1
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Ryu JR, Ko K, Sun W. Polarization of organoids by bioengineered symmetry breaking. IBRO Neurosci Rep 2024; 17:22-31. [PMID: 38881849 PMCID: PMC11176950 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibneur.2024.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Symmetry breaking leading to axis formation and spatial patterning is crucial for achieving more accurate recapitulation of human development in organoids. While these processes can occur spontaneously by self-organizing capabilities of pluripotent stem cells, they can often result in variation in structure and composition of cell types within organoids. To address this limitation, bioengineering techniques that utilize geometric, topological and stiffness factors are increasingly employed to enhance control and consistency. Here, we review how spontaneous manners and engineering tools such as micropattern, microfluidics, biomaterials, etc. can facilitate the process of symmetry breaking leading to germ layer patterning and the formation of anteroposterior and dorsoventral axes in blastoids, gastruloids, neuruloids and neural organoids. Furthermore, brain assembloids, which are composed of multiple brain regions through fusion processes are discussed. The overview of organoid polarization in terms of patterning tools can offer valuable insights for enhancing the physiological relevance of organoid system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jae Ryun Ryu
- Department of Anatomy, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Kahee Ko
- Department of Anatomy, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Woong Sun
- Department of Anatomy, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
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2
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Kwak T, Park SH, Lee S, Shin Y, Yoon KJ, Cho SW, Park JC, Yang SH, Cho H, Im HI, Ahn SJ, Sun W, Yang JH. Guidelines for Manufacturing and Application of Organoids: Brain. Int J Stem Cells 2024; 17:158-181. [PMID: 38777830 PMCID: PMC11170118 DOI: 10.15283/ijsc24056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2024] [Revised: 05/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
This study offers a comprehensive overview of brain organoids for researchers. It combines expert opinions with technical summaries on organoid definitions, characteristics, culture methods, and quality control. This approach aims to enhance the utilization of brain organoids in research. Brain organoids, as three-dimensional human cell models mimicking the nervous system, hold immense promise for studying the human brain. They offer advantages over traditional methods, replicating anatomical structures, physiological features, and complex neuronal networks. Additionally, brain organoids can model nervous system development and interactions between cell types and the microenvironment. By providing a foundation for utilizing the most human-relevant tissue models, this work empowers researchers to overcome limitations of two-dimensional cultures and conduct advanced disease modeling research.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Si-Hyung Park
- Department of Anatomy, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | | | | | - Ki-Jun Yoon
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, Korea
- Organoid Standards Initiative
| | - Seung-Woo Cho
- Organoid Standards Initiative
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Science and Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jong-Chan Park
- Organoid Standards Initiative
- Department of Biophysics, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, Korea
| | - Seung-Ho Yang
- Organoid Standards Initiative
- Department of Neurosurgery, St. Vincent’s Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Suwon, Korea
| | - Heeyeong Cho
- Organoid Standards Initiative
- Center for Rare Disease Therapeutic Technology, Therapeutics & Biotechnology Division, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology, Daejeon, Korea
| | - Heh-In Im
- Organoid Standards Initiative
- Behavioral and Molecular Neuroscience, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul, Korea
| | - Sun-Ju Ahn
- Organoid Standards Initiative
- Department of Biophysics, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, Korea
- Institute of Quantum Biophysics, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, Korea
| | - Woong Sun
- Department of Anatomy, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- Organoid Standards Initiative
| | - Ji Hun Yang
- Next & Bio Inc., Seoul, Korea
- Organoid Standards Initiative
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3
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Bossini L, Sessa A. Need of orthogonal approaches in neurological disease modeling in mouse. Front Mol Neurosci 2024; 17:1399953. [PMID: 38756706 PMCID: PMC11096479 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2024.1399953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Over the years, advancements in modeling neurological diseases have revealed innovative strategies aimed at gaining deeper insights and developing more effective treatments for these complex conditions. However, these progresses have recently been overshadowed by an increasing number of failures in clinical trials, raising doubts about the reliability and translatability of this type of disease modeling. This mini-review does not aim to provide a comprehensive overview of the current state-of-the-art in disease mouse modeling. Instead, it offers a brief excursus over some recent approaches in modeling neurological diseases to pinpoint a few intriguing strategies applied in the field that may serve as sources of inspiration for improving currently available animal models. In particular, we aim to guide the reader toward the potential success of adopting a more orthogonal approach in the study of human diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda Bossini
- Neuroepigenetics Unit, Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
- “Vita e Salute” San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Alessandro Sessa
- Neuroepigenetics Unit, Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
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4
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K. C. R, Tiemroth AS, Thurmon AN, Meadows SM, Galazo MJ. Zmiz1 is a novel regulator of brain development associated with autism and intellectual disability. Front Psychiatry 2024; 15:1375492. [PMID: 38686122 PMCID: PMC11057416 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1375492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) are a class of pathologies arising from perturbations in brain circuit formation and maturation with complex etiological triggers often classified as environmental and genetic. Neuropsychiatric conditions such as autism spectrum disorders (ASD), intellectual disability (ID), and attention deficit hyperactivity disorders (ADHD) are common NDDs characterized by their hereditary underpinnings and inherent heterogeneity. Genetic risk factors for NDDs are increasingly being identified in non-coding regions and proteins bound to them, including transcriptional regulators and chromatin remodelers. Importantly, de novo mutations are emerging as important contributors to NDDs and neuropsychiatric disorders. Recently, de novo mutations in transcriptional co-factor Zmiz1 or its regulatory regions have been identified in unrelated patients with syndromic ID and ASD. However, the role of Zmiz1 in brain development is unknown. Here, using publicly available databases and a Zmiz1 mutant mouse model, we reveal that Zmiz1 is highly expressed during embryonic brain development in mice and humans, and though broadly expressed across the brain, Zmiz1 is enriched in areas prominently impacted in ID and ASD such as cortex, hippocampus, and cerebellum. We investigated the relationship between Zmiz1 structure and pathogenicity of protein variants, the epigenetic marks associated with Zmiz1 regulation, and protein interactions and signaling pathways regulated by Zmiz1. Our analysis reveals that Zmiz1 regulates multiple developmental processes, including neurogenesis, neuron connectivity, and synaptic signaling. This work paves the way for future studies on the functions of Zmiz1 and highlights the importance of combining analysis of mouse models and human data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajan K. C.
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Alina S. Tiemroth
- Tulane Brain Institute, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Abbigail N. Thurmon
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Stryder M. Meadows
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, United States
- Tulane Brain Institute, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Maria J. Galazo
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, United States
- Tulane Brain Institute, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, United States
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5
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Rizzuti M, Melzi V, Brambilla L, Quetti L, Sali L, Ottoboni L, Meneri M, Ratti A, Verde F, Ticozzi N, Comi GP, Corti S, Abati E. Shaping the Neurovascular Unit Exploiting Human Brain Organoids. Mol Neurobiol 2024:10.1007/s12035-024-03998-9. [PMID: 38334812 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-024-03998-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024]
Abstract
Brain organoids, three-dimensional cell structures derived from pluripotent stem cells, closely mimic key aspects of the human brain in vitro, providing a powerful tool for studying neurodevelopment and disease. The neuroectodermal induction protocol employed for brain organoid generation primarily gives rise to the neural cellular component but lacks the vital vascular system, which is crucial for the brain functions by regulating differentiation, migration, and circuit formation, as well as delivering oxygen and nutrients. Many neurological diseases are caused by dysfunctions of cerebral microcirculation, making vascularization of human brain organoids an important tool for pathogenetic and translational research. Experimentally, the creation of vascularized brain organoids has primarily focused on the fusion of vascular and brain organoids, on organoid transplantation in vivo, and on the use of microfluidic devices to replicate the intricate microenvironment of the human brain in vitro. This review summarizes these efforts and highlights the importance of studying the neurovascular unit in a forward-looking perspective of leveraging their use for understanding and treating neurological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mafalda Rizzuti
- Neurology Unit, Foundation IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Valentina Melzi
- Neurology Unit, Foundation IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Brambilla
- Neurology Unit, Foundation IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Quetti
- Neurology Unit, Foundation IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Luca Sali
- Neurology Unit, Foundation IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Linda Ottoboni
- Dino Ferrari Centre, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation (DEPT), Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Megi Meneri
- Dino Ferrari Centre, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation (DEPT), Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Antonia Ratti
- Department of Neurology and Laboratory of Neuroscience, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy
- Department Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Federico Verde
- Dino Ferrari Centre, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation (DEPT), Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
- Department of Neurology and Laboratory of Neuroscience, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy
| | - Nicola Ticozzi
- Dino Ferrari Centre, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation (DEPT), Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
- Department of Neurology and Laboratory of Neuroscience, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy
| | - Giacomo Pietro Comi
- Neurology Unit, Foundation IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
- Dino Ferrari Centre, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation (DEPT), Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Stefania Corti
- Dino Ferrari Centre, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation (DEPT), Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
- Neuromuscular and Rare Diseases Unit, Department of Neuroscience, Foundation IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Elena Abati
- Dino Ferrari Centre, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation (DEPT), Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy.
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6
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Kiral FR, Choe M, Park IH. Diencephalic organoids - A key to unraveling development, connectivity, and pathology of the human diencephalon. Front Cell Neurosci 2023; 17:1308479. [PMID: 38130869 PMCID: PMC10733522 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2023.1308479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The diencephalon, an integral component of the forebrain, governs a spectrum of crucial functions, ranging from sensory processing to emotional regulation. Yet, unraveling its unique development, intricate connectivity, and its role in neurodevelopmental disorders has long been hampered by the scarcity of human brain tissue and ethical constraints. Recent advancements in stem cell technology, particularly the emergence of brain organoids, have heralded a new era in neuroscience research. Although most brain organoid methodologies have hitherto concentrated on directing stem cells toward telencephalic fates, novel techniques now permit the generation of region-specific brain organoids that faithfully replicate precise diencephalic identities. These models mirror the complexity of the human diencephalon, providing unprecedented opportunities for investigating diencephalic development, functionality, connectivity, and pathophysiology in vitro. This review summarizes the development, function, and connectivity of diencephalic structures and touches upon developmental brain disorders linked to diencephalic abnormalities. Furthermore, it presents current diencephalic organoid models and their applications in unraveling the intricacies of diencephalic development, function, and pathology in humans. Lastly, it highlights thalamocortical assembloid models, adept at capturing human-specific aspects of thalamocortical connections, along with their relevance in neurodevelopmental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - In-Hyun Park
- Interdepartmental Neuroscience Program, Department of Genetics, Yale Stem Cell Center, Yale Child Study Center, Wu Tsai Institute, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
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7
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Lee JH, Shaker MR, Park SH, Sun W. Transcriptional Signature of Valproic Acid-Induced Neural Tube Defects in Human Spinal Cord Organoids. Int J Stem Cells 2023; 16:385-393. [PMID: 37643760 PMCID: PMC10686804 DOI: 10.15283/ijsc23012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Revised: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023] Open
Abstract
In vertebrates, the entire central nervous system is derived from the neural tube, which is formed through a conserved early developmental morphogenetic process called neurulation. Although the perturbations in neurulation caused by genetic or environmental factors lead to neural tube defects (NTDs), the most common congenital malformation and the precise molecular pathological cascades mediating NTDs are not well understood. Recently, we have developed human spinal cord organoids (hSCOs) that recapitulate some aspects of human neurulation and observed that valproic acid (VPA) could cause neurulation defects in an organoid model. In this study, we identified and verified the significant changes in cell-cell junctional genes/proteins in VPA-treated organoids using transcriptomic and immunostaining analysis. Furthermore, VPA-treated mouse embryos exhibited impaired gene expression and NTD phenotypes, similar to those observed in the hSCO model. Collectively, our data demonstrate that hSCOs provide a valuable biological resource for dissecting the molecular pathways underlying the currently unknown human neurulation process using destructive biological analysis tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ju-Hyun Lee
- Department of Anatomy, Brain Korea 21 Plus Program for Biomedical Science, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Mohammed R. Shaker
- Department of Anatomy, Brain Korea 21 Plus Program for Biomedical Science, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Si-Hyung Park
- Department of Anatomy, Brain Korea 21 Plus Program for Biomedical Science, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Woong Sun
- Department of Anatomy, Brain Korea 21 Plus Program for Biomedical Science, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
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8
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Stöberl N, Maguire E, Salis E, Shaw B, Hall-Roberts H. Human iPSC-derived glia models for the study of neuroinflammation. J Neuroinflammation 2023; 20:231. [PMID: 37817184 PMCID: PMC10566197 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-023-02919-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuroinflammation is a complex biological process that plays a significant role in various brain disorders. Microglia and astrocytes are the key cell types involved in inflammatory responses in the central nervous system. Neuroinflammation results in increased levels of secreted inflammatory factors, such as cytokines, chemokines, and reactive oxygen species. To model neuroinflammation in vitro, various human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-based models have been utilized, including monocultures, transfer of conditioned media between cell types, co-culturing multiple cell types, neural organoids, and xenotransplantation of cells into the mouse brain. To induce neuroinflammatory responses in vitro, several stimuli have been established that can induce responses in either microglia, astrocytes, or both. Here, we describe and critically evaluate the different types of iPSC models that can be used to study neuroinflammation and highlight how neuroinflammation has been induced and measured in these cultures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina Stöberl
- UK Dementia Research Institute (UK DRI), School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, CF10 3AT UK
| | - Emily Maguire
- UK Dementia Research Institute (UK DRI), School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, CF10 3AT UK
| | - Elisa Salis
- UK Dementia Research Institute (UK DRI), School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, CF10 3AT UK
| | - Bethany Shaw
- UK Dementia Research Institute (UK DRI), School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, CF10 3AT UK
| | - Hazel Hall-Roberts
- UK Dementia Research Institute (UK DRI), School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, CF10 3AT UK
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9
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Jusop AS, Thanaskody K, Tye GJ, Dass SA, Wan Kamarul Zaman WS, Nordin F. Development of brain organoid technology derived from iPSC for the neurodegenerative disease modelling: a glance through. Front Mol Neurosci 2023; 16:1173433. [PMID: 37602192 PMCID: PMC10435272 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2023.1173433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases are adult-onset neurological conditions that are notoriously difficult to model for drug discovery and development because most models are unable to accurately recapitulate pathology in disease-relevant cells, making it extremely difficult to explore the potential mechanisms underlying neurodegenerative diseases. Therefore, alternative models of human or animal cells have been developed to bridge the gap and allow the impact of new therapeutic strategies to be anticipated more accurately by trying to mimic neuronal and glial cell interactions and many more mechanisms. In tandem with the emergence of human-induced pluripotent stem cells which were first generated in 2007, the accessibility to human-induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSC) derived from patients can be differentiated into disease-relevant neurons, providing an unrivaled platform for in vitro modeling, drug testing, and therapeutic strategy development. The recent development of three-dimensional (3D) brain organoids derived from iPSCs as the best alternative models for the study of the pathological features of neurodegenerative diseases. This review highlights the overview of current iPSC-based disease modeling and recent advances in the development of iPSC models that incorporate neurodegenerative diseases. In addition, a summary of the existing brain organoid-based disease modeling of Alzheimer's disease was presented. We have also discussed the current methodologies of regional specific brain organoids modeled, its potential applications, emphasizing brain organoids as a promising platform for the modeling of patient-specific diseases, the development of personalized therapies, and contributing to the design of ongoing or future clinical trials on organoid technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amirah Syamimi Jusop
- Centre for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine (CTERM), Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Kalaiselvaan Thanaskody
- Centre for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine (CTERM), Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Gee Jun Tye
- Institute for Research in Molecular Medicine (INFORMM), Universiti Sains Malaysia, Minden, Penang, Malaysia
| | - Sylvia Annabel Dass
- Institute for Research in Molecular Medicine (INFORMM), Universiti Sains Malaysia, Minden, Penang, Malaysia
| | | | - Fazlina Nordin
- Centre for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine (CTERM), Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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10
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Kiral FR, Cakir B, Tanaka Y, Kim J, Yang WS, Wehbe F, Kang YJ, Zhong M, Sancer G, Lee SH, Xiang Y, Park IH. Generation of ventralized human thalamic organoids with thalamic reticular nucleus. Cell Stem Cell 2023; 30:677-688.e5. [PMID: 37019105 PMCID: PMC10329908 DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2023.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Revised: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 04/07/2023]
Abstract
Human brain organoids provide unique platforms for modeling several aspects of human brain development and pathology. However, current brain organoid systems mostly lack the resolution to recapitulate the development of finer brain structures with subregional identity, including functionally distinct nuclei in the thalamus. Here, we report a method for converting human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) into ventral thalamic organoids (vThOs) with transcriptionally diverse nuclei identities. Notably, single-cell RNA sequencing revealed previously unachieved thalamic patterning with a thalamic reticular nucleus (TRN) signature, a GABAergic nucleus located in the ventral thalamus. Using vThOs, we explored the functions of TRN-specific, disease-associated genes patched domain containing 1 (PTCHD1) and receptor tyrosine-protein kinase (ERBB4) during human thalamic development. Perturbations in PTCHD1 or ERBB4 impaired neuronal functions in vThOs, albeit not affecting the overall thalamic lineage development. Together, vThOs present an experimental model for understanding nuclei-specific development and pathology in the thalamus of the human brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ferdi Ridvan Kiral
- Department of Genetics, Yale Stem Cell Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Bilal Cakir
- Department of Genetics, Yale Stem Cell Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Yoshiaki Tanaka
- Department of Medicine, Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital Research Centre, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC H1T 2M4, Canada
| | - Jonghun Kim
- Department of Genetics, Yale Stem Cell Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Woo Sub Yang
- Department of Genetics, Yale Stem Cell Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Fabien Wehbe
- Department of Medicine, Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital Research Centre, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC H1T 2M4, Canada
| | - Young-Jin Kang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
| | - Mei Zhong
- Department of Cell Biology, Yale Stem Cell Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Gizem Sancer
- Department of Neuroscience, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Sang-Hun Lee
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
| | - Yangfei Xiang
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China.
| | - In-Hyun Park
- Department of Genetics, Yale Stem Cell Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA.
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11
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Castiglione H, Vigneron PA, Baquerre C, Yates F, Rontard J, Honegger T. Human Brain Organoids-on-Chip: Advances, Challenges, and Perspectives for Preclinical Applications. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:2301. [PMID: 36365119 PMCID: PMC9699341 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14112301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2022] [Revised: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 09/26/2023] Open
Abstract
There is an urgent need for predictive in vitro models to improve disease modeling and drug target identification and validation, especially for neurological disorders. Cerebral organoids, as alternative methods to in vivo studies, appear now as powerful tools to decipher complex biological processes thanks to their ability to recapitulate many features of the human brain. Combining these innovative models with microfluidic technologies, referred to as brain organoids-on-chips, allows us to model the microenvironment of several neuronal cell types in 3D. Thus, this platform opens new avenues to create a relevant in vitro approach for preclinical applications in neuroscience. The transfer to the pharmaceutical industry in drug discovery stages and the adoption of this approach by the scientific community requires the proposition of innovative microphysiological systems allowing the generation of reproducible cerebral organoids of high quality in terms of structural and functional maturation, and compatibility with automation processes and high-throughput screening. In this review, we will focus on the promising advantages of cerebral organoids for disease modeling and how their combination with microfluidic systems can enhance the reproducibility and quality of these in vitro models. Then, we will finish by explaining why brain organoids-on-chips could be considered promising platforms for pharmacological applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Héloïse Castiglione
- NETRI, 69007 Lyon, France
- Sup’Biotech/CEA-IBFJ-SEPIA, Bâtiment 60, 18 Route du Panorama, 94260 Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
| | - Pierre-Antoine Vigneron
- Sup’Biotech/CEA-IBFJ-SEPIA, Bâtiment 60, 18 Route du Panorama, 94260 Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
- Sup’Biotech, Ecole D’ingénieurs, 66 Rue Guy Môquet, 94800 Villejuif, France
| | | | - Frank Yates
- Sup’Biotech/CEA-IBFJ-SEPIA, Bâtiment 60, 18 Route du Panorama, 94260 Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
- Sup’Biotech, Ecole D’ingénieurs, 66 Rue Guy Môquet, 94800 Villejuif, France
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12
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Kot M, Neglur PK, Pietraszewska A, Buzanska L. Boosting Neurogenesis in the Adult Hippocampus Using Antidepressants and Mesenchymal Stem Cells. Cells 2022; 11:cells11203234. [PMID: 36291101 PMCID: PMC9600461 DOI: 10.3390/cells11203234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [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: 08/26/2022] [Revised: 10/06/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The hippocampus is one of the few privileged regions (neural stem cell niche) of the brain, where neural stem cells differentiate into new neurons throughout adulthood. However, dysregulation of hippocampal neurogenesis with aging, injury, depression and neurodegenerative disease leads to debilitating cognitive impacts. These debilitating symptoms deteriorate the quality of life in the afflicted individuals. Impaired hippocampal neurogenesis is especially difficult to rescue with increasing age and neurodegeneration. However, the potential to boost endogenous Wnt signaling by influencing pathway modulators such as receptors, agonists, and antagonists through drug and cell therapy-based interventions offers hope. Restoration and augmentation of hampered Wnt signaling to facilitate increased hippocampal neurogenesis would serve as an endogenous repair mechanism and contribute to hippocampal structural and functional plasticity. This review focuses on the possible interaction between neurogenesis and Wnt signaling under the control of antidepressants and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) to overcome debilitating symptoms caused by age, diseases, or environmental factors such as stress. It will also address some current limitations hindering the direct extrapolation of research from animal models to human application, and the technical challenges associated with the MSCs and their cellular products as potential therapeutic solutions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Kot
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +48-22-60-86-563
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Looking into the Eyes—In Vitro Models for Ocular Research. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23169158. [PMID: 36012421 PMCID: PMC9409455 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23169158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2022] [Revised: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Animal research undoubtedly provides scientists with virtually unlimited data but inflicts pain and suffering on animals. Currently, legislators and scientists alike are promoting alternative in vitro approaches allowing for an accurate evaluation of processes occurring in the body without animal sacrifice. Historically, one of the most infamous animal tests is the Draize test, mainly performed on rabbits. Even though this test was considered the gold standard for around 50 years, the Draize test fails to mimic human response mainly due to human and rabbit eye physiological differences. Therefore, many alternative assays were developed to evaluate ocular toxicity and drug effectiveness accurately. Here we review recent achievements in tissue engineering of in vitro 2D, 2.5D, 3D, organoid and organ-on-chip ocular models, as well as in vivo and ex vivo models in terms of their advantages and limitations.
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Fasano G, Compagnucci C, Dallapiccola B, Tartaglia M, Lauri A. Teleost Fish and Organoids: Alternative Windows Into the Development of Healthy and Diseased Brains. Front Mol Neurosci 2022; 15:855786. [PMID: 36034498 PMCID: PMC9403253 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.855786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The variety in the display of animals’ cognition, emotions, and behaviors, typical of humans, has its roots within the anterior-most part of the brain: the forebrain, giving rise to the neocortex in mammals. Our understanding of cellular and molecular events instructing the development of this domain and its multiple adaptations within the vertebrate lineage has progressed in the last decade. Expanding and detailing the available knowledge on regionalization, progenitors’ behavior and functional sophistication of the forebrain derivatives is also key to generating informative models to improve our characterization of heterogeneous and mechanistically unexplored cortical malformations. Classical and emerging mammalian models are irreplaceable to accurately elucidate mechanisms of stem cells expansion and impairments of cortex development. Nevertheless, alternative systems, allowing a considerable reduction of the burden associated with animal experimentation, are gaining popularity to dissect basic strategies of neural stem cells biology and morphogenesis in health and disease and to speed up preclinical drug testing. Teleost vertebrates such as zebrafish, showing conserved core programs of forebrain development, together with patients-derived in vitro 2D and 3D models, recapitulating more accurately human neurogenesis, are now accepted within translational workflows spanning from genetic analysis to functional investigation. Here, we review the current knowledge of common and divergent mechanisms shaping the forebrain in vertebrates, and causing cortical malformations in humans. We next address the utility, benefits and limitations of whole-brain/organism-based fish models or neuronal ensembles in vitro for translational research to unravel key genes and pathological mechanisms involved in neurodevelopmental diseases.
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Kim J. Lo and Behold, the Lab-Grown Organs Have Arrived! Int J Stem Cells 2022; 15:1-2. [PMID: 35220287 PMCID: PMC8889329 DOI: 10.15283/ijsc22026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2022] [Accepted: 02/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Jaesang Kim
- Department of Life Science, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, Korea
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