain development. In the present study, we used human neurons and cortical spheroids to determine whether the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor fluoxetine alters neurite and synapse formation and the development of spontaneous activity within neural circuits. We demonstrate that cortical spheroids express serotonin transporter, thus recapitulating the early developmental expression of serotonin transporter associated with cortical pyramidal neurons. Cortical spheroids also appropriately express serotonin receptors, such as synaptic 5-HT2A and glial 5-HT5A. To determine whether fluoxetine can affect developing neural circuits independent of serotonergic innervation from the dorsal and medial raphe nuclei, we treated cortical neurons and spheroids with fluoxetine. Fluoxetine alters neurite formation in a dose-dependent fashion. Intriguingly, in cortical spheroids, neither acute nor chronic fluoxetine significantly altered excitatory synapse formation. However, only acute, but not chronic fluoxetine exposure altered inhibitory synaptogenesis. Finally, fluoxetine reversibly suppresses neuronal activity in a dose-dependent manner. These results demonstrate that fluoxetine can acutely alter synaptic function in developing neural circuits, but the effects were not long-lasting. This work provides a foundation for future studies to combine serotonergic innervation with cortical spheroids and assess the contributions of fluoxetine-induced alterations in serotonin levels to brain development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kinsley Tate
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27834, USA; (K.T.); (B.K.); (A.T.); (A.U.)
- Graduate Program in Biomedical Engineering, Department of Engineering, College of Engineering and Technology, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27834, USA
| | - Brenna Kirk
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27834, USA; (K.T.); (B.K.); (A.T.); (A.U.)
| | - Alisia Tseng
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27834, USA; (K.T.); (B.K.); (A.T.); (A.U.)
| | - Abigail Ulffers
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27834, USA; (K.T.); (B.K.); (A.T.); (A.U.)
| | - Karen Litwa
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27834, USA; (K.T.); (B.K.); (A.T.); (A.U.)
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Heparan Sulfated Glypican-4 Is Released from Astrocytes by Proteolytic Shedding and GPI-Anchor Cleavage Mechanisms. eNeuro 2021; 8:ENEURO.0069-21.2021. [PMID: 34301723 PMCID: PMC8387153 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0069-21.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2021] [Revised: 07/09/2021] [Accepted: 07/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes provide neurons with diffusible factors that promote synapse formation and maturation. In particular, glypican-4/GPC4 released from astrocytes promotes the maturation of excitatory synapses. Unlike other secreted factors, GPC4 contains the C-terminal GPI-anchorage signal. However, the mechanism by which membrane-tethered GPC4 is released from astrocytes is unknown. Using mouse primary astrocyte cultures and a quantitative luciferase-based release assay, we show that GPC4 is expressed on the astrocyte surface via a GPI-anchorage. Soluble GPC4 is robustly released from the astrocytes largely by proteolytic shedding and, to a lesser extent, by GPI-anchor cleavage, but not by vesicular release. Pharmacological, overexpression, and loss of function screens showed that ADAM9 in part mediates the release of GPC4 from astrocytes. The released GPC4 contains the heparan sulfate side chain, suggesting that these release mechanisms provide the active form that promotes synapse maturation and function. Overall, our studies identified the release mechanisms and the major releasing enzyme of GPC4 in astrocytes and will provide insights into understanding how astrocytes regulate synapse formation and maturation.
Collapse
|
11
|
Antonova OY, Kochetkova OY, Kanev IL, Shlyapnikova EA, Shlyapnikov YM. Rapid Generation of Neurospheres from Hippocampal Neurons Using Extracellular-Matrix-Mimetic Scaffolds. ACS Chem Neurosci 2021; 12:2838-2850. [PMID: 34256565 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.1c00201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
3D models of brain organoids represent an innovative and promising tool in neuroscience studies. However, the process of neurosphere formation in vitro remains complicated and is not always very effective. This is largely due to the lack of growth factors, guidance cues, and scaffold structures commonly found in tissues. Here we present a new, simple, and efficient method for generating neurospheres using scaffolds composed of electrospun nylon fibers with a diameter of 40-180 nm, which makes them similar to the brain extracellular matrix (ECM) components. Several main advantages of the proposed method should be highlighted. The method is fast, and the biomaterial consumption is low. Also, the resulting neurospheres are attached to the scaffold nanofibers. This not only provides the experimental convenience but also suggests that the resulting organoid models can potentially demonstrate fundamentally new properties, being closer to the nervous tissue in vivo. We demonstrate the influence of the fibrous scaffold structure on the formation, morphology, and composition of neurospheres and confirm adequate functional activity of the cellular components of these spheroids. The proposed approach can be further used for drug screening, modeling of neurodevelopmental, neurodegenerative disorders, and, potentially, therapeutic tissue engineering.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Olga Y. Antonova
- Institute of Theoretical and Experimental Biophysics of RAS, Pushchino, Moscow Region 142290, Russia
| | - Olga Y. Kochetkova
- Institute of Theoretical and Experimental Biophysics of RAS, Pushchino, Moscow Region 142290, Russia
| | - Igor L. Kanev
- Institute of Theoretical and Experimental Biophysics of RAS, Pushchino, Moscow Region 142290, Russia
| | - Elena A. Shlyapnikova
- Institute of Theoretical and Experimental Biophysics of RAS, Pushchino, Moscow Region 142290, Russia
| | - Yuri M. Shlyapnikov
- Institute of Theoretical and Experimental Biophysics of RAS, Pushchino, Moscow Region 142290, Russia
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Jalink P, Caiazzo M. Brain Organoids: Filling the Need for a Human Model of Neurological Disorder. BIOLOGY 2021; 10:740. [PMID: 34439972 PMCID: PMC8389592 DOI: 10.3390/biology10080740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2021] [Revised: 07/25/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Neurological disorders are among the leading causes of death worldwide, accounting for almost all onsets of dementia in the elderly, and are known to negatively affect motor ability, mental and cognitive performance, as well as overall wellbeing and happiness. Currently, most neurological disorders go untreated due to a lack of viable treatment options. The reason for this lack of options is s poor understanding of the disorders, primarily due to research models that do not translate well into the human in vivo system. Current models for researching neurological disorders, neurodevelopment, and drug interactions in the central nervous system include in vitro monolayer cell cultures, and in vivo animal models. These models have shortcomings when it comes to translating research about disorder pathology, development, and treatment to humans. Brain organoids are three-dimensional (3D) cultures of stem cell-derived neural cells that mimic the development of the in vivo human brain with high degrees of accuracy. Researchers have started developing these miniature brains to model neurodevelopment, and neuropathology. Brain organoids have been used to model a wide range of neurological disorders, including the complex and poorly understood neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders. In this review, we discuss the brain organoid technology, placing special focus on the different brain organoid models that have been developed, discussing their strengths, weaknesses, and uses in neurological disease modeling.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Philip Jalink
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences (UIPS), Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Universiteitsweg 99, CG 3584 Utrecht, The Netherlands;
| | - Massimiliano Caiazzo
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences (UIPS), Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Universiteitsweg 99, CG 3584 Utrecht, The Netherlands;
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, Via S. Pansini 5, 80131 Naples, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Cerebral Organoids-Challenges to Establish a Brain Prototype. Cells 2021; 10:cells10071790. [PMID: 34359959 PMCID: PMC8306666 DOI: 10.3390/cells10071790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2021] [Revised: 07/06/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The new cellular models based on neural cells differentiated from induced pluripotent stem cells have greatly enhanced our understanding of human nervous system development. Highly efficient protocols for the differentiation of iPSCs into different types of neural cells have allowed the creation of 2D models of many neurodegenerative diseases and nervous system development. However, the 2D culture of neurons is an imperfect model of the 3D brain tissue architecture represented by many functionally active cell types. The development of protocols for the differentiation of iPSCs into 3D cerebral organoids made it possible to establish a cellular model closest to native human brain tissue. Cerebral organoids are equally suitable for modeling various CNS pathologies, testing pharmacologically active substances, and utilization in regenerative medicine. Meanwhile, this technology is still at the initial stage of development.
Collapse
|
14
|
Fukusumi H, Togo K, Sumida M, Nakamori M, Obika S, Baba K, Shofuda T, Ito D, Okano H, Mochizuki H, Kanemura Y. Alpha-synuclein dynamics in induced pluripotent stem cell-derived dopaminergic neurons from a Parkinson's disease patient (PARK4) with SNCA triplication. FEBS Open Bio 2021; 11:354-366. [PMID: 33301617 PMCID: PMC7876504 DOI: 10.1002/2211-5463.13060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2020] [Revised: 11/06/2020] [Accepted: 12/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder caused by the selective loss of dopaminergic (DA) neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc). Lewy bodies (LBs), another histological hallmark of PD, are observed in patients with familial or sporadic PD. The therapeutic potential of reducing the accumulation of α‐synuclein, a major LB component, has been investigated, but it remains unknown whether the formation of LBs results in the loss of DA neurons. PARK4 patients exhibit multiplication of the α‐synuclein gene (SNCA) without any pathological mutations, but their symptoms develop relatively early. Therefore, study of PARK4 might help elucidate the mechanism of α‐synuclein aggregation. In this study, we investigated the dynamics of α‐synuclein during the early stage of immature DA neurons, which were differentiated from human‐induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) derived from either a PARK4 patient with SNCA triplication or a healthy donor. We observed increased α‐synuclein accumulation in PARK4 hiPSC‐derived DA neurons relative to those derived from healthy donor hiPSCs. Interestingly, α‐synuclein accumulation disappeared over time in the PARK4 patient‐derived DA neurons. Moreover, an SNCA‐specific antisense oligonucleotide could reduce α‐synuclein levels during the accumulation stage. These observations may help reveal the mechanisms that regulate α‐synuclein levels, which may consequently be useful in the development of new therapies for patients with sporadic or familial PD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hayato Fukusumi
- Division of Stem Cell Research, Department of Biomedical Research and Innovation, Institute for Clinical Research, National Hospital Organization Osaka National Hospital, Japan
| | - Kazuyuki Togo
- Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Japan
| | - Miho Sumida
- Division of Regenerative Medicine, Department of Biomedical Research and Innovation, Institute for Clinical Research, National Hospital Organization Osaka National Hospital, Japan
| | - Masayuki Nakamori
- Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Japan
| | - Satoshi Obika
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, Japan
| | - Kousuke Baba
- Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Japan
| | - Tomoko Shofuda
- Division of Stem Cell Research, Department of Biomedical Research and Innovation, Institute for Clinical Research, National Hospital Organization Osaka National Hospital, Japan
| | - Daisuke Ito
- Department of Neurology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hideyuki Okano
- Department of Physiology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hideki Mochizuki
- Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Japan
| | - Yonehiro Kanemura
- Division of Regenerative Medicine, Department of Biomedical Research and Innovation, Institute for Clinical Research, National Hospital Organization Osaka National Hospital, Japan.,Department of Neurosurgery, National Hospital Organization Osaka National Hospital, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Wilson E, Knudson W, Newell-Litwa K. Hyaluronan regulates synapse formation and function in developing neural networks. Sci Rep 2020; 10:16459. [PMID: 33020512 PMCID: PMC7536407 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-73177-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2020] [Accepted: 09/07/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurodevelopmental disorders present with synaptic alterations that disrupt the balance between excitatory and inhibitory signaling. For example, hyperexcitability of cortical neurons is associated with both epilepsy and autism spectrum disorders. However, the mechanisms that initially establish the balance between excitatory and inhibitory signaling in brain development are not well understood. Here, we sought to determine how the extracellular matrix directs synapse formation and regulates synaptic function in a model of human cortical brain development. The extracellular matrix, making up twenty percent of brain volume, is largely comprised of hyaluronan. Hyaluronan acts as both a scaffold of the extracellular matrix and a space-filling molecule. Hyaluronan is present from the onset of brain development, beginning with neural crest cell migration. Through acute perturbation of hyaluronan levels during synaptogenesis, we sought to determine how hyaluronan impacts the ratio of excitatory to inhibitory synapse formation and the resulting neural activity. We used 3-D cortical spheroids derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells to replicate this neurodevelopmental window. Our results demonstrate that hyaluronan preferentially surrounds nascent excitatory synapses. Removal of hyaluronan increases the expression of excitatory synapse markers and results in a corresponding increase in the formation of excitatory synapses, while also decreasing inhibitory synapse formation. This increased excitatory synapse formation elevates network activity, as demonstrated by microelectrode array analysis. In contrast, the addition of purified hyaluronan suppresses excitatory synapse formation. These results establish that the hyaluronan extracellular matrix surrounds developing excitatory synapses, where it critically regulates synapse formation and the resulting balance between excitatory to inhibitory signaling.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emily Wilson
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, USA
| | - Warren Knudson
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, USA
| | - Karen Newell-Litwa
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Wilson E, Rudisill T, Kirk B, Johnson C, Kemper P, Newell-Litwa K. Cytoskeletal regulation of synaptogenesis in a model of human fetal brain development. J Neurosci Res 2020; 98:2148-2165. [PMID: 32713041 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.24692] [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: 09/24/2019] [Revised: 06/15/2020] [Accepted: 06/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Excitatory synapse formation begins in mid-fetal gestation. However, due to our inability to image fetal synaptogenesis, the initial formation of synapses remains understudied. The recent development of human fetal brain spheroids provides access to this critical period of synapse formation. Using human neurons and brain spheroids, we address how altered actin regulation impacts the formation of excitatory synapses during fetal brain development. Prior to synapse formation, inhibition of RhoA kinase (ROCK) signaling promotes neurite elongation and branching. In addition to increasing neural complexity, ROCK inhibition increases the length of protrusions along the neurite, ultimately promoting excitatory synapse formation in human cortical brain spheroids. A corresponding increase in Rac1-driven actin polymerization drives this increase in excitatory synaptogenesis. Using STORM super-resolution microscopy, we demonstrate that actomyosin regulators, including the Rac1 regulator, α-PIX, and the RhoA regulator, p115-RhoGEF, localize to nascent excitatory synapses, where they preferentially localize to postsynaptic compartments. These results demonstrate that coordinated RhoGTPase activities underlie the initial formation of excitatory synapses and identify critical cytoskeletal regulators of early synaptogenic events.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emily Wilson
- Anatomy and Cell Biology, East Carolina University Brody School of Medicine, Greenville, NC, USA
| | - Taylor Rudisill
- Anatomy and Cell Biology, East Carolina University Brody School of Medicine, Greenville, NC, USA
| | - Brenna Kirk
- Anatomy and Cell Biology, East Carolina University Brody School of Medicine, Greenville, NC, USA
| | - Colin Johnson
- Anatomy and Cell Biology, East Carolina University Brody School of Medicine, Greenville, NC, USA
| | - Paige Kemper
- Anatomy and Cell Biology, East Carolina University Brody School of Medicine, Greenville, NC, USA
| | - Karen Newell-Litwa
- Anatomy and Cell Biology, East Carolina University Brody School of Medicine, Greenville, NC, USA
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Smits LM, Schwamborn JC. Midbrain Organoids: A New Tool to Investigate Parkinson's Disease. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:359. [PMID: 32509785 PMCID: PMC7248385 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.00359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2019] [Accepted: 04/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The study of human 3D cell culture models not only bridges the gap between traditional 2D in vitro experiments and in vivo animal models, it also addresses processes that cannot be recapitulated by either of these traditional models. Therefore, it offers an opportunity to better understand complex biology including brain development. The brain organoid technology provides a physiologically relevant context, which holds great potential for its application in modeling neurological diseases. Here, we compare different methods to obtain highly specialized structures that resemble specific features of the human midbrain. Regionally patterned neural stem cells (NSCs) were utilized to derive such human midbrain-specific organoids (hMO). The resulting neural tissue exhibited abundant neurons with midbrain dopaminergic neuron identity, as well as astroglia and oligodendrocyte differentiation. Within the midbrain organoids, neurite myelination, and the formation of synaptic connections were observed. Regular neuronal fire patterning and neural network synchronicity were determined by multielectrode array recordings. In addition to electrophysiologically functional neurons producing and secreting dopamine, responsive neuronal subtypes, such as GABAergic and glutamatergic neurons were also detected. In order to model disorders like Parkinson's disease (PD) in vitro, midbrain organoids carrying a disease specific mutation were derived and compared to healthy control organoids to investigate relevant neurodegenerative pathophysiology. In this way midbrain-specific organoids constitute a powerful tool for human-specific in vitro modeling of neurological disorders with a great potential to be utilized in advanced therapy development.
Collapse
|
18
|
Visualizing the Synaptic and Cellular Ultrastructure in Neurons Differentiated from Human Induced Neural Stem Cells-An Optimized Protocol. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21051708. [PMID: 32131546 PMCID: PMC7084184 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21051708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2019] [Revised: 02/23/2020] [Accepted: 02/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The size of the synaptic subcomponents falls below the limits of visible light microscopy. Despite new developments in advanced microscopy techniques, the resolution of transmission electron microscopy (TEM) remains unsurpassed. The requirements of tissue preservation are very high, and human post mortem material often does not offer adequate quality. However, new reprogramming techniques that generate human neurons in vitro provide samples that can easily fulfill these requirements. The objective of this study was to identify the culture technique with the best ultrastructural preservation in combination with the best embedding and contrasting technique for visualizing neuronal elements. Two induced neural stem cell lines derived from healthy control subjects underwent differentiation either adherent on glass coverslips, embedded in a droplet of highly concentrated Matrigel, or as a compact neurosphere. Afterward, they were fixed using a combination of glutaraldehyde (GA) and paraformaldehyde (PFA) followed by three approaches (standard stain, Ruthenium red stain, high contrast en-bloc stain) using different combinations of membrane enhancing and contrasting steps before ultrathin sectioning and imaging by TEM. The compact free-floating neurospheres exhibited the best ultrastructural preservation. High-contrast en-bloc stain offered particularly sharp staining of membrane structures and the highest quality visualization of neuronal structures. In conclusion, compact neurospheres growing under free-floating conditions in combination with a high contrast en-bloc staining protocol, offer the optimal preservation and contrast with a particular focus on visualizing membrane structures as required for analyzing synaptic structures.
Collapse
|
19
|
Balikov DA, Neal EH, Lippmann ES. Organotypic Neurovascular Models: Past Results and Future Directions. Trends Mol Med 2019; 26:273-284. [PMID: 31699496 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2019.09.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2019] [Revised: 09/10/2019] [Accepted: 09/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The high failure rates of clinical trials in neurodegeneration, perhaps most apparent in recent high-profile failures of potential Alzheimer's disease therapies, have partially motivated the development of improved human cell-based models to bridge the gap between well-plate assays and preclinical efficacy studies in mice. Recently, cerebral organoids derived from stem cells have gained significant traction as 3D models of central nervous system (CNS) regions. Although this technology is promising, several limitations still exist; most notably, improper structural organization of neural cells and a lack of functional glia and vasculature. Here, we provide an overview of the cerebral organoid field and speculate how engineering strategies, including biomaterial fabrication and templating, might be used to overcome existing challenges.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel A Balikov
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA; Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Emma H Neal
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Ethan S Lippmann
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA; Chemical and Physical Biology Program, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA; Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA; Interdisciplinary Materials Science Program, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Papariello A, Newell-Litwa K. Human-Derived Brain Models: Windows into Neuropsychiatric Disorders and Drug Therapies. Assay Drug Dev Technol 2019; 18:79-88. [PMID: 31090445 DOI: 10.1089/adt.2019.922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Human-derived neurons and brain organoids have revolutionized our ability to model brain development in a dish. In this review, we discuss the potential for human brain models to advance drug discovery for complex neuropsychiatric disorders. First, we address the advantages of human brain models to screen for new drugs capable of altering CNS activity. Next, we propose an experimental pipeline for using human-derived neurons and brain organoids to rapidly assess drug impact on key events in brain development, including neurite extension, synapse formation, and neural activity. The experimental pipeline begins with automated high content imaging for analysis of neurites, synapses, and neuronal viability. Following morphological examination, multi-well microelectrode array technology examines neural activity in response to drug treatment. These techniques can be combined with high throughput sequencing and mass spectrometry to assess associated transcriptional and proteomic changes. These combined technologies provide a foundation for neuropsychiatric drug discovery and future clinical assessment of patient-specific drug responses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexis Papariello
- Graduate Program of Pharmacology and Toxicology, East Carolina University Brody School of Medicine, Greenville, North Carolina
| | - Karen Newell-Litwa
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, East Carolina University Brody School of Medicine, Greenville, North Carolina
| |
Collapse
|