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Pozojevic J, Spielmann M. Single-Cell Sequencing in Neurodegenerative Disorders. Mol Diagn Ther 2023; 27:553-561. [PMID: 37552451 PMCID: PMC10435411 DOI: 10.1007/s40291-023-00668-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2023]
Abstract
Neurodegenerative disorders are typically characterized by late onset progressive damage to specific (sub)populations of cells of the nervous system that are essential for mobility, coordination, strength, sensation, and cognition. Addressing this selective cellular vulnerability has become feasible with the emergence of single-cell-omics technologies, which now represent the state-of-the-art approach to profile heterogeneity of complex tissues including human post-mortem brain at unprecedented resolution. In this review, we briefly recapitulate the experimental workflow of single-cell RNA sequencing and summarize the recent knowledge acquired with it in the most common neurodegenerative diseases: Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, Huntington's disease, and multiple sclerosis. We also discuss the possibility of applying single-cell approaches in the diagnostics and therapy of neurodegenerative disorders, as well as the limitations. While we are currently at the point of deeply exploring the transcriptomic changes in the affected cells, further technological developments hold a promise of manipulating the affected pathways once we understand them better.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jelena Pozojevic
- Institute of Human Genetics, Universitätsklinikum Schleswig-Holstein, University of Lübeck and University of Kiel, 23562, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Malte Spielmann
- Institute of Human Genetics, Universitätsklinikum Schleswig-Holstein, University of Lübeck and University of Kiel, 23562, Lübeck, Germany.
- Human Molecular Genomics Group, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics, 14195, Berlin, Germany.
- German Centre for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Hamburg/Lübeck/Kiel, 23562, Lübeck, Germany.
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2
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Alldred MJ, Ginsberg SD. Microisolation of Spatially Characterized Single Populations of Neurons for RNA Sequencing from Mouse and Postmortem Human Brain Tissues. J Clin Med 2023; 12:3304. [PMID: 37176744 PMCID: PMC10179294 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12093304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2023] [Revised: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Single-cell and single-population RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) is a rapidly evolving new field of intense investigation. Recent studies indicate unique transcriptomic profiles are derived based on the spatial localization of neurons within circuits and regions. Individual neuronal subtypes can have vastly different transcriptomic fingerprints, well beyond the basic excitatory neuron and inhibitory neuron designations. To study single-population gene expression profiles of spatially characterized neurons, we have developed a methodology combining laser capture microdissection (LCM), RNA purification of single populations of neurons, and subsequent library preparation for downstream applications, including RNA-seq. LCM provides the benefit of isolating single neurons characterized by morphology or via transmitter-identified and/or receptor immunoreactivity and enables spatial localization within the sample. We utilize unfixed human postmortem and mouse brain tissue that is frozen to preserve RNA quality in order to isolate the desired neurons of interest. Microisolated neurons are then pooled for RNA purification utilizing as few as 250 individual neurons from a tissue section, precluding extraneous nonspecific tissue contaminants. Library preparation is performed from picogram RNA quantities extracted from LCM-captured neurons. Single-population RNA-seq analysis demonstrates that microisolated neurons from both postmortem human and mouse brain tissues are viable for transcriptomic profiling, including differential gene expression assessment and bioinformatic pathway inquiry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa J. Alldred
- Center for Dementia Research, Nathan Kline Institute, Orangeburg, NY 10962, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Stephen D. Ginsberg
- Center for Dementia Research, Nathan Kline Institute, Orangeburg, NY 10962, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
- Department of Neuroscience & Physiology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
- NYU Neuroscience Institute, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
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3
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Reproducible and sensitive micro-tissue RNA sequencing from formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissues for spatial gene expression analysis. Sci Rep 2022; 12:19511. [PMID: 36376423 PMCID: PMC9663554 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-23651-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Spatial transcriptome analysis of formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissues using RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) provides interactive information on morphology and gene expression, which is useful for clinical applications. However, despite the advantages of long-term storage at room temperature, FFPE tissues may be severely damaged by methylene crosslinking and provide less gene information than fresh-frozen tissues. In this study, we proposed a sensitive FFPE micro-tissue RNA-seq method that combines the punching of tissue sections (diameter: 100 μm) and the direct construction of RNA-seq libraries. We evaluated a method using mouse liver tissues at two years after fixation and embedding and detected approximately 7000 genes in micro-punched tissue-spots (thickness: 10 μm), similar to that detected with purified total RNA (2.5 ng) equivalent to the several dozen cells in the spot. We applied this method to clinical FFPE specimens of lung cancer that had been fixed and embedded 6 years prior, and found that it was possible to determine characteristic gene expression in the microenvironment containing tumor and non-tumor cells of different morphologies. This result indicates that spatial gene expression analysis of the tumor microenvironment is feasible using FFPE tissue sections stored for extensive periods in medical facilities.
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Hilmi M, Armenoult L, Ayadi M, Nicolle R. Whole-Transcriptome Profiling on Small FFPE Samples: Which Sequencing Kit Should Be Used? Curr Issues Mol Biol 2022; 44:2186-2193. [PMID: 35678677 PMCID: PMC9164037 DOI: 10.3390/cimb44050148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Revised: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) appears as a great tool with huge clinical potential, particularly in oncology. However, sufficient sample size is often a limiting factor and the vast majority of samples from patients with cancer are formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE). To date, several sequencing kits are proposed for FFPE samples yet no comparison on low quantities were performed. To select the most reliable, cost-effective, and relevant RNA-Seq approach, we applied five FFPE-compatible kits (based on 3′ capture, exome-capture and ribodepletion approaches) using 8 ng to 400 ng of FFPE-derived RNA and compared them to Nanostring on FFPE samples and to a reference PolyA (Truseq) approach on flash-frozen samples of the same tumors. We compared gene expression correlations and reproducibility. The Smarter Pico V3 ribodepletion approach appeared systematically the most comparable to Nanostring and Truseq (p < 0.001) and was a highly reproducible technique. In comparison with exome-capture and 3′ kits, the Smarter appeared more comparable to Truseq (p < 0.001). Overall, our results suggest that the Smarter is the most robust RNA-Seq technique to study small FFPE samples and 3′ Lexogen presents an interesting quality−price ratio for samples with less limiting quantities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc Hilmi
- Molecular Oncology, PSL Research University, CNRS, UMR 144, Institut Curie, 75005 Paris, France;
| | - Lucile Armenoult
- Programme Cartes D’Identité des Tumeurs (CIT), Ligue Nationale Contre le Cancer, 75013 Paris, France; (L.A.); (M.A.)
| | - Mira Ayadi
- Programme Cartes D’Identité des Tumeurs (CIT), Ligue Nationale Contre le Cancer, 75013 Paris, France; (L.A.); (M.A.)
| | - Rémy Nicolle
- Centre de Recherche sur l’Inflammation (CRI), Université de Paris Cité, INSERM, U1149, CNRS, ERL 8252, 75018 Paris, France
- Correspondence:
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5
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Case study: Targeted RNA-sequencing of aged formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded samples for understanding chemical mode of action. Toxicol Rep 2022; 9:883-894. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxrep.2022.04.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Revised: 04/12/2022] [Accepted: 04/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
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Wulf MG, Maguire S, Dai N, Blondel A, Posfai D, Krishnan K, Sun Z, Guan S, Corrêa IR. Chemical capping improves template switching and enhances sequencing of small RNAs. Nucleic Acids Res 2021; 50:e2. [PMID: 34581823 PMCID: PMC8754658 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkab861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Revised: 08/26/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Template-switching reverse transcription is widely used in RNA sequencing for low-input and low-quality samples, including RNA from single cells or formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissues. Previously, we identified the native eukaryotic mRNA 5′ cap as a key structural element for enhancing template switching efficiency. Here, we introduce CapTS-seq, a new strategy for sequencing small RNAs that combines chemical capping and template switching. We probed a variety of non-native synthetic cap structures and found that an unmethylated guanosine triphosphate cap led to the lowest bias and highest efficiency for template switching. Through cross-examination of different nucleotides at the cap position, our data provided unequivocal evidence that the 5′ cap acts as a template for the first nucleotide in reverse transcriptase-mediated post-templated addition to the emerging cDNA—a key feature to propel template switching. We deployed CapTS-seq for sequencing synthetic miRNAs, human total brain and liver FFPE RNA, and demonstrated that it consistently improves library quality for miRNAs in comparison with a gold standard template switching-based small RNA-seq kit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madalee G Wulf
- New England Biolabs, Inc., 240 County Road, Ipswich, MA 01938, USA
| | - Sean Maguire
- New England Biolabs, Inc., 240 County Road, Ipswich, MA 01938, USA
| | - Nan Dai
- New England Biolabs, Inc., 240 County Road, Ipswich, MA 01938, USA
| | - Alice Blondel
- New England Biolabs, Inc., 240 County Road, Ipswich, MA 01938, USA
| | - Dora Posfai
- New England Biolabs, Inc., 240 County Road, Ipswich, MA 01938, USA
| | | | - Zhiyi Sun
- New England Biolabs, Inc., 240 County Road, Ipswich, MA 01938, USA
| | - Shengxi Guan
- New England Biolabs, Inc., 240 County Road, Ipswich, MA 01938, USA
| | - Ivan R Corrêa
- New England Biolabs, Inc., 240 County Road, Ipswich, MA 01938, USA
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7
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Nomura Y, Tamura D, Horie M, Sato M, Sasaki S, Yamamoto Y, Kudo-Asabe Y, Umakoshi M, Koyama K, Makino K, Takashima S, Imai K, Minamiya Y, Munakata S, Yachida S, Terada Y, Goto A, Maeda D. Detection of MEAF6-PHF1 translocation in an endometrial stromal nodule. Genes Chromosomes Cancer 2020; 59:702-708. [PMID: 32820570 DOI: 10.1002/gcc.22892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2020] [Revised: 08/06/2020] [Accepted: 08/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Endometrial stromal nodule (ESN) and low-grade endometrial stromal sarcoma (LG-ESS) are rare uterine tumors known as endometrial stromal tumors (ESTs). In addition to their similarity in morphological features, recent studies have shown that these two tumors share common genetic alterations. In particular, JAZF1-SUZ12 fusion is found with high frequency in both ESN and LG-ESS. In LG-ESS, some minor fusions have also been described, which include rearrangements involving PHF1 and its partner genes, such as JAZF1, EPC1, MEAF6, BRD8, EPC2, and MBTD1. Because of the rarity of ESN, genetic alterations other than JAZF1 fusion have not been investigated in detail. In this study, we performed a next-generation sequencing-based analysis in a case of ESN with peripheral metaplastic bone formation and detected MEAF6-PHF1 fusion, which has been reported in a small subset of uterine LG-ESSs and soft tissue ossifying fibromyxoid tumors. The finding that MEAF6-PHF1 fusion is a background genetic abnormality detected both in ESN and LG-ESS, along with JAZF1-SUZ12, provides further support for the similarity and continuum between these two types of ESTs. Furthermore, the association between metaplastic bone formation and MEAF6-PHF1 fusion may not be limited to soft tissue tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yusuke Nomura
- Department of Clinical Genomics, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
- Faculty of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
| | - Daisuke Tamura
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medicine, Akita University, Akita, Japan
| | - Masafumi Horie
- Department of Cancer Genome Informatics, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
| | - Masakazu Sato
- Department of Clinical Genomics, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
- CDM4 Division, Takara Bio Inc., Kusatsu, Japan
| | - Shinya Sasaki
- Department of Laboratory Technology, Sakai City Medical Center, Sakai, Japan
| | - Yohei Yamamoto
- Department of Molecular and Tumor Pathology, Graduate School of Medicine, Akita University, Akita, Japan
| | - Yukitsugu Kudo-Asabe
- Department of Cellular and Organ Pathology, Graduate School of Medicine, Akita University, Akita, Japan
| | - Michinobu Umakoshi
- Department of Cellular and Organ Pathology, Graduate School of Medicine, Akita University, Akita, Japan
| | - Kei Koyama
- Department of Cellular and Organ Pathology, Graduate School of Medicine, Akita University, Akita, Japan
| | - Kenichi Makino
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medicine, Akita University, Akita, Japan
| | - Shinogu Takashima
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Akita University, Akita, Japan
| | - Kazuhiro Imai
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Akita University, Akita, Japan
| | - Yoshihiro Minamiya
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Akita University, Akita, Japan
| | - Satoru Munakata
- Department of Pathology, Sakai City Medical Center, Sakai, Japan
- Department of Pathology, Hakodate Municipal Hospital, Hakodate, Japan
| | - Shinichi Yachida
- Department of Cancer Genome Informatics, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
| | - Yukihiro Terada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medicine, Akita University, Akita, Japan
| | - Akiteru Goto
- Department of Cellular and Organ Pathology, Graduate School of Medicine, Akita University, Akita, Japan
| | - Daichi Maeda
- Department of Clinical Genomics, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
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8
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Chakraborty N, Schmitt CW, Honnold CL, Moyler C, Butler S, Nachabe H, Gautam A, Hammamieh R. Protocol Improvement for RNA Extraction From Compromised Frozen Specimens Generated in Austere Conditions: A Path Forward to Transcriptomics-Pathology Systems Integration. Front Mol Biosci 2020; 7:142. [PMID: 32793629 PMCID: PMC7387682 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2020.00142] [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: 03/05/2020] [Accepted: 06/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
At the heart of the phenome-to-genome approach is high throughput assays, which are liable to produce false results. This risk can be mitigated by minimizing the sample bias, specifically, recycling the same tissue specimen for both phenotypic and genotypic investigations. Therefore, our aim is to suggest a methodology of obtaining robust results from frozen specimens of compromised quality, particularly if the sample is produced in conditions with limited resources. For example, generating samples at the International Space Station (ISS) is challenging because the time and laboratory footprint allotted to a project can get expensive. In an effort to be economical with available resources, snap-frozen euthanized mice are the straightforward solution; however, this method increases the risk of temperature abuse during the thawing process at the beginning of the tissue collection. We found that prolonged immersion of snap frozen mouse carcass in 10% neutral buffered formalin at 4°C yielded minimal microscopic signs of ice crystallization and delivered tissues with histomorphology that is optimal for hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining and fixation on glass slides. We further optimized a method to sequester the tissue specimen from the H&E slides using an incubator shaker. Using this method, we were able to recover an optimal amount of RNA that could be used for downstream transcriptomics assays. Overall, we demonstrated a protocol that enables us to maximize scientific values from tissues collected in austere condition. Furthermore, our protocol can suggest an improvement in the spatial resolution of transcriptomic assays.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nabarun Chakraborty
- Geneva Foundation, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD, United States.,Medical Readiness Systems Biology, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD, United States
| | - Connie W Schmitt
- Comparative Pathology, US Army Medical Research Institute of Chemical Defense, Gunpowder, MD, United States
| | - Cary L Honnold
- Comparative Pathology, US Army Medical Research Institute of Chemical Defense, Gunpowder, MD, United States
| | - Candace Moyler
- Medical Readiness Systems Biology, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD, United States.,ORISE, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD, United States
| | - Stephen Butler
- Geneva Foundation, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD, United States.,Medical Readiness Systems Biology, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD, United States
| | - Hisham Nachabe
- Medical Readiness Systems Biology, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD, United States.,ORISE, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD, United States
| | - Aarti Gautam
- Medical Readiness Systems Biology, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD, United States
| | - Rasha Hammamieh
- Medical Readiness Systems Biology, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD, United States
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