1
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Kim M, Oh S, Kim S, Kim IS, Kim J, Han J, Ahn JW, Chung S, Jang JH, Shin JE, Park KI. In vivo neural regeneration via AAV-NeuroD1 gene delivery to astrocytes in neonatal hypoxic-ischemic brain injury. Inflamm Regen 2024; 44:33. [PMID: 39014391 PMCID: PMC11253351 DOI: 10.1186/s41232-024-00349-y] [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: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 07/06/2024] [Indexed: 07/18/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neonatal hypoxic-ischemic brain injury (HIBI) is a significant contributor to neonatal mortality and long-term neurodevelopmental disability, characterized by massive neuronal loss and reactive astrogliosis. Current therapeutic approaches for neonatal HIBI have been limited to general supportive therapy because of the lack of methods to compensate for irreversible neuronal loss. This study aimed to establish a feasible regenerative therapy for neonatal HIBI utilizing in vivo direct neuronal reprogramming technology. METHODS Neonatal HIBI was induced in ICR mice at postnatal day 7 by permanent right common carotid artery occlusion and exposure to hypoxia with 8% oxygen and 92% nitrogen for 90 min. Three days after the injury, NeuroD1 was delivered to reactive astrocytes of the injury site using the astrocyte-tropic adeno-associated viral (AAV) vector AAVShH19. AAVShH19 was engineered with the Cre-FLEX system for long-term tracking of infected cells. RESULTS AAVShH19-mediated ectopic NeuroD1 expression effectively converted astrocytes into GABAergic neurons, and the converted cells exhibited electrophysiological properties and synaptic transmitters. Additionally, we found that NeuroD1-mediated in vivo direct neuronal reprogramming protected injured host neurons and altered the host environment, i.e., decreased the numbers of activated microglia, reactive astrocytes, and toxic A1-type astrocytes, and decreased the expression of pro-inflammatory factors. Furthermore, NeuroD1-treated mice exhibited significantly improved motor functions. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrates that NeuroD1-mediated in vivo direct neuronal reprogramming technology through AAV gene delivery can be a novel regenerative therapy for neonatal HIBI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miri Kim
- Yonsei Biomedical Research Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea
- Department of Pediatrics, Severance Children's Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 50-1 Yonsei-Ro, Seodaemun-Gu, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Seokmin Oh
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Yonsei University, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Songyeon Kim
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Yonsei University, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Il-Sun Kim
- Yonsei Biomedical Research Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Joowon Kim
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Yonsei University, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Jungho Han
- Department of Pediatrics, Severance Children's Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 50-1 Yonsei-Ro, Seodaemun-Gu, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji Woong Ahn
- BnH Research. Co., Ltd. Goyang-Si, Gyeonggi-Do, Republic of Korea
| | - Seungsoo Chung
- Department of Physiology, Brain Korea 21 Plus Project for Medical Science, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae-Hyung Jang
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Yonsei University, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea
- GluGene Therapeutics Inc., Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeong Eun Shin
- Yonsei Biomedical Research Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea.
- Department of Pediatrics, Severance Children's Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 50-1 Yonsei-Ro, Seodaemun-Gu, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea.
| | - Kook In Park
- Yonsei Biomedical Research Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea
- Department of Pediatrics, Severance Children's Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 50-1 Yonsei-Ro, Seodaemun-Gu, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea
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2
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Zheng YY, Xu H, Wang YS. Progress in direct reprogramming of dopaminergic cell replacement therapy. Neurol Sci 2024; 45:873-881. [PMID: 37945931 DOI: 10.1007/s10072-023-07175-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a gradual neurodegenerative disease. While drug therapy and surgical treatments have been the primary means of addressing PD, they do not offer a cure, and the risks associated with surgical treatment are high. Recent advances in cell reprogramming have given rise to new prospects for the treatment of Parkinson's disease (PD), with induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), induced dopamine neurons (iDNs), and induced neural stem cells (iNSCs) being created. These cells can potentially be used in the treatment of Parkinson's disease. On the other hand, this article emphasizes the limits of iPSCs and iNSCs in the context of Parkinson's disease treatment, as well as approaches for direct reprogramming of somatic cells into iDNs. The paper will examine the benefits and drawbacks of directly converting somatic cells into iDNs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Yuan Zheng
- School of Pharmacy, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, 264003, Shandong, China
| | - Hui Xu
- Human Resources Department, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, 264003, Shandong, China
| | - Yue Si Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, 264003, Shandong, China.
- Medicine and Pharmacy Research Center, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, 264003, Shandong, China.
- Yantai Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, 264003, Shandong, China.
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3
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Neurod1 mediates the reprogramming of NG2 glial into neurons in vitro. Gene Expr Patterns 2023; 47:119305. [PMID: 36682427 DOI: 10.1016/j.gep.2023.119305] [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: 08/08/2022] [Revised: 12/31/2022] [Accepted: 01/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Neuronal defect and loss are the main pathological processes of many central nervous system diseases. Cellular reprogramming is a promising method to supplement lost neurons. However, study on cellular reprogramming is still limited and its mechanism remains unclear. Herein, the effect of Neurod1 expression on differentiation of NG2 glia into neurons was investigated. In this study, we successfully isolated NG2 glial cells from mice prior to identification with immunofluorescence. Afterwards, AAV-Neurod1 virus was used to construct Neurod1 overexpression vectors in NG2 glia. Later, we detected neuronal markers expression with immunofluorescence and real time quantitative polymerase-chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Besides, expression of MAPK-signaling-pathway-related proteins were detected by western blotting technique. Through immunofluorescence and qRT-PCR techniques, we observed that Neurod1 overexpression contributed to NG2 cells differentiated into neurons. Further experiments also showed that Neurod1 overexpression induced the activation of MAPK pathway, but PD98059 (a selective inhibitor of MAPK pathway) partly inhibited the neuronal differentiation induced by Neurod1 overexpression. These findings suggest that Neurod1 could promote NG2 glia cells differentiating into neurons, wherein the mechanism under the differentiation is related to activation of MAPK pathway.
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4
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Revete A, Aparicio A, Cisterna BA, Revete J, Luis L, Ibarra E, Segura González EA, Molino J, Reginensi D. Advancements in the Use of Hydrogels for Regenerative Medicine: Properties and Biomedical Applications. Int J Biomater 2022; 2022:3606765. [PMID: 36387956 PMCID: PMC9663251 DOI: 10.1155/2022/3606765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2022] [Revised: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 07/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Due to their particular water absorption capacity, hydrogels are the most widely used scaffolds in biomedical studies to regenerate damaged tissue. Hydrogels can be used in tissue engineering to design scaffolds for three-dimensional cell culture, providing a novel alternative to the traditional two-dimensional cell culture as hydrogels have a three-dimensional biomimetic structure. This material property is crucial in regenerative medicine, especially for the nervous system, since it is a highly complex and delicate structure. Hydrogels can move quickly within the human body without physically disturbing the environment and possess essential biocompatible properties, as well as the ability to form a mimetic scaffold in situ. Therefore, hydrogels are perfect candidates for biomedical applications. Hydrogels represent a potential alternative to regenerating tissue lost after removing a brain tumor and/or brain injuries. This reason presents them as an exciting alternative to highly complex human physiological problems, such as injuries to the central nervous system and neurodegenerative disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Revete
- Biological Engineering, Faculty of Biosciences and Public Health, Universidad Especializada de las Americas (UDELAS), Panama City, Panama
- Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Health Sciences and Engineering, Universidad Latina de Panama (ULATINA), Panama City, Panama
| | - Andrea Aparicio
- Biological Engineering, Faculty of Biosciences and Public Health, Universidad Especializada de las Americas (UDELAS), Panama City, Panama
| | - Bruno A. Cisterna
- Department of Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Javier Revete
- Experimentia S.A, Development of Innovative Strategies in Biomedicine and Sustainable Development, Panama, Panama
| | - Luis Luis
- Experimentia S.A, Development of Innovative Strategies in Biomedicine and Sustainable Development, Panama, Panama
| | - Ernesto Ibarra
- Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Health Sciences and Engineering, Universidad Latina de Panama (ULATINA), Panama City, Panama
| | | | - Jay Molino
- Biological Engineering, Faculty of Biosciences and Public Health, Universidad Especializada de las Americas (UDELAS), Panama City, Panama
| | - Diego Reginensi
- Biological Engineering, Faculty of Biosciences and Public Health, Universidad Especializada de las Americas (UDELAS), Panama City, Panama
- Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Health Sciences and Engineering, Universidad Latina de Panama (ULATINA), Panama City, Panama
- Integrative Neurobiology, School of Medicine, Universidad de Panama (UP), Panama, Panama
- Center for Biodiversity and Drug Discovery, INDICASAT-AIP, City of Knowledge, Panama, Panama
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5
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Giovannini D, Andreola F, Spitalieri P, Krasnowska EK, Colini Baldeschi A, Rossi S, Sangiuolo F, Cozzolino M, Serafino A. Natriuretic peptides are neuroprotective on in vitro models of PD and promote dopaminergic differentiation of hiPSCs-derived neurons via the Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Cell Death Discov 2021; 7:330. [PMID: 34725335 PMCID: PMC8560781 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-021-00723-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2021] [Revised: 10/12/2021] [Accepted: 10/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Over the last 20 years, the efforts to develop new therapies for Parkinson's disease (PD) have focused not only on the improvement of symptomatic therapy for motor and non-motor symptoms but also on the discovering of the potential causes of PD, in order to develop disease-modifying treatments. The emerging role of dysregulation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling in the onset and progression of PD, as well as of other neurodegenerative diseases (NDs), renders the targeting of this signaling an attractive therapeutic opportunity for curing this brain disorder. The natriuretic peptides (NPs) atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), and C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP), are cardiac and vascular-derived hormones also widely expressed in mammalian CNS, where they seem to participate in numerous brain functions including neural development/differentiation and neuroprotection. We recently demonstrated that ANP affects the Wnt/β-catenin pathway possibly through a Frizzled receptor-mediated mechanism and that it acts as a neuroprotective agent in in vitro models of PD by upregulating this signaling. Here we provide further evidence supporting the therapeutic potential of this class of natriuretic hormones. Specifically, we demonstrate that all the three natriuretic peptides are neuroprotective for SHSY5Y cells and primary cultures of DA neurons from mouse brain, subjected to neurotoxin insult with 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) for mimicking the neurodegeneration of PD, and these effects are associated with the activation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Moreover, ANP, BNP, CNP are able to improve and accelerate the dopaminergic differentiation and maturation of hiPSCs-derived neural population obtained from two differed healthy donors, concomitantly affecting the canonical Wnt signaling. Our results support the relevance of exogenous ANP, BNP, and CNP as attractive molecules for both neuroprotection and neurorepair in PD, and more in general, in NDs for which aberrant Wnt signaling seems to be the leading pathogenetic mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Giovannini
- Institute of Translational Pharmacology-National Research Council of Italy, Rome, Italy
| | - Federica Andreola
- Institute of Translational Pharmacology-National Research Council of Italy, Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Spitalieri
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Genetic Medicine Unit, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy
| | | | | | - Simona Rossi
- Institute of Translational Pharmacology-National Research Council of Italy, Rome, Italy
| | - Federica Sangiuolo
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Genetic Medicine Unit, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy
| | - Mauro Cozzolino
- Institute of Translational Pharmacology-National Research Council of Italy, Rome, Italy
| | - Annalucia Serafino
- Institute of Translational Pharmacology-National Research Council of Italy, Rome, Italy.
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6
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Jiang MQ, Yu SP, Wei ZZ, Zhong W, Cao W, Gu X, Wu A, McCrary MR, Berglund K, Wei L. Conversion of Reactive Astrocytes to Induced Neurons Enhances Neuronal Repair and Functional Recovery After Ischemic Stroke. Front Aging Neurosci 2021; 13:612856. [PMID: 33841125 PMCID: PMC8032905 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2021.612856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The master neuronal transcription factor NeuroD1 can directly reprogram astrocytes into induced neurons (iNeurons) after stroke. Using viral vectors to drive ectopic ND1 expression in gliotic astrocytes after brain injury presents an autologous form of cell therapy for neurodegenerative disease. Cultured astrocytes transfected with ND1 exhibited reduced proliferation and adopted neuronal morphology within 2-3 weeks later, expressed neuronal/synaptic markers, and extended processes. Whole-cell recordings detected the firing of evoked action potentials in converted iNeurons. Focal ischemic stroke was induced in adult GFAP-Cre-Rosa-YFP mice that then received ND1 lentivirus injections into the peri-infarct region 7 days after stroke. Reprogrammed cells did not express stemness genes, while 2-6 weeks later converted cells were co-labeled with YFP (constitutively activated in astrocytes), mCherry (ND1 infection marker), and NeuN (mature neuronal marker). Approximately 66% of infected cells became NeuN-positive neurons. The majority (~80%) of converted cells expressed the vascular glutamate transporter (vGLUT) of glutamatergic neurons. ND1 treatment reduced astrogliosis, and some iNeurons located/survived inside of the savaged ischemic core. Western blotting detected higher levels of BDNF, FGF, and PSD-95 in ND1-treated mice. MultiElectrode Array (MEA) recordings in brain slices revealed that the ND1-induced reprogramming restored interrupted cortical circuits and synaptic plasticity. Furthermore, ND1 treatment significantly improved locomotor, sensorimotor, and psychological functions. Thus, conversion of endogenous astrocytes to neurons represents a plausible, on-site regenerative therapy for stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Qize Jiang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States
- Center for Visual and Neurocognitive Rehabilitation, Atlanta Veterans Affair Medical Center, Decatur, GA, United States
| | - Shan Ping Yu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States
- Center for Visual and Neurocognitive Rehabilitation, Atlanta Veterans Affair Medical Center, Decatur, GA, United States
| | - Zheng Zachory Wei
- Department of Anesthesiology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States
- Center for Visual and Neurocognitive Rehabilitation, Atlanta Veterans Affair Medical Center, Decatur, GA, United States
| | - Weiwei Zhong
- Department of Anesthesiology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States
- Center for Visual and Neurocognitive Rehabilitation, Atlanta Veterans Affair Medical Center, Decatur, GA, United States
| | - Wenyuan Cao
- Department of Anesthesiology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Xiaohuan Gu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States
- Center for Visual and Neurocognitive Rehabilitation, Atlanta Veterans Affair Medical Center, Decatur, GA, United States
| | - Anika Wu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Myles Randolph McCrary
- Department of Anesthesiology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Ken Berglund
- Center for Visual and Neurocognitive Rehabilitation, Atlanta Veterans Affair Medical Center, Decatur, GA, United States
- Department of Neurosurgery, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Ling Wei
- Department of Anesthesiology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States
- Department of Neurology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States
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7
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Direct Conversion of Human Stem Cell-Derived Glial Progenitor Cells into GABAergic Interneurons. Cells 2020; 9:cells9112451. [PMID: 33182669 PMCID: PMC7698048 DOI: 10.3390/cells9112451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2020] [Revised: 11/06/2020] [Accepted: 11/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Glial progenitor cells are widely distributed in brain parenchyma and represent a suitable target for future therapeutic interventions that generate new neurons via in situ reprogramming. Previous studies have shown successful reprogramming of mouse glia into neurons whereas the conversion of human glial cells remains challenging due to the limited accessibility of human brain tissue. Here, we have used a recently developed stem cell-based model of human glia progenitor cells (hGPCs) for direct neural reprogramming by overexpressing a set of transcription factors involved in GABAergic interneuron fate specification. GABAergic interneurons play a key role in balancing excitatory and inhibitory neural circuitry in the brain and loss or dysfunction of these have been implicated in several neurological disorders such as epilepsy, schizophrenia, and autism. Our results demonstrate that hGPCs successfully convert into functional induced neurons with postsynaptic activity within a month. The induced neurons have properties of GABAergic neurons, express subtype-specific interneuron markers (e.g. parvalbumin) and exhibit a complex neuronal morphology with extensive dendritic trees. The possibility of inducing GABAergic interneurons from a renewable in vitro hGPC system could provide a foundation for the development of therapies for interneuron pathologies.
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8
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Nolbrant S, Giacomoni J, Hoban DB, Bruzelius A, Birtele M, Chandler-Militello D, Pereira M, Ottosson DR, Goldman SA, Parmar M. Direct Reprogramming of Human Fetal- and Stem Cell-Derived Glial Progenitor Cells into Midbrain Dopaminergic Neurons. Stem Cell Reports 2020; 15:869-882. [PMID: 32976765 PMCID: PMC7562948 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2020.08.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2020] [Revised: 08/25/2020] [Accepted: 08/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Human glial progenitor cells (hGPCs) are promising cellular substrates to explore for the in situ production of new neurons for brain repair. Proof of concept for direct neuronal reprogramming of glial progenitors has been obtained in mouse models in vivo, but conversion using human cells has not yet been demonstrated. Such studies have been difficult to perform since hGPCs are born late during human fetal development, with limited accessibility for in vitro culture. In this study, we show proof of concept of hGPC conversion using fetal cells and also establish a renewable and reproducible stem cell-based hGPC system for direct neural conversion in vitro. Using this system, we have identified optimal combinations of fate determinants for the efficient dopaminergic (DA) conversion of hGPCs, thereby yielding a therapeutically relevant cell type that selectively degenerates in Parkinson's disease. The induced DA neurons show a progressive, subtype-specific phenotypic maturation and acquire functional electrophysiological properties indicative of DA phenotype. Human glial progenitors (hGPCs) can be directly converted into functional neurons Specific transcription factor combinations result in dopaminergic conversion Reprogrammed neurons show subtype-specific and functional maturation over time
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Nolbrant
- Developmental and Regenerative Neurobiology, Wallenberg Neuroscience Center, and Lund Stem Cell Centre, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Jessica Giacomoni
- Developmental and Regenerative Neurobiology, Wallenberg Neuroscience Center, and Lund Stem Cell Centre, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Deirdre B Hoban
- Developmental and Regenerative Neurobiology, Wallenberg Neuroscience Center, and Lund Stem Cell Centre, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Andreas Bruzelius
- Regenerative Neurophysiology, Wallenberg Neuroscience Center, Lund Stem Cell Center, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Marcella Birtele
- Developmental and Regenerative Neurobiology, Wallenberg Neuroscience Center, and Lund Stem Cell Centre, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Devin Chandler-Militello
- Center for Translational Neuromedicine and Department of Neurology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Maria Pereira
- Developmental and Regenerative Neurobiology, Wallenberg Neuroscience Center, and Lund Stem Cell Centre, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Daniella Rylander Ottosson
- Regenerative Neurophysiology, Wallenberg Neuroscience Center, Lund Stem Cell Center, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Steven A Goldman
- Center for Translational Neuromedicine and Department of Neurology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA; Center for Neuroscience, University of Copenhagen Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Copenhagen, Denmark; Neuroscience Center, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Malin Parmar
- Developmental and Regenerative Neurobiology, Wallenberg Neuroscience Center, and Lund Stem Cell Centre, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.
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9
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Flitsch LJ, Laupman KE, Brüstle O. Transcription Factor-Based Fate Specification and Forward Programming for Neural Regeneration. Front Cell Neurosci 2020; 14:121. [PMID: 32508594 PMCID: PMC7251072 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2020.00121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2019] [Accepted: 04/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Traditionally, in vitro generation of donor cells for brain repair has been dominated by the application of extrinsic growth factors and morphogens. Recent advances in cell engineering strategies such as reprogramming of somatic cells into induced pluripotent stem cells and direct cell fate conversion have impressively demonstrated the feasibility to manipulate cell identities by the overexpression of cell fate-determining transcription factors. These strategies are now increasingly implemented for transcription factor-guided differentiation of neural precursors and forward programming of pluripotent stem cells toward specific neural subtypes. This review covers major achievements, pros and cons, as well as future prospects of transcription factor-based cell fate specification and the applicability of these approaches for the generation of donor cells for brain repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lea J Flitsch
- Institute of Reconstructive Neurobiology, Life & Brain Center, University of Bonn Medical Faculty and University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Karen E Laupman
- Institute of Reconstructive Neurobiology, Life & Brain Center, University of Bonn Medical Faculty and University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Oliver Brüstle
- Institute of Reconstructive Neurobiology, Life & Brain Center, University of Bonn Medical Faculty and University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
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10
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Andreoli E, Petrenko V, Constanthin PE, Contestabile A, Bocchi R, Egervari K, Quairiaux C, Salmon P, Kiss JZ. Transplanted Embryonic Neurons Improve Functional Recovery by Increasing Activity in Injured Cortical Circuits. Cereb Cortex 2020; 30:4708-4725. [PMID: 32266929 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhaa075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2019] [Revised: 02/07/2020] [Accepted: 03/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Transplantation of appropriate neuronal precursors after injury is a promising strategy to reconstruct cortical circuits, but the efficiency of these approaches remains limited. Here, we applied targeted apoptosis to selectively ablate layer II/III pyramidal neurons in the rat juvenile cerebral cortex and attempted to replace lost neurons with their appropriate embryonic precursors by transplantation. We demonstrate that grafted precursors do not migrate to replace lost neurons but form vascularized clusters establishing reciprocal synaptic contacts with host networks and show functional integration. These heterotopic neuronal clusters significantly enhance the activity of the host circuits without causing epileptic seizures and attenuate the apoptotic injury-induced functional deficits in electrophysiological and behavioral tests. Chemogenetic activation of grafted neurons further improved functional recovery, and the persistence of the graft was necessary for maintaining restored functions in adult animals. Thus, implanting neuronal precursors capable to form synaptically integrated neuronal clusters combined with activation-based approaches represents a useful strategy for helping long-term functional recovery following brain injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evgenia Andreoli
- Department of Basic Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, 1 Rue Michel Servet, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Volodymyr Petrenko
- Department of Basic Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, 1 Rue Michel Servet, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Paul Eugène Constanthin
- Department of Basic Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, 1 Rue Michel Servet, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Alessandro Contestabile
- Department of Basic Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, 1 Rue Michel Servet, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Riccardo Bocchi
- Department of Basic Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, 1 Rue Michel Servet, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Kristof Egervari
- Department of Basic Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, 1 Rue Michel Servet, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Charles Quairiaux
- Department of Basic Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, 1 Rue Michel Servet, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Patrick Salmon
- Department of Basic Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, 1 Rue Michel Servet, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Jozsef Zoltan Kiss
- Department of Basic Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, 1 Rue Michel Servet, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland
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11
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Zarei-Kheirabadi M, Vaccaro AR, Rahimi-Movaghar V, Kiani S, Baharvand H. An Overview of Extrinsic and Intrinsic Mechanisms Involved in Astrocyte Development in the Central Nervous System. Stem Cells Dev 2020; 29:266-280. [PMID: 31847709 DOI: 10.1089/scd.2019.0189] [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] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Over the past few decades, our knowledge about the function of the central nervous system (CNS) and astrocytes has improved, and research has confirmed the key roles that astrocytes play in the physiology and pathology of the CNS. Here, we reviewed the intrinsic and extrinsic mechanisms that regulate the development of astrocytes, which are generated from radial glial cells. These regulatory systems modulate various signaling pathways and transcription factors. In this review, four stages of astrocyte development-specification (patterning and switch), migration, proliferation, and maturation, are discussed. In astrocyte patterning, VA1-VA3 domains create the astrocyte subtypes by differential expression of Slit1 and Reelin in the spinal cord. In the brain, patterning creates several astrocyte subtypes by different organizing centers. At the switch step, the janus kinase-signal transducer and activator of transcription pathway governs the transition of neurogenesis to gliogenesis. Bone marrow protein and Notch pathways are also important players of the progliogenic switch. Intrinsic regulation is mediated by DNA methylation transferases, and polycomb group complexes can intrinsically affect the development of astrocytes. In the next stage, these cells proliferate and migrate to their final location. Astrocyte maturation is accomplished through the development of cellular processes, molecular markers, and functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masoumeh Zarei-Kheirabadi
- Department of Brain, Cognitive Sciences and Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Alexander R Vaccaro
- Department of Orthopedics, Rothman Orthopedic Institute, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Vafa Rahimi-Movaghar
- Sina Trauma and Surgery Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sahar Kiani
- Department of Brain, Cognitive Sciences and Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hossein Baharvand
- Department of Stem Cells and Developmental Biology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran.,Department of Developmental Biology, University of Science and Culture, Tehran, Iran
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12
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Peterson DJ, Marckini DN, Straight JL, King EM, Johnson W, Sarah SS, Chowdhary PK, DeLano-Taylor MK. The Basic Helix-Loop-Helix Gene Nato3 Drives Expression of Dopaminergic Neuron Transcription Factors in Neural Progenitors. Neuroscience 2019; 421:176-191. [PMID: 31672641 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2019.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2019] [Revised: 08/17/2019] [Accepted: 09/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The floor plate of the developing midbrain gives rise to dopaminergic (DA) neurons, an important class of cells involved in Parkinson's disease (PD). Neural progenitors of the midbrain floor plate utilize key genes in transcriptional networks to drive dopamine neurogenesis. Identifying factors that promote dopaminergic neuron transcriptional networks can provide insight into strategies for therapies in PD. Using the chick embryo, we developed a quantitative PCR (qPCR) based method to assess the potential of a candidate factor to drive DA neuron gene expression, including the basic helix-loop-helix transcription factor Nato3 (Ferd3l). We then showed that overexpression of Nato3 in the developing chick mesencephalon produces a regionally dependent increase in genes associated with the DA neurogenesis, (such as Foxa2, Lmx1b and Shh) as well as DA neuron genes Nurr1 (an immature DA neuron marker) and mRNA expression of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH, a mature DA neuron marker). Interestingly, our data also showed that Nato3 is a potent regulator of Lmx1b by its broad induction of Lmx1b expression in neural progenitors of multiple regions of the CNS, including the midbrain and spinal cord. These data introduce a new, in vivo approach to identifying a gene that can drive DA transcriptional networks and provide the new insight that Nato3 can drive expression of key DA neuron genes, including Lmx1b, in neural progenitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Doug J Peterson
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Grand Valley State University, 1 Campus Drive, Allendale MI 49401, USA; Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Grand Valley State University, 1 Campus Drive, Allendale MI 49401, USA
| | - Darcy N Marckini
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Grand Valley State University, 1 Campus Drive, Allendale MI 49401, USA
| | - Jordan L Straight
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Grand Valley State University, 1 Campus Drive, Allendale MI 49401, USA
| | - Elizabeth M King
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Grand Valley State University, 1 Campus Drive, Allendale MI 49401, USA
| | - William Johnson
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Grand Valley State University, 1 Campus Drive, Allendale MI 49401, USA
| | - Sarala S Sarah
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Grand Valley State University, 1 Campus Drive, Allendale MI 49401, USA
| | - Puneet K Chowdhary
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Grand Valley State University, 1 Campus Drive, Allendale MI 49401, USA; Center for Neurodegenerative Science, Van Andel Research Institute, 333 Bostwick Ave., Grand Rapids MI 49506, USA
| | - Merritt K DeLano-Taylor
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Grand Valley State University, 1 Campus Drive, Allendale MI 49401, USA; Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Grand Valley State University, 1 Campus Drive, Allendale MI 49401, USA; Center for Neurodegenerative Science, Van Andel Research Institute, 333 Bostwick Ave., Grand Rapids MI 49506, USA.
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13
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Pereira M, Birtele M, Rylander Ottosson D. Direct reprogramming into interneurons: potential for brain repair. Cell Mol Life Sci 2019; 76:3953-3967. [PMID: 31250034 PMCID: PMC6785593 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-019-03193-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2018] [Revised: 06/11/2019] [Accepted: 06/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The brain tissue has only a limited capacity for generating new neurons. Therefore, to treat neurological diseases, there is a need of other cell sources for brain repair. Different sources of cells have been subject of intense research over the years, including cells from primary tissue, stem cell-derived cells and reprogrammed cells. As an alternative, direct reprogramming of resident brain cells into neurons is a recent approach that could provide an attractive method for treating brain injuries or diseases as it uses the patient's own cells for generating novel neurons inside the brain. In vivo reprogramming is still in its early stages but holds great promise as an option for cell therapy. To date, both inhibitory and excitatory neurons have been obtained via in vivo reprogramming, but the precise phenotype or functionality of these cells has not been analysed in detail in most of the studies. Recent data shows that in vivo reprogrammed neurons are able to functionally mature and integrate into the existing brain circuitry, and compose interneuron phenotypes that seem to correlate to their endogenous counterparts. Interneurons are of particular importance as they are essential in physiological brain function and when disturbed lead to several neurological disorders. In this review, we describe a comprehensive overview of the existing studies involving brain repair, including in vivo reprogramming, with a focus on interneurons, along with an overview on current efforts to generate interneurons for cell therapy for a number of neurological diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Pereira
- Department of Experimental Medical Science and Lund Stem Cell Center BMC, Lund University, 22141, Lund, Sweden
| | - Marcella Birtele
- Department of Experimental Medical Science and Lund Stem Cell Center BMC, Lund University, 22141, Lund, Sweden
| | - Daniella Rylander Ottosson
- Department of Experimental Medical Science and Lund Stem Cell Center BMC, Lund University, 22141, Lund, Sweden.
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14
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Affiliation(s)
- Baptiste N Jaeger
- Laboratory of Neural Plasticity, Faculty of Medicine and Science, Brain Research Institute, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Sebastian Jessberger
- Laboratory of Neural Plasticity, Faculty of Medicine and Science, Brain Research Institute, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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15
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Chen W, Huang Q, Ma S, Li M. Progress in Dopaminergic Cell Replacement and Regenerative Strategies for Parkinson's Disease. ACS Chem Neurosci 2019; 10:839-851. [PMID: 30346716 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.8b00389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a chronic progressive neurodegenerative disorder symptomatically characterized by resting tremor, rigidity, bradykinesia, and gait impairment. These motor deficits suffered by PD patients primarily result from selective dysfunction or loss of dopaminergic neurons of the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc). Most of the existing therapies for PD are based on the replacement of dopamine, which is symptomatically effective in the early stage but becomes increasingly less effective and is accompanied by serious side effects in the advanced stages of the disease. Currently, there are no strategies to slow neuronal degeneration or prevent the progression of PD. Thus, the prospect of regenerating functional dopaminergic neurons is very attractive. Over the last few decades, significant progress has been made in the development of dopaminergic regenerative strategies for curing PD. The most promising approach seems to be cell-replacement therapy (CRT) using human embryonic stem cells (ESCs) or induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), which are unlimitedly available and have gained much success in preclinical trials. Despite the challenges, stem cell-based CRT will make significant steps toward the clinic in the coming decade. Alternatively, direct lineage reprogramming, especially in situ direct conversion of glia cells to induced neurons, which exhibits some advantages including no ethical concerns, no risk of tumor formation, and even no need for transplantation, has gained much attention recently. Evoking the endogenous regeneration ability of neural stem cells (NSCs) is an idyllic method of dopaminergic neuroregeneration which remains highly controversial. Here, we review many of these advances, highlighting areas and strategies that might be particularly suited to the development of regenerative approaches that restore dopaminergic function in PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weizhao Chen
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, No. 74 Zhongshan Road 2, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Qiaoying Huang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, No. 74 Zhongshan Road 2, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Shanshan Ma
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, No. 74 Zhongshan Road 2, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Mingtao Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, No. 74 Zhongshan Road 2, Guangzhou 510080, China
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16
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Sonntag KC, Song B, Lee N, Jung JH, Cha Y, Leblanc P, Neff C, Kong SW, Carter BS, Schweitzer J, Kim KS. Pluripotent stem cell-based therapy for Parkinson's disease: Current status and future prospects. Prog Neurobiol 2018; 168:1-20. [PMID: 29653250 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2018.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2017] [Revised: 03/13/2018] [Accepted: 04/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is one of the most common neurodegenerative disorders, which affects about 0.3% of the general population. As the population in the developed world ages, this creates an escalating burden on society both in economic terms and in quality of life for these patients and for the families that support them. Although currently available pharmacological or surgical treatments may significantly improve the quality of life of many patients with PD, these are symptomatic treatments that do not slow or stop the progressive course of the disease. Because motor impairments in PD largely result from loss of midbrain dopamine neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta, PD has long been considered to be one of the most promising target diseases for cell-based therapy. Indeed, numerous clinical and preclinical studies using fetal cell transplantation have provided proof of concept that cell replacement therapy may be a viable therapeutic approach for PD. However, the use of human fetal cells as a standardized therapeutic regimen has been fraught with fundamental ethical, practical, and clinical issues, prompting scientists to explore alternative cell sources. Based on groundbreaking establishments of human embryonic stem cells and induced pluripotent stem cells, these human pluripotent stem cells have been the subject of extensive research, leading to tremendous advancement in our understanding of these novel classes of stem cells and promising great potential for regenerative medicine. In this review, we discuss the prospects and challenges of human pluripotent stem cell-based cell therapy for PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai-C Sonntag
- Department of Psychiatry, McLean Hospital, Harvard Medical School, United States; Laboratory for Translational Research on Neurodegeneration, 115 Mill Street, Belmont, MA, 02478, United States; Program for Neuropsychiatric Research, 115 Mill Street, Belmont, MA, 02478, United States
| | - Bin Song
- Department of Psychiatry, McLean Hospital, Harvard Medical School, United States; Molecular Neurobiology Laboratory, Program in Neuroscience and Harvard Stem Cell Institute, McLean Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 115 Mill Street, Belmont, MA, 02478, United States
| | - Nayeon Lee
- Department of Psychiatry, McLean Hospital, Harvard Medical School, United States; Molecular Neurobiology Laboratory, Program in Neuroscience and Harvard Stem Cell Institute, McLean Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 115 Mill Street, Belmont, MA, 02478, United States
| | - Jin Hyuk Jung
- Department of Psychiatry, McLean Hospital, Harvard Medical School, United States; Molecular Neurobiology Laboratory, Program in Neuroscience and Harvard Stem Cell Institute, McLean Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 115 Mill Street, Belmont, MA, 02478, United States
| | - Young Cha
- Department of Psychiatry, McLean Hospital, Harvard Medical School, United States; Molecular Neurobiology Laboratory, Program in Neuroscience and Harvard Stem Cell Institute, McLean Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 115 Mill Street, Belmont, MA, 02478, United States
| | - Pierre Leblanc
- Department of Psychiatry, McLean Hospital, Harvard Medical School, United States; Molecular Neurobiology Laboratory, Program in Neuroscience and Harvard Stem Cell Institute, McLean Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 115 Mill Street, Belmont, MA, 02478, United States
| | - Carolyn Neff
- Kaiser Permanente Medical Group, Irvine, CA, 92618, United States
| | - Sek Won Kong
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, United States; Computational Health Informatics Program, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, 02115, United States
| | - Bob S Carter
- Department of Neurosurgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, 02114, United States
| | - Jeffrey Schweitzer
- Department of Neurosurgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, 02114, United States.
| | - Kwang-Soo Kim
- Department of Psychiatry, McLean Hospital, Harvard Medical School, United States; Molecular Neurobiology Laboratory, Program in Neuroscience and Harvard Stem Cell Institute, McLean Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 115 Mill Street, Belmont, MA, 02478, United States.
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Direct Reprogramming of Resident NG2 Glia into Neurons with Properties of Fast-Spiking Parvalbumin-Containing Interneurons. Stem Cell Reports 2017; 9:742-751. [PMID: 28844658 PMCID: PMC5599255 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2017.07.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2017] [Revised: 07/28/2017] [Accepted: 07/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Converting resident glia into functional and subtype-specific neurons in vivo by delivering reprogramming genes directly to the brain provides a step forward toward the possibility of treating brain injuries or diseases. To date, it has been possible to obtain GABAergic and glutamatergic neurons via in vivo conversion, but the precise phenotype of these cells has not yet been analyzed in detail. Here, we show that neurons reprogrammed using Ascl1, Lmx1a, and Nurr1 functionally mature and integrate into existing brain circuitry and that the majority of the reprogrammed neurons have properties of fast-spiking, parvalbumin-containing interneurons. When testing different combinations of genes for neural conversion with a focus on pro-neural genes and dopamine fate determinants, we found that functional neurons can be generated using different gene combinations and in different brain regions and that most of the reprogrammed neurons become interneurons, independently of the combination of reprogramming factors used. Reprogramed striatal NG2 glia yield neurons similar to fast-spiking interneurons Reprogrammed neurons reach functional maturation after 12 weeks Dopamine (DA) denervation leads to TH expression but no reprogramming into DA neurons Variation in pro-neural genes or fate specifiers does not affect neuronal phenotype
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18
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Boda E, Nato G, Buffo A. Emerging pharmacological approaches to promote neurogenesis from endogenous glial cells. Biochem Pharmacol 2017. [PMID: 28647491 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2017.06.129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Neurodegenerative disorders are emerging as leading contributors to the global disease burden. While some drug-based approaches have been designed to limit or prevent neuronal loss following acute damage or chronic neurodegeneration, regeneration of functional neurons in the adult Central Nervous System (CNS) still remains an unmet need. In this context, the exploitation of endogenous cell sources has recently gained an unprecedented attention, thanks to the demonstration that, in some CNS regions or under specific circumstances, glial cells can activate spontaneous neurogenesis or can be instructed to produce neurons in the adult mammalian CNS parenchyma. This field of research has greatly advanced in the last years and identified interesting molecular and cellular mechanisms guiding the neurogenic activation/conversion of glia. In this review, we summarize the evolution of the research devoted to understand how resident glia can be directed to produce neurons. We paid particular attention to pharmacologically-relevant approaches exploiting the modulation of niche-associated factors and the application of selected small molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrica Boda
- Department of Neuroscience Rita Levi-Montalcini, University of Turin, I-10126 Turin, Italy; Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi, I-10043 Orbassano, Turin, Italy.
| | - Giulia Nato
- Department of Neuroscience Rita Levi-Montalcini, University of Turin, I-10126 Turin, Italy; Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi, I-10043 Orbassano, Turin, Italy
| | - Annalisa Buffo
- Department of Neuroscience Rita Levi-Montalcini, University of Turin, I-10126 Turin, Italy; Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi, I-10043 Orbassano, Turin, Italy
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19
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Abstract
Ever since the discovery of neural stem cells in the mammalian brain, the possibility of brain tissue regeneration has captured the minds of scientists, clinicians, and the public. Neural stem cells have been envisioned as a source of donor cells for transplantation and vectors for the delivery of gene therapy. Over the past decade, many researchers have contributed to characterizing these cells and their lineages, providing the foundation for their utilization as therapeutic devices. In a new study, Azim and colleagues took a different approach: using pharmacogenomics to focus on neural stem cell lineage, they identified specific compounds that can direct neural stem cell fate toward a specific lineage in vivo, both in physiological and pathological conditions. Their work opens new avenues for treatment of neurodegenerative and demyelinating disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirjana Maletic-Savatic
- Baylor College of Medicine, Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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20
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Advances in Monitoring Cell-Based Therapies with Magnetic Resonance Imaging: Future Perspectives. Int J Mol Sci 2017; 18:ijms18010198. [PMID: 28106829 PMCID: PMC5297829 DOI: 10.3390/ijms18010198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2016] [Revised: 01/05/2017] [Accepted: 01/10/2017] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Cell-based therapies are currently being developed for applications in both regenerative medicine and in oncology. Preclinical, translational, and clinical research on cell-based therapies will benefit tremendously from novel imaging approaches that enable the effective monitoring of the delivery, survival, migration, biodistribution, and integration of transplanted cells. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) offers several advantages over other imaging modalities for elucidating the fate of transplanted cells both preclinically and clinically. These advantages include the ability to image transplanted cells longitudinally at high spatial resolution without exposure to ionizing radiation, and the possibility to co-register anatomical structures with molecular processes and functional changes. However, since cellular MRI is still in its infancy, it currently faces a number of challenges, which provide avenues for future research and development. In this review, we describe the basic principle of cell-tracking with MRI; explain the different approaches currently used to monitor cell-based therapies; describe currently available MRI contrast generation mechanisms and strategies for monitoring transplanted cells; discuss some of the challenges in tracking transplanted cells; and suggest future research directions.
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Serafino A, Sferrazza G, Colini Baldeschi A, Nicotera G, Andreola F, Pittaluga E, Pierimarchi P. Developing drugs that target the Wnt pathway: recent approaches in cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2016; 12:169-186. [PMID: 27960558 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2017.1271321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Wnt/β-catenin signaling is an evolutionarily conserved pathway that has a crucial role in embryonic and adult life. Dysregulation of Wnt/β-catenin pathway has been associated with various diseases, including cancer and neurodegenerative disorders, including Parkinson's disease (PD). Several molecular components of the signaling have been proposed as innovative targets for cancer therapy, and very recently, some of them have been also evaluated as potential therapeutic targets for PD. Areas covered: This review focuses on the role of Wnt/β-catenin pathway in the pathogenensis of cancer and PD, examining some recent therapeutic approaches that are ongoing in preclinical and clinical studies. The possibilities that this signaling offers for diagnosis and prognosis of neoplastic diseases, and the concerns of targeting this pathway are also discussed. Expert opinion: Despite the stimulating results obtained in preclinical studies on cancer and other disease models, the clinical experience with Wnt modulators is still in its infancy, and is mainly restricted to anticancer therapy. Even with concerns of the safety of drugs targeting Wnt signaling, the attention of researchers worldwide is increasing to this issue in terms of their therapeutic potential for diseases such as PD, for which no cure exists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annalucia Serafino
- a Institute of Translational Pharmacology , National Research Council (CNR) , Rome , Italy
| | - Gianluca Sferrazza
- a Institute of Translational Pharmacology , National Research Council (CNR) , Rome , Italy
| | | | - Giuseppe Nicotera
- a Institute of Translational Pharmacology , National Research Council (CNR) , Rome , Italy
| | - Federica Andreola
- a Institute of Translational Pharmacology , National Research Council (CNR) , Rome , Italy
| | - Eugenia Pittaluga
- a Institute of Translational Pharmacology , National Research Council (CNR) , Rome , Italy
| | - Pasquale Pierimarchi
- a Institute of Translational Pharmacology , National Research Council (CNR) , Rome , Italy
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22
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Lendahl U. At the interface of stem cell research and new technologies. J Intern Med 2016; 280:232-5. [PMID: 27539905 DOI: 10.1111/joim.12513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- U Lendahl
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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