1
|
Amartumur S, Nguyen H, Huynh T, Kim TS, Woo RS, Oh E, Kim KK, Lee LP, Heo C. Neuropathogenesis-on-chips for neurodegenerative diseases. Nat Commun 2024; 15:2219. [PMID: 38472255 PMCID: PMC10933492 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-46554-8] [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: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Developing diagnostics and treatments for neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) is challenging due to multifactorial pathogenesis that progresses gradually. Advanced in vitro systems that recapitulate patient-like pathophysiology are emerging as alternatives to conventional animal-based models. In this review, we explore the interconnected pathogenic features of different types of ND, discuss the general strategy to modelling NDs using a microfluidic chip, and introduce the organoid-on-a-chip as the next advanced relevant model. Lastly, we overview how these models are being applied in academic and industrial drug development. The integration of microfluidic chips, stem cells, and biotechnological devices promises to provide valuable insights for biomedical research and developing diagnostic and therapeutic solutions for NDs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarnai Amartumur
- Department of Biophysics, Institute of Quantum Biophysics, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, 16419, Korea
| | - Huong Nguyen
- Department of Biophysics, Institute of Quantum Biophysics, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, 16419, Korea
| | - Thuy Huynh
- Department of Biophysics, Institute of Quantum Biophysics, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, 16419, Korea
| | - Testaverde S Kim
- Center for Integrated Nanostructure Physics (CINAP), Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Suwon, 16419, Korea
| | - Ran-Sook Woo
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, College of Medicine, Eulji University, Daejeon, 34824, Korea
| | - Eungseok Oh
- Department of Neurology, Chungnam National University Hospital, Daejeon, 35015, Korea
| | - Kyeong Kyu Kim
- Department of Precision Medicine, Graduate School of Basic Medical Science (GSBMS), Institute for Anti-microbial Resistance Research and Therapeutics, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Suwon, 16419, Korea
| | - Luke P Lee
- Department of Biophysics, Institute of Quantum Biophysics, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, 16419, Korea.
- Harvard Medical School, Division of Engineering in Medicine and Renal Division, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
- Department of Bioengineering, Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, University of California, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA.
| | - Chaejeong Heo
- Department of Biophysics, Institute of Quantum Biophysics, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, 16419, Korea.
- Center for Integrated Nanostructure Physics (CINAP), Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Suwon, 16419, Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
The Efficiency of Direct Maturation: the Comparison of Two hiPSC Differentiation Approaches into Motor Neurons. Stem Cells Int 2022; 2022:1320950. [DOI: 10.1155/2022/1320950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2022] [Revised: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Motor neurons (MNs) derived from human-induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSC) hold great potential for the treatment of various motor neurodegenerative diseases as transplantations with a low-risk of rejection are made possible. There are many hiPSC differentiation protocols that pursue to imitate the multistep process of motor neurogenesis in vivo. However, these often apply viral vectors, feeder cells, or antibiotics to generate hiPSC and MNs, limiting their translational potential. In this study, a virus-, feeder-, and antibiotic-free method was used for reprogramming hiPSC, which were maintained in culture medium produced under clinical good manufacturing practice. Differentiation into MNs was performed with standardized, chemically defined, and antibiotic-free culture media. The identity of hiPSC, neuronal progenitors, and mature MNs was continuously verified by the detection of specific markers at the genetic and protein level via qRT-PCR, flow cytometry, Western Blot, and immunofluorescence. MNX1- and ChAT-positive motoneuronal progenitor cells were formed after neural induction via dual-SMAD inhibition and expansion. For maturation, an approach aiming to directly mature these progenitors was compared to an approach that included an additional differentiation step for further specification. Although both approaches generated mature MNs expressing characteristic postmitotic markers, the direct maturation approach appeared to be more efficient. These results provide new insights into the suitability of two standardized differentiation approaches for generating mature MNs, which might pave the way for future clinical applications.
Collapse
|
3
|
Karvelas N, Bennett S, Politis G, Kouris NI, Kole C. Advances in stem cell therapy in Alzheimer's disease: a comprehensive clinical trial review. Stem Cell Investig 2022; 9:2. [PMID: 35280344 PMCID: PMC8898169 DOI: 10.21037/sci-2021-063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2021] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common type of dementia responsible for more than 121,499 deaths from AD in 2019 making AD the sixth-leading cause in the United States. AD is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by decline of memory, behavioral impairments that affects a person's ability to function independently ultimately leading to death. The current pressing need for a treatment for (AD) and advances in the field of cell therapy, has rendered stem cell therapeutics a promising field of research. Despite advancements in stem cell technology, confirmed by encouraging pre-clinical utilization of stem cells in AD animal models, the number of clinical trials evaluating the efficacy of stem cell therapy is limited, with the results of many ongoing clinical trials on cell therapy for AD still pending. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been the main focus in these studies, reporting encouraging results concerning safety profile, however their efficacy remains unproven. In the current article we review the latest advances regarding different sources of stem cell therapy and present a comprehensive list of every available clinical trial in national and international registries. Finally, we discuss drawbacks arising from AD pathology and technical limitations that hinder the transition of stem cell technology from bench to bedside. Our findings emphasize the need to increase clinical trials towards uncovering the mode of action and the underlying therapeutic mechanisms of transplanted cells as well as the molecular mechanisms controlling regeneration and neuronal microenvironment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nikolaos Karvelas
- Faculty of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athina, Greece
| | | | - Georgios Politis
- Faculty of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athina, Greece
| | | | - Christo Kole
- Faculty of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athina, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Kamaraj US, Chen J, Katwadi K, Ouyang JF, Yang Sun YB, Lim YM, Liu X, Handoko L, Polo JM, Petretto E, Rackham OJ. EpiMogrify Models H3K4me3 Data to Identify Signaling Molecules that Improve Cell Fate Control and Maintenance. Cell Syst 2020; 11:509-522.e10. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cels.2020.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2019] [Revised: 04/30/2020] [Accepted: 09/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
|
6
|
Goudarzi N, Shabani R, Ebrahimi M, Baghestani A, Dehdashtian E, Vahabzadeh G, Soleimani M, Moradi F, Katebi M. Comparative phenotypic characterization of human colostrum and breast milk-derived stem cells. Hum Cell 2020; 33:308-317. [PMID: 31975030 DOI: 10.1007/s13577-019-00320-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2019] [Accepted: 12/20/2019] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
There is a diverse population of stem cells in human breast milk that can be employed for therapeutic purposes as a reservoir of cells. The current study mainly aimed to determine the nature markers expressing on stem cells. For this aim, the expression of embryonic stem cell markers, as well as the expression of endothelial, mesenchymal, neural, and hematopoietic markers were evaluated by the flow cytometry analysis in fresh colostrum, breast milk, and cultured colostrum samples. The results showed that the embryonic (OCT4, SOX2, HLA-DR), hematopoietic (CD33, CD45, CD117), neural (CD133, Nestin), and mesenchymal (CD44, SCA1) stem cell markers present in colostrum had higher expression in comparison with their counterpart markers in fresh breast milk. The expression markers of stem cells in colostrum following a 2-week culture period were significantly increased compared with their counterpart markers in colostrum before the culture process. In the culture of breastmilk, cells were not observed adherent cells and colonies. Our findings form flow cytometry and cell culture suggest that the lactation stage could be one of the factors influencing the stem cell population and, consequently, the cultivation of breastmilk cells. The present study indicates that colostrum is a tremendous source of stem cells that could be applied in cell-based research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nasim Goudarzi
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, East Hemmat Highway, Tehran, Iran.,Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Iran University of Medical Sciences, East Hemmat Highway, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ronak Shabani
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, East Hemmat Highway, Tehran, Iran.,Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Iran University of Medical Sciences, East Hemmat Highway, Tehran, Iran
| | - Marzieh Ebrahimi
- Department of Stem Cells and Developmental Biology at Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, End of North Banihashem, West Resalat Highway, Tehran, Iran
| | - Amir Baghestani
- Department of Anatomy, Scholar Medicine, University of Medical Sciences, East Hemmat Highway, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ehsan Dehdashtian
- Department of Anatomy, Scholar Medicine, University of Medical Sciences, East Hemmat Highway, Tehran, Iran
| | - Gelareh Vahabzadeh
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Iran University of Medical Sciences, East Hemmat Highway, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mansoure Soleimani
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, East Hemmat Highway, Tehran, Iran.,Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Iran University of Medical Sciences, East Hemmat Highway, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Moradi
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, East Hemmat Highway, Tehran, Iran. .,Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Iran University of Medical Sciences, East Hemmat Highway, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Majid Katebi
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medical Science, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Shahid Chamran Boulevard, Bandar Abbas, Hormozgan, Iran.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Pacini G, Marino A, Migliarini S, Brilli E, Pelosi B, Maddaloni G, Pratelli M, Pellegrino M, Ferrari A, Pasqualetti M. A Tph2 GFP Reporter Stem Cell Line To Model in Vitro and in Vivo Serotonergic Neuron Development and Function. ACS Chem Neurosci 2017; 8:1043-1052. [PMID: 28029782 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.6b00403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Modeling biological systems in vitro has contributed to clarification of complex mechanisms in simplified and controlled experimental conditions. Mouse embryonic stem (mES) cells can be successfully differentiated toward specific neuronal cell fates, thus representing an attractive tool to dissect, in vitro, mechanisms that underlie complex neuronal features. In this study, we generated and characterized a reporter mES cell line, called Tph2GFP, in which the vital reporter GFP replaces the tryptophan hydroxylase 2 (Tph2) gene. Tph2GFP mES cells selectively express GFP upon in vitro differentiation toward the serotonergic fate, they synthesize serotonin, possess excitable membranes, and show the typical morphological, morphometrical, and molecular features of in vivo serotonergic neurons. Thanks to the vital reporter GFP, we highlighted by time-lapse video microscopy several dynamic processes such as cell migration and axonal outgrowth in living cultures. Finally, we demonstrated that predifferentiated Tph2GFP cells are able to terminally differentiate, integrate, and innervate the host brain when grafted in vivo. On the whole, the present study introduces the Tph2GFP mES cell line as a useful tool allowing accurate developmental and dynamic studies and representing a reliable platform for the study of serotonergic neurons in health and disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Pacini
- Department
of Biology, Unit of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Pisa, 56127 Pisa, Italy
| | - Attilio Marino
- Department
of Biology, Unit of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Pisa, 56127 Pisa, Italy
| | - Sara Migliarini
- Department
of Biology, Unit of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Pisa, 56127 Pisa, Italy
| | - Elisa Brilli
- Department
of Biology, Unit of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Pisa, 56127 Pisa, Italy
| | - Barbara Pelosi
- Department
of Biology, Unit of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Pisa, 56127 Pisa, Italy
| | - Giacomo Maddaloni
- Department
of Biology, Unit of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Pisa, 56127 Pisa, Italy
| | - Marta Pratelli
- Department
of Biology, Unit of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Pisa, 56127 Pisa, Italy
| | - Mario Pellegrino
- Dipartimento
di Ricerca Traslazionale e delle Nuove Tecnologie in Medicina e Chirurgia, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
- Istituto Nazionale di Ottica, National Research Council (CNR), 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Aldo Ferrari
- ETH Zurich, Laboratory of Thermodynamics in
Emerging Technologies, 8092 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Massimo Pasqualetti
- Department
of Biology, Unit of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Pisa, 56127 Pisa, Italy
- Center
for Neuroscience and Cognitive Systems, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 38068 Rovereto (TN), Italy
- Neuroscience Institute, National Research Council (CNR), 56124 Pisa, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Meyer K, Kaspar BK. Glia-neuron interactions in neurological diseases: Testing non-cell autonomy in a dish. Brain Res 2017; 1656:27-39. [PMID: 26778174 PMCID: PMC4939136 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2015.12.051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2015] [Revised: 12/17/2015] [Accepted: 12/22/2015] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
For the past century, research on neurological disorders has largely focused on the most prominently affected cell types - the neurons. However, with increasing knowledge of the diverse physiological functions of glial cells, their impact on these diseases has become more evident. Thus, many conditions appear to have more complex origins than initially thought. Since neurological pathologies are often sporadic with unknown etiology, animal models are difficult to create and might only reflect a small portion of patients in which a mutation in a gene has been identified. Therefore, reliable in vitro systems to studying these disorders are urgently needed. They might be a pre-requisite for improving our understanding of the disease mechanisms as well as for the development of potential new therapies. In this review, we will briefly summarize the function of different glial cell types in the healthy central nervous system (CNS) and outline their implication in the development or progression of neurological conditions. We will then describe different types of culture systems to model non-cell autonomous interactions in vitro and evaluate advantages and disadvantages. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled SI: Exploiting human neurons.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kathrin Meyer
- The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Brian K Kaspar
- The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA; Molecular, Cellular & Developmental Biology Graduate Program, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA; Department of Neuroscience, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Abstract
Stem cells, especially neural stem cells (NSCs), are a very attractive cell source for potential reconstruction of injured spinal cord though either neuroprotection, neural regeneration, remyelination, replacement of lost neural cells, or reconnection of disrupted axons. The later have great potential since recent studies demonstrate long-distance growth and connectivity of axons derived from transplanted NSCs after spinal cord injury (SCI). In addition, transplanted NSCs constitute a permissive environment for host axonal regeneration and serve as new targets for host axonal connection. This reciprocal connection between grafted neurons and host neurons constitutes a neuronal relay formation that could restore functional connectivity after SCI.
Collapse
|
10
|
Vadodaria KC, Marchetto MC, Mertens J, Gage FH. Generating human serotonergic neurons in vitro: Methodological advances. Bioessays 2016; 38:1123-1129. [PMID: 27716980 DOI: 10.1002/bies.201600127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Technologies for deriving human neurons in vitro have transformed our ability to study cellular and molecular components of human neurotransmission. Three groups, including our own, have recently published methods for efficiently generating human serotonergic neurons in vitro. Remarkably, serotonergic neurons derived from each method robustly produce serotonin, express raphe genes, are electrically active, and respond to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors in vitro. Two of the methods utilize transdifferentiation technology by overexpressing key serotonergic transcription factors. The third and most recent method involves differentiating induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) to serotonergic neurons using developmental patterning cues. In this mini-review, we briefly describe the developmental programs governing serotonergic specification in vivo and how they have been harnessed to achieve serotonergic differentiation in vitro. We discuss the distinct and overlapping features of the recently published methodologies and their value in the context of in vitro disease modeling. Also see the video abstract here.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Krishna C Vadodaria
- Laboratory of Genetics, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Maria C Marchetto
- Laboratory of Genetics, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Jerome Mertens
- Laboratory of Genetics, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Fred H Gage
- Laboratory of Genetics, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Yan Y, Bejoy J, Xia J, Guan J, Zhou Y, Li Y. Neural patterning of human induced pluripotent stem cells in 3-D cultures for studying biomolecule-directed differential cellular responses. Acta Biomater 2016; 42:114-126. [PMID: 27345135 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2016.06.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2016] [Revised: 06/01/2016] [Accepted: 06/22/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Appropriate neural patterning of human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) is critical to generate specific neural cells/tissues and even mini-brains that are physiologically relevant to model neurological diseases. However, the capacity of signaling factors that regulate 3-D neural tissue patterning in vitro and differential responses of the resulting neural populations to various biomolecules have not yet been fully understood. METHODS By tuning neural patterning of hiPSCs with small molecules targeting sonic hedgehog (SHH) signaling, this study generated different 3-D neuronal cultures that were mainly comprised of either cortical glutamatergic neurons or motor neurons. RESULTS Abundant glutamatergic neurons were observed following the treatment with an antagonist of SHH signaling, cyclopamine, while Islet-1 and HB9-expressing motor neurons were enriched by an SHH agonist, purmorphamine. In neurons derived with different neural patterning factors, whole-cell patch clamp recordings showed similar voltage-gated Na(+)/K(+) currents, depolarization-evoked action potentials and spontaneous excitatory post-synaptic currents. Moreover, these different neuronal populations exhibited differential responses to three classes of biomolecules, including (1) matrix metalloproteinase inhibitors that affect extracellular matrix remodeling; (2) N-methyl-d-aspartate that induces general neurotoxicity; and (3) amyloid β (1-42) oligomers that cause neuronal subtype-specific neurotoxicity. CONCLUSIONS This study should advance our understanding of hiPSC self-organization and neural tissue development and provide a transformative approach to establish 3-D models for neurological disease modeling and drug discovery. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE Appropriate neural patterning of human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) is critical to generate specific neural cells, tissues and even mini-brains that are physiologically relevant to model neurological diseases. However, the capability of sonic hedgehog-related small molecules to tune different neuronal subtypes in 3-D differentiation from hiPSCs and the differential cellular responses of region-specific neuronal subtypes to various biomolecules have not been fully investigated. By tuning neural patterning of hiPSCs with small molecules targeting sonic hedgehog signaling, this study provides knowledge on the differential susceptibility of region-specific neuronal subtypes derived from hiPSCs to different biomolecules in extracellular matrix remodeling and neurotoxicity. The findings are significant for understanding 3-D neural patterning of hiPSCs for the applications in brain organoid formation, neurological disease modeling, and drug discovery.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuanwei Yan
- Department of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, FAMU-FSU College of Engineering, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, USA
| | - Julie Bejoy
- Department of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, FAMU-FSU College of Engineering, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, USA
| | - Junfei Xia
- Department of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, FAMU-FSU College of Engineering, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, USA
| | - Jingjiao Guan
- Department of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, FAMU-FSU College of Engineering, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, USA
| | - Yi Zhou
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, USA
| | - Yan Li
- Department of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, FAMU-FSU College of Engineering, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Song L, Wang K, Li Y, Yang Y. Nanotopography promoted neuronal differentiation of human induced pluripotent stem cells. Colloids Surf B Biointerfaces 2016; 148:49-58. [PMID: 27591570 DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfb.2016.08.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2016] [Revised: 08/20/2016] [Accepted: 08/23/2016] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Inefficient neural differentiation of human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) motivates recent investigation of the influence of biophysical characteristics of cellular microenvironment, in particular nanotopography, on hiPSC fate decision. However, the roles of geometry and dimensions of nanotopography in neural lineage commitment of hiPSCs have not been well understood. The objective of this study is to delineate the effects of geometry, feature size and height of nanotopography on neuronal differentiation of hiPSCs. HiPSCs were seeded on equally spaced nanogratings (500 and 1000nm in linewidth) and hexagonally arranged nanopillars (500nm in diameter), each having a height of 150 or 560nm, and induced for neuronal differentiation in concert with dual Smad inhibitors. The gratings of 560nm height reduced cell proliferation, enhanced cytoplasmic localization of Yes-associated protein, and promoted neuronal differentiation (up to 60% βIII-tubulin+ cells) compared with the flat control. Nanograting-induced cell polarity and cytoplasmic YAP localization were shown to be critical to the induced neural differentiation of hiPSCs. The derived neuronal cells express MAP2, Tau, glutamate, GABA and Islet-1, indicating the existence of multiple neuronal subtypes. This study contributes to the delineation of cell-nanotopography interactions and provides the insights into the design of nanotopography configuration for pluripotent stem cell neural lineage commitment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Liqing Song
- Department of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, FAMU-FSU College of Engineering, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32310, United States
| | - Kai Wang
- Department of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26506, United States
| | - Yan Li
- Department of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, FAMU-FSU College of Engineering, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32310, United States.
| | - Yong Yang
- Department of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26506, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Doulames VM, Plant GW. Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell Therapies for Cervical Spinal Cord Injury. Int J Mol Sci 2016; 17:530. [PMID: 27070598 PMCID: PMC4848986 DOI: 10.3390/ijms17040530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2016] [Revised: 03/17/2016] [Accepted: 03/28/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Cervical-level injuries account for the majority of presented spinal cord injuries (SCIs) to date. Despite the increase in survival rates due to emergency medicine improvements, overall quality of life remains poor, with patients facing variable deficits in respiratory and motor function. Therapies aiming to ameliorate symptoms and restore function, even partially, are urgently needed. Current therapeutic avenues in SCI seek to increase regenerative capacities through trophic and immunomodulatory factors, provide scaffolding to bridge the lesion site and promote regeneration of native axons, and to replace SCI-lost neurons and glia via intraspinal transplantation. Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) are a clinically viable means to accomplish this; they have no major ethical barriers, sources can be patient-matched and collected using non-invasive methods. In addition, the patient’s own cells can be used to establish a starter population capable of producing multiple cell types. To date, there is only a limited pool of research examining iPSC-derived transplants in SCI—even less research that is specific to cervical injury. The purpose of the review herein is to explore both preclinical and clinical recent advances in iPSC therapies with a detailed focus on cervical spinal cord injury.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa M Doulames
- Stanford Partnership for Spinal Cord Injury and Repair, Department of Neurosurgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, 265 Campus Drive Stanford, California, CA 94305, USA.
| | - Giles W Plant
- Stanford Partnership for Spinal Cord Injury and Repair, Department of Neurosurgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, 265 Campus Drive Stanford, California, CA 94305, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Drouin-Ouellet J. The potential of alternate sources of cells for neural grafting in Parkinson's and Huntington's disease. Neurodegener Dis Manag 2015; 4:297-307. [PMID: 25313986 DOI: 10.2217/nmt.14.26] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell-based therapies for Parkinson's and Huntington's disease have provided mixed clinical outcomes and one of the reasons underlying this is the use of primary fetal tissue as the source of grafted cells. An alternate source of cells, such as stem cells, could overcome many of the issues associated with primary fetal tissue and would help bring forward cell replacement therapy as a reliable and effective treatment for these two neurodegenerative disorders. This review will discuss which stem cells are likely to go to clinic in the next generation of cells, based on trials for Parkinson's and Huntington's disease.
Collapse
|
15
|
Gu G, Zhang W, Li M, Ni J, Wang P. Transplantation of NSC-derived cholinergic neuron-like cells improves cognitive function in APP/PS1 transgenic mice. Neuroscience 2015; 291:81-92. [PMID: 25681520 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2015.01.073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2014] [Revised: 01/30/2015] [Accepted: 01/30/2015] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
The ability to selectively control the differentiation of neural stem cells (NSCs) into cholinergic neurons in vivo would be an important step toward cell replacement therapy. First, green fluorescent protein (GFP)-NSCs were induced to differentiate into cholinergic neuron-like cells (CNLs) with retinoic acid (RA) pre-induction followed by nerve growth factor (NGF) induction. Then, these CNLs were transplanted into bilateral hippocampus of APP/PS1 transgenic mice. Behavioral parameters showed by Morris water maze (MWM) tests and the percentages of GFP-labeled cholinergic neurons of CNL transplanted mice were compared with those of controls. Brain levels of choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) mRNA and proteins were analyzed by quantitative real-time PCR and Western blotting, ChAT activity and acetylcholine (ACh) concentration were also evaluated by ChAT activity and ACh concentration assay kits. Immunofluorescence analysis showed that 80.3±1.5% NSCs differentiated into CNLs after RA pre-induction followed by NGF induction in vitro. Three months after transplantation, 82.4±6.3% CNLs differentiated into cholinergic neurons in vivo. APP/PS1 mice transplanted with CNLs showed a significant improvement in learning and memory ability compared with control groups at different time points. Furthermore, CNLs transplantation dramatically increased in the expressions of ChAT mRNA and protein, as well ChAT activity and ACh concentration in APP/PS1 mice. Our findings support the prospect of using NSC-derived CNLs in developing therapies for Alzheimer's disease (AD).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- G Gu
- Department of Medical Imaging, Tongji Hospital, Medical School of Tongji University, Shanghai 200065, China
| | - W Zhang
- Department of Medical Imaging, Tongji Hospital, Medical School of Tongji University, Shanghai 200065, China
| | - M Li
- Department of Medical Imaging, Tongji Hospital, Medical School of Tongji University, Shanghai 200065, China
| | - J Ni
- Department of Medical Imaging, Tongji Hospital, Medical School of Tongji University, Shanghai 200065, China
| | - P Wang
- Department of Medical Imaging, Tongji Hospital, Medical School of Tongji University, Shanghai 200065, China.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Sakthiswary R, Raymond AA. Stem cell therapy in neurodegenerative diseases: From principles to practice. Neural Regen Res 2015; 7:1822-31. [PMID: 25624807 PMCID: PMC4302533 DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1673-5374.2012.23.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2012] [Accepted: 06/13/2012] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The lack of curative therapies for neurodegenerative diseases has high economic impact and places huge burden on the society. The contribution of stem cells to cure neurodegenerative diseases has been unraveled and explored extensively over the past few years. Beyond substitution of the lost neurons, stem cells act as immunomodulators and neuroprotectors. A large number of preclinical and a small number of clinical studies have shown beneficial outcomes in this context. In this review, we have summarized the current concepts of stem cell therapy in neurodegenerative diseases and the recent advances in this field, particularly between 2010 and 2012. Further studies should be encouraged to resolve the clinical issues and vague translational findings for maximum optimization of the efficacy of stem cell therapy in neurodegenerative diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rajalingham Sakthiswary
- Department of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre, Bandar Tun Razak 56000, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Azman Ali Raymond
- Department of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre, Bandar Tun Razak 56000, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Differentiation of human breast-milk stem cells to neural stem cells and neurons. Neurol Res Int 2014; 2014:807896. [PMID: 25506428 PMCID: PMC4260437 DOI: 10.1155/2014/807896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2014] [Revised: 10/08/2014] [Accepted: 10/20/2014] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives. Human breast milk contains a heterogeneous population of cells that have the potential to provide a noninvasive source of cells for cell therapy in many neurodegenerative diseases without any ethical concern. The objectives of this study were to differentiate the breast milk-derived stem cells (BMDSC) toward neural stem cells and then into the neurons and neuroglia. Materials and Methods. To do this, the BMDSC were isolated from human breast milk and cultured in Dulbecco's modified Eagle medium/F12 (DMEM/F12) containing fibroblast growth factor (bFGF). The cells were then characterized by evaluation of the embryonic and stem cell markers. Then, the cells were exposed to culture medium containing 1% B27 and 2% N2 for 7–10 days followed by medium supplemented with B27, N2, bFGF 10 µg/mL, and endothelial growth factor (EGF) 20 µg/mL. Then, the sphere-forming assay was performed. The spheres were then differentiated into three neural lineages by withdrawing growth factor in the presence of 5% FBS (fetal bovine serum). The immunofluorescence was done for β-tubulin III, O4, and GFAP (glial fibrillary acidic protein). Results. The results indicated that the cells expressed both embryonic and mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) markers. They also showed neurospheres formation that was nestin-positive. The cells were also differentiated into all three neural lineages. Conclusion. The BMDSC can behave in the same way with neural stem cells. They were differentiated into oligodendrocytes, and astrocytes as well as neurons.
Collapse
|
18
|
Xia X, Qu B, Ma Y, Yang LB, Huang HD, Cheng JM, Yang T, Kong B, Liu EY, Zhao K, He WQ, Xing XM, Liang L, Fan KX, Sun HD, Zhou HT, Cheng L, Gu JW, Kuang YQ. Analyzing time-series microarray data reveals key genes in spinal cord injury. Mol Biol Rep 2014; 41:6827-35. [PMID: 25063577 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-014-3568-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2013] [Accepted: 06/25/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Although many scholars have utilized high-throughput microarrays to delineate gene expression patterns after spinal cord injury (SCI), no study has evaluated gene changes in raphe magnus (RM) and somatomotor cortex (SMTC), two areas in brain primarily affected by SCI. In present study, we aimed to analyze the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) of RM and SMTC between SCI model and sham injured control at 4, 24 h, 7, 14, 28 days, and 3 months using microarray dataset GSE2270 downloaded from gene expression omnibus and unpaired significance analysis of microarray method. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed for DEGs at crucial time points and significant biological functions were enriched using DAVID. The results indicated that more DEGs were identified at 14 days in RM and at 4 h/3 months in SMTC after SCI. In the PPI network for DEGs at 14 days in RM, interleukin 6, glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH), FBJ murine osteosarcoma viral oncogene homolog (FOS), tumor necrosis factor, and nuclear receptor subfamily 3, group C, member 1 (glucocorticoid receptor) were the top 5 hub genes; In the PPI network for DEGs at 3 months in SMTC, the top 5 hub genes were ubiquitin B, Ras-related C3 botulinum toxin substrate 1 (rho family, small GTP binding protein Rac1), FOS, Janus kinase 2 and vascular endothelial growth factor A. Hedgehog and Wnt signaling pathways were the top 2 significant pathways in RM. These hub DEGs and pathways may be underlying therapeutic targets for SCI.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xun Xia
- Department of Neurosurgery, Chengdu Military General Hospital, No. 270 Rongdu Road, Chengdu, 610083, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
19
|
McIntire LBJ, Landman N, Kang MS, Finan GM, Hwang JC, Moore AZ, Park LS, Lin CS, Kim TW. Phenotypic assays for β-amyloid in mouse embryonic stem cell-derived neurons. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014; 20:956-67. [PMID: 23890013 DOI: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2013.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2013] [Revised: 06/07/2013] [Accepted: 06/13/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Given the complex nature of Alzheimer's disease (AD), a cell-based model that recapitulates the physiological properties of the target neuronal population would be extremely valuable for discovering improved drug candidates and chemical probes to uncover disease mechanisms. We established phenotypic neuronal assays for the biogenesis and synaptic action of amyloid β peptide (Aβ) based on embryonic stem cell-derived neurons (ESNs). ESNs enriched with pyramidal neurons were robust, scalable, and amenable to a small-molecule screening assay, overcoming the apparent limitations of neuronal models derived from human pluripotent cells. Small-molecule screening of clinical compounds identified four compounds capable of reducing Aβ levels in ESNs derived from the Tg2576 mouse model of AD. Our approach is therefore highly suitable for phenotypic screening in AD drug discovery and has the potential to identify therapeutic candidates with improved efficacy and safety potential.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura Beth J McIntire
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
20
|
Choi KA, Hwang I, Park HS, Oh SI, Kang S, Hong S. Stem cell therapy and cellular engineering for treatment of neuronal dysfunction in Huntington's disease. Biotechnol J 2014; 9:882-94. [PMID: 24827816 DOI: 10.1002/biot.201300560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2013] [Revised: 02/25/2014] [Accepted: 03/27/2014] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Huntington's disease (HD) is a fatal inherited neurodegenerative disorder characterized by progressive loss of neurons in the striatum, a sub-cortical region of the forebrain. The sub-cortical region of the forebrain is associated with the control of movement and behavior, thus HD initially presents with coordination difficulty and cognitive decline. Recent reprogramming technologies, including induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and induced neural stem cells (iNSCs), have created opportunities to understand the pathological cascades that underlie HD and to develop new treatments for this currently incurable neurological disease. The ultimate objectives of stem cell-based therapies for HD are to replace lost neurons and to prevent neuronal dysfunction and death. In this review, we examine the current understanding of the molecular and pathological mechanisms involved in HD. We discuss disease modeling with HD-iPSCs derived from the somatic cells of patients, which could provide an invaluable platform for understanding HD pathogenesis. We speculate about the benefits and drawbacks of using iNSCs as an alternative stem cell source for HD treatment. Finally, we discuss cell culture and engineering systems that promote the directed differentiation of pluripotent stem cell-derived NSCs into a striatal DARPP32(+) GABAergic MSN phenotype for HD. In conclusion, this review summarizes the potentials of cell reprogramming and engineering technologies relevant to the development of cell-based therapies for HD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kyung-Ah Choi
- School of Biosystem and Biomedical Science, College of Health Science, Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea; Department of Chemistry, College of Science, Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
21
|
Wyatt LA, Filbin MT, Keirstead HS. PTEN inhibition enhances neurite outgrowth in human embryonic stem cell-derived neuronal progenitor cells. J Comp Neurol 2014; 522:2741-55. [PMID: 24610700 DOI: 10.1002/cne.23580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2013] [Revised: 09/29/2013] [Accepted: 10/07/2013] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
We investigated the role of PTEN (phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome 10) during neurite outgrowth of human embryonic stem cell (hESC)-derived neuronal progenitors. PTEN inhibits phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt signaling, a common and central outgrowth and survival pathway downstream of neuronal growth factors. It is known that PTEN inhibition, by either polymorphic mutation or gene deletion, can lead to the development of tumorigenesis (Stambolic et al., ; Tamura et al., ). However, temporary inhibition of PTEN, through pharmacological manipulation, could regulate signaling events such as the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway, leading to enhanced recovery of central nervous system (CNS) injury and disease. We demonstrate that pharmacological inhibition of PTEN in hESC-derived neuronal progenitors significantly increased neurite outgrowth in vitro in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Our results indicate that inhibition of PTEN augments neurite outgrowth beyond that of traditional methods such as elevation of intracellular cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) levels, and depends on upregulation of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway and its downstream effectors, such as mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR). PTEN inhibition also rescued neurite outgrowth over an inhibitory substrate in vitro. These findings indicate a remarkable impact on hESC-derived neuronal progenitor plasticity through PTEN inhibition. Overall, these findings identify a novel therapeutic strategy for neurite outgrowth in CNS injury and disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lindsey A Wyatt
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Sue and Bill Gross Stem Cell Research Center, Reeve-Irvine Research Center, School of Medicine, University of California at Irvine, Irvine, California, 92697-4292
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
22
|
Kozhich OA, Hamilton RS, Mallon BS. Standardized generation and differentiation of neural precursor cells from human pluripotent stem cells. Stem Cell Rev Rep 2014; 9:531-6. [PMID: 22388559 DOI: 10.1007/s12015-012-9357-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Precise, robust and scalable directed differentiation of pluripotent stem cells is an important goal with respect to disease modeling or future therapies. Using the AggreWell™400 system we have standardized the differentiation of human embryonic and induced pluripotent stem cells to a neuronal fate using defined conditions. This allows reproducibility in replicate experiments and facilitates the direct comparison of cell lines. Since the starting point for EB formation is a single cell suspension, this protocol is suitable for standard and novel methods of pluripotent stem cell culture. Moreover, an intermediate population of neural precursor cells, which are routinely >95% NCAM(pos) and Tra-1-60(neg) by FACS analysis, may be expanded and frozen prior to differentiation allowing a convenient starting point for downstream experiments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- O A Kozhich
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
23
|
Quantitative proteomics analysis highlights the role of redox hemostasis and energy metabolism in human embryonic stem cell differentiation to neural cells. J Proteomics 2014; 101:1-16. [PMID: 24530625 DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2014.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2013] [Revised: 01/16/2014] [Accepted: 02/01/2014] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Neural differentiation of human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) is a unique opportunity for in vitro analyses of neurogenesis in humans. Extrinsic cues through neural plate formation are well described in the hESCs although intracellular mechanisms underlying neural development are largely unknown. Proteome analysis of hESC differentiation to neural cells will help to further define molecular mechanisms involved in neurogenesis in humans. Using a two-dimensional differential gel electrophoresis (2D-DIGE) system, we analyzed the proteome of hESC differentiation to neurons at three stages, early neural differentiation, neural ectoderm and mature neurons. Out of 137 differentially accumulated protein spots, 118 spots were identified using MALDI-TOF/TOF and LC MS/MS. We observed that proteins involved in redox hemostasis, vitamin and energy metabolism and ubiquitin dependent proteolysis were more abundant in differentiated cells, whereas the abundance of proteins associated with RNA processing and protein folding was higher in hESCs. Higher abundance of proteins involved in maintaining cellular redox state suggests the importance of redox hemostasis in neural differentiation. Furthermore, our results support the concept of a coupling mechanism between neuronal activity and glucose utilization. The protein network analysis showed that the majority of the interacting proteins were associated with the cell cycle and cellular proliferation. These results enhanced our understanding of the molecular dynamics that underlie neural commitment and differentiation. BIOLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE In highlighting the role of redox and unique metabolic properties of neuronal cells, the present findings add insight to our understanding of hESC differentiation to neurons. The abundance of fourteen proteins involved in maintaining cellular redox state, including 10 members of peroxiredoxin (Prdx) family, mainly increased during differentiation, thus highlighting a link of neural differentiation to redox. Our results revealed markedly higher expression of genes encoding enzymes involved in the glycolysis and amino acid synthesis during differentiation. Protein network analysis predicted a number of critical mediators in hESC differentiation. These proteins included TP53, CTNNB1, SMARCA4, TNF, TERT, E2F1, MYC, RB1, and AR.
Collapse
|
24
|
Zanetta C, Riboldi G, Nizzardo M, Simone C, Faravelli I, Bresolin N, Comi GP, Corti S. Molecular, genetic and stem cell-mediated therapeutic strategies for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). J Cell Mol Med 2014; 18:187-96. [PMID: 24400925 PMCID: PMC3930406 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.12224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2013] [Accepted: 12/03/2013] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is an autosomal recessive motor neuron disease. It is the first genetic cause of infant mortality. It is caused by mutations in the survival motor neuron 1 (SMN1) gene, leading to the reduction of SMN protein. The most striking component is the loss of alpha motor neurons in the ventral horn of the spinal cord, resulting in progressive paralysis and eventually premature death. There is no current treatment other than supportive care, although the past decade has seen a striking advancement in understanding of both SMA genetics and molecular mechanisms. A variety of disease modifying interventions are rapidly bridging the translational gap from the laboratory to clinical trials. In this review, we would like to outline the most interesting therapeutic strategies that are currently developing, which are represented by molecular, gene and stem cell-mediated approaches for the treatment of SMA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Zanetta
- Dino Ferrari Centre, Neuroscience Section, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation (DEPT), University of Milan, Neurology Unit, IRCCS Foundation Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore PoliclinicoMilan, Italy
| | - Giulietta Riboldi
- Dino Ferrari Centre, Neuroscience Section, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation (DEPT), University of Milan, Neurology Unit, IRCCS Foundation Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore PoliclinicoMilan, Italy
| | - Monica Nizzardo
- Dino Ferrari Centre, Neuroscience Section, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation (DEPT), University of Milan, Neurology Unit, IRCCS Foundation Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore PoliclinicoMilan, Italy
| | - Chiara Simone
- Dino Ferrari Centre, Neuroscience Section, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation (DEPT), University of Milan, Neurology Unit, IRCCS Foundation Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore PoliclinicoMilan, Italy
| | - Irene Faravelli
- Dino Ferrari Centre, Neuroscience Section, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation (DEPT), University of Milan, Neurology Unit, IRCCS Foundation Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore PoliclinicoMilan, Italy
| | - Nereo Bresolin
- Dino Ferrari Centre, Neuroscience Section, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation (DEPT), University of Milan, Neurology Unit, IRCCS Foundation Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore PoliclinicoMilan, Italy
| | - Giacomo P Comi
- Dino Ferrari Centre, Neuroscience Section, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation (DEPT), University of Milan, Neurology Unit, IRCCS Foundation Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore PoliclinicoMilan, Italy
| | - Stefania Corti
- Dino Ferrari Centre, Neuroscience Section, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation (DEPT), University of Milan, Neurology Unit, IRCCS Foundation Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore PoliclinicoMilan, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Li Y, Liu M, Yan Y, Yang ST. Neural differentiation from pluripotent stem cells: The role of natural and synthetic extracellular matrix. World J Stem Cells 2014; 6:11-23. [PMID: 24567784 PMCID: PMC3927010 DOI: 10.4252/wjsc.v6.i1.11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2013] [Revised: 10/23/2013] [Accepted: 11/02/2013] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Neural cells differentiated from pluripotent stem cells (PSCs), including both embryonic stem cells and induced pluripotent stem cells, provide a powerful tool for drug screening, disease modeling and regenerative medicine. High-purity oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPCs) and neural progenitor cells (NPCs) have been derived from PSCs recently due to the advancements in understanding the developmental signaling pathways. Extracellular matrices (ECM) have been shown to play important roles in regulating the survival, proliferation, and differentiation of neural cells. To improve the function and maturation of the derived neural cells from PSCs, understanding the effects of ECM over the course of neural differentiation of PSCs is critical. During neural differentiation of PSCs, the cells are sensitive to the properties of natural or synthetic ECMs, including biochemical composition, biomechanical properties, and structural/topographical features. This review summarizes recent advances in neural differentiation of human PSCs into OPCs and NPCs, focusing on the role of ECM in modulating the composition and function of the differentiated cells. Especially, the importance of using three-dimensional ECM scaffolds to simulate the in vivo microenvironment for neural differentiation of PSCs is highlighted. Future perspectives including the immediate applications of PSC-derived neural cells in drug screening and disease modeling are also discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yan Li
- Yan Li, Yuanwei Yan, Department of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, FAMU-FSU College of Engineering, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32310, United States
| | - Meimei Liu
- Yan Li, Yuanwei Yan, Department of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, FAMU-FSU College of Engineering, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32310, United States
| | - Yuanwei Yan
- Yan Li, Yuanwei Yan, Department of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, FAMU-FSU College of Engineering, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32310, United States
| | - Shang-Tian Yang
- Yan Li, Yuanwei Yan, Department of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, FAMU-FSU College of Engineering, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32310, United States
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Zou Q, Yan Q, Zhong J, Wang K, Sun H, Yi X, Lai L. Direct conversion of human fibroblasts into neuronal restricted progenitors. J Biol Chem 2014; 289:5250-60. [PMID: 24385434 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m113.516112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuronal restricted progenitors (NRPs) represent a type of transitional intermediate cells that lie between multipotent neural progenitors and terminal differentiated neurons during neurogenesis. These NRPs have the ability to self-renew and differentiate into neurons, but not into glial cells, which is considered an advantage for cellular therapy of human neurodegenerative diseases. However, difficulty in the extraction of highly purified NRPs from normal nervous tissue prevents further studies and applications. In this study, we report the conversion of human fetal fibroblasts into human induced NRPs (hiNRPs) in 11 days by using just three defined factors: Sox2, c-Myc, and either Brn2 or Brn4. The hiNRPs exhibited distinct neuronal characteristics, including cell morphology, multiple neuronal marker expression, self-renewal capacity, and a genome-wide transcriptional profile. Moreover, hiNRPs were able to differentiate into various terminal neurons with functional membrane properties but not glial cells. Direct generation of hiNRPs from somatic cells will provide a new source of cells for cellular replacement therapy of human neurodegenerative diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qingjian Zou
- From the Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, South China Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510530, China
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
27
|
Sart S, Bejarano FC, Yan Y, Grant SC, Li Y. Labeling pluripotent stem cell-derived neural progenitors with iron oxide particles for magnetic resonance imaging. Methods Mol Biol 2014; 1283:43-52. [PMID: 25304204 DOI: 10.1007/7651_2014_123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Due to the unlimited proliferation capacity and the unique differentiation ability of pluripotent stem cells (PSCs), including both embryonic stem cells (ESCs) and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), large numbers of PSC-derived cell products are in demand for applications in drug screening, disease modeling, and especially cell therapy. In stem cell-based therapy, tracking transplanted cells with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has emerged as a powerful technique to reveal cell survival and distribution. This chapter illustrated the basic steps of labeling PSC-derived neural progenitors (NPs) with micron-sized particles of iron oxide (MPIO, 0.86 μm) for MRI analysis. The protocol described PSC expansion and differentiation into NPs, and the labeling of the derived cells either after replating on adherent surface or in suspension. The labeled cells can be analyzed using in vitro MRI analysis. The methods presented here can be easily adapted for cell labeling in cell processing facilities under current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP). The iron oxide-labeled NPs can be used for cellular monitoring of in vitro cultures and in vivo transplantation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sébastien Sart
- Department of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, FAMU-FSU College of Engineering, Florida State University, 2525 Pottsdamer St, Tallahassee, FL, 32310, USA
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
28
|
Parsons XH. Constraining the Pluripotent Fate of Human Embryonic Stem Cells for Tissue Engineering and Cell Therapy - The Turning Point of Cell-Based Regenerative Medicine. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013. [PMID: 24926434 PMCID: PMC4051304 DOI: 10.9734/bbj/2013/4309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
To date, the lack of a clinically-suitable source of engraftable human stem/progenitor cells with adequate neurogenic potential has been the major setback in developing safe and effective cell-based therapies for regenerating the damaged or lost CNS structure and circuitry in a wide range of neurological disorders. Similarly, the lack of a clinically-suitable human cardiomyocyte source with adequate myocardium regenerative potential has been the major setback in regenerating the damaged human heart. Given the limited capacity of the CNS and heart for self-repair, there is a large unmet healthcare need to develop stem cell therapies to provide optimal regeneration and reconstruction treatment options to restore normal tissues and function. Derivation of human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) provides a powerful in vitro model system to investigate molecular controls in human embryogenesis as well as an unlimited source to generate the diversity of human somatic cell types for regenerative medicine. However, realizing the developmental and therapeutic potential of hESC derivatives has been hindered by the inefficiency and instability of generating clinically-relevant functional cells from pluripotent cells through conventional uncontrollable and incomplete multi-lineage differentiation. Recent advances and breakthroughs in hESC research have overcome some major obstacles in bringing hESC therapy derivatives towards clinical applications, including establishing defined culture systems for de novo derivation and maintenance of clinical-grade pluripotent hESCs and lineage-specific differentiation of pluripotent hESCs by small molecule induction. Retinoic acid was identified as sufficient to induce the specification of neuroectoderm direct from the pluripotent state of hESCs and trigger a cascade of neuronal lineage-specific progression to human neuronal progenitors and neurons of the developing CNS in high efficiency, purity, and neuronal lineage specificity by promoting nuclear translocation of the neuronal specific transcription factor Nurr-1. Similarly, nicotinamide was rendered sufficient to induce the specification of cardiomesoderm direct from the pluripotent state of hESCs by promoting the expression of the earliest cardiac-specific transcription factor Csx/Nkx2.5 and triggering progression to cardiac precursors and beating cardiomyocytes with high efficiency. This technology breakthrough enables direct conversion of pluripotent hESCs into a large supply of high purity neuronal cells or heart muscle cells with adequate capacity to regenerate CNS neurons and contractile heart muscles for developing safe and effective stem cell therapies. Transforming pluripotent hESCs into fate-restricted therapy derivatives dramatically increases the clinical efficacy of graft-dependent repair and safety of hESC-derived cellular products. Such milestone advances and medical innovations in hESC research allow generation of a large supply of clinical-grade hESC therapy derivatives targeting for major health problems, bringing cell-based regenerative medicine to a turning point.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xuejun H Parsons
- San Diego Regenerative Medicine Institute, San Diego, CA 92109, USA. ; Xcelthera, San Diego, CA 92109, USA
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Parsons XH. Constraining the Pluripotent Fate of Human Embryonic Stem Cells for Tissue Engineering and Cell Therapy - The Turning Point of Cell-Based Regenerative Medicine. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013; 3:424-457. [PMID: 24926434 DOI: 10.9734/bbj/2013/4309#sthash.6d8rulbv.dpuf] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
To date, the lack of a clinically-suitable source of engraftable human stem/progenitor cells with adequate neurogenic potential has been the major setback in developing safe and effective cell-based therapies for regenerating the damaged or lost CNS structure and circuitry in a wide range of neurological disorders. Similarly, the lack of a clinically-suitable human cardiomyocyte source with adequate myocardium regenerative potential has been the major setback in regenerating the damaged human heart. Given the limited capacity of the CNS and heart for self-repair, there is a large unmet healthcare need to develop stem cell therapies to provide optimal regeneration and reconstruction treatment options to restore normal tissues and function. Derivation of human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) provides a powerful in vitro model system to investigate molecular controls in human embryogenesis as well as an unlimited source to generate the diversity of human somatic cell types for regenerative medicine. However, realizing the developmental and therapeutic potential of hESC derivatives has been hindered by the inefficiency and instability of generating clinically-relevant functional cells from pluripotent cells through conventional uncontrollable and incomplete multi-lineage differentiation. Recent advances and breakthroughs in hESC research have overcome some major obstacles in bringing hESC therapy derivatives towards clinical applications, including establishing defined culture systems for de novo derivation and maintenance of clinical-grade pluripotent hESCs and lineage-specific differentiation of pluripotent hESCs by small molecule induction. Retinoic acid was identified as sufficient to induce the specification of neuroectoderm direct from the pluripotent state of hESCs and trigger a cascade of neuronal lineage-specific progression to human neuronal progenitors and neurons of the developing CNS in high efficiency, purity, and neuronal lineage specificity by promoting nuclear translocation of the neuronal specific transcription factor Nurr-1. Similarly, nicotinamide was rendered sufficient to induce the specification of cardiomesoderm direct from the pluripotent state of hESCs by promoting the expression of the earliest cardiac-specific transcription factor Csx/Nkx2.5 and triggering progression to cardiac precursors and beating cardiomyocytes with high efficiency. This technology breakthrough enables direct conversion of pluripotent hESCs into a large supply of high purity neuronal cells or heart muscle cells with adequate capacity to regenerate CNS neurons and contractile heart muscles for developing safe and effective stem cell therapies. Transforming pluripotent hESCs into fate-restricted therapy derivatives dramatically increases the clinical efficacy of graft-dependent repair and safety of hESC-derived cellular products. Such milestone advances and medical innovations in hESC research allow generation of a large supply of clinical-grade hESC therapy derivatives targeting for major health problems, bringing cell-based regenerative medicine to a turning point.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xuejun H Parsons
- San Diego Regenerative Medicine Institute, San Diego, CA 92109, USA. ; Xcelthera, San Diego, CA 92109, USA
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Viegas P, Nicoleau C, Perrier AL. Derivation of striatal neurons from human stem cells. PROGRESS IN BRAIN RESEARCH 2012. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-444-59575-1.00017-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
|
31
|
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) results in loss of nervous tissue and consequently loss of motor and sensory function. There is no treatment available that restores the injury-induced loss of function to a degree that an independent life can be guaranteed. Transplantation of stem cells or progenitors may support spinal cord repair. Stem cells are characterized by self-renewal and their ability to become any cell in an organism. Promising results have been obtained in experimental models of SCI. Stem cells can be directed to differentiate into neurons or glia in vitro, which can be used for replacement of neural cells lost after SCI. Neuroprotective and axon regeneration-promoting effects have also been credited to transplanted stem cells. There are still issues related to stem cell transplantation that need to be resolved, including ethical concerns. This paper reviews the current status of stem cell application for spinal cord repair.
Collapse
|