1
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Zhao Y, Liu K, Wang Y, Ma Y, Guo W, Shi C. Human-mouse chimeric brain models constructed from iPSC-derived brain cells: Applications and challenges. Exp Neurol 2024; 379:114848. [PMID: 38857749 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2024.114848] [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: 03/08/2024] [Revised: 05/27/2024] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/12/2024]
Abstract
The establishment of reliable human brain models is pivotal for elucidating specific disease mechanisms and facilitating the discovery of novel therapeutic strategies for human brain disorders. Human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) exhibit remarkable self-renewal capabilities and can differentiate into specialized cell types. This makes them a valuable cell source for xenogeneic or allogeneic transplantation. Human-mouse chimeric brain models constructed from iPSC-derived brain cells have emerged as valuable tools for modeling human brain diseases and exploring potential therapeutic strategies for brain disorders. Moreover, the integration and functionality of grafted stem cells has been effectively assessed using these models. Therefore, this review provides a comprehensive overview of recent progress in differentiating human iPSC into various highly specialized types of brain cells. This review evaluates the characteristics and functions of the human-mouse chimeric brain model. We highlight its potential roles in brain function and its ability to reconstruct neural circuitry in vivo. Additionally, we elucidate factors that influence the integration and differentiation of human iPSC-derived brain cells in vivo. This review further sought to provide suitable research models for cell transplantation therapy. These research models provide new insights into neuropsychiatric disorders, infectious diseases, and brain injuries, thereby advancing related clinical and academic research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya Zhao
- Laboratory Animal Center, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710032, PR China
| | - Ke Liu
- Laboratory Animal Center, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710032, PR China; Gansu University of traditional Chinese medicine, Lanzhou 730030, PR China
| | - Yinghua Wang
- Medical College of Yan'an University, Yan'an 716000, PR China
| | - Yifan Ma
- Laboratory Animal Center, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710032, PR China; Gansu University of traditional Chinese medicine, Lanzhou 730030, PR China
| | - Wenwen Guo
- Laboratory Animal Center, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710032, PR China
| | - Changhong Shi
- Laboratory Animal Center, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710032, PR China.
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2
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Jin M, Ma Z, Zhang H, Papetti AV, Dang R, Stillitano AC, Goldman SA, Jiang P. Co-Transplantation-Based Human-Mouse Chimeric Brain Models to Study Human Glial-Glial and Glial-Neuronal Interactions. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.07.03.601990. [PMID: 39005270 PMCID: PMC11244967 DOI: 10.1101/2024.07.03.601990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/16/2024]
Abstract
Human-mouse chimeric brain models, generated by transplanting human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-derived neural cells, are valuable for studying the development and function of human neural cells in vivo. Understanding glial-glial and glial-neuronal interactions is essential for unraveling the complexities of brain function and developing treatments for neurological disorders. To explore these interactions between human neural cells within an intact brain environment, we employe a co-transplantation strategy involving the engraftment of hiPSC-derived neural progenitor cells along with primitive macrophage progenitors into the neonatal mouse brain. This approach creates human-mouse chimeric brains containing human microglia, macroglia (astroglia and oligodendroglia), and neurons. Using super-resolution imaging and 3D reconstruction techniques, we examine the dynamics between human neurons and glia, unveiling human microglia engulfing immature human neurons, microglia pruning synapses of human neurons, and significant interactions between human oligodendrocytes and neurons. Single-cell RNA sequencing analysis of the chimeric brain uncovers a close recapitulation of the human glial progenitor cell population, along with a dynamic stage in astroglial development that mirrors the processes found in the human brain. Furthermore, cell-cell communication analysis highlights significant neuronal-glial and glial-glial interactions, especially the interaction between adhesion molecules neurexins and neuroligins. This innovative co-transplantation model opens up new avenues for exploring the complex pathophysiological mechanisms underlying human neurological diseases. It holds particular promise for studying disorders where glial-neuronal interactions and non-cell-autonomous effects play crucial roles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengmeng Jin
- Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
- These authors contributed equally
| | - Ziyuan Ma
- Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
- These authors contributed equally
| | - Haiwei Zhang
- Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
- These authors contributed equally
| | - Ava V. Papetti
- Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Rui Dang
- Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | | | - Steven A. Goldman
- Center for Translational Neuromedicine, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA
- Center for Translational Neuromedicine, University of Copenhagen Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Peng Jiang
- Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
- Lead Contact
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3
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Teo F, Kok CYL, Tan MJ, Je HS. Human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC)-derived microglia for the study of brain disorders. A comprehensive review of existing protocols. IBRO Neurosci Rep 2024; 16:497-508. [PMID: 38655500 PMCID: PMC11035045 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibneur.2024.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Microglia, resident immune cells of the brain that originate from the yolk sac, play a critical role in maintaining brain homeostasis by monitoring and phagocytosing pathogens and cellular debris in the central nervous system (CNS). While they share characteristics with myeloid cells, they are distinct from macrophages. In response to injury, microglia release pro-inflammatory factors and contribute to brain homeostasis through activities such as synapse pruning and neurogenesis. To better understand their role in neurological disorders, the generation of in vitro models of human microglia has become essential. These models, derived from patient-specific induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), provide a controlled environment to study the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying microglia-mediated neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration. The incorporation or generation of microglia into three-dimensional (3D) organoid cultures provides a more physiologically relevant environment that offers further opportunities to study microglial dynamics and disease modeling. This review describes several protocols that have been recently developed for the generation of human-induced microglia. Importantly, it highlights the promise of these in vitro models in advancing our understanding of brain disorders and facilitating personalized drug screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fionicca Teo
- Program in Neuroscience and Behavioral Disorders, Duke-NUS Medical School, 8 College Road, Singapore 169857, Singapore
| | - Catherine Yen Li Kok
- Program in Neuroscience and Behavioral Disorders, Duke-NUS Medical School, 8 College Road, Singapore 169857, Singapore
| | - Mao-Jia Tan
- Program in Neuroscience and Behavioral Disorders, Duke-NUS Medical School, 8 College Road, Singapore 169857, Singapore
| | - H. Shawn Je
- Program in Neuroscience and Behavioral Disorders, Duke-NUS Medical School, 8 College Road, Singapore 169857, Singapore
- Advanced Bioimaging Centre, SingHealth, Academia, 20 College Road, Singapore 169856, Singapore
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4
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Ji Y, McLean JL, Xu R. Emerging Human Pluripotent Stem Cell-Based Human-Animal Brain Chimeras for Advancing Disease Modeling and Cell Therapy for Neurological Disorders. Neurosci Bull 2024:10.1007/s12264-024-01189-z. [PMID: 38466557 DOI: 10.1007/s12264-024-01189-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC) models provide unprecedented opportunities to study human neurological disorders by recapitulating human-specific disease mechanisms. In particular, hPSC-based human-animal brain chimeras enable the study of human cell pathophysiology in vivo. In chimeric brains, human neural and immune cells can maintain human-specific features, undergo maturation, and functionally integrate into host brains, allowing scientists to study how human cells impact neural circuits and animal behaviors. The emerging human-animal brain chimeras hold promise for modeling human brain cells and their interactions in health and disease, elucidating the disease mechanism from molecular and cellular to circuit and behavioral levels, and testing the efficacy of cell therapy interventions. Here, we discuss recent advances in the generation and applications of using human-animal chimeric brain models for the study of neurological disorders, including disease modeling and cell therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanru Ji
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
| | - Jenna Lillie McLean
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
| | - Ranjie Xu
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA.
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5
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Mayhew CN, Singhania R. A review of protocols for brain organoids and applications for disease modeling. STAR Protoc 2023; 4:101860. [PMID: 36566384 PMCID: PMC9803834 DOI: 10.1016/j.xpro.2022.101860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2022] [Revised: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent breakthroughs in human stem cell technologies have enabled the generation of 3D brain organoid platforms for modeling human neurodevelopment and disease. Here, we review advances in brain organoid development, approaches for generating whole-brain or cerebral organoids and region-specific brain organoids, and their applications in disease modeling. We present a comprehensive overview of various brain organoid generation protocols, including culture steps, media, timelines, and technical considerations associated with each protocol, and highlight the advantages and disadvantages of each protocol. We also discuss the current limitations as well as increasing sophistication of brain organoid technology, and future directions for the field. These insights provide a valuable assessment of multiple commonly used brain organoid models and main considerations for investigators who are considering implementing brain organoid technologies in their laboratories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher N Mayhew
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, 3333 Burnet Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA; Division of Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, 3333 Burnet Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA; Center for Stem Cell and Organoid Medicine, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, 3333 Burnet Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA.
| | - Richa Singhania
- Department of Neurology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10021, USA
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6
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Krzisch MA, Wu H, Yuan B, Whitfield TW, Liu XS, Fu D, Garrett-Engele CM, Khalil AS, Lungjangwa T, Shih J, Chang AN, Warren S, Cacace A, Andrykovich KR, Rietjens RGJ, Wallace O, Sur M, Jain B, Jaenisch R. Fragile X Syndrome Patient-Derived Neurons Developing in the Mouse Brain Show FMR1-Dependent Phenotypes. Biol Psychiatry 2023; 93:71-81. [PMID: 36372569 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2022.08.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Revised: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is characterized by physical abnormalities, anxiety, intellectual disability, hyperactivity, autistic behaviors, and seizures. Abnormal neuronal development in FXS is poorly understood. Data on patients with FXS remain scarce, and FXS animal models have failed to yield successful therapies. In vitro models do not fully recapitulate the morphology and function of human neurons. METHODS To mimic human neuron development in vivo, we coinjected neural precursor cells derived from FXS patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells and neural precursor cells derived from corrected isogenic control induced pluripotent stem cells into the brain of neonatal immune-deprived mice. RESULTS The transplanted cells populated the brain and a proportion differentiated into neurons and glial cells. Immunofluorescence and single and bulk RNA sequencing analyses showed accelerated maturation of FXS neurons after an initial delay. Additionally, we found increased percentages of Arc- and Egr-1-positive FXS neurons and wider dendritic protrusions of mature FXS striatal medium spiny neurons. CONCLUSIONS This transplantation approach provides new insights into the alterations of neuronal development in FXS by facilitating physiological development of cells in a 3-dimensional context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marine A Krzisch
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, Massachusetts.
| | - Hao Wu
- Full Circles Therapeutics, Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Bingbing Yuan
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Troy W Whitfield
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - X Shawn Liu
- Department of Physiology and Cellular Biophysics, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York
| | - Dongdong Fu
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | | | - Andrew S Khalil
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Tenzin Lungjangwa
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Jennifer Shih
- Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | | | - Stephen Warren
- Departments of Human Genetics, Biochemistry, and Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
| | | | | | | | | | - Mriganka Sur
- Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Bhav Jain
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Rudolf Jaenisch
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, Massachusetts; Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts.
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7
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Garry MG, Caplan AL, Garry DJ. Emerging technologies and ethics-exogenic chimeric humanized organs. Am J Transplant 2022; 22:2786-2790. [PMID: 36052557 PMCID: PMC10087366 DOI: 10.1111/ajt.17188] [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: 03/10/2021] [Revised: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Organ transplantation is limited due to the scarcity of donor organs. In order to expand the supply of organs for transplantation, interspecies chimeras have been examined as a potential future source of humanized organs. Recent studies using gene editing technologies in combination with somatic cell nuclear transfer technology and hiPSCs successfully engineered humanized skeletal muscle in the porcine embryo. As these technologies progress, there are ethical issues that warrant consideration and dialogue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary G Garry
- Paul and Sheila Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA.,Stem Cell Institute, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA.,Regenerative Medicine and Sciences Program, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA.,NorthStar Genomics, LLC, Eagan, Minnesota, USA
| | - Arthur L Caplan
- Division of Medical Ethics, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Daniel J Garry
- Paul and Sheila Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA.,Stem Cell Institute, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA.,Regenerative Medicine and Sciences Program, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA.,NorthStar Genomics, LLC, Eagan, Minnesota, USA
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8
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Jin M, Alam MM, Liu AYC, Jiang P. Rag2 -/- accelerates lipofuscin accumulation in the brain: Implications for human stem cell brain transplantation studies. Stem Cell Reports 2022; 17:2381-2391. [PMID: 36270284 PMCID: PMC9669406 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2022.09.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2022] [Revised: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunodeficient mice are widely used in human stem cell transplantation research. Recombination activating gene 1 (Rag1) deletion results in immunodeficiency and leads to accelerated aging in zebrafish with increased cytosolic accumulation of lipofuscin (LF). Unlike zebrafish, mammals have two homologs, Rag1 and Rag2, that regulate adaptive immunity. Currently, little is known if and how Rag1-/- and Rag2-/- may impact aging and LF accumulation in immunodeficient mouse brains and how this may confound results in human neural cell transplantation studies. Here, we demonstrate that in Rag2-/- mouse brains, LF appears early, spreads broadly, emits strong autofluorescence, and accumulates with age. LF is found in various types of glial cells, including xenografted human microglia. Surprisingly, in Rag1-/- mouse brains, LF autofluorescence is seen at much older ages compared with Rag2-/- brains. This study provides direct evidence that Rag2-/- expedites LF occurrence and sets a context for studies using aged immunodeficient mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengmeng Jin
- Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Rutgers University, 604 Allison Road, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Mahabub Maraj Alam
- Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Rutgers University, 604 Allison Road, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Alice Y-C Liu
- Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Rutgers University, 604 Allison Road, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Peng Jiang
- Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Rutgers University, 604 Allison Road, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA.
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9
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Abstract
Human-mouse chimeras offer advantages for studying the pathophysiology of human cells in vivo. Chimeric mouse brains have been created by engrafting human fetal tissue- or pluripotent stem cell-derived progenitor cells into the neonatal mouse brain. This provides new opportunities to understand human brain development and neurological disorders.
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10
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Chen M, Wang X, Li C, Lan T, Wei Y, Tang C, Zhou X, Zhou R, Rosa A, Zheng X, Ang S, Zhang K, Zou Q, Lai L. Inducible motor neuron differentiation of human induced pluripotent stem cells in vivo. Cell Prolif 2022; 55:e13319. [PMID: 35943218 DOI: 10.1111/cpr.13319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2022] [Revised: 05/29/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Transplantation of neural progenitor cells (NPCs) derived from human-induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) is one of the promising treatment strategies for motor neuron diseases (MNDs). However, the inefficiency in committed differentiation of NPCs in vivo limits its application. Here, we tried to establish a potential therapeutic strategy for MNDs by in vivo directional differentiation of hiPSCs engineered with motor neuron (MN) specific transcription factors and Tet-On system. MATERIALS AND METHODS We engineered hiPSCs with three MN-specific transcription factors and Tet-On system. The engineered cells were directly transplanted into immunodeficient mice through subcutaneous, intra-spinal cord and intracerebroventricular injections. Following doxycycline (Dox) induction, teratoma formation, and motor MN differentiation were evaluated. RESULTS We generated genetically engineered hiPSCs, in which the expression of Ngn2, Isl1, and Lhx3 was controlled by a drug-inducible transgenic system. These cells showed normal pluripotency and proliferative capacity, and were able to directionally differentiate into mature motor neurons (MNs) and NPCs with high efficiency in spinal cords and cerebral lateral ventricles under the induction of Dox. The grafts showed long-term survival in the recipient mice without formation of teratoma. CONCLUSIONS The induced mature MNs and NPCs were expected to replace the damaged endogenous MNs directly, and play a role of de novo stem cell stock for long-term neuron damage repair, respectively. Therefore, in vivo directional differentiation of the hiPSCs engineered with MN-specific transcription factors and Tet-On system via Dox induction could be a potential therapeutic strategy for MNDs with high efficacy and safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Chen
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Large Animal Models for Biomedicine, School of Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Wuyi University, Jiangmen, China.,International Healthcare Innovation Institute (Jiangmen), Jiangmen, China
| | - Xia Wang
- Bioland Laboratory (Guangzhou Regenerative Medicine and Health Guangdong Laboratory), Guangzhou, China
| | - Chuan Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Large Animal Models for Biomedicine, School of Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Wuyi University, Jiangmen, China.,International Healthcare Innovation Institute (Jiangmen), Jiangmen, China
| | - Ting Lan
- Bioland Laboratory (Guangzhou Regenerative Medicine and Health Guangdong Laboratory), Guangzhou, China.,CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuhui Wei
- CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chengcheng Tang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Large Animal Models for Biomedicine, School of Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Wuyi University, Jiangmen, China
| | - Xiaoqing Zhou
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Large Animal Models for Biomedicine, School of Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Wuyi University, Jiangmen, China
| | - Renping Zhou
- Susan Lehman Cullman Laboratory for Cancer Research, Department of Chemical Biology, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
| | - Alessandro Rosa
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology Charles Darwin, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.,Center for Life Nano Science, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Rome, Italy
| | - Xi Zheng
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Large Animal Models for Biomedicine, School of Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Wuyi University, Jiangmen, China.,Susan Lehman Cullman Laboratory for Cancer Research, Department of Chemical Biology, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
| | - Song Ang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Large Animal Models for Biomedicine, School of Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Wuyi University, Jiangmen, China.,International Healthcare Innovation Institute (Jiangmen), Jiangmen, China
| | - Kun Zhang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Large Animal Models for Biomedicine, School of Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Wuyi University, Jiangmen, China.,International Healthcare Innovation Institute (Jiangmen), Jiangmen, China
| | - Qingjian Zou
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Large Animal Models for Biomedicine, School of Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Wuyi University, Jiangmen, China
| | - Liangxue Lai
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Large Animal Models for Biomedicine, School of Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Wuyi University, Jiangmen, China.,Bioland Laboratory (Guangzhou Regenerative Medicine and Health Guangdong Laboratory), Guangzhou, China.,CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China.,Research Unit of Generation of Large Animal Disease Models, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (2019RU015), Guangzhou, China
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11
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Mice in translational neuroscience: What R we doing? Prog Neurobiol 2022; 217:102330. [PMID: 35872220 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2022.102330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2022] [Revised: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Animal models play a pivotal role in translational neuroscience but recurrent problems in data collection, analyses, and interpretation, lack of biomarkers, and a tendency to over-reliance on mice have marred neuroscience progress, leading to one of the highest attrition rates in drug translation. Global initiatives to improve reproducibility and model selection are being implemented. Notwithstanding, mice are still the preferred animal species to model human brain disorders even when the translation has been shown to be limited. Non-human primates are better positioned to provide relevant translational information because of their higher brain complexity and homology to humans. Among others, lack of resources and formal training, strict legislation, and ethical issues may impede broad access to large animals. We propose that instead of increasingly restrictive legislation, more resources for training, education, husbandry, and data sharing are urgently needed. The creation of multidisciplinary teams, in which veterinarians need to play a key role, would be critical to improve translational efficiency. Furthermore, it is not usually acknowledged by researchers and regulators the value of comparative studies in lower species, that are instrumental in toxicology, target identification, and mechanistic studies. Overall, we highlight here the need for a conceptual shift in neuroscience research and policies to reach the patients.
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12
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Jin M, Xu R, Wang L, Alam MM, Ma Z, Zhu S, Martini AC, Jadali A, Bernabucci M, Xie P, Kwan KY, Pang ZP, Head E, Liu Y, Hart RP, Jiang P. Type-I-interferon signaling drives microglial dysfunction and senescence in human iPSC models of Down syndrome and Alzheimer's disease. Cell Stem Cell 2022; 29:1135-1153.e8. [PMID: 35803230 DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2022.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2021] [Revised: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Microglia are critical in brain development and Alzheimer's disease (AD) etiology. Down syndrome (DS) is the most common genetic developmental disorder and risk factor for AD. Surprisingly, little information is available on the impact of trisomy of human chromosome 21 (Hsa21) on microglial functions during DS brain development and in AD in DS. Using induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-based organoid and chimeric mouse models, we report that DS microglia exhibit an enhanced synaptic pruning function, which alters neuronal synaptic functions. In response to human brain tissue-derived pathological tau, DS microglia undergo cellular senescence and exhibit elevated type-I-interferon signaling. Mechanistically, knockdown of Hsa21-encoded type I interferon receptors, IFNARs, rescues the DS microglial phenotypes both during brain development and in response to pathological tau. Our findings provide in vivo evidence that human microglia respond to pathological tau by exhibiting dystrophic phenotypes. Targeting IFNARs may improve DS microglial functions and prevent senescence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengmeng Jin
- Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Ranjie Xu
- Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Le Wang
- Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology and Child Health Institute of New Jersey, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA
| | - Mahabub Maraj Alam
- Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Ziyuan Ma
- Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Sining Zhu
- Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Alessandra C Martini
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Azadeh Jadali
- Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Matteo Bernabucci
- Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology and Child Health Institute of New Jersey, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA
| | - Ping Xie
- Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Kelvin Y Kwan
- Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Zhiping P Pang
- Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology and Child Health Institute of New Jersey, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA
| | - Elizabeth Head
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Ying Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery and Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Robert Stempel College of Public Health and Social Work, Center for Translational Science, Florida International University, Miami, FL 34987, USA
| | - Ronald P Hart
- Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Peng Jiang
- Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA.
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13
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Magrassi L, Nato G, Delia D, Buffo A. Cell-Autonomous Processes That Impair Xenograft Survival into the Cerebellum. THE CEREBELLUM 2022; 21:821-825. [PMID: 35578085 PMCID: PMC9411236 DOI: 10.1007/s12311-022-01414-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
In immunocompetent animals, numerous factors including the immune system of the host regulate the survival of neuro-glial precursors transplanted into the cerebellum. We transplanted human neuro-glial precursors derived in vitro from partial differentiation of IPS cells into the developing cerebellum of mice and rats before maturation of the host immune system. These approaches should facilitate the development of immune-tolerance for the transplanted cells. However, we found that human cells survived the engraftment and integrated into the host cerebellum and brain stem up to about 1 month postnatally when they were rejected in both species. On the contrary, when we transplanted the same cells in NOD-SCID mice, they survived indefinitely. Our findings are consistent with the hypothesis that the slower pace of differentiation of human neural precursors compared to that of rodents restricts the induction of immune-tolerance to human antigens expressed before completion of the maturation of the immune system. As predicted by our hypothesis, when we engrafted the human neuro-glial precursor cells either in a more mature state or mixed with extracts from adult cerebellum, we prolonged the survival of the graft.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenzo Magrassi
- Neurosurgery, Department of Clinical, Surgical, Diagnostic and Pediatric Science, University of Pavia, Foundation IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy.
- Istituto Di Genetica Molecolare IGM-CNR, via Abbiategrasso 207, 27100, Pavia, Italy.
| | - Giulia Nato
- Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi (NICO), Orbassano, 10043, Torino, Italy
- Department of Life Sciences and System Biology, University of Turin, Via Accademia Albertina 13, Turin, Italy
| | - Domenico Delia
- IFOM, FIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology, Via Adamello 16, 20139, Milano, Italy
| | - Annalisa Buffo
- Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi (NICO), Orbassano, 10043, Torino, Italy
- Department of Neuroscience Rita Levi-Montalcini, University of Turin, Via Cherasco 15, Torino, Italy
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14
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Kim H, Jiang P. Generation of human pluripotent stem cell-derived fused organoids with oligodendroglia and myelin. STAR Protoc 2021; 2:100443. [PMID: 33851141 PMCID: PMC8038946 DOI: 10.1016/j.xpro.2021.100443] [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] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Current knowledge on brain oligodendrogenesis, composed of three sequential waves from different regions, is mainly obtained from rodent studies. Oligodendroglial development and myelination in the rodent brain may not fully mirror those processes in the human brain. Here, we provide a step-by-step protocol for generating fused forebrain organoids derived from human pluripotent stem cells. These fused organoids recapitulate human oligodendroglial developments, offering innovative insights into human myelination research in vitro. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Cameron-Curry and Le Douarin (1995), Kessaris et al. (2006), and Kim et al. (2019). Regional determination of differentially generated forebrain organoids Detailed methods to derive VFOs and DFOs by cost-effective, chemically defined media OLIG2 expression exhibits distinct temporal patterns in VFOs versus DFOs Assembling VFOs and DFOs to generate FFOs promotes oligodendroglial maturation
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyosung Kim
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37212, USA
| | - Peng Jiang
- Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
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15
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Nato G, Corti A, Parmigiani E, Jachetti E, Lecis D, Colombo MP, Delia D, Buffo A, Magrassi L. Immune-tolerance to human iPS-derived neural progenitors xenografted into the immature cerebellum is overridden by species-specific differences in differentiation timing. Sci Rep 2021; 11:651. [PMID: 33436685 PMCID: PMC7803978 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-79502-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2019] [Accepted: 12/09/2020] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
We xeno-transplanted human neural precursor cells derived from induced pluripotent stem cells into the cerebellum and brainstem of mice and rats during prenatal development or the first postnatal week. The transplants survived and started to differentiate up to 1 month after birth when they were rejected by both species. Extended survival and differentiation of the same cells were obtained only when they were transplanted in NOD-SCID mice. Transplants of human neural precursor cells mixed with the same cells after partial in vitro differentiation or with a cellular extract obtained from adult rat cerebellum increased survival of the xeno-graft beyond one month. These findings are consistent with the hypothesis that the slower pace of differentiation of human neural precursors compared to that of rodents restricts induction of immune-tolerance to human antigens expressed before completion of maturation of the immune system. With further maturation the transplanted neural precursors expressed more mature antigens before the graft were rejected. Supplementation of the immature cells suspensions with more mature antigens may help to induce immune-tolerance for those antigens expressed only later by the engrafted cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Nato
- Department of Neuroscience Rita Levi-Montalcini, University of Turin, Via Cherasco 15, Torino, Italy.,Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi (NICO), 10043, Orbassano, Torino, Italy
| | - Alessandro Corti
- Department of Research, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale Tumori, Milano, Via Amadeo 42, 20133, Milano, Italy
| | - Elena Parmigiani
- Department of Neuroscience Rita Levi-Montalcini, University of Turin, Via Cherasco 15, Torino, Italy.,Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi (NICO), 10043, Orbassano, Torino, Italy
| | - Elena Jachetti
- Department of Research, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale Tumori, Milano, Via Amadeo 42, 20133, Milano, Italy
| | - Daniele Lecis
- Department of Research, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale Tumori, Milano, Via Amadeo 42, 20133, Milano, Italy
| | - Mario Paolo Colombo
- Department of Research, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale Tumori, Milano, Via Amadeo 42, 20133, Milano, Italy
| | - Domenico Delia
- Department of Research, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale Tumori, Milano, Via Amadeo 42, 20133, Milano, Italy.,IFOM, FIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology, Via Adamello 16, 20139, Milano, Italy
| | - Annalisa Buffo
- Department of Neuroscience Rita Levi-Montalcini, University of Turin, Via Cherasco 15, Torino, Italy.,Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi (NICO), 10043, Orbassano, Torino, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Magrassi
- Neurosurgery, Department of Clinical, Surgical, Diagnostic and Pediatric Science, University of Pavia, Foundation IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy. .,Istituto Di Genetica Molecolare IGM-CNR, via Abbiategrasso 207, 27100, Pavia, Italy.
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16
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Trus I, Berube N, Jiang P, Rak J, Gerdts V, Karniychuk U. Zika Virus with Increased CpG Dinucleotide Frequencies Shows Oncolytic Activity in Glioblastoma Stem Cells. Viruses 2020; 12:v12050579. [PMID: 32466170 PMCID: PMC7290362 DOI: 10.3390/v12050579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2020] [Revised: 05/14/2020] [Accepted: 05/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
We studied whether cytosine phosphate–guanine (CpG) recoding in a viral genome may provide oncolytic candidates with reduced infection kinetics in nonmalignant brain cells, but with high virulence in glioblastoma stem cells (GSCs). As a model, we used well-characterized CpG-recoded Zika virus vaccine candidates that previously showed genetic stability and safety in animal models. In vitro, one of the CpG-recoded Zika virus variants had reduced infection kinetics in nonmalignant brain cells but high infectivity and oncolytic activity in GSCs as represented by reduced cell proliferation. The recoded virus also efficiently replicated in GSC-derived tumors in ovo with a significant reduction of tumor growth. We also showed that some GSCs may be resistant to Zika virus oncolytic activity, emphasizing the need for personalized oncolytic therapy or a strategy to overcome resistance in GSCs. Collectively, we demonstrated the potential of the CpG recoding approach for oncolytic virus development that encourages further research towards a better understanding of host–tumor–CpG-recoded virus interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivan Trus
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization-International Vaccine Centre (VIDO-InterVac), University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5E3, Canada; (I.T.); (N.B.); (V.G.)
| | - Nathalie Berube
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization-International Vaccine Centre (VIDO-InterVac), University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5E3, Canada; (I.T.); (N.B.); (V.G.)
| | - Peng Jiang
- Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854-8082, USA;
| | - Janusz Rak
- The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC H3H 2R9, Canada;
| | - Volker Gerdts
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization-International Vaccine Centre (VIDO-InterVac), University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5E3, Canada; (I.T.); (N.B.); (V.G.)
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5B4, Canada
| | - Uladzimir Karniychuk
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization-International Vaccine Centre (VIDO-InterVac), University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5E3, Canada; (I.T.); (N.B.); (V.G.)
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5B4, Canada
- School of Public Health, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N 2Z4, Canada
- Correspondence:
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17
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Stephan M, Volkmann P, Rossner MJ. Assessing behavior and cognition in rodents, nonhuman primates, and humans: where are the limits of translation?
. DIALOGUES IN CLINICAL NEUROSCIENCE 2020; 21:249-259. [PMID: 31749649 PMCID: PMC6829167 DOI: 10.31887/dcns.2019.21.3/mrossner] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
New psychopharmacological treatments are needed for affective and nonaffective
psychoses, especially for the associated negative and cognitive symptoms. Earlier
developments mostly failed, probably partly because of limitations in behavioral models
used for validation. Now, deeper understanding of the genetics underlying disease
pathogenesis and progress in genetic engineering will generate many rodent models with
increased construct validity. To improve these models’ translational value, we need
complementary data from nonhuman primates. We also have to improve and streamline
behavioral test systems to cope with increased demand. Here, we propose a comprehensive
neurocognitive test battery that should overcome the disadvantages of single tests and
yield cognitive/behavioral profiles for modeling subsets of patient symptoms. Further,
we delineate a concept for classifying disease-relevant cognitive endophenotypes to
balance between face and construct validity and clinical diagnostics. In summary, this
review discusses new concepts and the limitations and future potential of translational
research on cognition in psychiatry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marius Stephan
- Molecular and Behavioural Neurobiology, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Germany; International Max Planck Research School for Translational Psychiatry (IMPRS-TP), Munich, Germany
| | - Paul Volkmann
- Molecular and Behavioural Neurobiology, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Germany
| | - Moritz J Rossner
- Molecular and Behavioural Neurobiology, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Germany
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18
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Devolder K, Yip LJ, Douglas T. The Ethics of Creating and Using Human-Animal Chimeras. ILAR J 2020; 60:434-438. [PMID: 32325492 DOI: 10.1093/ilar/ilaa002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2018] [Revised: 01/07/2020] [Accepted: 01/15/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Rapid advances in gene-editing and stem-cell technology have expanded the range of possible future applications in human-animal chimera research. Most notably, recent developments may allow researchers to generate whole personalized human organs in pigs for the purpose of transplantation into human patients. Though human-animal chimera research in small animals, such as mice, is routine, human-animal chimeric techniques are now increasingly being applied to larger animals. Moreover, these chimeras include increasing amounts of human material, which is potentially present in more morally significant locations, such as the brain and the reproductive system. These developments raise important ethical questions about whether we should create such chimeras, and if so, how we should treat them. Answers to these ethical questions are needed to inform the development of policies regulating human-animal chimera research and its applications. Here, we provide a review of some of the most important or widespread ethical concerns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katrien Devolder
- Oxford Uehiro Centre for Practical Ethics, Faculty of Philosophy, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Lauren J Yip
- Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Thomas Douglas
- Oxford Uehiro Centre for Practical Ethics, Faculty of Philosophy, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK, and Jessus College, Oxford, UK
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19
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Xu R, Li X, Boreland AJ, Posyton A, Kwan K, Hart RP, Jiang P. Human iPSC-derived mature microglia retain their identity and functionally integrate in the chimeric mouse brain. Nat Commun 2020; 11:1577. [PMID: 32221280 PMCID: PMC7101330 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-15411-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2019] [Accepted: 03/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Microglia, the brain-resident macrophages, exhibit highly dynamic functions in neurodevelopment and neurodegeneration. Human microglia possess unique features as compared to mouse microglia, but our understanding of human microglial functions is largely limited by an inability to obtain human microglia under homeostatic states. Here, we develop a human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC)-based microglial chimeric mouse brain model by transplanting hPSC-derived primitive macrophage progenitors into neonatal mouse brains. Single-cell RNA-sequencing of the microglial chimeric mouse brains reveals that xenografted hPSC-derived microglia largely retain human microglial identity, as they exhibit signature gene expression patterns consistent with physiological human microglia and recapitulate heterogeneity of adult human microglia. Importantly, the engrafted hPSC-derived microglia exhibit dynamic response to cuprizone-induced demyelination and species-specific transcriptomic differences in the expression of neurological disease-risk genes in microglia. This model will serve as a tool to study the role of human microglia in brain development and degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ranjie Xu
- Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA
| | - Xiaoxi Li
- Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA
- Department of Immunology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Andrew J Boreland
- Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA
- Graduate Program in Molecular Biosciences, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA
| | - Anthony Posyton
- Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA
| | - Kelvin Kwan
- Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA
| | - Ronald P Hart
- Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA
| | - Peng Jiang
- Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA.
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20
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Sharma A, Sances S, Workman MJ, Svendsen CN. Multi-lineage Human iPSC-Derived Platforms for Disease Modeling and Drug Discovery. Cell Stem Cell 2020; 26:309-329. [PMID: 32142662 PMCID: PMC7159985 DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2020.02.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 163] [Impact Index Per Article: 40.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) provide a powerful platform for disease modeling and have unlocked new possibilities for understanding the mechanisms governing human biology, physiology, and genetics. However, hiPSC-derivatives have traditionally been utilized in two-dimensional monocultures, in contrast to the multi-systemic interactions that influence cells in the body. We will discuss recent advances in generating more complex hiPSC-based systems using three-dimensional organoids, tissue-engineering, microfluidic organ-chips, and humanized animal systems. While hiPSC differentiation still requires optimization, these next-generation multi-lineage technologies can augment the biomedical researcher's toolkit and enable more realistic models of human tissue function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arun Sharma
- Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA; Smidt Heart Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - Samuel Sances
- Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - Michael J Workman
- Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - Clive N Svendsen
- Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA.
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21
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Nair RR, Corrochano S, Gasco S, Tibbit C, Thompson D, Maduro C, Ali Z, Fratta P, Arozena AA, Cunningham TJ, Fisher EMC. Uses for humanised mouse models in precision medicine for neurodegenerative disease. Mamm Genome 2019; 30:173-191. [PMID: 31203387 PMCID: PMC6759662 DOI: 10.1007/s00335-019-09807-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2019] [Accepted: 05/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Neurodegenerative disease encompasses a wide range of disorders afflicting the central and peripheral nervous systems and is a major unmet biomedical need of our time. There are very limited treatments, and no cures, for most of these diseases, including Alzheimer's Disease, Parkinson's Disease, Huntington Disease, and Motor Neuron Diseases. Mouse and other animal models provide hope by analysing them to understand pathogenic mechanisms, to identify drug targets, and to develop gene therapies and stem cell therapies. However, despite many decades of research, virtually no new treatments have reached the clinic. Increasingly, it is apparent that human heterogeneity within clinically defined neurodegenerative disorders, and between patients with the same genetic mutations, significantly impacts disease presentation and, potentially, therapeutic efficacy. Therefore, stratifying patients according to genetics, lifestyle, disease presentation, ethnicity, and other parameters may hold the key to bringing effective therapies from the bench to the clinic. Here, we discuss genetic and cellular humanised mouse models, and how they help in defining the genetic and environmental parameters associated with neurodegenerative disease, and so help in developing effective precision medicine strategies for future healthcare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Remya R Nair
- Mammalian Genetics Unit, MRC Harwell Institute, Oxfordshire, OX11 0RD, UK
| | - Silvia Corrochano
- Mammalian Genetics Unit, MRC Harwell Institute, Oxfordshire, OX11 0RD, UK
| | - Samanta Gasco
- Mammalian Genetics Unit, MRC Harwell Institute, Oxfordshire, OX11 0RD, UK
| | - Charlotte Tibbit
- Mammalian Genetics Unit, MRC Harwell Institute, Oxfordshire, OX11 0RD, UK
| | - David Thompson
- Mammalian Genetics Unit, MRC Harwell Institute, Oxfordshire, OX11 0RD, UK
| | - Cheryl Maduro
- Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Zeinab Ali
- Mammalian Genetics Unit, MRC Harwell Institute, Oxfordshire, OX11 0RD, UK
| | - Pietro Fratta
- Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Abraham Acevedo Arozena
- Unidad de Investigación Hospital Universitario de Canarias, FUNCANIS, Instituto de Tecnologías Biomédicas ULL, and CIBERNED, La Laguna, 38320, Tenerife, Spain
| | | | - Elizabeth M C Fisher
- Mammalian Genetics Unit, MRC Harwell Institute, Oxfordshire, OX11 0RD, UK.
- Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, WC1N 3BG, UK.
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22
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Xu R, Brawner AT, Li S, Liu JJ, Kim H, Xue H, Pang ZP, Kim WY, Hart RP, Liu Y, Jiang P. OLIG2 Drives Abnormal Neurodevelopmental Phenotypes in Human iPSC-Based Organoid and Chimeric Mouse Models of Down Syndrome. Cell Stem Cell 2019; 24:908-926.e8. [PMID: 31130512 DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2019.04.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2017] [Revised: 10/05/2018] [Accepted: 04/17/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Down syndrome (DS) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder, and cognitive defects in DS patients may arise from imbalances in excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmission. Understanding the mechanisms underlying such imbalances may provide opportunities for therapeutic intervention. Here, we show that human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) derived from DS patients overproduce OLIG2+ ventral forebrain neural progenitors. As a result, DS hiPSC-derived cerebral organoids excessively produce specific subclasses of GABAergic interneurons and cause impaired recognition memory in neuronal chimeric mice. Increased OLIG2 expression in DS cells directly upregulates interneuron lineage-determining transcription factors. shRNA-mediated knockdown of OLIG2 largely reverses abnormal gene expression in early-stage DS neural progenitors, reduces interneuron production in DS organoids and chimeric mouse brains, and improves behavioral deficits in DS chimeric mice. Thus, altered OLIG2 expression may underlie neurodevelopmental abnormalities and cognitive defects in DS patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ranjie Xu
- Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA; Department of Developmental Neuroscience, Munroe-Meyer Institute and Mary & Dick Holland Regenerative Medicine Program, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Andrew T Brawner
- Department of Developmental Neuroscience, Munroe-Meyer Institute and Mary & Dick Holland Regenerative Medicine Program, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Shenglan Li
- Department of Neurosurgery and Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Jing-Jing Liu
- Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology and Child Health Institute of New Jersey, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA
| | - Hyosung Kim
- Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Haipeng Xue
- Department of Neurosurgery and Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Zhiping P Pang
- Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology and Child Health Institute of New Jersey, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA
| | - Woo-Yang Kim
- Department of Biological Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, OH 44242, USA
| | - Ronald P Hart
- Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Ying Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery and Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Peng Jiang
- Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA; Department of Developmental Neuroscience, Munroe-Meyer Institute and Mary & Dick Holland Regenerative Medicine Program, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA.
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23
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Mariani JN, Zou L, Goldman SA. Human Glial Chimeric Mice to Define the Role of Glial Pathology in Human Disease. Methods Mol Biol 2019; 1936:311-331. [PMID: 30820907 PMCID: PMC6700730 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-9072-6_18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Human glial progenitor cells (hGPCs) can engraft, expand, and differentiate into functional oligodendrocytes and astrocytes when transplanted neonatally into murine hosts, in which they outcompete the host glial pool to ultimately colonize and dominate the recipient brains. When congenitally hypomyelinated mutants are used as hosts, the donor hGPCs generate myelinogenic oligodendrocytes as well as astrocytes, so that the recipient mice develop a largely humanized white matter, with entirely human-derived myelin. In addition, by neonatally engrafting hGPCs derived from patient- and disease-specific pluripotent stem cells, glial chimeric mice may be produced in which large proportions of all macroglial cells are not only human but also patient and disease specific. Human glial chimeric mice thus provide intriguing preparations by which to investigate the species-specific contributions of human glia to both cognition and human-selective neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric diseases, as well as the potential for therapeutic glial cell replacement in these disorders. This review presents an overview of the uses, characteristics, and limitations of the human glial chimeric brain model, while providing a step-by-step protocol for the establishment of these mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- John N Mariani
- Department of Neurology and the Center for Translational Neuromedicine, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Lisa Zou
- Department of Neurology and the Center for Translational Neuromedicine, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Steven A Goldman
- Department of Neurology and the Center for Translational Neuromedicine, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA.
- The Neuroscience Center, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark.
- Center for Translational Neuromedicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
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24
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Fujiwara S. Humanized mice: A brief overview on their diverse applications in biomedical research. J Cell Physiol 2017; 233:2889-2901. [PMID: 28543438 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.26022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2017] [Accepted: 05/19/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Model animals naturally differ from humans in various respects and results from the former are not directly translatable to the latter. One approach to address this issue is humanized mice that are defined as mice engrafted with functional human cells or tissues. In humanized mice, we can investigate the development and function of human cells or tissues (including their products encoded by human genes) in the in vivo context of a small animal. As such, humanized mouse models have played important roles that cannot be substituted by other animal models in various areas of biomedical research. Although there are obvious limitations in humanized mice and we may need some caution in interpreting the results obtained from them, it is reasonably expected that they will be utilized in increasingly diverse areas of biomedical research, as the technology for preparing humanized mice are rapidly improved. In this review, I will describe the methodology for generating humanized mice and overview their recent applications in various disciplines including immunology, infectious diseases, drug metabolism, and neuroscience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shigeyoshi Fujiwara
- Department of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo, Japan.,Division of Hematology and Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Nihon University School of Medicine, Itabashi-ku, Tokyo, Japan
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Wu S, Xu R, Duan B, Jiang P. Three-Dimensional Hyaluronic Acid Hydrogel-Based Models for In Vitro Human iPSC-Derived NPC Culture and Differentiation. J Mater Chem B 2017; 5:3870-3878. [PMID: 28775848 PMCID: PMC5536346 DOI: 10.1039/c7tb00721c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived neural progenitor cells (hiPSC-NPCs) are considered as a promising cell source for transplantation and have been used for organoid fabrication to recapitulate central nervous system (CNS) diseases in vitro. The establishment of three-dimensional (3D) in vitro model with hiPSC-NPCs and control of their differentiation is significantly critical for understanding biological processes and CNS disease and regeneration. Here we implemented 3D methacrylated hyaluronic acid (Me-HA) hydrogels with encapsulation of hiPSC-NPCs as in vitro culture models and further investigated the role of the hydrogel rigidity on the cell behavior of hiPSC-NPCs. We first encapsulated single dispersive hiPSC-NPCs within both soft and stiff Me-HA hydrogel and found that hiPSC-NPCs gradually self-assembled and aggregated to form 3D spheroids. Then, the hiPSC-NPCs were laden into Me-HA hydrogels in the form of spheroids to evaluate their spontaneous differentiation in response to hydrogel rigidity. The soft Me-HA hydrogel-encapsulated hiPSC-NPCs displayed robust neurite outgrowth and showed high levels of spontaneous neural differentiation. We further encapsulated Down Syndrome (DS) patient-specific hiPSC-derived NPCs (DS-NPCs) spheroids within our hydrogels. DS-NPCs remained excellent cell viability in both soft and stiff Me-HA hydrogels. Similarly, soft hydrogels promoted neural differentiation of DS-NPCs by significantly upregulating neural maturation markers. This study demonstrates that soft matrix promotes neural differentiation of hiPSC-NPCs and HA-based hydrogels with hiPSC-NPCs or DS-NPCs are effective 3D models for CNS disease study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaohua Wu
- Mary & Dick Holland Regenerative Medicine Program, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Ranjie Xu
- Mary & Dick Holland Regenerative Medicine Program, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
- Department of Developmental Neuroscience, Munroe-Meyer Institute, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Bin Duan
- Mary & Dick Holland Regenerative Medicine Program, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
- Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Peng Jiang
- Mary & Dick Holland Regenerative Medicine Program, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
- Department of Developmental Neuroscience, Munroe-Meyer Institute, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
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