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Wu L, Lu J, Lan T, Zhang D, Xu H, Kang Z, Peng F, Wang J. Stem cell therapies: a new era in the treatment of multiple sclerosis. Front Neurol 2024; 15:1389697. [PMID: 38784908 PMCID: PMC11111935 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2024.1389697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is an immune-mediated condition that persistently harms the central nervous system. While existing treatments can slow its course, a cure remains elusive. Stem cell therapy has gained attention as a promising approach, offering new perspectives with its regenerative and immunomodulatory properties. This article reviews the application of stem cells in MS, encompassing various stem cell types, therapeutic potential mechanisms, preclinical explorations, clinical research advancements, safety profiles of clinical applications, as well as limitations and challenges, aiming to provide new insights into the treatment research for MS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Wu
- Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
| | - Jing Lu
- The Affiliated Hospital to Changchun University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
| | - Tianye Lan
- The Affiliated Hospital to Changchun University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
| | - Dongmei Zhang
- The Affiliated Hospital to Changchun University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
| | - Hanying Xu
- Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
| | - Zezheng Kang
- Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
| | - Fang Peng
- Hunan Provincial People's Hospital, Changsha, China
| | - Jian Wang
- The Affiliated Hospital to Changchun University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
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2
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Alamin M, Humaira Sultana M, Babarinde IA, Azad AKM, Moni MA, Xu H. Single-cell RNA-seq data analysis reveals functionally relevant biomarkers of early brain development and their regulatory footprints in human embryonic stem cells (hESCs). Brief Bioinform 2024; 25:bbae230. [PMID: 38739758 PMCID: PMC11089419 DOI: 10.1093/bib/bbae230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Revised: 04/07/2024] [Accepted: 04/27/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
The complicated process of neuronal development is initiated early in life, with the genetic mechanisms governing this process yet to be fully elucidated. Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) is a potent instrument for pinpointing biomarkers that exhibit differential expression across various cell types and developmental stages. By employing scRNA-seq on human embryonic stem cells, we aim to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) crucial for early-stage neuronal development. Our focus extends beyond simply identifying DEGs. We strive to investigate the functional roles of these genes through enrichment analysis and construct gene regulatory networks to understand their interactions. Ultimately, this comprehensive approach aspires to illuminate the molecular mechanisms and transcriptional dynamics governing early human brain development. By uncovering potential links between these DEGs and intelligence, mental disorders, and neurodevelopmental disorders, we hope to shed light on human neurological health and disease. In this study, we have used scRNA-seq to identify DEGs involved in early-stage neuronal development in hESCs. The scRNA-seq data, collected on days 26 (D26) and 54 (D54), of the in vitro differentiation of hESCs to neurons were analyzed. Our analysis identified 539 DEGs between D26 and D54. Functional enrichment of those DEG biomarkers indicated that the up-regulated DEGs participated in neurogenesis, while the down-regulated DEGs were linked to synapse regulation. The Reactome pathway analysis revealed that down-regulated DEGs were involved in the interactions between proteins located in synapse pathways. We also discovered interactions between DEGs and miRNA, transcriptional factors (TFs) and DEGs, and between TF and miRNA. Our study identified 20 significant transcription factors, shedding light on early brain development genetics. The identified DEGs and gene regulatory networks are valuable resources for future research into human brain development and neurodevelopmental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Alamin
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Gene Regulation and Systems Biology, Department of Biology, School of Life Sciences, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, Guangdong, China
| | | | - Isaac Adeyemi Babarinde
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Gene Regulation and Systems Biology, Department of Biology, School of Life Sciences, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, Guangdong, China
| | - A K M Azad
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, College of Science, Imam Muhammad Ibn Saud Islamic University, Riyadh 11432, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammad Ali Moni
- Artificial Intelligence and Cyber Futures Institute, Charles Sturt University, Bathurst, NSW 2795, Australia
| | - Haiming Xu
- Institute of Bioinformatics, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
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3
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Danics L, Abbas AA, Kis B, Pircs K. Fountain of youth—Targeting autophagy in aging. Front Aging Neurosci 2023; 15:1125739. [PMID: 37065462 PMCID: PMC10090449 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2023.1125739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023] Open
Abstract
As our society ages inexorably, geroscience and research focusing on healthy aging is becoming increasingly urgent. Macroautophagy (referred to as autophagy), a highly conserved process of cellular clearance and rejuvenation has attracted much attention due to its universal role in organismal life and death. Growing evidence points to autophagy process as being one of the key players in the determination of lifespan and health. Autophagy inducing interventions show significant improvement in organismal lifespan demonstrated in several experimental models. In line with this, preclinical models of age-related neurodegenerative diseases demonstrate pathology modulating effect of autophagy induction, implicating its potential to treat such disorders. In humans this specific process seems to be more complex. Recent clinical trials of drugs targeting autophagy point out some beneficial effects for clinical use, although with limited effectiveness, while others fail to show any significant improvement. We propose that using more human-relevant preclinical models for testing drug efficacy would significantly improve clinical trial outcomes. Lastly, the review discusses the available cellular reprogramming techniques used to model neuronal autophagy and neurodegeneration while exploring the existing evidence of autophagy’s role in aging and pathogenesis in human-derived in vitro models such as embryonic stem cells (ESCs), induced pluripotent stem cell derived neurons (iPSC-neurons) or induced neurons (iNs).
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Affiliation(s)
- Lea Danics
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
- Hungarian Centre of Excellence for Molecular Medicine - Semmelweis University (HCEMM-SU), Neurobiology and Neurodegenerative Diseases Research Group, Budapest, Hungary
- Eötvös Loránd Research Network and Semmelweis University (ELKH-SU), Cerebrovascular and Neurocognitive Disorders Research Group, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Anna Anoir Abbas
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
- Hungarian Centre of Excellence for Molecular Medicine - Semmelweis University (HCEMM-SU), Neurobiology and Neurodegenerative Diseases Research Group, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Balázs Kis
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
- Hungarian Centre of Excellence for Molecular Medicine - Semmelweis University (HCEMM-SU), Neurobiology and Neurodegenerative Diseases Research Group, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Karolina Pircs
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
- Hungarian Centre of Excellence for Molecular Medicine - Semmelweis University (HCEMM-SU), Neurobiology and Neurodegenerative Diseases Research Group, Budapest, Hungary
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurogenetics, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Wallenberg Neuroscience Center and Lund Stem Cell Center, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- *Correspondence: Karolina Pircs,
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Rodríguez-Vera D, Abad-García A, Vargas-Mendoza N, Pinto-Almazán R, Farfán-García ED, Morales-González JA, Soriano-Ursúa MA. Polyphenols as potential enhancers of stem cell therapy against neurodegeneration. Neural Regen Res 2022; 17:2093-2101. [PMID: 35259814 PMCID: PMC9083162 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.335826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The potential of polyphenols for treating chronic-degenerative diseases (particularly neurodegenerative diseases) is attractive. However, the selection of the best polyphenol for each treatment, the mechanisms by which they act, and their efficacy are frequently discussed. In this review, the basics and the advances in the field, as well as suggestions for using natural and synthetic polyphenols alone or in a combinatorial strategy with stem cell assays, are compiled and discussed. Thus, stem cells exhibit several responses when polyphenols are added to their environment, which could provide us with knowledge for advancing the elucidation of the origin of neurodegeneration. But also, polyphenols are being included in the innovative strategies of novel therapies for treating neurodegenerative diseases as well as metabolic diseases related to neurodegeneration. In this regard, flavonoid compounds are suggested as the best natural polyphenols due to their several mechanisms for acting in ameliorative effects; but increasing reports are involving other polyphenols. Even if some facts limiting bioactivity prevent them from conventional use, some natural polyphenols and derivatives hold the promise for being improved compounds, judged by their induced effects. The current results suggest polyphenols as enhancers of stem cell therapy against the targeted diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Rodríguez-Vera
- Sección de Estudios de Posgrado e Investigación. Escuela Superior de Medicina, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, México City, México
| | - Antonio Abad-García
- Sección de Estudios de Posgrado e Investigación. Escuela Superior de Medicina, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, México City, México
| | - Nancy Vargas-Mendoza
- Sección de Estudios de Posgrado e Investigación. Escuela Superior de Medicina, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, México City, México
| | - Rodolfo Pinto-Almazán
- Unidad de Investigación, Hospital Regional de Alta Especialidad Ixtapaluca, Carretera Federal México-Puebla km 34.5, State of México, México
| | - Eunice D. Farfán-García
- Sección de Estudios de Posgrado e Investigación. Escuela Superior de Medicina, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, México City, México
| | - José A. Morales-González
- Sección de Estudios de Posgrado e Investigación. Escuela Superior de Medicina, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, México City, México
- Correspondence to: José A. Morales-González, ;
Marvin A. Soriano-Ursúa, .
| | - Marvin A. Soriano-Ursúa
- Sección de Estudios de Posgrado e Investigación. Escuela Superior de Medicina, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, México City, México
- Correspondence to: José A. Morales-González, ;
Marvin A. Soriano-Ursúa, .
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5
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Cell models for Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease: At the interface of biology and drug discovery. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 149:112924. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.112924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Revised: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
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Abstract
Although tumourigenesis occurs due to genetic mutations, the role of epigenetic dysregulations in cancer is also well established. Epigenetic dysregulations in cancer may occur as a result of mutations in genes encoding histone/DNA-modifying enzymes and chromatin remodellers or mutations in histone protein itself. It is also true that misregulated gene expression without genetic mutations in these factors could also support tumour initiation and progression. Interestingly, metabolic rewiring has emerged as a hallmark of cancer due to gene mutations in specific metabolic enzymes or dietary/environmental factors. Recent studies report an intricate cross-talk between epigenetic and metabolic reprogramming in cancer. This review discusses the role of epigenetic and metabolic dysregulations and their cross-talk in tumourigenesis with a special focus on gliomagenesis. We also discuss the role of recently developed human embryonic stem cells/induced pluripotent stem cells-derived organoid models of gliomas and how these models are proving instrumental in uncovering human-specific cellular and molecular complexities of gliomagenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bismi Phasaludeen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, PO Box 17666, Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Bright Starling Emerald
- Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, PO Box 17666, Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates,Zayed Center for Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Suraiya Anjum Ansari
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, PO Box 17666, Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates,Zayed Center for Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
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Ozgun A, Lomboni D, Arnott H, Staines WA, Woulfe J, Variola F. Biomaterial-based strategies for in vitro neural models. Biomater Sci 2022; 10:1134-1165. [PMID: 35023513 DOI: 10.1039/d1bm01361k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
In vitro models have been used as a complementary tool to animal studies in understanding the nervous system's physiological mechanisms and pathological disorders, while also serving as platforms to evaluate the safety and efficiency of therapeutic candidates. Following recent advances in materials science, micro- and nanofabrication techniques and cell culture systems, in vitro technologies have been rapidly gaining the potential to bridge the gap between animal and clinical studies by providing more sophisticated models that recapitulate key aspects of the structure, biochemistry, biomechanics, and functions of human tissues. This was made possible, in large part, by the development of biomaterials that provide cells with physicochemical features that closely mimic the cellular microenvironment of native tissues. Due to the well-known material-driven cellular response and the importance of mimicking the environment of the target tissue, the selection of optimal biomaterials represents an important early step in the design of biomimetic systems to investigate brain structures and functions. This review provides a comprehensive compendium of commonly used biomaterials as well as the different fabrication techniques employed for the design of neural tissue models. Furthermore, the authors discuss the main parameters that need to be considered to develop functional platforms not only for the study of brain physiological functions and pathological processes but also for drug discovery/development and the optimization of biomaterials for neural tissue engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alp Ozgun
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada. .,Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - David Lomboni
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada. .,Ottawa-Carleton Institute for Biomedical Engineering (OCIBME), Ottawa, Canada
| | - Hallie Arnott
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada. .,Ottawa-Carleton Institute for Biomedical Engineering (OCIBME), Ottawa, Canada
| | - William A Staines
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - John Woulfe
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada.,The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Fabio Variola
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada. .,Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada.,Ottawa-Carleton Institute for Biomedical Engineering (OCIBME), Ottawa, Canada.,The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, Canada.,Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO), Ottawa, Canada
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Savoj S, Esfahani MHN, Karimi A, Karamali F. Integrated stem cells from apical papilla in a 3D culture system improve human embryonic stem cell derived retinal organoid formation. Life Sci 2022; 291:120273. [PMID: 35016877 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2021.120273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2021] [Revised: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
AIM Eye organoids are 3D models of the retina that provide new possibilities for studying retinal development, drug toxicity and the molecular mechanisms of diseases. Although there are several protocols that can be used to generate functional tissues, none have been used to assemble human retinal organoids containing mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). MAIN METHODS In this study we intend to assess the effective interactions of MSCs and human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) during retinal organoid formation. We evaluated the inducing activities of bone marrow MSCs (BM-MSCs), trabecular meshwork (TM), and stem cells from apical papilla (SCAP)-derived MSCs in differentiation of hESCs in a three-dimensional (3D) direct co-culture system. KEY FINDINGS In comparison with the two other MSC sources, the induction potential of SCAP was confirmed in the co-culture system. Although the different SCAP cell ratios did not show any significant morphology changes during the first seven days, increasing the number of SCAPs improved formation of the optic vesicle (OV) structure, which was confirmed by assessment of specific markers. The OVs subsequently developed to an optic cup (OC), which was similar to the in vivo environment. These arrangements expressed MITF in the outer layer and CHX10 in the inner layer. SIGNIFICANCE We assessed the inducing activity of SCAP during differentiation of hESCs towards a retinal fate in a 3D organoid system. However, future studies be conducted to gather additional details about the development of the eye field, retinal differentiation, and the molecular mechanisms of diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soraya Savoj
- Department of Biology, University of Payam Noor, Isfahan, Iran; Department of Animal Biotechnology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Mohammad Hossein Nasr Esfahani
- Department of Animal Biotechnology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Akbar Karimi
- Department of Biology, University of Payam Noor, Isfahan, Iran.
| | - Fereshteh Karamali
- Department of Animal Biotechnology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, Isfahan, Iran.
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Shan W, Hu W, Wen Y, Ding X, Ma X, Yan W, Xia Y. Evaluation of atrazine neurodevelopment toxicity in vitro-application of hESC-based neural differentiation model. Reprod Toxicol 2021; 103:149-158. [PMID: 34146662 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2021.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2020] [Revised: 05/24/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Atrazine is one of the widely used herbicides in the world and most of the current researches on atrazine neurodevelopment toxicity have focused on rodents or zebrafish models in vivo, resulting in relatively high cost, time consumption, and lower translational value to identify its hazard for the developing brain. Major international initiatives have pushed forward to convert the traditional animal-based developmental toxicity tests to in vitro assays using human cells to detect and predict chemical health hazards. In this study, we presented a human neural differentiation model based on human embryonic stem cells (hESC) that can be used to test toxicity at different stages of neural differentiation in vitro. hESC were differentiated into neural stem cells (NSC) and then terminally differentiated towards mixed neurons and glial cells for 21 days. Cell survival, proliferation, cell cycle, apoptosis, and gene expression levels were examined. Our results demonstrated that atrazine inhibited the proliferation of hESC and NSC, and showed different toxic sensitivity on these two kinds of cells. Also, atrazine blocked the NSC cell cycle G1 phase via down-regulating CCND1, CDK2, and CDK4, with no obvious effect on apoptosis. In addition, atrazine curbed EB spontaneous differentiation and NSC-induced neurons and glia cells differentiation. Atrazine altered genes expression levels of PAX6, TUBB3, NCAM1, GFAP, TH, NR4A1, and GRIA1. From the data we obtained, we recognized that the dopaminergic system was not the only target of atrazine neurotoxicity, glutamatergic neurons and astrocytes were also adversely affected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenqi Shan
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, 101 Longmian Avenue, Jiangning District, Nanjing, 211166, People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, 101 Longmian Avenue, Jiangning District, Nanjing, 211166, People's Republic of China
| | - Weiyue Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, 101 Longmian Avenue, Jiangning District, Nanjing, 211166, People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, 101 Longmian Avenue, Jiangning District, Nanjing, 211166, People's Republic of China
| | - Ya Wen
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, 101 Longmian Avenue, Jiangning District, Nanjing, 211166, People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, 101 Longmian Avenue, Jiangning District, Nanjing, 211166, People's Republic of China
| | - Xingwang Ding
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, 101 Longmian Avenue, Jiangning District, Nanjing, 211166, People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, 101 Longmian Avenue, Jiangning District, Nanjing, 211166, People's Republic of China
| | - Xuan Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, 101 Longmian Avenue, Jiangning District, Nanjing, 211166, People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, 101 Longmian Avenue, Jiangning District, Nanjing, 211166, People's Republic of China
| | - Wu Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, 101 Longmian Avenue, Jiangning District, Nanjing, 211166, People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, 101 Longmian Avenue, Jiangning District, Nanjing, 211166, People's Republic of China
| | - Yankai Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, 101 Longmian Avenue, Jiangning District, Nanjing, 211166, People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, 101 Longmian Avenue, Jiangning District, Nanjing, 211166, People's Republic of China.
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Batool S, Kayani MA, Valis M, Kuca K. Neural Differentiation of Mouse Embryonic Stem Cells-An in vitro Approach to Profile DNA Methylation of Reprogramming Factor Sox2-SRR2. Front Genet 2021; 12:641095. [PMID: 33828585 PMCID: PMC8019947 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.641095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2020] [Accepted: 03/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Sox2 is one of the core transcription factors maintaining the embryonic stem cells (ES) pluripotency and, also indispensable for cellular reprogramming. However, limited data is available about the DNA methylation of pluripotency genes during lineage-specific differentiations. This study investigated the DNA methylation of Sox2 regulatory region 2 (SRR2) during directed differentiation of mouse ES into neural lineage. ES cells were first grown to form embryoid bodies in suspension which were then dissociated, and cultured in defined medium to promote neural differentiation. Typical neuronal morphology together with the up-regulation of Pax6, neuroepithelial stem cell intermediate filament and β-tubulin III and, down-regulation of pluripotency genes Oct4, Nanog and Sox2 showed the existence of neural phenotype in cells undergoing differentiation. Three CpGs in the core enhancer region of neural-specific SRR2 were individually investigated by direct DNA sequencing post-bisulfite treatment and, found to be unmethylated in differentiated cells at time-points chosen for analysis. This analysis does not limit the possibility of methylation at other CpG sites than those profiled here and/or transient methylation. Hence, similar analyses exploring the DNA methylation at other regions of the Sox2 gene could unravel the onset and transitions of epigenetic signatures influencing the outcome of differentiation pathways and neural development. The data presented here shows that in vitro neural differentiation of embryonic stem cells can be employed to study and characterize molecular regulatory mechanisms governing neurogenesis by applying diverse pharmacological and toxicological agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sajida Batool
- Cancer Genetics and Epigenetics Laboratory, Department of Biosciences, COMSATS University Islamabad, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Mahmood Akhtar Kayani
- Cancer Genetics and Epigenetics Laboratory, Department of Biosciences, COMSATS University Islamabad, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Martin Valis
- Department of Neurology of the Medical Faculty of Charles University and University Hospital in Hradec Kralove, Hradec Kralove, Czechia
| | - Kamil Kuca
- Department of Chemistry, University of Hradec Kralove, Hradec Kralove, Czechia
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Nobile V, Pucci C, Chiurazzi P, Neri G, Tabolacci E. DNA Methylation, Mechanisms of FMR1 Inactivation and Therapeutic Perspectives for Fragile X Syndrome. Biomolecules 2021; 11:biom11020296. [PMID: 33669384 PMCID: PMC7920310 DOI: 10.3390/biom11020296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2020] [Revised: 02/04/2021] [Accepted: 02/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Among the inherited causes of intellectual disability and autism, Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is the most frequent form, for which there is currently no cure. In most FXS patients, the FMR1 gene is epigenetically inactivated following the expansion over 200 triplets of a CGG repeat (FM: full mutation). FMR1 encodes the Fragile X Mental Retardation Protein (FMRP), which binds several mRNAs, mainly in the brain. When the FM becomes methylated at 10-12 weeks of gestation, the FMR1 gene is transcriptionally silent. The molecular mechanisms involved in the epigenetic silencing are not fully elucidated. Among FXS families, there is a rare occurrence of males carrying a FM, which remains active because it is not methylated, thus ensuring enough FMRPs to allow for an intellectual development within normal range. Which mechanisms are responsible for sparing these individuals from being affected by FXS? In order to answer this critical question, which may have possible implications for FXS therapy, several potential epigenetic mechanisms have been described. Here, we focus on current knowledge about the role of DNA methylation and other epigenetic modifications in FMR1 gene silencing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronica Nobile
- Sezione di Medicina Genomica, Dipartimento Scienze della Vita e Sanità Pubblica, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy; (V.N.); (C.P.); (P.C.); (G.N.)
| | - Cecilia Pucci
- Sezione di Medicina Genomica, Dipartimento Scienze della Vita e Sanità Pubblica, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy; (V.N.); (C.P.); (P.C.); (G.N.)
| | - Pietro Chiurazzi
- Sezione di Medicina Genomica, Dipartimento Scienze della Vita e Sanità Pubblica, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy; (V.N.); (C.P.); (P.C.); (G.N.)
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, UOC Genetica Medica, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanni Neri
- Sezione di Medicina Genomica, Dipartimento Scienze della Vita e Sanità Pubblica, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy; (V.N.); (C.P.); (P.C.); (G.N.)
- Greenwood Genetic Center, JC Self Research Institute, Greenwood, SC 29646, USA
| | - Elisabetta Tabolacci
- Sezione di Medicina Genomica, Dipartimento Scienze della Vita e Sanità Pubblica, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy; (V.N.); (C.P.); (P.C.); (G.N.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-06-30154606
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Forro C, Caron D, Angotzi GN, Gallo V, Berdondini L, Santoro F, Palazzolo G, Panuccio G. Electrophysiology Read-Out Tools for Brain-on-Chip Biotechnology. MICROMACHINES 2021; 12:124. [PMID: 33498905 PMCID: PMC7912435 DOI: 10.3390/mi12020124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2020] [Revised: 01/18/2021] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Brain-on-Chip (BoC) biotechnology is emerging as a promising tool for biomedical and pharmaceutical research applied to the neurosciences. At the convergence between lab-on-chip and cell biology, BoC couples in vitro three-dimensional brain-like systems to an engineered microfluidics platform designed to provide an in vivo-like extrinsic microenvironment with the aim of replicating tissue- or organ-level physiological functions. BoC therefore offers the advantage of an in vitro reproduction of brain structures that is more faithful to the native correlate than what is obtained with conventional cell culture techniques. As brain function ultimately results in the generation of electrical signals, electrophysiology techniques are paramount for studying brain activity in health and disease. However, as BoC is still in its infancy, the availability of combined BoC-electrophysiology platforms is still limited. Here, we summarize the available biological substrates for BoC, starting with a historical perspective. We then describe the available tools enabling BoC electrophysiology studies, detailing their fabrication process and technical features, along with their advantages and limitations. We discuss the current and future applications of BoC electrophysiology, also expanding to complementary approaches. We conclude with an evaluation of the potential translational applications and prospective technology developments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Csaba Forro
- Tissue Electronics, Fondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Largo Barsanti e Matteucci, 53-80125 Naples, Italy; (C.F.); (F.S.)
- Department of Chemistry, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Davide Caron
- Enhanced Regenerative Medicine, Fondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Via Morego, 30-16163 Genova, Italy; (D.C.); (V.G.)
| | - Gian Nicola Angotzi
- Microtechnology for Neuroelectronics, Fondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Via Morego, 30-16163 Genova, Italy; (G.N.A.); (L.B.)
| | - Vincenzo Gallo
- Enhanced Regenerative Medicine, Fondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Via Morego, 30-16163 Genova, Italy; (D.C.); (V.G.)
| | - Luca Berdondini
- Microtechnology for Neuroelectronics, Fondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Via Morego, 30-16163 Genova, Italy; (G.N.A.); (L.B.)
| | - Francesca Santoro
- Tissue Electronics, Fondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Largo Barsanti e Matteucci, 53-80125 Naples, Italy; (C.F.); (F.S.)
| | - Gemma Palazzolo
- Enhanced Regenerative Medicine, Fondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Via Morego, 30-16163 Genova, Italy; (D.C.); (V.G.)
| | - Gabriella Panuccio
- Enhanced Regenerative Medicine, Fondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Via Morego, 30-16163 Genova, Italy; (D.C.); (V.G.)
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13
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Farzaneh M, Anbiyaiee A, Khoshnam SE. Human Pluripotent Stem Cells for Spinal Cord Injury. Curr Stem Cell Res Ther 2020; 15:135-143. [PMID: 31656156 DOI: 10.2174/1574362414666191018121658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2019] [Revised: 07/16/2019] [Accepted: 09/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) as a serious public health issue and neurological insult is one of the most severe cause of long-term disability. To date, a variety of techniques have been widely developed to treat central nervous system injury. Currently, clinical treatments are limited to surgical decompression and pharmacotherapy. Because of their negative effects and inefficiency, novel therapeutic approaches are required in the management of SCI. Improvement and innovation of stem cell-based therapies have a huge potential for biological and future clinical applications. Human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) including embryonic stem cells (ESCs) and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) are defined by their abilities to divide asymmetrically, self-renew and ultimately differentiate into various cell lineages. There are considerable research efforts to use various types of stem cells, such as ESCs, neural stem cells (NSCs), and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in the treatment of patients with SCI. Moreover, the use of patient-specific iPSCs holds great potential as an unlimited cell source for generating in vivo models of SCI. In this review, we focused on the potential of hPSCs in treating SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Farzaneh
- Department of Stem Cells and Developmental Biology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Amir Anbiyaiee
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz 61357-15794, Iran
| | - Seyed Esmaeil Khoshnam
- Physiology Research Center, Department of Physiology, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
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14
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Sontayananon N, Redwood C, Davies B, Gehmlich K. Fluorescent PSC-Derived Cardiomyocyte Reporter Lines: Generation Approaches and Their Applications in Cardiovascular Medicine. BIOLOGY 2020; 9:biology9110402. [PMID: 33207727 PMCID: PMC7697758 DOI: 10.3390/biology9110402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2020] [Revised: 11/09/2020] [Accepted: 11/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Recent advances have made pluripotent stem cell (PSC)-derived cardiomyocytes an attractive option to model both normal and diseased cardiac function at the single-cell level. However, in vitro differentiation yields heterogeneous populations of cardiomyocytes and other cell types, potentially confounding phenotypic analyses. Fluorescent PSC-derived cardiomyocyte reporter systems allow specific cell lineages to be labelled, facilitating cell isolation for downstream applications including drug testing, disease modelling and cardiac regeneration. In this review, the different genetic strategies used to generate such reporter lines are presented with an emphasis on their relative technical advantages and disadvantages. Next, we explore how the fluorescent reporter lines have provided insights into cardiac development and cardiomyocyte physiology. Finally, we discuss how exciting new approaches using PSC-derived cardiomyocyte reporter lines are contributing to progress in cardiac cell therapy with respect to both graft adaptation and clinical safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naeramit Sontayananon
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Radcliffe Department of Medicine and British Heart Foundation Centre of Research Excellence, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK; (N.S.); (C.R.)
| | - Charles Redwood
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Radcliffe Department of Medicine and British Heart Foundation Centre of Research Excellence, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK; (N.S.); (C.R.)
| | - Benjamin Davies
- Wellcome Centre for Human Genetics, Roosevelt Drive, Oxford OX3 7BN, UK
- Correspondence: (B.D.); (K.G.)
| | - Katja Gehmlich
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Radcliffe Department of Medicine and British Heart Foundation Centre of Research Excellence, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK; (N.S.); (C.R.)
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
- Correspondence: (B.D.); (K.G.)
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15
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Chen X, Ye K, Yu J, Gao J, Zhang L, Ji X, Chen T, Wang H, Dai Y, Tang B, Xu H, Sun X, Hu J. Regeneration of sciatic nerves by transplanted microvesicles of human neural stem cells derived from embryonic stem cells. Cell Tissue Bank 2020; 21:233-248. [PMID: 32052220 DOI: 10.1007/s10561-020-09816-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2019] [Accepted: 02/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Injured nerves cannot regenerate on their own, and a lack of engraftable human nerves has been a major obstacle in cell-based therapies for regenerating damaged nerves. A monolayer culture approach to obtain adherent neural stem cells from human embryonic stem cells (hESC-NSCs) was established, and the greatest number of stemness characteristics were achieved by the eighth generation of hESC-NSCs (P8 hESC-NSCs). To overcome deficits in cell therapy, we used microvesicles secreted from P8 hESC-NSCs (hESC-NSC-MVs) instead of entire hESC-NSCs. To investigate the therapeutic efficacy of hESC-NSC-MVs in vitro, hESC-NSC-MVs were cocultured with dorsal root ganglia to determine the length of axons. In vivo, we transected the sciatic nerve in SD rats and created a 5-mm gap. A sciatic nerve defect was bridged using a silicone tube filled with hESC-NSC-MVs (45 μg) in the MVs group, P8 hESC-NSCs (1 × 106 single cells) in the cell group and PBS in the control group. The hESC-NSC-MVs group showed better morphological recovery and a significantly greater number of regenerated axons than the hESC-NSCs group 12 weeks after nerve injury. These results indicated that the hESC-NSC-MVs group had the greatest ability to repair and reconstruct nerve structure and function. As a result, hESC-NSC-MVs may have potential for applications in the field of nerve regenerative repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang Chen
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Medical Science and Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, 301 Xuefu Road, Jingkou District, Zhenjiang City, 212013, Jiangsu Province, China
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Nantong First People's Hospital, Nantong, 226000, Jiangsu, China
| | - Kai Ye
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Medical Science and Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, 301 Xuefu Road, Jingkou District, Zhenjiang City, 212013, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Jiahong Yu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Medical Science and Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, 301 Xuefu Road, Jingkou District, Zhenjiang City, 212013, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Jianyi Gao
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Medical Science and Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, 301 Xuefu Road, Jingkou District, Zhenjiang City, 212013, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Medical Science and Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, 301 Xuefu Road, Jingkou District, Zhenjiang City, 212013, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Xianyan Ji
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Medical Science and Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, 301 Xuefu Road, Jingkou District, Zhenjiang City, 212013, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Tianyan Chen
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Medical Science and Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, 301 Xuefu Road, Jingkou District, Zhenjiang City, 212013, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Hui Wang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Medical Science and Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, 301 Xuefu Road, Jingkou District, Zhenjiang City, 212013, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Yao Dai
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Medical Science and Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, 301 Xuefu Road, Jingkou District, Zhenjiang City, 212013, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Bin Tang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Medical Science and Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, 301 Xuefu Road, Jingkou District, Zhenjiang City, 212013, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Hong Xu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Zhenjiang Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, Zhenjiang, 212003, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiaochun Sun
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Medical Science and Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, 301 Xuefu Road, Jingkou District, Zhenjiang City, 212013, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Jiabo Hu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Medical Science and Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, 301 Xuefu Road, Jingkou District, Zhenjiang City, 212013, Jiangsu Province, China.
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16
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Han NR, Baek S, Kim HY, Lee KY, Yun JI, Choi JH, Lee E, Park CK, Lee ST. Generation of embryonic stem cells derived from the inner cell mass of blastocysts of outbred ICR mice. Anim Cells Syst (Seoul) 2020; 24:91-98. [PMID: 32489688 PMCID: PMC7241472 DOI: 10.1080/19768354.2020.1752306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2019] [Revised: 03/03/2020] [Accepted: 03/18/2020] [Indexed: 10/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Embryonic stem cells (ESCs) derived from outbred mice which share several genetic characteristics similar to humans have been requested for developing stem cell-based bioengineering techniques directly applicable to humans. Here, we report the generation of ESCs derived from the inner cell mass of blastocysts retrieved from 9-week-old female outbred ICR mice mated with 9-week-old male outbred ICR mice (ICRESCs). Similar to those from 129/Ola mouse blastocysts (E14ESCs), the established ICRESCs showed inherent characteristics of ESCs except for partial and weak protein expression and activity of alkaline phosphatase. Moreover, ICRESCs were not originated from embryonic germ cells or pluripotent cells that may co-exist in outbred ICR strain-derived mouse embryonic fibroblasts (ICRMEFs) used for deriving colonies from inner cell mass of outbred ICR mouse blastocysts. Furthermore, instead of outbred ICRMEFs, hybrid B6CBAF1MEFs as feeder cells could sufficiently support in vitro maintenance of ICRESC self-renewal. Additionally, ICRESC-specific characteristics (self-renewal, pluripotency, and chromosomal normality) were observed in ICRESCs cultured for 40th subpassages (164 days) on B6CBAF1MEFs without any alterations. These results confirmed the successful establishment of ESCs derived from outbred ICR mice, and indicated that self-renewal and pluripotency of the established ICRESCs could be maintained on B6CBAF1MEFs in culture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na Rae Han
- Department of Animal Life Science, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Korea
| | - Song Baek
- Department of Animal Life Science, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Korea
| | - Hwa-Young Kim
- Department of Animal Life Science, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Korea
| | - Kwon Young Lee
- College of Veterinary Medicine and Institute of Veterinary Science, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Korea
| | - Jung Im Yun
- Institute of Animal Resources, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Korea
| | - Jung Hoon Choi
- College of Veterinary Medicine and Institute of Veterinary Science, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Korea
| | - Eunsong Lee
- College of Veterinary Medicine and Institute of Veterinary Science, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Korea
| | - Choon-Keun Park
- Department of Animal Life Science, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Korea.,Department of Applied Animal Science, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Korea
| | - Seung Tae Lee
- Department of Animal Life Science, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Korea.,Department of Applied Animal Science, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Korea.,KustoGen Inc., Chuncheon, Korea
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17
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Lee K, Park TIH, Heppner P, Schweder P, Mee EW, Dragunow M, Montgomery JM. Human in vitro systems for examining synaptic function and plasticity in the brain. J Neurophysiol 2020; 123:945-965. [PMID: 31995449 DOI: 10.1152/jn.00411.2019] [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] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The human brain shows remarkable complexity in its cellular makeup and function, which are distinct from nonhuman species, signifying the need for human-based research platforms for the study of human cellular neurophysiology and neuropathology. However, the use of adult human brain tissue for research purposes is hampered by technical, methodological, and accessibility challenges. One of the major problems is the limited number of in vitro systems that, in contrast, are readily available from rodent brain tissue. With recent advances in the optimization of protocols for adult human brain preparations, there is a significant opportunity for neuroscientists to validate their findings in human-based systems. This review addresses the methodological aspects, advantages, and disadvantages of human neuron in vitro systems, focusing on the unique properties of human neurons and synapses in neocortical microcircuits. These in vitro models provide the incomparable advantage of being a direct representation of the neurons that have formed part of the human brain until the point of recording, which cannot be replicated by animal models nor human stem-cell systems. Important distinct cellular mechanisms are observed in human neurons that may underlie the higher order cognitive abilities of the human brain. The use of human brain tissue in neuroscience research also raises important ethical, diversity, and control tissue limitations that need to be considered. Undoubtedly however, these human neuron systems provide critical information to increase the potential of translation of treatments from the laboratory to the clinic in a way animal models are failing to provide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Lee
- Department of Physiology, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.,Centre for Brain Research, University of Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Thomas I-H Park
- Centre for Brain Research, University of Auckland, New Zealand.,Department of Pharmacology, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Peter Heppner
- Centre for Brain Research, University of Auckland, New Zealand.,Department of Neurosurgery, Auckland City Hospital, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Patrick Schweder
- Centre for Brain Research, University of Auckland, New Zealand.,Department of Neurosurgery, Auckland City Hospital, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Edward W Mee
- Centre for Brain Research, University of Auckland, New Zealand.,Department of Neurosurgery, Auckland City Hospital, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Michael Dragunow
- Centre for Brain Research, University of Auckland, New Zealand.,Department of Pharmacology, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Johanna M Montgomery
- Department of Physiology, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.,Centre for Brain Research, University of Auckland, New Zealand
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18
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Patient-specific neural progenitor cells derived from induced pluripotent stem cells offer a promise of good models for mitochondrial disease. Cell Tissue Res 2020; 380:15-30. [PMID: 31925525 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-019-03164-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2019] [Accepted: 12/19/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Mitochondria are the primary generators of ATP in eukaryotic cells through the process of oxidative phosphorylation. Mitochondria are also involved in several other important cellular functions including regulation of intracellular Ca2+, cell signaling and apoptosis. Mitochondrial dysfunction causes disease and since it is not possible to perform repeated studies in humans, models are essential to enable us to investigate the mechanisms involved. Recently, the discovery of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), made by reprogramming adult somatic cells (Takahashi and Yamanaka 2006; Yamanaka and Blau 2010), has provided a unique opportunity for studying aspects of disease mechanisms in patient-specific cells and tissues. Reprogramming cells to neuronal lineage such as neural progenitor cells (NPCs) generated from the neural induction of reprogrammed iPSCs can thus provide a useful model for investigating neurological disease mechanisms including those caused by mitochondrial dysfunction. In addition, NPCs display a huge clinical potential in drug screening and therapeutics.
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19
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Mofazzal Jahromi MA, Abdoli A, Rahmanian M, Bardania H, Bayandori M, Moosavi Basri SM, Kalbasi A, Aref AR, Karimi M, Hamblin MR. Microfluidic Brain-on-a-Chip: Perspectives for Mimicking Neural System Disorders. Mol Neurobiol 2019; 56:8489-8512. [PMID: 31264092 PMCID: PMC6842047 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-019-01653-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2019] [Accepted: 05/15/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs) include more than 600 types of nervous system disorders in humans that impact tens of millions of people worldwide. Estimates by the World Health Organization (WHO) suggest NDDs will increase by nearly 50% by 2030. Hence, development of advanced models for research on NDDs is needed to explore new therapeutic strategies and explore the pathogenesis of these disorders. Different approaches have been deployed in order to investigate nervous system disorders, including two-and three-dimensional (2D and 3D) cell cultures and animal models. However, these models have limitations, such as lacking cellular tension, fluid shear stress, and compression analysis; thus, studying the biochemical effects of therapeutic molecules on the biophysiological interactions of cells, tissues, and organs is problematic. The microfluidic "organ-on-a-chip" is an inexpensive and rapid analytical technology to create an effective tool for manipulation, monitoring, and assessment of cells, and investigating drug discovery, which enables the culture of various cells in a small amount of fluid (10-9 to 10-18 L). Thus, these chips have the ability to overcome the mentioned restrictions of 2D and 3D cell cultures, as well as animal models. Stem cells (SCs), particularly neural stem cells (NSCs), induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), and embryonic stem cells (ESCs) have the capability to give rise to various neural system cells. Hence, microfluidic organ-on-a-chip and SCs can be used as potential research tools to study the treatment of central nervous system (CNS) and peripheral nervous system (PNS) disorders. Accordingly, in the present review, we discuss the latest progress in microfluidic brain-on-a-chip as a powerful and advanced technology that can be used in basic studies to investigate normal and abnormal functions of the nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirza Ali Mofazzal Jahromi
- Department of Advanced Medical Sciences & Technologies, School of Medicine, Jahrom University of Medical Sciences, Jahrom, Iran
- Research Center for Noncommunicable Diseases, School of Medicine, Jahrom University of Medical Sciences, Jahrom, Iran
| | - Amir Abdoli
- Research Center for Noncommunicable Diseases, School of Medicine, Jahrom University of Medical Sciences, Jahrom, Iran
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Jahrom University of Medical Sciences, Jahrom, Iran
- Zoonoses Research Center, Jahrom University of Medical Sciences, Jahrom, Iran
| | - Mohammad Rahmanian
- Research Center for Noncommunicable Diseases, School of Medicine, Jahrom University of Medical Sciences, Jahrom, Iran
- Department of Anesthesiology, Critical Care, and Pain Medicine, Jahrom University of Medical Sciences, Jahrom, Iran
| | - Hassan Bardania
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Yasuj University of Medical Sciences, Yasuj, Iran
| | - Mehrdad Bayandori
- Oncopathology Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Medical Nanotechnology, Faculty of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Alireza Kalbasi
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Amir Reza Aref
- Department of Cancer Biology, Center for Cancer Systems Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Mahdi Karimi
- Oncopathology Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
- Department of Medical Nanotechnology, Faculty of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
- Research Center for Science and Technology in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
- Wellman Center for Photomedicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Michael R Hamblin
- Wellman Center for Photomedicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
- Department of Dermatology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
- Harvard-MIT Division of Health Sciences and Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA.
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20
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Ardah MT, Parween S, Varghese DS, Emerald BS, Ansari SA. Saturated fatty acid alters embryonic cortical neurogenesis through modulation of gene expression in neural stem cells. J Nutr Biochem 2018; 62:230-246. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jnutbio.2018.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2018] [Revised: 08/30/2018] [Accepted: 09/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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21
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Liu Y, Antonic A, Yang X, Korte N, Lim K, Michalska AE, Dottori M, Howells DW. Derivation of phenotypically diverse neural culture from hESC by combining adherent and dissociation methods. J Neurosci Methods 2018; 308:286-293. [PMID: 30003885 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2018.07.005] [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: 01/13/2018] [Revised: 07/05/2018] [Accepted: 07/05/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Differentiation of human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) into distinct neural lineages has been widely studied. However, preparation of mixed yet neurochemically mature populations, for the study of neurological diseases involving mixed cell types has received less attention. NEW METHOD We combined two commonly used differentiation methods to provide robust and reproducible cultures in which a mixture of primarily GABAergic and Glutamatergic neurons was obtained. Detailed characterisation by immunocytochemistry (ICC) and quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) assessed the neurochemical phenotype, and the maturation state of these neurons. RESULTS We found that once neurospheres (NSs) had attached to the culture plates, proliferation of neural stem cell was suppressed. Neuronal differentiation and synaptic development then occurred after 21 days in vitro (DIV). By 49DIV, there were large numbers of neurochemically and structurally mature neurons. The qPCR studies indicated that expression of GABAergic genes increased the most (93.3-fold increase), followed by glutamatergic (51-fold increase), along with smaller changes in expression of cholinergic (3-fold increase) and dopaminergic genes (6-fold increase), as well as a small change in glial cell marker expression (5-fold increase). COMPARISON WITH EXISTING METHOD (S) Existing methods isolate hESC-derived neural progenitors for onward differentiation to mature neurons using either migration or dissociative paradigms. These give poor survival or yield. By combining these approaches, we obtain high yields of morphologically and neurochemically mature neurons. These can be maintained in culture for extended periods. CONCLUSION Our method provides a novel, effective and robust neural culture system with structurally and neurochemically mature cell populations and neural networks, suitable for studying a range of neurological diseases from a human perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ye Liu
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, 30 Royal Parade, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, 3010, Australia; Department of Neurology, Fudan University, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai, 200040, China
| | - Ana Antonic
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, The Alfred Centre, VIC, 3004, Australia
| | - Xuan Yang
- Institute for Geriatrics and Rehabilitation, Beijing Geriatric Hospital, Beijing, 100095, China
| | - Nils Korte
- Department of Neuroscience, Physiology and Pharmacology, University College London, Gower Street, London, WC1E6BT, UK
| | - Katherine Lim
- Stem Cell Core Facility, Stem Cells Australia, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, 3010, Australia
| | - Anna E Michalska
- Stem Cell Core Facility, Stem Cells Australia, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, 3010, Australia
| | - Mirella Dottori
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute Centre for Molecular and Medical Bioscience Building 32, University of Wollongong, NSW, 2522 Australia
| | - David W Howells
- School of Medicine, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, 7001, Australia.
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22
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Shparberg R, Vickers ER. Cell-based therapies and natural compounds for pain. AUST ENDOD J 2018. [DOI: 10.1111/aej.12256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Shparberg
- Bosch Institute; Discipline of Physiology; School of Medical Sciences; University of Sydney; Sydney New South Wales Australia
| | - Edward R. Vickers
- Sydney Medical School; University of Sydney; Sydney New South Wales Australia
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23
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COSTA RODRIGOMDA, KARMIRIAN KARINA, REHEN STEVENSK. Deformation of Mitochondrial Cristae in Human Neural Progenitor Cells Exposed to Valproic Acid. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018; 90:2223-2232. [DOI: 10.1590/0001-3765201820170762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2017] [Accepted: 12/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - STEVENS K. REHEN
- Instituto D’Or de Pesquisa e Ensino, Brazil; Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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Joshi R, Fuller B, Mosadegh B, Tavana H. Stem cell colony interspacing effect on differentiation to neural cells. J Tissue Eng Regen Med 2018; 12:2041-2054. [PMID: 30058271 DOI: 10.1002/term.2739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2018] [Revised: 06/20/2018] [Accepted: 07/11/2018] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Efforts to enhance the efficiency of neural differentiation of stem cells are primarily focused on exogenous modulation of physical niche parameters such as surface topography and extracellular matrix proteins, or addition of certain growth factors or small molecules to culture media. We report a novel neurogenic niche to enhance the neural differentiation of embryonic stem cells (ESCs) without any external intervention by micropatterning ESCs into spatially organized colonies of controlled size and interspacing. Using an aqueous two-phase system cell microprinting technology, we generated pairs of uniformly sized isolated ESC colonies at defined interspacing distances over a layer of differentiation-inducing stromal cells. Our comprehensive analysis of temporal expression of neural genes and proteins of cells in colony pairs showed that interspacing two colonies at approximately 0.66 times the colony diameter (0.66D) significantly enhanced neural differentiation of ESCs. Cells in these colonies displayed higher expression of neural genes and proteins and formed thick neurite bundles between the two colonies. A computational model of spatial distribution of soluble factors of cells in interspaced colony pairs showed that the enhanced neural differentiation is due to the presence of stable concentration gradients of soluble signalling factors between the two colonies. Our results indicate that culturing ESCs in colony pairs with defined interspacing is a promising approach to efficiently derive neural cells. Additionally, this approach provides a platform for quantitative studies of molecular mechanisms that regulate neurogenesis of stem cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramila Joshi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Akron, Akron, Ohio
| | - Brendan Fuller
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Akron, Akron, Ohio
| | - Bobak Mosadegh
- Department of Radiology, Dalio Institute of Cardiovascular Imaging, New York-Presbyterian Hospital and Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York
| | - Hossein Tavana
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Akron, Akron, Ohio
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Karimzadeh S, Hosseinkhani S, Fathi A, Ataei F, Baharvand H. Insufficient Apaf-1 expression in early stages of neural differentiation of human embryonic stem cells might protect them from apoptosis. Eur J Cell Biol 2018; 97:126-135. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejcb.2018.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2017] [Revised: 01/22/2018] [Accepted: 01/22/2018] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
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Abstract
Neural stem cells (NSCs) give rise to the entire nervous system. Animal models suggest that defects in NSC proliferation and differentiation contribute to several brain disorders (e.g., microcephaly, macrocephaly, autism, schizophrenia, and Huntington's disease). However, animal models of such diseases do not fully recapitulate all disease-related phenotypes because of substantial differences in brain development between rodents and humans. Therefore, additional human-based evidence is required to understand the mechanisms that are involved in the development of neurological diseases that result from human NSC (hNSC) dysfunction. Human-induced pluripotent stem cells provide a new model to investigate the contribution of hNSCs to various neurological pathologies. In this chapter, we review the role of hNSCs in both neurodevelopment- and neurodegeneration-related human brain pathologies, with an emphasis on recent evidence that has been obtained using embryonic stem cell- or induced pluripotent stem cell-derived hNSCs and progenitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ewa Liszewska
- International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Jacek Jaworski
- International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Warsaw, Poland.
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Erten E, Arslan YE. The Great Harmony in Translational Medicine: Biomaterials and Stem Cells. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2018; 1119:21-39. [DOI: 10.1007/5584_2018_231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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Jaroonwitchawan T, Muangchan P, Noisa P. Inhibition of FGF signaling accelerates neural crest cell differentiation of human pluripotent stem cells. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2016; 481:176-181. [PMID: 27816457 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2016.10.147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2016] [Accepted: 10/29/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Neural crest (NC) is a transient population, arising during embryonic development and capable of differentiating into various somatic cells. The defects of neural crest development leads to neurocristopathy. Several signaling pathways were revealed their significance in NC cell specification. Fibroblast growth factor (FGF) is recognized as an important signaling during NC development, for instance Xenopus and avian; however, its contributions in human species are remained elusive. Here we used human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) to investigate the consequences of FGF inhibition during NC cell differentiation. The specific-FGF receptor inhibitor, SU5402, was used in this investigation. The inhibition of FGF did not found to affect the proliferation or death of hPSC-derived NC cells, but promoted hPSCs to commit NC cell fate. NC-specific genes, including PAX3, SLUG, and TWIST1, were highly upregulated, while hPSC genes, such as OCT4, and E-CAD, rapidly reduced upon FGF signaling blockage. Noteworthy, TFAP-2α, a marker of migratory NC cells, abundantly presented in SU5402-induced cells. This accelerated NC cell differentiation could be due to the activation of Notch signaling upon the blockage of ERK1/2 phosphorylation, since NICD was increased by SU5402. Altogether, this study proposed the contributions of FGF signaling in controlling human NC cell differentiation from hPSCs, the crosstalk between FGF and Notch, and might imply to the influences of FGF signaling in neurocristophatic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thiranut Jaroonwitchawan
- School of Biotechnology, Institute of Agricultural Technology, Suranaree University of Technology, Nakhon Ratchasima, 30000, Thailand
| | - Pattamon Muangchan
- School of Biotechnology, Institute of Agricultural Technology, Suranaree University of Technology, Nakhon Ratchasima, 30000, Thailand
| | - Parinya Noisa
- School of Biotechnology, Institute of Agricultural Technology, Suranaree University of Technology, Nakhon Ratchasima, 30000, Thailand.
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