1
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Sun Z, Huo J, Tian Y, Liu M, Liu Y, Xu M, Yin Q. Adult hair follicle stem cells differentiate into neuronal cells in explanted rat intestinal tissue. In Vitro Cell Dev Biol Anim 2024; 60:689-696. [PMID: 38656569 DOI: 10.1007/s11626-024-00903-5] [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: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Hair follicle stem cells (HFSCs) are adult stem cells located in the outer root sheath of the follicle bulge with high neural plasticity, which promise a potential for the stem cell therapy for neurological diseases. Hirschsprung's disease (HD) is characterized by the absence of ganglia in the distant bowel. In this study, we elucidated the capacity of HFSCs to differentiate into neuronal cells in the aganglionic colon from embryonic rat. HFSCs were isolated from adult Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats and formed spheres that could be passaged. The cultured HFSCs expressed neural crest stem cells (NCSCs) markers such as SOX10, CD34, and nestin, which indicated their neural crest lineage. Subsequent differentiation assays demonstrated that these cells could give rise to neural progeny that expressed neuronal or glial markers. The aganglionic colon from the embryonic intestine was applied as in vitro explant to test the capacity of proliferation and differentiation of HFSCs. The HFSCs expressing GFP or RFP integrated in intestinal explants and maintained proliferative capacity. Moreover, the HFSCs differentiated into Tuj1- or S100β-positive cells in the cultured intestinal explants. The results proposed that the HFSCs might be an alternative source of neural stem cells for the HD therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zuyin Sun
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jiashi Huo
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yongshen Tian
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Mei Liu
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu Province and Ministry of Education, Co-Innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yan Liu
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu Province and Ministry of Education, Co-Innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Man Xu
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu Province and Ministry of Education, Co-Innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Qiyou Yin
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu, China.
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2
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Ohkura T, Burns AJ, Hotta R. Updates and Challenges in ENS Cell Therapy for the Treatment of Neurointestinal Diseases. Biomolecules 2024; 14:229. [PMID: 38397466 PMCID: PMC10887039 DOI: 10.3390/biom14020229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2024] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Neurointestinal diseases represent a significant challenge in clinical management with current palliative approaches failing to overcome disease and treatment-related morbidity. The recent progress with cell therapy to restore missing or defective components of the gut neuromusculature offers new hope for potential cures. This review discusses the progress that has been made in the sourcing of putative stem cells and the studies into their biology and therapeutic potential. We also explore some of the practical challenges that must be overcome before cell-based therapies can be applied in the clinical setting. Although a number of obstacles remain, the rapid advances made in the enteric neural stem cell field suggest that such therapies are on the near horizon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takahiro Ohkura
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA; (T.O.); (A.J.B.)
| | - Alan J. Burns
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA; (T.O.); (A.J.B.)
- Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - Ryo Hotta
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA; (T.O.); (A.J.B.)
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3
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Scharr M, Scherer S, Hirt B, Neckel PH. Dickkopf1 induces enteric neurogenesis and gliogenesis in vitro if apoptosis is evaded. Commun Biol 2023; 6:808. [PMID: 37532804 PMCID: PMC10397193 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-05072-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 06/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurogenesis in the postnatal enteric nervous system (ENS) is controversially discussed. Yet, deciphering the regenerative potential of the ENS is essential for our understanding and therapy of human enteric neuropathies. Dickkopf1 (DKK1) is a Wnt-antagonist and involved in the homeostasis of various tissues. We hypothesize that DKK1 could function as a negative regulator on the proliferation of ENS-progenitors in the postnatal gut of mice and human infants. Here, we provide evidence that DKK1 is expressed in the murine and human ENS. If applied to ENS-progenitors in vitro, DKK1 leads to an increased proliferation, however, followed by extensive apoptosis. Yet, once we block apoptosis, DKK1-stimulation markedly increases enteric neurogenesis in murine and human ENS-progenitors. Thus, DKK1 is a strong, ambivalent regulator of the ENS-progenitor cell pool in mice and humans. These results are fundamental steps to reshaping our understanding of the homeostasis of the ENS in health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melanie Scharr
- Institute of Clinical Anatomy and Cell Analysis, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Simon Scherer
- Department of Pediatric Surgery and Urology, University Children's Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Bernhard Hirt
- Institute of Clinical Anatomy and Cell Analysis, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Peter H Neckel
- Institute of Clinical Anatomy and Cell Analysis, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.
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4
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Enteric neurosphere cells injected into rectal submucosa might migrate caudorostrally to reconstitute enteric ganglia along the entire length of postnatal colon. STEM CELL RESEARCH & THERAPY 2022; 13:498. [PMID: 36210457 PMCID: PMC9549611 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-022-03187-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2022] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Background In enteric neural stem cell (ENSC) therapy for enteric neuropathy, the gut is ostensibly accessible via laparotomy, laparoscopy or endoscopy, whereas its elongated configuration and multilayered structures substantially complicate the targeting of ENSC delivery. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of ENSC delivery via trans-anal rectal submucosal injection. Methods ENSC transplantation was conducted in an immunologically compatible model of FVB/NCrl-Tg(Pgk1-EGFP)01Narl into FVB/N murine strain combination. Enteric neurospheres were mass-produced by the cultivation of dispersed enterocytes harvested from gestational day 14 FVB/NCrl-Tg(Pgk1-EGFP)01Narl murine fetuses. Dissociated neurosphere cells were injected into rectal submucosa of adult FVB/N mice after artificial prolapse of rectal mucosa. Ganglion reconstitution in recipients’ colon was examined by immunohistochemcal and immunofluorescence staining. Results Cell spreading and ganglion assembly in recipients’ colorectum were examined one week after transplantation. Donor ENSCs migrated rostrally within the colonic wall to intermuscularly repopulate the neighboring colorectum and assemble myenteric ganglia. It contributed to a chimeric state of myenteric plexuses with donor-origin ganglia of 41.2–67.5%. Two months later, transplanted ENSCs had undergone long-distance caudorostral migration almost up to the cecum to reconstitute myenteric and submucosal ganglia along the entire length of the colon. Conclusion This proof-of-principle study provided a viable justification for minimally invasive rectal ENSC transplantation to create long-term and long-range reconstitution of enteric ganglia. It opens up the new approach to ENSC delivery in laboratory animals and casts light on the feasibility of replacing damaged or replenishing missing enteric neurons by trans-anal rectal ENSC transplantation. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13287-022-03187-2.
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5
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Schonkeren SL, Küthe TT, Idris M, Bon-Frauches AC, Boesmans W, Melotte V. The gut brain in a dish: Murine primary enteric nervous system cell cultures. Neurogastroenterol Motil 2022; 34:e14215. [PMID: 34236124 PMCID: PMC9285479 DOI: 10.1111/nmo.14215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2021] [Revised: 05/22/2021] [Accepted: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The enteric nervous system (ENS) is an extensive neural network embedded in the wall of the gastrointestinal tract that regulates digestive function and gastrointestinal homeostasis. The ENS consists of two main cell types; enteric neurons and enteric glial cells. In vitro techniques allow simplified investigation of ENS function, and different culture methods have been developed over the years helping to understand the role of ENS cells in health and disease. PURPOSE This review focuses on summarizing and comparing available culture protocols for the generation of primary ENS cells from adult mice, including dissection of intestinal segments, enzymatic digestions, surface coatings, and culture media. In addition, the potential of human ENS cultures is also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone L Schonkeren
- Department of Pathology, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Tara T Küthe
- Department of Pathology, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Musa Idris
- Department of Pathology, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, Netherlands.,Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Ana C Bon-Frauches
- Department of Pathology, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Werend Boesmans
- Department of Pathology, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, Netherlands.,Biomedical Research Institute (BIOMED), Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Veerle Melotte
- Department of Pathology, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, Netherlands.,Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
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6
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Chng SH, Pachnis V. Enteric Nervous System: lessons from neurogenesis for reverse engineering and disease modelling and treatment. Curr Opin Pharmacol 2020; 50:100-106. [DOI: 10.1016/j.coph.2020.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2019] [Revised: 01/28/2020] [Accepted: 02/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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7
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Mehrotra P, Tseropoulos G, Bronner ME, Andreadis ST. Adult tissue-derived neural crest-like stem cells: Sources, regulatory networks, and translational potential. Stem Cells Transl Med 2019; 9:328-341. [PMID: 31738018 PMCID: PMC7031649 DOI: 10.1002/sctm.19-0173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2019] [Revised: 10/22/2019] [Accepted: 10/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Neural crest (NC) cells are a multipotent stem cell population that give rise to a diverse array of cell types in the body, including peripheral neurons, Schwann cells (SC), craniofacial cartilage and bone, smooth muscle cells, and melanocytes. NC formation and differentiation into specific lineages takes place in response to a set of highly regulated signaling and transcriptional events within the neural plate border. Premigratory NC cells initially are contained within the dorsal neural tube from which they subsequently emigrate, migrating to often distant sites in the periphery. Following their migration and differentiation, some NC‐like cells persist in adult tissues in a nascent multipotent state, making them potential candidates for autologous cell therapy. This review discusses the gene regulatory network responsible for NC development and maintenance of multipotency. We summarize the genes and signaling pathways that have been implicated in the differentiation of a postmigratory NC into mature myelinating SC. We elaborate on the signals and transcription factors involved in the acquisition of immature SC fate, axonal sorting of unmyelinated neuronal axons, and finally the path toward mature myelinating SC, which envelope axons within myelin sheaths, facilitating electrical signal propagation. The gene regulatory events guiding development of SC in vivo provides insights into means for differentiating NC‐like cells from adult human tissues into functional SC, which have the potential to provide autologous cell sources for the treatment of demyelinating and neurodegenerative disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pihu Mehrotra
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York
| | - Georgios Tseropoulos
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York
| | - Marianne E Bronner
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, California
| | - Stelios T Andreadis
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York.,Center of Excellence in Bioinformatics and Life Sciences, Buffalo, New York.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York
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Schmitteckert S, Mederer T, Röth R, Günther P, Holland-Cunz S, Metzger M, Samstag Y, Schröder-Braunstein J, Wabnitz G, Kurzhals S, Scheuerer J, Beretta CA, Lasitschka F, Rappold GA, Romero P, Niesler B. Postnatal human enteric neurospheres show a remarkable molecular complexity. Neurogastroenterol Motil 2019; 31:e13674. [PMID: 31318473 DOI: 10.1111/nmo.13674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2019] [Revised: 06/26/2019] [Accepted: 06/26/2019] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The enteric nervous system (ENS), a complex network of neurons and glial cells, coordinates major gastrointestinal functions. Impaired development or secondary aberrations cause severe enteric neuropathies. Neural crest-derived stem cells as well as enteric neuronal progenitor cells, which form enteric neurospheres, represent a promising tool to unravel molecular pathomechanisms and to develop novel therapy options. However, so far little is known about the detailed cellular composition and the proportional distribution of enteric neurospheres. Comprehensive knowledge will not only be essential for basic research but also for prospective cell replacement therapies to restore or to improve enteric neuronal dysfunction. METHODS Human enteric neurospheres were generated from three individuals with varying age. For detailed molecular characterization, nCounter target gene expression analyses focusing on stem, progenitor, neuronal, glial, muscular, and epithelial cell markers were performed. Corresponding archived paraffin-embedded individuals' specimens were analyzed accordingly. KEY RESULTS Our data revealed a remarkable molecular complexity of enteric neurospheres and archived specimens. Amongst the expression of multipotent stem cell, progenitor cell, neuronal, glial, muscle and epithelial cell markers, moderate levels for the pluripotency marker POU5F1 were observed. Furthermore, besides the interindividual variability, we identified highly distinct intraindividual expression profiles. CONCLUSIONS & INFERENCES Our results emphasize the assessment of molecular signatures to be essential for standardized use, optimization of experimental approaches, and elimination of potential risk factors, as the formation of tumors. Our study pipeline may serve as a blueprint implemented into the characterization procedure of enteric neurospheres for various future applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefanie Schmitteckert
- Department of Human Molecular Genetics, Institute of Human Genetics, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Tanja Mederer
- Department of Human Molecular Genetics, Institute of Human Genetics, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Ralph Röth
- Department of Human Molecular Genetics, Institute of Human Genetics, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany.,nCounter Core Facility, Institute of Human Genetics, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Patrick Günther
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Stefan Holland-Cunz
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany.,Pediatric Surgery, University Children's Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Marco Metzger
- Fraunhofer Institute for Silicate Research (ISC), Translational Centre Regenerative Therapies (TLC-RT) Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Yvonne Samstag
- Institute of Immunology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | | | - Guido Wabnitz
- Institute of Immunology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Stefan Kurzhals
- Institute of Immunology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jutta Scheuerer
- Institute of Pathology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Carlo A Beretta
- CellNetworks Math-Clinic Core Facility, Bioquant, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Felix Lasitschka
- Institute of Pathology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Gudrun A Rappold
- Department of Human Molecular Genetics, Institute of Human Genetics, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany.,Interdisciplinary Center for Neurosciences (IZN), Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Philipp Romero
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Beate Niesler
- Department of Human Molecular Genetics, Institute of Human Genetics, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany.,nCounter Core Facility, Institute of Human Genetics, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany.,Interdisciplinary Center for Neurosciences (IZN), Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
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9
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Wnt Receptor Frizzled-4 as a Marker for Isolation of Enteric Neural Progenitors in Human Children. Cells 2019; 8:cells8080792. [PMID: 31366044 PMCID: PMC6721585 DOI: 10.3390/cells8080792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2019] [Revised: 07/23/2019] [Accepted: 07/26/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Identification and isolation of neural progenitor cells from the human enteric nervous system (ENS) is currently hampered by the lack of reliable, specific markers. Here, we define the Wnt-receptor frizzled-4 as a marker for the isolation of enteric neural progenitor cells derived from paediatric gut samples. We show that the Wnt-receptor frizzled-4 is expressed in the human colon and in Tunica muscularis-derived enterospheres. To obtain a purified culture, we carried out fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) using PE-conjugated frizzled-4 antibodies. Frizzled-4positive cells gave rise to neurosphere-like bodies and ultimately differentiated into neurons as revealed by BrdU-proliferation assays and immunocytochemistry, whereas in frizzled-4negative cultures we did not detect any neuronal and glial cells. By using a patch-clamp approach, we also demonstrated the expression of functional sodium and potassium channels in frizzled-4positive cell cultures after differentiation in vitro.
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Grundmann D, Loris E, Maas-Omlor S, Schäfer KH. Enteric Neurogenesis During Life Span Under Physiological and Pathophysiological Conditions. Anat Rec (Hoboken) 2019; 302:1345-1353. [PMID: 30950581 DOI: 10.1002/ar.24124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2018] [Revised: 02/04/2019] [Accepted: 02/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The enteric nervous system (ENS) controls gastrointestinal key functions and is mainly characterized by two ganglionated plexus located in the gut wall: the myenteric plexus and the submucous plexus. The ENS harbors a high number and diversity of enteric neurons and glial cells, which generate neuronal circuitry to regulate intestinal physiology. In the past few years, the pivotal role of enteric neurons in the underlying mechanism of several intestinal diseases was revealed. Intestinal diseases are associated with neuronal death that could in turn compromise intestinal functionality. Enteric neurogenesis and regeneration is therefore a crucial aspect within the ENS and could be revealed not only during embryogenesis and early postnatal periods, but also in the adulthood. Enteric glia and/or enteric neural precursor/progenitor cells differentiate into enteric neurons, both under homeostatic and pathologic conditions beyond the perinatal period. The unique role of the intestinal microbiota and serotonin signaling in postnatal and adult neurogenesis has been shown by several studies in health and disease. In this review article, we will mainly focus on different recent studies, which advanced the concept of postnatal and adult ENS neurogenesis. Moreover, we will discuss the key factors and underlying mechanisms, which promote enteric neurogenesis. Finally, we will shortly describe neurogenesis of transplanted enteric neural progenitor cells. Anat Rec, 302:1345-1353, 2019. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Grundmann
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Applied Sciences Kaiserslautern, Zweibrucken, Germany
| | - Eva Loris
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Applied Sciences Kaiserslautern, Zweibrucken, Germany
| | - Silke Maas-Omlor
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Applied Sciences Kaiserslautern, Zweibrucken, Germany
| | - Karl-Herbert Schäfer
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Applied Sciences Kaiserslautern, Zweibrucken, Germany.,Department of Pediatric Surgery, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
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11
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Hu H, Ding Y, Mu W, Li Y, Wang Y, Jiang W, Fu Y, Tou J, Chen W. DRG-Derived Neural Progenitors Differentiate into Functional Enteric Neurons Following Transplantation in the Postnatal Colon. Cell Transplant 2018; 28:157-169. [PMID: 30442032 PMCID: PMC6362519 DOI: 10.1177/0963689718811061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell therapy has great promise for treating gastrointestinal motility disorders caused by intestinal nervous system (ENS) diseases. However, appropriate sources, other than enteric neural stem cells and human embryonic stem cells, are seldom reported. Here, we show that neural progenitors derived from the dorsal root ganglion (DRG) of EGFP mice survived, differentiated into enteric neurons and glia cells, migrated widely from the site of injection, and established neuron-muscle connections following transplantation into the distal colon of postnatal mice. The exogenous EGFP+ neurons were physiologically functional as shown by the activity of calcium imaging. This study shows that that other tissues besides the postnatal bowel harbor neural crest stem cells or neural progenitors that have the potential to differentiate into functional enteric neurons in vivo and can potentially be used for intestinal nerve regeneration. These DRG-derived neural progenitor cells may be a choice for cell therapy of ENS disease as an allograft. The new knowledge provided by our study is important for the development of neural crest stem cell and cell therapy for the treatment of intestinal neuropathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Hu
- 1 Children's Hospital Affiliated and Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Neonatal Diseases of Zhejiang Province, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, China.,2 Institute of Translational Medicine, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, China
| | - Yuanyuan Ding
- 1 Children's Hospital Affiliated and Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Neonatal Diseases of Zhejiang Province, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, China.,2 Institute of Translational Medicine, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, China
| | - Wenbo Mu
- 1 Children's Hospital Affiliated and Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Neonatal Diseases of Zhejiang Province, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, China.,2 Institute of Translational Medicine, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, China
| | - Ying Li
- 1 Children's Hospital Affiliated and Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Neonatal Diseases of Zhejiang Province, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, China.,2 Institute of Translational Medicine, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, China
| | - Yanpeng Wang
- 3 Department of Gynecology, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Hangzhou Medical College, China
| | - Weifang Jiang
- 4 Department of Neonatal Surgery, Children's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, China
| | - Yong Fu
- 1 Children's Hospital Affiliated and Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Neonatal Diseases of Zhejiang Province, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, China.,5 Otolaryngological Department, Children's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, China
| | - Jinfa Tou
- 1 Children's Hospital Affiliated and Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Neonatal Diseases of Zhejiang Province, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, China.,4 Department of Neonatal Surgery, Children's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, China
| | - Wei Chen
- 1 Children's Hospital Affiliated and Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Neonatal Diseases of Zhejiang Province, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, China.,2 Institute of Translational Medicine, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, China.,6 Department of Neurobiology, Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology of Ministry of Health of China, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, China
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Liu W, Zhang L, Wu R. Enteric Neural Stem Cells Expressing Insulin-Like Growth Factor 1: A Novel Cellular Therapy for Hirschsprung's Disease in Mouse Model. DNA Cell Biol 2018; 37:642-648. [PMID: 29792527 DOI: 10.1089/dna.2017.4060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Wei Liu
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Lijuan Zhang
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Rongde Wu
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, China
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Obermayr F, Seitz G. Recent developments in cell-based ENS regeneration - a short review. Innov Surg Sci 2018; 3:93-99. [PMID: 31579772 PMCID: PMC6604576 DOI: 10.1515/iss-2018-0005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2018] [Accepted: 02/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Therapeutic options to treat neurogenic motility disorders of the gastrointestinal tract are usually limited to symptomatic treatment. The capacity of the enteric nervous system (ENS) to regenerate and the fact that progenitor cells of the enteric nervous system reside in the postnatal and adult gut led to the idea to develop cell-based strategies to treat ENS related disorders. This short review focuses on recent developments in cell-based ENS regeneration, discussing advantages and disadvantages of various cell sources, functional impact of transplanted cells and highlights the challenges of translation of small animal studies to human application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florian Obermayr
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, University Hospital Marburg, UKGM, Baldingerstrasse, 35043 Marburg, Germany, Phone: +49-6421-5864117
| | - Guido Seitz
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, University Hospital Marburg, UKGM, Marburg, Germany
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14
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Zhang Y, Seid K, Obermayr F, Just L, Neckel PH. Activation of Wnt Signaling Increases Numbers of Enteric Neurons Derived From Neonatal Mouse and Human Progenitor Cells. Gastroenterology 2017; 153:154-165.e9. [PMID: 28359679 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2017.03.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2016] [Revised: 02/17/2017] [Accepted: 03/14/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Neural stem and progenitor cells from the enteric nervous system (ENS) might serve as a source of cells for treatment of neurogastrointestinal disorders. Before we can use these cells, we must increase our understanding of the signaling mechanisms that regulate proliferation and differentiation. We systematically evaluated the effects of canonical Wnt signaling on proliferation and differentiation of cultured ENS progenitor cells from neonatal mice and humans. METHODS We isolated ENS progenitors from tunica muscularis of the small intestine of newborn (postnatal day 0) wild-type C57BL/6 mice as well as from Wnt1-Cre2 reporter mice. We also obtained intestinal tissue samples from infants (2 and 7 months old) undergoing surgery for imperforate anus or focal intestinal perforation and isolated ENS cells. ENS cells were cultured under proliferation conditions leading to formation of 3-dimensional spheres, which we activated with Wnt3a and SB216763 in order to activate the β-catenin-dependent canonical Wnt pathway. We used immunoblot and quantitative polymerase chain reaction to evaluate the molecular response to Wnt stimuli and immunohistochemistry, proliferation, and cell death assays to identify new neurons. RESULTS In proliferating enterospheres derived from ENS progenitor cells, we verified the expression of Wnt receptors frizzled 1-10 and the co-receptors low-density lipoprotein receptor-related proteins 5 and 6. Pharmacologic stimulation with Wnt agonists led to intracellular accumulation of Wnt-dependent β-catenin and up-regulated expression of known Wnt target genes axin2, lef1, and lgr5. Activation of the canonical Wnt pathway promoted growth of ENS cell spheres during cell expansion and increased the number of newborn neurons derived from mouse and human progenitor cells. CONCLUSIONS In studies of human and mouse ENS progenitors, we found activation of the Wnt signaling pathway to promote neurogenesis of the ENS in vitro. The neurogenic effect of Wnt agonists on ENS progenitors supports their use in generation of cell pools for autologous cell replacement therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Zhang
- Institute of Clinical Anatomy and Cell Analysis, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Karin Seid
- Institute of Clinical Anatomy and Cell Analysis, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Florian Obermayr
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, University Children's Hospital Tübingen, Germany
| | - Lothar Just
- Institute of Clinical Anatomy and Cell Analysis, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Peter H Neckel
- Institute of Clinical Anatomy and Cell Analysis, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.
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15
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Stamp LA, Gwynne RM, Foong JPP, Lomax AE, Hao MM, Kaplan DI, Reid CA, Petrou S, Allen AM, Bornstein JC, Young HM. Optogenetic Demonstration of Functional Innervation of Mouse Colon by Neurons Derived From Transplanted Neural Cells. Gastroenterology 2017; 152:1407-1418. [PMID: 28115057 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2017.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2016] [Revised: 12/21/2016] [Accepted: 01/09/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Cell therapy offers the potential to treat gastrointestinal motility disorders caused by diseased or absent enteric neurons. We examined whether neurons generated from transplanted enteric neural cells provide a functional innervation of bowel smooth muscle in mice. METHODS Enteric neural cells expressing the light-sensitive ion channel, channelrhodopsin, were isolated from the fetal or postnatal mouse bowel and transplanted into the distal colon of 3- to 4-week-old wild-type recipient mice. Intracellular electrophysiological recordings of responses to light stimulation of the transplanted cells were made from colonic smooth muscle cells in recipient mice. Electrical stimulation of endogenous enteric neurons was used as a control. RESULTS The axons of graft-derived neurons formed a plexus in the circular muscle layer. Selective stimulation of graft-derived cells by light resulted in excitatory and inhibitory junction potentials, the electrical events underlying contraction and relaxation, respectively, in colonic muscle cells. Graft-derived excitatory and inhibitory motor neurons released the same neurotransmitters as endogenous motor neurons-acetylcholine and a combination of adenosine triphosphate and nitric oxide, respectively. Graft-derived neurons also included interneurons that provided synaptic inputs to motor neurons, but the pharmacologic properties of interneurons varied with the age of the donors from which enteric neural cells were obtained. CONCLUSIONS Enteric neural cells transplanted into the bowel give rise to multiple functional types of neurons that integrate and provide a functional innervation of the smooth muscle of the bowel wall. Circuits composed of both motor neurons and interneurons were established, but the age at which cells are isolated influences the neurotransmitter phenotype of interneurons that are generated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lincon A Stamp
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Rachel M Gwynne
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jaime P P Foong
- Department of Physiology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Alan E Lomax
- Gastrointestinal Diseases Research Unit, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Marlene M Hao
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - David I Kaplan
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Christopher A Reid
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Steven Petrou
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Andrew M Allen
- Department of Physiology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Joel C Bornstein
- Department of Physiology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Heather M Young
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
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16
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McKeown SJ, Mohsenipour M, Bergner AJ, Young HM, Stamp LA. Exposure to GDNF Enhances the Ability of Enteric Neural Progenitors to Generate an Enteric Nervous System. Stem Cell Reports 2017; 8:476-488. [PMID: 28089669 PMCID: PMC5312076 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2016.12.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2016] [Revised: 12/13/2016] [Accepted: 12/14/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell therapy is a promising approach to generate an enteric nervous system (ENS) and treat enteric neuropathies. However, for translation to the clinic, it is highly likely that enteric neural progenitors will require manipulation prior to transplantation to enhance their ability to migrate and generate an ENS. In this study, we examine the effects of exposure to several factors on the ability of ENS progenitors, grown as enteric neurospheres, to migrate and generate an ENS. Exposure to glial-cell-line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) resulted in a 14-fold increase in neurosphere volume and a 12-fold increase in cell number. Following co-culture with embryonic gut or transplantation into the colon of postnatal mice in vivo, cells derived from GDNF-treated neurospheres showed a 2-fold increase in the distance migrated compared with controls. Our data show that the ability of enteric neurospheres to generate an ENS can be enhanced by exposure to appropriate factors. Enteric neurospheres are likely to require manipulation for clinical applications Exposure to GDNF increased the size and cell number in enteric neurospheres GDNF-treated neurospheres showed enhanced migration after transplantation in vivo Manipulation of enteric neurospheres can enhance the generation of enteric neurons
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonja J McKeown
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia; Cancer Program, Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia.
| | - Mitra Mohsenipour
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Annette J Bergner
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Heather M Young
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Lincon A Stamp
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia.
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17
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Stamp LA, Young HM. Recent advances in regenerative medicine to treat enteric neuropathies: use of human cells. Neurogastroenterol Motil 2017; 29. [PMID: 28028898 DOI: 10.1111/nmo.12993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2016] [Accepted: 10/18/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
As current options for treating most enteric neuropathies are either non-effective or associated with significant ongoing problems, cell therapy is a potential attractive possibility to treat congenital and acquired neuropathies. Studies using animal models have shown that following transplantation of enteric neural progenitors into the bowel of recipients, the transplanted cells migrate, proliferate, and generate neurons that are electrically active and receive synaptic inputs. Recent studies have transplanted human enteric neural progenitors into the mouse colon and shown engraftment. In this article, we summarize the significance of these recent advances and discuss priorities for future research that might lead to the use of regenerative medicine to treat enteric neuropathies in the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- L A Stamp
- Department of Anatomy & Neuroscience, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Vic., Australia
| | - H M Young
- Department of Anatomy & Neuroscience, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Vic., Australia
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18
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Liu JA, Cheung M. Neural crest stem cells and their potential therapeutic applications. Dev Biol 2016; 419:199-216. [PMID: 27640086 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2016.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2016] [Revised: 09/07/2016] [Accepted: 09/07/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The neural crest (NC) is a remarkable transient structure generated during early vertebrate development. The neural crest progenitors have extensive migratory capacity and multipotency, harboring stem cell-like characteristics such as self-renewal. They can differentiate into a variety of cell types from craniofacial skeletal tissues to the trunk peripheral nervous system (PNS). Multiple regulators such as signaling factors, transcription factors, and migration machinery components are expressed at different stages of NC development. Gain- and loss-of-function studies in various vertebrate species revealed epistatic relationships of these molecules that could be assembled into a gene regulatory network defining the processes of NC induction, specification, migration, and differentiation. These basic developmental studies led to the subsequent establishment and molecular validation of neural crest stem cells (NCSCs) derived by various strategies. We provide here an overview of the isolation and characterization of NCSCs from embryonic, fetal, and adult tissues; the experimental strategies for the derivation of NCSCs from embryonic stem cells, induced pluripotent stem cells, and skin fibroblasts; and recent developments in the use of patient-derived NCSCs for modeling and treating neurocristopathies. We discuss future research on further refinement of the culture conditions required for the differentiation of pluripotent stem cells into axial-specific NC progenitors and their derivatives, developing non-viral approaches for the generation of induced NC cells (NCCs), and using a genomic editing approach to correct genetic mutations in patient-derived NCSCs for transplantation therapy. These future endeavors should facilitate the therapeutic applications of NCSCs in the clinical setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Aijia Liu
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Martin Cheung
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
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19
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Burns AJ, Goldstein AM, Newgreen DF, Stamp L, Schäfer KH, Metzger M, Hotta R, Young HM, Andrews PW, Thapar N, Belkind-Gerson J, Bondurand N, Bornstein JC, Chan WY, Cheah K, Gershon MD, Heuckeroth RO, Hofstra RMW, Just L, Kapur RP, King SK, McCann CJ, Nagy N, Ngan E, Obermayr F, Pachnis V, Pasricha PJ, Sham MH, Tam P, Vanden Berghe P. White paper on guidelines concerning enteric nervous system stem cell therapy for enteric neuropathies. Dev Biol 2016; 417:229-51. [PMID: 27059883 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2016.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2016] [Revised: 03/29/2016] [Accepted: 04/02/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Over the last 20 years, there has been increasing focus on the development of novel stem cell based therapies for the treatment of disorders and diseases affecting the enteric nervous system (ENS) of the gastrointestinal tract (so-called enteric neuropathies). Here, the idea is that ENS progenitor/stem cells could be transplanted into the gut wall to replace the damaged or absent neurons and glia of the ENS. This White Paper sets out experts' views on the commonly used methods and approaches to identify, isolate, purify, expand and optimize ENS stem cells, transplant them into the bowel, and assess transplant success, including restoration of gut function. We also highlight obstacles that must be overcome in order to progress from successful preclinical studies in animal models to ENS stem cell therapies in the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alan J Burns
- Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK; Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Allan M Goldstein
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Donald F Newgreen
- Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville 3052, Victoria, Australia
| | - Lincon Stamp
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Karl-Herbert Schäfer
- University of Applied Sciences, Kaiserlautern, Germany; Clinic of Pediatric Surgery, University Hospital Mannheim, University Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Marco Metzger
- Fraunhofer-Institute Interfacial Engineering and Biotechnology IGB Translational Centre - Würzburg branch and University Hospital Würzburg - Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine (TERM), Würzburg, Germany
| | - Ryo Hotta
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Heather M Young
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Peter W Andrews
- Centre for Stem Cell Biology, Department of Biomedical Science, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Nikhil Thapar
- Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK
| | - Jaime Belkind-Gerson
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Massachusetts General Hospital for Children, Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA
| | - Nadege Bondurand
- INSERM U955, 51 Avenue du Maréchal de Lattre de Tassigny, F-94000 Créteil, France; Université Paris-Est, UPEC, F-94000 Créteil, France
| | - Joel C Bornstein
- Department of Physiology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Wood Yee Chan
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Kathryn Cheah
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Michael D Gershon
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University, New York 10032, USA
| | - Robert O Heuckeroth
- Department of Pediatrics, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Research Institute, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Abramson Research Center, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Robert M W Hofstra
- Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK; Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Lothar Just
- Institute of Clinical Anatomy and Cell Analysis, University of Tübingen, Germany
| | - Raj P Kapur
- Department of Pathology, University of Washington and Seattle Children's Hospital, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Sebastian K King
- Department of Paediatric and Neonatal Surgery, The Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Conor J McCann
- Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK
| | - Nandor Nagy
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Elly Ngan
- Department of Surgery, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Florian Obermayr
- Department of Pediatric Surgery and Pediatric Urology, University Children's Hospital Tübingen, D-72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | | | | | - Mai Har Sham
- Department of Biochemistry, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Paul Tam
- Department of Surgery, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Pieter Vanden Berghe
- Laboratory for Enteric NeuroScience (LENS), TARGID, University of Leuven, Belgium
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20
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Hotta R, Cheng L, Graham H, Pan W, Nagy N, Belkind-Gerson J, Goldstein AM. Isogenic enteric neural progenitor cells can replace missing neurons and glia in mice with Hirschsprung disease. Neurogastroenterol Motil 2016; 28:498-512. [PMID: 26685978 PMCID: PMC4808355 DOI: 10.1111/nmo.12744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2015] [Accepted: 11/04/2015] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Transplanting autologous patient-derived enteric neuronal stem/progenitor cells (ENSCs) is an innovative approach to replacing missing enteric neurons in patients with Hirschsprung disease (HSCR). Using autologous cells eliminates immunologic and ethical concerns raised by other cell sources. However, whether postnatal aganglionic bowel is permissive for transplanted ENSCs and whether ENSCs from HSCR patients can be successfully isolated, cultured, and transplanted in vivo remains unknown. METHODS ENSCs isolated from the ganglionic intestine of Ednrb(-/-) mice (HSCR-ENSCs) were characterized immunohistochemically and evaluated for their capacity to proliferate and differentiate in vitro. Fluorescently labeled ENSCs were co-cultured ex vivo with aganglionic Ednrb(-/-) colon. For in vivo transplantation, HSCR-ENSCs were labeled with lentivirus expressing green fluorescent protein (GFP) and implanted into aganglionic embryonic chick gut in ovo and postnatal aganglionic Ednrb(-/-) rectum in vivo. KEY RESULTS HSCR-ENSCs maintain normal capacity self-renewal and neuronal differentiation. Moreover, the Ednrb(-/-) aganglionic environment is permissive to engraftment by wild-type ENSCs ex vivo and supports migratrion and neuroglial differentiation of these cells following transplantation in vivo. Lentiviral GFP-labeled HSCR-ENSCs populated embryonic chick hindgut and postnatal colon of Ednrb(-/-) HSCR, with cells populating the intermuscular layer and forming enteric neurons and glia. CONCLUSIONS & INFERENCES ENSCs can be isolated and cultured from mice with HSCR, and transplanted into the aganglionic bowel of HSCR littermates to generate enteric neuronal networks. These results in an isogenic model establish the potential of using autologous-derived stem cells to treat HSCR and other intestinal neuropathies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Allan M. Goldstein
- ,Corresponding Author: Allan M. Goldstein, Massachusetts General Hospital, Warren 1153, Boston, MA 02114, Tel: 617-726-0270, Fax: 617-726-2167,
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21
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Hotta R, Cheng L, Graham HK, Nagy N, Belkind-Gerson J, Mattheolabakis G, Amiji MM, Goldstein AM. Delivery of enteric neural progenitors with 5-HT4 agonist-loaded nanoparticles and thermosensitive hydrogel enhances cell proliferation and differentiation following transplantation in vivo. Biomaterials 2016; 88:1-11. [PMID: 26922325 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2016.02.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2015] [Revised: 02/12/2016] [Accepted: 02/15/2016] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Cell therapy offers an innovative approach for treating enteric neuropathies. Postnatal gut-derived enteric neural stem/progenitor cells (ENSCs) represent a potential autologous source, but have a limited capacity for proliferation and neuronal differentiation. Since serotonin (5-HT) promotes enteric neuronal growth during embryonic development, we hypothesized that serotonin receptor agonism would augment growth of neurons from transplanted ENSCs. Postnatal ENSCs were isolated from 2 to 4 week-old mouse colon and cultured with 5-HT4 receptor agonist (RS67506)-loaded liposomal nanoparticles. ENSCs were co-cultured with mouse colon explants in the presence of RS67506-loaded (n = 3) or empty nanoparticles (n = 3). ENSCs were also transplanted into mouse rectum in vivo with RS67506-loaded (n = 8) or blank nanoparticles (n = 4) confined in a thermosensitive hydrogel, Pluronic F-127. Neuronal density and proliferation were analyzed immunohistochemically. Cultured ENSCs gave rise to significantly more neurons in the presence of RS67506-loaded nanoparticles. Similarly, colon explants had significantly increased neuronal density when RS67506-loaded nanoparticles were present. Finally, following in vivo cell delivery, co-transplantation of ENSCs with 5-HT4 receptor agonist-loaded nanoparticles led to significantly increased neuronal density and proliferation. We conclude that optimization of postnatal ENSCs can support their use in cell-based therapies for neurointestinal diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryo Hotta
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Lily Cheng
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Hannah K Graham
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Nandor Nagy
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Human Morphology and Developmental Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Jaime Belkind-Gerson
- Department of Pediatrics, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - George Mattheolabakis
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Bouve College of Health Sciences, Northeastern University, MA, USA
| | - Mansoor M Amiji
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Bouve College of Health Sciences, Northeastern University, MA, USA
| | - Allan M Goldstein
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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In Vivo Transplantation of Enteric Neural Crest Cells into Mouse Gut; Engraftment, Functional Integration and Long-Term Safety. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0147989. [PMID: 26824433 PMCID: PMC4732685 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0147989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2015] [Accepted: 01/11/2016] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives Enteric neuropathies are severe gastrointestinal disorders with unsatisfactory outcomes. We aimed to investigate the potential of enteric neural stem cell therapy approaches for such disorders by transplanting mouse enteric neural crest cells (ENCCs) into ganglionic and aganglionic mouse gut in vivo and analysing functional integration and long-term safety. Design Neurospheres generated from yellow fluorescent protein (YFP) expressing ENCCs selected from postnatal Wnt1-cre;R26R-YFP/YFP murine gut were transplanted into ganglionic hindgut of wild-type littermates or aganglionic hindgut of Ednrbtm1Ywa mice (lacking functional endothelin receptor type-B). Intestines were then assessed for ENCC integration and differentiation using immunohistochemistry, cell function using calcium imaging, and long-term safety using PCR to detect off-target YFP expression. Results YFP+ ENCCs engrafted, proliferated and differentiated into enteric neurons and glia within recipient ganglionic gut. Transplanted cells and their projections spread along the endogenous myenteric plexus to form branching networks. Electrical point stimulation of endogenous nerve fibres resulted in calcium transients (F/F0 = 1.16±0.01;43 cells, n = 6) in YFP+ transplanted ENCCs (abolished with TTX). Long-term follow-up (24 months) showed transplanted ENCCs did not give rise to tumours or spread to other organs (PCR negative in extraintestinal sites). In aganglionic gut ENCCs similarly spread and differentiated to form neuronal and glial networks with projections closely associated with endogenous neural networks of the transition zone. Conclusions Transplanted ENCCs successfully engrafted into recipient ganglionic and aganglionic gut showing appropriate spread, localisation and, importantly, functional integration without any long-term safety issues. This study provides key support for the development and use of enteric neural stem cell therapies.
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23
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Belkind-Gerson J, Hotta R, Whalen M, Nayyar N, Nagy N, Cheng L, Zuckerman A, Goldstein AM, Dietrich J. Engraftment of enteric neural progenitor cells into the injured adult brain. BMC Neurosci 2016; 17:5. [PMID: 26810757 PMCID: PMC4727306 DOI: 10.1186/s12868-016-0238-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2015] [Accepted: 01/03/2016] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background A major area of unmet need is the development of strategies to restore neuronal network systems and to recover brain function in patients with neurological disease. The use of cell-based therapies remains an attractive approach, but its application has been challenging due to the lack of suitable cell sources, ethical concerns, and immune-mediated tissue rejection. We propose an innovative approach that utilizes gut-derived neural tissue for cell-based therapies following focal or diffuse central nervous system injury. Results Enteric neuronal stem and progenitor cells, able to differentiate into neuronal and glial lineages, were isolated from the postnatal enteric nervous system and propagated in vitro. Gut-derived neural progenitors, genetically engineered to express fluorescent proteins, were transplanted into the injured brain of adult mice. Using different models of brain injury in combination with either local or systemic cell delivery, we show that transplanted enteric neuronal progenitor cells survive, proliferate, and differentiate into neuronal and glial lineages in vivo. Moreover, transplanted cells migrate extensively along neuronal pathways and appear to modulate the local microenvironment to stimulate endogenous neurogenesis. Conclusions Our findings suggest that enteric nervous system derived cells represent a potential source for tissue regeneration in the central nervous system. Further studies are needed to validate these findings and to explore whether autologous gut-derived cell transplantation into the injured brain can result in functional neurologic recovery. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12868-016-0238-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaime Belkind-Gerson
- Department of Pediatrics, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02114, USA. .,Pediatric Neurogastroenterology Program, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 175 Cambridge St #575, Boston, MA, 02114, USA.
| | - Ryo Hotta
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02114, USA.
| | - Michael Whalen
- Department of Pediatrics, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02114, USA.
| | - Naema Nayyar
- Department of Neurology, Division of Neuro-Oncology, and Center for Regenerative Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02114, USA.
| | - Nandor Nagy
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02114, USA.
| | - Lily Cheng
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02114, USA.
| | - Aaron Zuckerman
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02114, USA.
| | - Allan M Goldstein
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02114, USA. .,Pediatric Neurogastroenterology Program, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 175 Cambridge St #575, Boston, MA, 02114, USA.
| | - Jorg Dietrich
- Department of Neurology, Division of Neuro-Oncology, and Center for Regenerative Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02114, USA.
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Abstract
The enteric nervous system is the intrinsic innervation of the gut. Several neuromuscular disorders affect the neurons and glia of the enteric nervous system adversely, resulting in disruptions in gastrointestinal motility and function. Pharmacological interventions to remedy gastrointestinal function do not address the underlying cause of dysmotility arising from lost, absent, or damaged enteric neuroglial circuitry. Cell-based therapies have gained traction in the past decade, following the discovery of several adult stem cell niches in the human body. Adult neural stem cells can be isolated from the postnatal and adult intestine using minimally invasive biopsies. These stem cells retain the ability to differentiate into several functional classes of enteric neurons and enteric glia. Upon identification of these cells, several groups have also established that transplantation of these cells into aganglionic or dysganglionic intestine rescues gastrointestinal motility and function. This chapter highlights key studies performed in the field of stem cell transplantation therapies that are targeted towards the remedy of gastrointestinal motility and function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khalil N Bitar
- Wake Forest School of Medicine, Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, 391 Technology Way, Richard H Dean Biomedical Engineering Building, Winston-Salem, NC, 27101, USA,
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Wilkinson DJ, Bethell GS, Shukla R, Kenny SE, Edgar DH. Isolation of Enteric Nervous System Progenitor Cells from the Aganglionic Gut of Patients with Hirschsprung's Disease. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0125724. [PMID: 25992739 PMCID: PMC4436257 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0125724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2014] [Accepted: 03/18/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Enteric nervous system progenitor cells isolated from postnatal human gut and cultured as neurospheres can then be transplanted into aganglionic gut to restore normal patterns of contractility. These progenitor cells may be of future use to treat patients with Hirschprung’s disease, a congenital condition characterized by hindgut dysmotility due to the lack of enteric nervous system ganglia. Here we demonstrate that progenitor cells can also be isolated from aganglionic gut removed during corrective surgery for Hirschsprung’s disease. Although the enteric nervous system marker calretinin is not expressed in the aganglionic gut region, de novo expression is initiated in cultured neurosphere cells isolated from aganglionic Hirschsprung bowel. Furthermore, expression of the neural markers NOS, VIP and GFAP also increased during culture of aganglionic gut neurospheres which we show can be transplantation into cultured embryonic mouse gut explants to restore a normal frequency of contractility. To determine the origin of the progenitor cells in aganglionic region, we used fluorescence-activated cell sorting to demonstrate that only p75-positive neural crest-derived cells present in the thickened nerve trunks characteristic of the aganglionic region of Hirschsprung gut gave rise to neurons in culture. The derivation of enteric nervous system progenitors in the aganglionic gut region of Hirschprung’s patients not only means that this tissue is a potential source of cells for future autologous transplantation, but it also raises the possibility of inducing the differentiation of these endogenous cells in situ to compensate for the aganglionosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- David J. Wilkinson
- University of Liverpool Institute of Translational Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - George S. Bethell
- University of Liverpool Institute of Translational Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Rajeev Shukla
- Department of Pathology, Alder Hey Children’s Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Simon E. Kenny
- University of Liverpool Institute of Translational Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom
- Department of Paediatric Surgery, Alder Hey Children’s Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - David H. Edgar
- University of Liverpool Institute of Translational Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
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Findlay Q, Yap KK, Bergner AJ, Young HM, Stamp LA. Enteric neural progenitors are more efficient than brain-derived progenitors at generating neurons in the colon. Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol 2014; 307:G741-8. [PMID: 25125684 DOI: 10.1152/ajpgi.00225.2014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Gut motility disorders can result from an absent, damaged, or dysfunctional enteric nervous system (ENS). Cell therapy is an exciting prospect to treat these enteric neuropathies and restore gut motility. Previous studies have examined a variety of sources of stem/progenitor cells, but the ability of different sources of cells to generate enteric neurons has not been directly compared. It is important to identify the source of stem/progenitor cells that is best at colonizing the bowel and generating neurons following transplantation. The aim of this study was to compare the ability of central nervous system (CNS) progenitors and ENS progenitors to colonize the colon and differentiate into neurons. Genetically labeled CNS- and ENS-derived progenitors were cocultured with aneural explants of embryonic mouse colon for 1 or 2.5 wk to assess their migratory, proliferative, and differentiation capacities, and survival, in the embryonic gut environment. Both progenitor cell populations were transplanted in the postnatal colon of mice in vivo for 4 wk before they were analyzed for migration and differentiation using immunohistochemistry. ENS-derived progenitors migrated further than CNS-derived cells in both embryonic and postnatal gut environments. ENS-derived progenitors also gave rise to more neurons than their CNS-derived counterparts. Furthermore, neurons derived from ENS progenitors clustered together in ganglia, whereas CNS-derived neurons were mostly solitary. We conclude that, within the gut environment, ENS-derived progenitors show superior migration, proliferation, and neuronal differentiation compared with CNS progenitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Quan Findlay
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Kiryu K Yap
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Annette J Bergner
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Heather M Young
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Lincon A Stamp
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
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