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Patton MH, Thomas KT, Bayazitov IT, Newman KD, Kurtz NB, Robinson CG, Ramirez CA, Trevisan AJ, Bikoff JB, Peters ST, Pruett-Miller SM, Jiang Y, Schild AB, Nityanandam A, Zakharenko SS. Synaptic plasticity in human thalamocortical assembloids. Cell Rep 2024; 43:114503. [PMID: 39018245 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.114503] [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: 03/11/2024] [Revised: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 06/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Synaptic plasticities, such as long-term potentiation (LTP) and depression (LTD), tune synaptic efficacy and are essential for learning and memory. Current studies of synaptic plasticity in humans are limited by a lack of adequate human models. Here, we modeled the thalamocortical system by fusing human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived thalamic and cortical organoids. Single-nucleus RNA sequencing revealed that >80% of cells in thalamic organoids were glutamatergic neurons. When fused to form thalamocortical assembloids, thalamic and cortical organoids formed reciprocal long-range axonal projections and reciprocal synapses detectable by light and electron microscopy, respectively. Using whole-cell patch-clamp electrophysiology and two-photon imaging, we characterized glutamatergic synaptic transmission. Thalamocortical and corticothalamic synapses displayed short-term plasticity analogous to that in animal models. LTP and LTD were reliably induced at both synapses; however, their mechanisms differed from those previously described in rodents. Thus, thalamocortical assembloids provide a model system for exploring synaptic plasticity in human circuits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary H Patton
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Kristen T Thomas
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Ildar T Bayazitov
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Kyle D Newman
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Nathaniel B Kurtz
- Cell and Tissue Imaging Center, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Camenzind G Robinson
- Cell and Tissue Imaging Center, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Cody A Ramirez
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Alexandra J Trevisan
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Jay B Bikoff
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Samuel T Peters
- Center for Advanced Genome Engineering, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Shondra M Pruett-Miller
- Center for Advanced Genome Engineering, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA; Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Yanbo Jiang
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Andrew B Schild
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Anjana Nityanandam
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Stanislav S Zakharenko
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA.
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2
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Szegedi V, Tiszlavicz Á, Furdan S, Douida A, Bakos E, Barzo P, Tamas G, Szucs A, Lamsa K. Aging-associated weakening of the action potential in fast-spiking interneurons in the human neocortex. J Biotechnol 2024; 389:1-12. [PMID: 38697361 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiotec.2024.04.020] [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: 01/29/2024] [Revised: 04/24/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024]
Abstract
Aging is associated with the slowdown of neuronal processing and cognitive performance in the brain; however, the exact cellular mechanisms behind this deterioration in humans are poorly elucidated. Recordings in human acute brain slices prepared from tissue resected during brain surgery enable the investigation of neuronal changes with age. Although neocortical fast-spiking cells are widely implicated in neuronal network activities underlying cognitive processes, they are vulnerable to neurodegeneration. Herein, we analyzed the electrical properties of 147 fast-spiking interneurons in neocortex samples resected in brain surgery from 106 patients aged 11-84 years. By studying the electrophysiological features of action potentials and passive membrane properties, we report that action potential overshoot significantly decreases and spike half-width increases with age. Moreover, the action potential maximum-rise speed (but not the repolarization speed or the afterhyperpolarization amplitude) significantly changed with age, suggesting a particular weakening of the sodium channel current generated in the soma. Cell passive membrane properties measured as the input resistance, membrane time constant, and cell capacitance remained unaffected by senescence. Thus, we conclude that the action potential in fast-spiking interneurons shows a significant weakening in the human neocortex with age. This may contribute to the deterioration of cortical functions by aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viktor Szegedi
- Hungarian Centre of Excellence for Molecular Medicine Research Group for Human Neuron Physiology and Therapy, Szeged, Hungary; Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Neuroscience, University of Szeged, Hungary
| | - Ádám Tiszlavicz
- Hungarian Centre of Excellence for Molecular Medicine Research Group for Human Neuron Physiology and Therapy, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Szabina Furdan
- Hungarian Centre of Excellence for Molecular Medicine Research Group for Human Neuron Physiology and Therapy, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Abdennour Douida
- Hungarian Centre of Excellence for Molecular Medicine Research Group for Human Neuron Physiology and Therapy, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Emoke Bakos
- Hungarian Centre of Excellence for Molecular Medicine Research Group for Human Neuron Physiology and Therapy, Szeged, Hungary; Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Neuroscience, University of Szeged, Hungary
| | - Pal Barzo
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Szeged, Hungary
| | - Gabor Tamas
- MTA-SZTE Research Group for Cortical Microcircuits, Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Neuroscience, University of Szeged, Hungary
| | - Attila Szucs
- Neuronal Cell Biology Research Group, Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Karri Lamsa
- Hungarian Centre of Excellence for Molecular Medicine Research Group for Human Neuron Physiology and Therapy, Szeged, Hungary; Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Neuroscience, University of Szeged, Hungary.
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3
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Ashton JL, Prince B, Sands G, Argent L, Anderson M, Smith JEG, Tedoldi A, Ahmad A, Baddeley D, Pereira AG, Lever N, Ramanathan T, Smaill BH, Montgomery JM. Electrophysiology and 3D-imaging reveal properties of human intracardiac neurons and increased excitability with atrial fibrillation. J Physiol 2024. [PMID: 38687681 DOI: 10.1113/jp286278] [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: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Altered autonomic input to the heart plays a major role in atrial fibrillation (AF). Autonomic neurons termed ganglionated plexi (GP) are clustered on the heart surface to provide the last point of neural control of cardiac function. To date the properties of GP neurons in humans are unknown. Here we have addressed this knowledge gap in human GP neuron structure and physiology in patients with and without AF. Human right atrial GP neurons embedded in epicardial adipose tissue were excised during open heart surgery performed on both non-AF and AF patients and then characterised physiologically by whole cell patch clamp techniques. Structural analysis was also performed after fixation at both the single cell and at the entire GP levels via three-dimensional confocal imaging. Human GP neurons were found to exhibit unique properties and structural complexity with branched neurite outgrowth. Significant differences in excitability were revealed between AF and non-AF GP neurons as measured by lower current to induce action potential firing, a reduced occurrence of low action potential firing rates, decreased accommodation and increased synaptic density. Visualisation of entire GPs showed almost all neurons are cholinergic with a small proportion of noradrenergic and dual phenotype neurons. Phenotypic distribution differences occurred with AF including decreased cholinergic and dual phenotype neurons, and increased noradrenergic neurons. These data show both functional and structural differences occur between GP neurons from patients with and without AF, highlighting that cellular plasticity occurs in neural input to the heart that could alter autonomic influence on atrial function. KEY POINTS: The autonomic nervous system plays a critical role in regulating heart rhythm and the initiation of AF; however, the structural and functional properties of human autonomic neurons in the autonomic ganglionated plexi (GP) remain unknown. Here we perform the first whole cell patch clamp electrophysiological and large tissue confocal imaging analysis of these neurons from patients with and without AF. Our data show human GP neurons are functionally and structurally complex. Measurements of action potential kinetics show higher excitability in GP neurons from AF patients as measured by lower current to induce action potential firing, reduced low firing action potential rates, and decreased action potential accommodation. Confocal imaging shows increased synaptic density and noradrenergic phenotypes in patients with AF. Both functional and structural differences occur in GP neurons from patients with AF that could alter autonomic influence on atrial rhythm.
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Affiliation(s)
- J L Ashton
- Department of Physiology, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Manaaki Manawa Centre for Heart Research, University of Auckland and Pūtahi Manawa Centre of Research Excellence, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - B Prince
- Department of Physiology, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Manaaki Manawa Centre for Heart Research, University of Auckland and Pūtahi Manawa Centre of Research Excellence, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - G Sands
- Auckland Bioengineering Institute, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - L Argent
- Department of Physiology, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Manaaki Manawa Centre for Heart Research, University of Auckland and Pūtahi Manawa Centre of Research Excellence, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - M Anderson
- Cardiothoracic Surgical Unit, Auckland City Hospital, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - J E G Smith
- Department of Physiology, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Manaaki Manawa Centre for Heart Research, University of Auckland and Pūtahi Manawa Centre of Research Excellence, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - A Tedoldi
- Department of Physiology, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Manaaki Manawa Centre for Heart Research, University of Auckland and Pūtahi Manawa Centre of Research Excellence, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - A Ahmad
- Department of Physiology, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Manaaki Manawa Centre for Heart Research, University of Auckland and Pūtahi Manawa Centre of Research Excellence, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - D Baddeley
- Auckland Bioengineering Institute, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - A G Pereira
- Department of Physiology, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - N Lever
- Manaaki Manawa Centre for Heart Research, University of Auckland and Pūtahi Manawa Centre of Research Excellence, Auckland, New Zealand
- Auckland Bioengineering Institute, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Department of Cardiology, Auckland City Hospital, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - T Ramanathan
- Manaaki Manawa Centre for Heart Research, University of Auckland and Pūtahi Manawa Centre of Research Excellence, Auckland, New Zealand
- Cardiothoracic Surgical Unit, Auckland City Hospital, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - B H Smaill
- Manaaki Manawa Centre for Heart Research, University of Auckland and Pūtahi Manawa Centre of Research Excellence, Auckland, New Zealand
- Auckland Bioengineering Institute, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Johanna M Montgomery
- Department of Physiology, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Manaaki Manawa Centre for Heart Research, University of Auckland and Pūtahi Manawa Centre of Research Excellence, Auckland, New Zealand
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4
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Patton MH, Thomas KT, Bayazitov IT, Newman KD, Kurtz NB, Robinson CG, Ramirez CA, Trevisan AJ, Bikoff JB, Peters ST, Pruett-Miller SM, Jiang Y, Schild AB, Nityanandam A, Zakharenko SS. Synaptic plasticity in human thalamocortical assembloids. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.02.01.578421. [PMID: 38352415 PMCID: PMC10862901 DOI: 10.1101/2024.02.01.578421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
Synaptic plasticities, such as long-term potentiation (LTP) and depression (LTD), tune synaptic efficacy and are essential for learning and memory. Current studies of synaptic plasticity in humans are limited by a lack of adequate human models. Here, we modeled the thalamocortical system by fusing human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived thalamic and cortical organoids. Single-nucleus RNA-sequencing revealed that most cells in mature thalamic organoids were glutamatergic neurons. When fused to form thalamocortical assembloids, thalamic and cortical organoids formed reciprocal long-range axonal projections and reciprocal synapses detectable by light and electron microscopy, respectively. Using whole-cell patch-clamp electrophysiology and two-photon imaging, we characterized glutamatergic synaptic transmission. Thalamocortical and corticothalamic synapses displayed short-term plasticity analogous to that in animal models. LTP and LTD were reliably induced at both synapses; however, their mechanisms differed from those previously described in rodents. Thus, thalamocortical assembloids provide a model system for exploring synaptic plasticity in human circuits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary H. Patton
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital; Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Kristen T. Thomas
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital; Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Ildar T. Bayazitov
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital; Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Kyle D. Newman
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital; Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Nathaniel B. Kurtz
- Cell and Tissue Imaging Center, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital; Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Camenzind G. Robinson
- Cell and Tissue Imaging Center, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital; Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Cody A. Ramirez
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital; Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Alexandra J. Trevisan
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital; Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Jay B. Bikoff
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital; Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Samuel T. Peters
- Center for Advanced Genome Engineering, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital; Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Shondra M. Pruett-Miller
- Center for Advanced Genome Engineering, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital; Memphis, TN 38105, USA
- Department of Cell & Molecular Biology, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital; Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Yanbo Jiang
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital; Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Andrew B. Schild
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital; Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Anjana Nityanandam
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital; Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Stanislav S. Zakharenko
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital; Memphis, TN 38105, USA
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Zhou L, Chen W, Jiang S, Xu R. In Vitro Models of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Cell Mol Neurobiol 2023; 43:3783-3799. [PMID: 37870685 DOI: 10.1007/s10571-023-01423-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023]
Abstract
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is one of the commonest neurodegenerative diseases of adult-onset, which is characterized by the progressive death of motor neurons in the cerebral cortex, brain stem and spinal cord. The dysfunction and death of motor neurons lead to the progressive muscle weakness, atrophy, fasciculations, spasticity and ultimately the whole paralysis of body. Despite the identification of several genetic mutations associated with the pathogenesis of ALS, including mutations in chromosome 9 open reading frame 72 leading to the abnormal expansion of GGGGCC repeat sequence, TAR DNA-binding protein 43, fused in sarcoma/translocated in liposarcoma, copper/zinc superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) and TANK-binding kinase 1, the exact mechanisms underlying the specific degeneration of motor neurons that causes ALS remain incompletely understood. At present, since the transgenic model expressed SOD1 mutants was established, multiple in vitro models of ALS have been developed for studying the pathology, pathophysiology and pathogenesis of ALS as well as searching the effective neurotherapeutics. This review reviewed the details of present established in vitro models used in studying the pathology, pathophysiology and pathogenesis of ALS. Meanwhile, we also discussed the advantages, disadvantages, cost and availability of each models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lijun Zhou
- Department of Neurology, Jiangxi Provincial People's Hospital, Clinical College of Nanchang Medical College, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang Medical College, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University Jiangxi Hospital, National Regional Medical Center for Neurological Diseases, No. 266 Fenghe North Avenue, Honggutan District, Nanchang, 330008, Jiangxi, China
- Medical College of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, China
| | - Wenzhi Chen
- Department of Neurology, Jiangxi Provincial People's Hospital, Clinical College of Nanchang Medical College, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang Medical College, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University Jiangxi Hospital, National Regional Medical Center for Neurological Diseases, No. 266 Fenghe North Avenue, Honggutan District, Nanchang, 330008, Jiangxi, China
| | - Shishi Jiang
- Department of Neurology, Jiangxi Provincial People's Hospital, Clinical College of Nanchang Medical College, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang Medical College, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University Jiangxi Hospital, National Regional Medical Center for Neurological Diseases, No. 266 Fenghe North Avenue, Honggutan District, Nanchang, 330008, Jiangxi, China
- Medical College of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, China
| | - Renshi Xu
- Department of Neurology, Jiangxi Provincial People's Hospital, Clinical College of Nanchang Medical College, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang Medical College, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University Jiangxi Hospital, National Regional Medical Center for Neurological Diseases, No. 266 Fenghe North Avenue, Honggutan District, Nanchang, 330008, Jiangxi, China.
- Medical College of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, China.
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6
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Wei JR, Xiao D, Tang L, Xu N, Liu R, Shen Y, Xu Z, Sang X, Ge J, Xiang M, Liu S. Neural cell isolation from adult macaques for high-throughput analyses and neurosphere cultures. Nat Protoc 2023:10.1038/s41596-023-00820-z. [PMID: 37045994 DOI: 10.1038/s41596-023-00820-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2022] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023]
Abstract
The low number of neural progenitor cells (NPCs) present in the adult and aged primate brains represents a challenge for generating high-yield and viable in vitro cultures of primary brain cells. Here we report a step-by-step approach for the fast and reproducible isolation of high-yield and viable primary brain cells, including mature neurons, immature cells and NPCs, from adult and aged macaques. We describe the anesthesia, transcardial perfusion and brain tissue preparation; the subsequent microdissection of the regions of interest and their enzymatic dissociation, leading to the separation of single cells. The cell isolation steps of our protocol can also be used for routine cell culturing, in particular for NPC expansion and differentiation, suitable for studies of hippocampal neurogenesis in the adult macaque brain. The purified primary brain cells are largely free from myelin debris and erythrocytes, paving the way for multiple downstream applications in vitro and in vivo. When combined with single-cell profiling techniques, this approach allows an unbiased and comprehensive mapping of cell states in the adult and aged macaque brain, which is needed to advance our understanding of human cognitive and neurological diseases. The neural cell isolation protocol requires 4 h and a team of four to six users with expertize in primary brain cell isolation to avoid tissue hypoxia during the time-sensitive steps of the procedure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia-Ru Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China
| | - Dongchang Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lei Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China
| | - Nana Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ruifeng Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuhui Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zihui Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xuan Sang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jian Ge
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China
| | - Mengqing Xiang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China
| | - Sheng Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China.
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, Guangzhou, China.
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7
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Galakhova AA, Hunt S, Wilbers R, Heyer DB, de Kock CPJ, Mansvelder HD, Goriounova NA. Evolution of cortical neurons supporting human cognition. Trends Cogn Sci 2022; 26:909-922. [PMID: 36117080 PMCID: PMC9561064 DOI: 10.1016/j.tics.2022.08.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Revised: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Human cognitive abilities are generally thought to arise from cortical expansion over the course of human brain evolution. In addition to increased neuron numbers, this cortical expansion might be driven by adaptations in the properties of single neurons and their local circuits. We review recent findings on the distinct structural, functional, and transcriptomic features of human cortical neurons and their organization in cortical microstructure. We focus on the supragranular cortical layers, which showed the most prominent expansion during human brain evolution, and the properties of their principal cells: pyramidal neurons. We argue that the evolutionary adaptations in neuronal features that accompany the expansion of the human cortex partially underlie interindividual variability in human cognitive abilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- A A Galakhova
- Department of Integrative Neurophysiology, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research (CNCR), Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1085, Amsterdam 1081 HV, The Netherlands
| | - S Hunt
- Department of Integrative Neurophysiology, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research (CNCR), Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1085, Amsterdam 1081 HV, The Netherlands
| | - R Wilbers
- Department of Integrative Neurophysiology, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research (CNCR), Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1085, Amsterdam 1081 HV, The Netherlands
| | - D B Heyer
- Department of Integrative Neurophysiology, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research (CNCR), Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1085, Amsterdam 1081 HV, The Netherlands
| | - C P J de Kock
- Department of Integrative Neurophysiology, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research (CNCR), Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1085, Amsterdam 1081 HV, The Netherlands
| | - H D Mansvelder
- Department of Integrative Neurophysiology, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research (CNCR), Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1085, Amsterdam 1081 HV, The Netherlands
| | - N A Goriounova
- Department of Integrative Neurophysiology, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research (CNCR), Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1085, Amsterdam 1081 HV, The Netherlands.
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8
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Harry GJ, McBride S, Witchey SK, Mhaouty-Kodja S, Trembleau A, Bridge M, Bencsik A. Roadbumps at the Crossroads of Integrating Behavioral and In Vitro Approaches for Neurotoxicity Assessment. FRONTIERS IN TOXICOLOGY 2022; 4:812863. [PMID: 35295216 PMCID: PMC8915899 DOI: 10.3389/ftox.2022.812863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
With the appreciation that behavior represents the integration and complexity of the nervous system, neurobehavioral phenotyping and assessment has seen a renaissance over the last couple of decades, resulting in a robust database on rodent performance within various testing paradigms, possible associations with human disorders, and therapeutic interventions. The interchange of data across behavior and other test modalities and multiple model systems has advanced our understanding of fundamental biology and mechanisms associated with normal functions and alterations in the nervous system. While there is a demonstrated value and power of neurobehavioral assessments for examining alterations due to genetic manipulations, maternal factors, early development environment, the applied use of behavior to assess environmental neurotoxicity continues to come under question as to whether behavior represents a sensitive endpoint for assessment. Why is rodent behavior a sensitive tool to the neuroscientist and yet, not when used in pre-clinical or chemical neurotoxicity studies? Applying new paradigms and evidence on the biological basis of behavior to neurobehavioral testing requires expertise and refinement of how such experiments are conducted to minimize variability and maximize information. This review presents relevant issues of methods used to conduct such test, sources of variability, experimental design, data analysis, interpretation, and reporting. It presents beneficial and critical limitations as they translate to the in vivo environment and considers the need to integrate across disciplines for the best value. It proposes that a refinement of behavioral assessments and understanding of subtle pronounced differences will facilitate the integration of data obtained across multiple approaches and to address issues of translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- G. Jean Harry
- Neurotoxicology Group, Molecular Toxicology Branch, Division National Toxicology Program, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Durham, NC, United States
- *Correspondence: G. Jean Harry,
| | - Sandra McBride
- Social & Scientific Systems, Inc., a DLH Holdings Company, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Shannah K. Witchey
- Division National Toxicology Program, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Sakina Mhaouty-Kodja
- Sorbonne Université, CNRS, INSERM, Neuroscience Paris Seine – Institut de Biologie Paris Seine, Paris, France
| | - Alain Trembleau
- Sorbonne Université, CNRS UMR8246, Inserm U1130, Institut de Biologie Paris Seine (IBPS), Neuroscience Paris Seine (NPS), Paris, France
| | - Matthew Bridge
- Social & Scientific Systems, Inc., a DLH Holdings Company, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Anna Bencsik
- Anses Laboratoire de Lyon, French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety (ANSES), Université de Lyon 1, Lyon, France
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9
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Routine culture and study of adult human brain cells from neurosurgical specimens. Nat Protoc 2022; 17:190-221. [PMID: 35022619 DOI: 10.1038/s41596-021-00637-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2021] [Accepted: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
When modeling disease in the laboratory, it is important to use clinically relevant models. Patient-derived human brain cells grown in vitro to study and test potential treatments provide such a model. Here, we present simple, highly reproducible coordinated procedures that can be used to routinely culture most cell types found in the human brain from single neurosurgically excised brain specimens. The cell types that can be cultured include dissociated cultures of neurons, astrocytes, microglia, pericytes and brain endothelial and neural precursor cells, as well as explant cultures of the leptomeninges, cortical slice cultures and brain tumor cells. The initial setup of cultures takes ~2 h, and the cells are ready for further experiments within days to weeks. The resulting cells can be studied as purified or mixed population cultures, slice cultures and explant-derived cultures. This protocol therefore enables the investigation of human brain cells to facilitate translation of neuroscience research to the clinic.
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Borges AC, Broersen K, Leandro P, Fernandes TG. Engineering Organoids for in vitro Modeling of Phenylketonuria. Front Mol Neurosci 2022; 14:787242. [PMID: 35082602 PMCID: PMC8784555 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2021.787242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Phenylketonuria is a recessive genetic disorder of amino-acid metabolism, where impaired phenylalanine hydroxylase function leads to the accumulation of neurotoxic phenylalanine levels in the brain. Severe cognitive and neuronal impairment are observed in untreated/late-diagnosed patients, and even early treated ones are not safe from life-long sequelae. Despite the wealth of knowledge acquired from available disease models, the chronic effect of Phenylketonuria in the brain is still poorly understood and the consequences to the aging brain remain an open question. Thus, there is the need for better predictive models, able to recapitulate specific mechanisms of this disease. Human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs), with their ability to differentiate and self-organize in multiple tissues, might provide a new exciting in vitro platform to model specific PKU-derived neuronal impairment. In this review, we gather what is known about the impact of phenylalanine in the brain of patients and highlight where hiPSC-derived organoids could contribute to the understanding of this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice C. Borges
- Department of Bioengineering and iBB – Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory i4HB – Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Kerensa Broersen
- Department of Applied Stem Cell Technologies, Faculty of Science and Technology, Technical Medical Centre, University of Twente, Enschede, Netherlands
| | - Paula Leandro
- Faculty of Pharmacy, iMed.ULisboa - Research Institute for Medicines, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Tiago G. Fernandes
- Department of Bioengineering and iBB – Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory i4HB – Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
- *Correspondence: Tiago G. Fernandes,
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Dragunow M. Human Brain Neuropharmacology: A Platform for Translational Neuroscience. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2020; 41:777-792. [PMID: 32994050 DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2020.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2020] [Revised: 07/10/2020] [Accepted: 09/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Central nervous system (CNS) drug development has been plagued by a failure to translate effective therapies from the lab to the clinic. There are many potential reasons for this, including poor understanding of brain pharmacokinetic (PK) and pharmacodynamic (PD) factors, preclinical study flaws, clinical trial design issues, the complexity and variability of human brain diseases, as well as species differences. To address some of these problems, we have developed a platform for CNS drug discovery comprising: drug screening of primary adult human brain cells; human brain tissue microarray analysis of drug targets; and high-content phenotypic screening methods. In this opinion, I summarise the theoretical basis and the practical development and use of this platform in CNS drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mike Dragunow
- Department of Pharmacology and Hugh Green Biobank, Centre for Brain Research, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.
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