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Thompson SD, Pichika R, Lieber RL, Lavasani M. Extracting high-quality RNA from formaldehyde-fixed naturally aged neuromusculoskeletal tissues. Biotechniques 2024; 76:153-160. [PMID: 38334498 PMCID: PMC10988388 DOI: 10.2144/btn-2023-0092] [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: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Modern approaches to discovering molecular mechanisms and validating treatments for age-related neuromusculoskeletal dysfunction typically rely on high-throughput transcriptome analysis. Previously harvested and fixed tissues offer an incredible reservoir of untapped molecular information. However, obtaining RNA from such formaldehyde-fixed neuromusculoskeletal tissues, especially fibrotic aged tissues, is technically challenging and often results in RNA degradation, chemical modification and yield reduction, prohibiting further analysis. Therefore, we developed a protocol to extract high-quality RNA from formaldehyde-fixed brain, cartilage, muscle and peripheral nerve isolated from naturally aged mice. Isolated RNA produced reliable gene expression data comparable to fresh and flash-frozen tissues and was sensitive enough to detect age-related changes, making our protocol valuable to researchers in the field of aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seth D Thompson
- Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
- Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
- Northwestern University Interdepartmental Neuroscience Graduate Program, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Rajeswari Pichika
- Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
- Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
- Edward Hines Jr VA Medical Center, Maywood, IL 60153, USA
| | - Richard L Lieber
- Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
- Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
- Edward Hines Jr VA Medical Center, Maywood, IL 60153, USA
| | - Mitra Lavasani
- Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
- Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
- Northwestern University Interdepartmental Neuroscience Graduate Program, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
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Thompson SD, Barrett KL, Rugel CL, Redmond R, Rudofski A, Kurian J, Curtin JL, Dayanidhi S, Lavasani M. Sex-specific preservation of neuromuscular function and metabolism following systemic transplantation of multipotent adult stem cells in a murine model of progeria. GeroScience 2024; 46:1285-1302. [PMID: 37535205 PMCID: PMC10828301 DOI: 10.1007/s11357-023-00892-5] [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: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Onset and rates of sarcopenia, a disease characterized by a loss of muscle mass and function with age, vary greatly between sexes. Currently, no clinical interventions successfully arrest age-related muscle impairments since the decline is frequently multifactorial. Previously, we found that systemic transplantation of our unique adult multipotent muscle-derived stem/progenitor cells (MDSPCs) isolated from young mice-but not old-extends the health-span in DNA damage mouse models of progeria, a disease of accelerated aging. Additionally, induced neovascularization in the muscles and brain-where no transplanted cells were detected-strongly suggests a systemic therapeutic mechanism, possibly activated through circulating secreted factors. Herein, we used ZMPSTE24-deficient mice, a lamin A defect progeria model, to investigate the ability of young MDSPCs to preserve neuromuscular tissue structure and function. We show that progeroid ZMPST24-deficient mice faithfully exhibit sarcopenia and age-related metabolic dysfunction. However, systemic transplantation of young MDSPCs into ZMPSTE24-deficient progeroid mice sustained healthy function and histopathology of muscular tissues throughout their 6-month life span in a sex-specific manner. Indeed, female-but not male-mice systemically transplanted with young MDSPCs demonstrated significant preservation of muscle endurance, muscle fiber size, mitochondrial respirometry, and neuromuscular junction morphometrics. These novel findings strongly suggest that young MDSPCs modulate the systemic environment of aged animals by secreted rejuvenating factors to maintain a healthy homeostasis in a sex-specific manner and that the female muscle microenvironment remains responsive to exogenous regenerative cues in older age. This work highlights the age- and sex-related differences in neuromuscular tissue degeneration and the future prospect of preserving health in older adults with systemic regenerative treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seth D Thompson
- Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, 355 E. Erie St, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA.
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA.
- Northwestern University Interdepartmental Neuroscience (NUIN) Graduate Program, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA.
| | - Kelsey L Barrett
- Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, 355 E. Erie St, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Chelsea L Rugel
- Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, 355 E. Erie St, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
- Northwestern University Interdepartmental Neuroscience (NUIN) Graduate Program, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Robin Redmond
- Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, 355 E. Erie St, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Alexia Rudofski
- Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, 355 E. Erie St, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Jacob Kurian
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Jodi L Curtin
- Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, 355 E. Erie St, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Sudarshan Dayanidhi
- Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, 355 E. Erie St, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Mitra Lavasani
- Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, 355 E. Erie St, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA.
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA.
- Northwestern University Interdepartmental Neuroscience (NUIN) Graduate Program, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA.
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Doucet MR, Laevski AM, Doiron JA, Boudreau LH, Surette ME. Locomotor activity as an effective measure of the severity of inflammatory arthritis in a mouse model. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0291399. [PMID: 38232088 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0291399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Mouse models are valuable in preclinical studies of inflammatory arthritis. However, current methods for measuring disease severity or responses to treatment are not optimal. In this study a smart cage system using multiple sensors to measure locomotor activity was evaluated in the K/BxN serum transfer model of inflammatory arthritis. METHODS Arthritis was induced in C57BL/6 mice with injections of K/BxN serum. Clinical index and ankle thickness were measured for 14 days. Locomotor activity was measured in smart cages for 23 h periods on Days 0, 7, and 13. The same measurements were taken in mice consuming diets supplemented or not with fish oil to evaluate a preventative treatment. RESULTS Initiation, peak and resolution phases of disease could be measured with the smart cages. Locomotor activity including speed, travel distance, number of active movements and rear movements were all significantly lower on Days 7-8 of illness (peak) compared to Days 0 and 13-14 (resolution) (one-way repeated measures analyses, p<0.05). The clinical index and ankle thickness measurements did not capture differences between dietary groups. Significantly increased activity was measured in most of the locomotor parameters in the fish oil group compared to the control mice at both Days 8 and 14 (2-way repeated measures ANOVA, p<0.05). CONCLUSION The measurement of locomotor activity provided a more detailed evaluation of the impact of inflammatory arthritis on animal well-being and mobility than that provided by measuring clinical index and ankle thickness, and could be a valuable tool in preclinical studies of inflammatory arthritis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mélina R Doucet
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, New Brunswick Centre for Precision Medicine, Université de Moncton, Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada
| | - Angela M Laevski
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, New Brunswick Centre for Precision Medicine, Université de Moncton, Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada
| | - Jérémie A Doiron
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, New Brunswick Centre for Precision Medicine, Université de Moncton, Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada
| | - Luc H Boudreau
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, New Brunswick Centre for Precision Medicine, Université de Moncton, Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada
| | - Marc E Surette
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, New Brunswick Centre for Precision Medicine, Université de Moncton, Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada
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Briody MA, Rafferty MR, Fahey M, Sliwa JA, Lieber RL. Research Accelerator Program: A Strategic Initiative to Facilitate Interdisciplinary Collaboration That Advances Translational Research. Am J Phys Med Rehabil 2024; 103:66-73. [PMID: 37752059 DOI: 10.1097/phm.0000000000002339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/28/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Developing a culture of innovative thinking and one that emphasizes clinician-researcher interaction is critical for the future of rehabilitation. We designed and implemented a strategy to build a culture of interdisciplinary communication and collaboration that facilitates translational research across several disciplines in our inpatient rehabilitation hospital. We colocated clinicians and researchers in workspaces within a new hospital and created the Research Accelerator Program-a collection of team-focused initiatives that promote communication and collaboration among researchers, clinicians, and other staff. The purpose of this article is to disseminate this strategy, which has increased staff participation in research activities and increased scientific productivity of interdisciplinary research teams over the past 8 yrs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa A Briody
- From the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, Chicago, Illinois (MAB, MRR, MF, JAS, RLL); Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois (MRR, JAS, RLL); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Services, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois (MRR); and Research Service, Hines V.A. Hospital, Maywood, Illinois (RLL)
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Thompson SD, Pichika R, Lieber RL, Lavasani M. Systemic transplantation of adult multipotent stem cells prevents articular cartilage degeneration in a mouse model of accelerated ageing. Immun Ageing 2021; 18:27. [PMID: 34098983 PMCID: PMC8183038 DOI: 10.1186/s12979-021-00239-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2020] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the most prevalent joint diseases of advanced age and is a leading cause of disability worldwide. Ageing is a major risk factor for the articular cartilage (AC) degeneration that leads to OA, and the age-related decline in regenerative capacity accelerates OA progression. Here we demonstrate that systemic transplantation of a unique population of adult multipotent muscle-derived stem/progenitor cells (MDSPCs), isolated from young wild-type mice, into Zmpste24-/- mice (a model of Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome, a condition marked by accelerated ageing), prevents ageing-related homeostatic decline of AC. RESULTS MDSPC treatment inhibited expression of cartilage-degrading factors such as pro-inflammatory cytokines and extracellular matrix-proteinases, whereas pro-regenerative markers associated with cartilage mechanical support and tensile strength, cartilage resilience, chondrocyte proliferation and differentiation, and cartilage growth, were increased. Notably, MDSPC transplantation also increased the expression level of genes known for their key roles in immunomodulation, autophagy, stress resistance, pro-longevity, and telomere protection. Our findings also indicate that MDSPC transplantation increased proteoglycan content by regulating chondrocyte proliferation. CONCLUSIONS Together, these findings demonstrate the ability of systemically transplanted young MDSPCs to preserve a healthy homeostasis and promote tissue regeneration at the molecular and tissue level in progeroid AC. These results highlight the therapeutic potential of systemically delivered multipotent adult stem cells to prevent age-associated AC degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seth D Thompson
- Shirley Ryan Abilitylab (Formerly the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago), 355 E. Erie St, IL, 60611, Chicago, USA
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Northwestern University, Chicago, USA
- Northwestern University Interdepartmental Neuroscience (NUIN) Graduate Program, Northwestern University, Chicago, USA
| | - Rajeswari Pichika
- Shirley Ryan Abilitylab (Formerly the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago), 355 E. Erie St, IL, 60611, Chicago, USA
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Northwestern University, Chicago, USA
| | - Richard L Lieber
- Shirley Ryan Abilitylab (Formerly the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago), 355 E. Erie St, IL, 60611, Chicago, USA
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Northwestern University, Chicago, USA
| | - Mitra Lavasani
- Shirley Ryan Abilitylab (Formerly the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago), 355 E. Erie St, IL, 60611, Chicago, USA.
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Northwestern University, Chicago, USA.
- Northwestern University Interdepartmental Neuroscience (NUIN) Graduate Program, Northwestern University, Chicago, USA.
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