1
|
Trudler D, Ghatak S, Lipton SA. Emerging hiPSC Models for Drug Discovery in Neurodegenerative Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:8196. [PMID: 34360966 PMCID: PMC8347370 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22158196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2021] [Revised: 07/26/2021] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases affect millions of people worldwide and are characterized by the chronic and progressive deterioration of neural function. Neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and Huntington's disease (HD), represent a huge social and economic burden due to increasing prevalence in our aging society, severity of symptoms, and lack of effective disease-modifying therapies. This lack of effective treatments is partly due to a lack of reliable models. Modeling neurodegenerative diseases is difficult because of poor access to human samples (restricted in general to postmortem tissue) and limited knowledge of disease mechanisms in a human context. Animal models play an instrumental role in understanding these diseases but fail to comprehensively represent the full extent of disease due to critical differences between humans and other mammals. The advent of human-induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC) technology presents an advantageous system that complements animal models of neurodegenerative diseases. Coupled with advances in gene-editing technologies, hiPSC-derived neural cells from patients and healthy donors now allow disease modeling using human samples that can be used for drug discovery.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dorit Trudler
- Neurodegeneration New Medicines Center and Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA; (D.T.); (S.G.)
| | - Swagata Ghatak
- Neurodegeneration New Medicines Center and Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA; (D.T.); (S.G.)
| | - Stuart A. Lipton
- Neurodegeneration New Medicines Center and Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA; (D.T.); (S.G.)
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Jin T, Gu J, Xia H, Chen H, Xu X, Li Z, Yue Y, Gui Y. Differential Expression of microRNA Profiles and Wnt Signals in Stem Cell-Derived Exosomes During Dopaminergic Neuron Differentiation. DNA Cell Biol 2020; 39:2143-2153. [PMID: 33064572 DOI: 10.1089/dna.2020.5931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The role of secreted exosomes during dopaminergic (DA) neuron differentiation is still unknown. To investigate the roles of exosomes in DA neuron fate specification, we profiled exosomal microRNAs (miRNAs) during DA neuron differentiation of epiblast-derived stem cells (EpiSCs). There were 26 miRNAs differentially expressed (relative fold >2, p < 0.05) in EpiSC-derived exosomes at 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, and 14 days of DA epiblast differentiation. Among them, 23 exosomic miRNAs were significantly increased, including miR-124, miR-132, miR-133b, miR-218, miR-9, miR-34b, miR-34c, and miR-135a2, while three exosomic miRNAs (miR-214, miR-7a, and miR-302b) were decreased, when compared with control samples. Bioinformatics analysis by DIANA-mirPath demonstrated that extracellular matrix-receptor interaction, signaling pathways regulating pluripotency of stem cells, FoxO signaling pathway, DA synapse, Wnt signaling pathway, GABAergic synapse, and neurotrophin signaling pathway were significantly enriched in DA differentiation-related miRNA signature (all p-values <0.012). Furthermore, messenger RNAs for nine DA neuronal markers tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), Nr4a2, Pitx3, Drd1a, Lmx1a, Lmx1b, Foxa1, Dmrt5, and Slc18a2 were significantly increased expressed over time in exosomes derived from differentiated EpiSCs. Interestingly, adding with exosomes derived from EpiSC induction experiment resulted in a twofold increase of TH-positive neurons production (35% vs. 17%, p < 0.01) during DA neuronal differentiation from mouse embryonic stem cells (ESCs). In summary, our results suggested exosomal miRNAs are potential regulators of DA neuron differentiation. More importantly, EpiSC-derived exosomes could promote the generation of DA neuron differentiation from ESCs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tao Jin
- Department of Neurology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jiachen Gu
- Department of Neurology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Hongbo Xia
- Department of Neurology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Department of Neurology, The First People's Hospital of Fuyang, Hangzhou, China
| | - Huimin Chen
- Department of Neurology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Shaoxing University, Shaoxing, China
| | - Xiaomin Xu
- Department of Neurology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zongshan Li
- Department of Neurology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yumei Yue
- Department of Neurology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yaxing Gui
- Department of Neurology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Daadi MM. Differentiation of Neural Stem Cells Derived from Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells into Dopaminergic Neurons. Methods Mol Biol 2019; 1919:89-96. [PMID: 30656623 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-9007-8_7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Dopaminergic (DA) neurons are involved in many critical functions within the central nervous system (CNS), and dopamine neurotransmission impairment underlies a wide range of disorders from motor control deficiencies, such as Parkinson's disease (PD), to psychiatric disorders, such as alcoholism, drug addictions, bipolar disorders, schizophrenia and depression. Neural stem cell-based technology has potential to play an important role in developing efficacious biological and small molecule therapeutic products for disorders with dopamine dysregulation. Various methods of differentiating DA neurons from pluripotent stem cells have been reported. In this chapter, we describe a simple technique using dopamine-inducing factors (DIFs) to differentiate neural stem cells (NSCs), isolated from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) into DA neurons.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marcel M Daadi
- Southwest National Primate Research Center, Texas Biomedical Research Institute, San Antonio, TX, USA.
- Department of Radiology, Research Imaging Institute, Cell Systems and Anatomy, Long School of Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
van den Hurk M, Erwin JA, Yeo GW, Gage FH, Bardy C. Patch-Seq Protocol to Analyze the Electrophysiology, Morphology and Transcriptome of Whole Single Neurons Derived From Human Pluripotent Stem Cells. Front Mol Neurosci 2018; 11:261. [PMID: 30147644 PMCID: PMC6096303 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2018.00261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2018] [Accepted: 07/12/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The human brain is composed of a complex assembly of about 171 billion heterogeneous cellular units (86 billion neurons and 85 billion non-neuronal glia cells). A comprehensive description of brain cells is necessary to understand the nervous system in health and disease. Recently, advances in genomics have permitted the accurate analysis of the full transcriptome of single cells (scRNA-seq). We have built upon such technical progress to combine scRNA-seq with patch-clamping electrophysiological recording and morphological analysis of single human neurons in vitro. This new powerful method, referred to as Patch-seq, enables a thorough, multimodal profiling of neurons and permits us to expose the links between functional properties, morphology, and gene expression. Here, we present a detailed Patch-seq protocol for isolating single neurons from in vitro neuronal cultures. We have validated the Patch-seq whole-transcriptome profiling method with human neurons generated from embryonic and induced pluripotent stem cells (ESCs/iPSCs) derived from healthy subjects, but the procedure may be applied to any kind of cell type in vitro. Patch-seq may be used on neurons in vitro to profile cell types and states in depth to unravel the human molecular basis of neuronal diversity and investigate the cellular mechanisms underlying brain disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mark van den Hurk
- Laboratory for Human Neurophysiology and Genetics, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI) Mind and Brain, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Jennifer A Erwin
- The Lieber Institute for Brain Development, Baltimore, MD, United States.,Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Gene W Yeo
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States.,Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Fred H Gage
- Laboratory of Genetics, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Cedric Bardy
- Laboratory for Human Neurophysiology and Genetics, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI) Mind and Brain, Adelaide, SA, Australia.,Flinders University College of Medicine and Public Health, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
|
6
|
Ghatak S, Trudler D, Dolatabadi N, Ambasudhan R. Parkinson's disease: what the model systems have taught us so far. J Genet 2018; 97:729-751. [PMID: 30027906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a debilitating neurodegenerative disorder, for which people above the age of 60 show an increased risk. Although there has been great advancement in understanding the disease-related abnormalities in brain circuitry and development of symptomatic treatments, a cure for PD remains elusive. The discovery of PD associated gene mutations and environmental toxins have yielded animal models of the disease. These models could recapitulate several key aspects of PD, and provide more insights into the disease pathogenesis. They have also revealed novel aspects of the disease mechanism including noncell autonomous events and spreading of pathogenic protein species across the brain. Nevertheless, none of these models so far can comprehensively represent all aspects of the human disease. While the field is still searching for the perfect model system, recent developments in stem cell biology have provided a new dimension to modelling PD, especially doing it in a patient-specific manner. In the current review, we attempt to summarize the key findings in the areas discussed above, and highlight how the core PD pathology distinguishes itself from other neurodegenerative disorders while also resembling them in many aspects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Swagata Ghatak
- Neurodegenerative Disease Center, Scintillon Institute, San Diego, CA 92121, USA.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
Sonntag KC, Song B, Lee N, Jung JH, Cha Y, Leblanc P, Neff C, Kong SW, Carter BS, Schweitzer J, Kim KS. Pluripotent stem cell-based therapy for Parkinson's disease: Current status and future prospects. Prog Neurobiol 2018; 168:1-20. [PMID: 29653250 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2018.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2017] [Revised: 03/13/2018] [Accepted: 04/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is one of the most common neurodegenerative disorders, which affects about 0.3% of the general population. As the population in the developed world ages, this creates an escalating burden on society both in economic terms and in quality of life for these patients and for the families that support them. Although currently available pharmacological or surgical treatments may significantly improve the quality of life of many patients with PD, these are symptomatic treatments that do not slow or stop the progressive course of the disease. Because motor impairments in PD largely result from loss of midbrain dopamine neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta, PD has long been considered to be one of the most promising target diseases for cell-based therapy. Indeed, numerous clinical and preclinical studies using fetal cell transplantation have provided proof of concept that cell replacement therapy may be a viable therapeutic approach for PD. However, the use of human fetal cells as a standardized therapeutic regimen has been fraught with fundamental ethical, practical, and clinical issues, prompting scientists to explore alternative cell sources. Based on groundbreaking establishments of human embryonic stem cells and induced pluripotent stem cells, these human pluripotent stem cells have been the subject of extensive research, leading to tremendous advancement in our understanding of these novel classes of stem cells and promising great potential for regenerative medicine. In this review, we discuss the prospects and challenges of human pluripotent stem cell-based cell therapy for PD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kai-C Sonntag
- Department of Psychiatry, McLean Hospital, Harvard Medical School, United States; Laboratory for Translational Research on Neurodegeneration, 115 Mill Street, Belmont, MA, 02478, United States; Program for Neuropsychiatric Research, 115 Mill Street, Belmont, MA, 02478, United States
| | - Bin Song
- Department of Psychiatry, McLean Hospital, Harvard Medical School, United States; Molecular Neurobiology Laboratory, Program in Neuroscience and Harvard Stem Cell Institute, McLean Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 115 Mill Street, Belmont, MA, 02478, United States
| | - Nayeon Lee
- Department of Psychiatry, McLean Hospital, Harvard Medical School, United States; Molecular Neurobiology Laboratory, Program in Neuroscience and Harvard Stem Cell Institute, McLean Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 115 Mill Street, Belmont, MA, 02478, United States
| | - Jin Hyuk Jung
- Department of Psychiatry, McLean Hospital, Harvard Medical School, United States; Molecular Neurobiology Laboratory, Program in Neuroscience and Harvard Stem Cell Institute, McLean Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 115 Mill Street, Belmont, MA, 02478, United States
| | - Young Cha
- Department of Psychiatry, McLean Hospital, Harvard Medical School, United States; Molecular Neurobiology Laboratory, Program in Neuroscience and Harvard Stem Cell Institute, McLean Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 115 Mill Street, Belmont, MA, 02478, United States
| | - Pierre Leblanc
- Department of Psychiatry, McLean Hospital, Harvard Medical School, United States; Molecular Neurobiology Laboratory, Program in Neuroscience and Harvard Stem Cell Institute, McLean Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 115 Mill Street, Belmont, MA, 02478, United States
| | - Carolyn Neff
- Kaiser Permanente Medical Group, Irvine, CA, 92618, United States
| | - Sek Won Kong
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, United States; Computational Health Informatics Program, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, 02115, United States
| | - Bob S Carter
- Department of Neurosurgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, 02114, United States
| | - Jeffrey Schweitzer
- Department of Neurosurgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, 02114, United States.
| | - Kwang-Soo Kim
- Department of Psychiatry, McLean Hospital, Harvard Medical School, United States; Molecular Neurobiology Laboratory, Program in Neuroscience and Harvard Stem Cell Institute, McLean Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 115 Mill Street, Belmont, MA, 02478, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Kim DS, Kim JY, Kang M, Cho MS, Kim DW. Derivation of Functional Dopamine Neurons from Embryonic Stem Cells. Cell Transplant 2017. [DOI: 10.3727/000000007783464650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the selective degeneration of dopaminergic (DA) neurons in the substantia nigra of the midbrain. Pharmacological treatment of PD has been a prevailing strategy. However, it has some limitations because its effectiveness gradually decreases and side effects develop. As an alternative, cell transplantation therapy has been tried. Although transplantation of fetal ventral mesencephalic cells looks promising for the treatment of PD in some cases, ethical and technical problems in obtaining large numbers of human fetal brain tissues also lead to difficulty in its clinical application. Our recent studies showed that a high yield of DA neurons could be derived from embryonic stem (ES) cells and they efficiently induced behavioral recovery in a PD animal model. Here we summarize methods for generation of functional DA neurons from ES cells for application to PD models.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dae-Sung Kim
- Department of Physiology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- Brain Korea 21 project for Medical Science, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Ji Young Kim
- Department of Physiology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Minkyung Kang
- Department of Physiology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- Brain Korea 21 project for Medical Science, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | | | - Dong-Wook Kim
- Department of Physiology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- Brain Korea 21 project for Medical Science, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Li M, Rosser AE. Pluripotent stem cell-derived neurons for transplantation in Huntington's disease. PROGRESS IN BRAIN RESEARCH 2017; 230:263-281. [PMID: 28552232 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pbr.2017.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Pluripotent stem cells present a potentially unlimited source of cells for regenerative medicine, providing that they can be efficiently and accurately differentiated to the target cell type. The principle target cell for Huntington's disease is the striatal medium spiny neuron. In this chapter, we review strategies for directing medium spiny neuron differentiation, based on known developmental principles, and we discuss the remaining hurdles on the road to engineering such cells for therapeutic application in Huntington's disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Meng Li
- Cardiff University Neuroscience and Mental Health Research Institute, School of Medicine, Cardiff, United Kingdom; Cardiff University School of Biosciences, Cardiff, United Kingdom.
| | - Anne E Rosser
- Cardiff University Neuroscience and Mental Health Research Institute, School of Medicine, Cardiff, United Kingdom; Cardiff University School of Biosciences, Cardiff, United Kingdom.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Li W, Chen S, Li JY. Human induced pluripotent stem cells in Parkinson's disease: A novel cell source of cell therapy and disease modeling. Prog Neurobiol 2015; 134:161-77. [PMID: 26408505 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2015.09.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2014] [Revised: 09/15/2015] [Accepted: 09/17/2015] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) and human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) are two novel cell sources for studying neurodegenerative diseases. Dopaminergic neurons derived from hiPSCs/hESCs have been implicated to be very useful in Parkinson's disease (PD) research, including cell replacement therapy, disease modeling and drug screening. Recently, great efforts have been made to improve the application of hiPSCs/hESCs in PD research. Considerable advances have been made in recent years, including advanced reprogramming strategies without the use of viruses or using fewer transcriptional factors, optimized methods for generating highly homogeneous neural progenitors with a larger proportion of mature dopaminergic neurons and better survival and integration after transplantation. Here we outline the progress that has been made in these aspects in recent years, particularly during the last year, and also discuss existing issues that need to be addressed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wen Li
- Department of Neurology and Institute of Neurology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, No. 197, Rui Jin Er Road, Shanghai 200025, China; Neural Plasticity and Repair Unit, Wallenberg Neuroscience Center, Lund University, BMC A10, 221 84 Lund, Sweden
| | - Shengdi Chen
- Department of Neurology and Institute of Neurology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, No. 197, Rui Jin Er Road, Shanghai 200025, China.
| | - Jia-Yi Li
- Institute of Neuroscience, College of Life and Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Shenyang, China; Neural Plasticity and Repair Unit, Wallenberg Neuroscience Center, Lund University, BMC A10, 221 84 Lund, Sweden.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Cell based therapies in Parkinson's Disease. Ann Neurosci 2014; 18:76-83. [PMID: 25205926 PMCID: PMC4117039 DOI: 10.5214/ans.0972.7531.1118209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2011] [Revised: 04/09/2011] [Accepted: 04/30/2011] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder after Alzheimer’s disease. It is characterized by bradykinesia, hypokinesia/ akinesia, rigidity, tremor, and postural instability, caused by dopaminergic (DA) striatal denervation. The prevalence of PD increases from 50 years of age with steep rise after age 60 years. Current treatment of PD relies heavily on replacing lost dopamine either with its precursor L-dopa or dopamine agonists (ropinirole, pramipexole, bromocriptine, lisuride etc). Other pharmacological measures like catechol-O-methyltrasferase (COMT) inhibitors like entacopone, telcapone and monoamine oxidase B (MAO-B) inhibitors like selegiline and rasagiline are also useful, while L-dopa remains the gold standard in the treatment of PD. Emerging therapies are focusing on cell based therapeutics derived from various sources.
Collapse
|
12
|
Nair R, Santos L, Awasthi S, von Erlach T, Chow LW, Bertazzo S, Stevens MM. Extracellular Vesicles Derived from Preosteoblasts Influence Embryonic Stem Cell Differentiation. Stem Cells Dev 2014; 23:1625-35. [DOI: 10.1089/scd.2013.0633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Rekha Nair
- Department of Materials, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Lívia Santos
- Department of Materials, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Siddhant Awasthi
- Department of Materials, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Thomas von Erlach
- Department of Materials, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Lesley W. Chow
- Department of Materials, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Sergio Bertazzo
- Department of Materials, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Molly M. Stevens
- Department of Materials, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Efficient reprogramming of mouse fibroblasts to neuronal cells including dopaminergic neurons. ScientificWorldJournal 2014; 2014:957548. [PMID: 24991651 PMCID: PMC4058809 DOI: 10.1155/2014/957548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2014] [Accepted: 05/08/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Somatic cells were directly converted to functional neurons through the use of a combination of transcription factors, including Ascl1, Brn2, and Myt1l. However, a major limitation is the lack of a reliable source of cell-replacement therapy for neurological diseases. Here, we show that a combination of the transcription factors Ascl1 and Nurr1 (AN) and neurotrophic factors including SHH and FGF8b directly reprogrammed embryonic mouse fibroblasts to induced neuronal (iN) cells: pan-neuronal cells and dopaminergic (DA) neurons under our systematic cell culture conditions. Reprogrammed cells showed the morphological properties of neuronal cells. Additionally, cells were analyzed using various markers, including Tuj1 and Map2 for neuronal cells and Lmx1a, Th, Aadc and Vmat2 for DA neurons in our immunostaining and reverse transcription (RT)-PCR experiments. We found that a combination of transcription factors and neurotrophic factors could directly reprogram fibroblasts to neuronal cells including DA neurons. Various types of reprogrammed cells are promising cell sources for cell-based therapy of neurological disorders like Parkinson's disease and spinal cord injury.
Collapse
|
14
|
Ambasudhan R, Dolatabadi N, Nutter A, Masliah E, Mckercher SR, Lipton SA. Potential for cell therapy in Parkinson's disease using genetically programmed human embryonic stem cell-derived neural progenitor cells. J Comp Neurol 2014; 522:2845-56. [PMID: 24756727 DOI: 10.1002/cne.23617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2014] [Revised: 04/18/2014] [Accepted: 04/21/2014] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Neural transplantation is a promising strategy for restoring dopaminergic dysfunction and modifying disease progression in Parkinson's disease (PD). Human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) are a potential resource in this regard because of their ability to provide a virtually limitless supply of homogenous dopaminergic progenitors and neurons of appropriate lineage. The recent advances in developing robust cell culture protocols for directed differentiation of hESCs to near pure populations of ventral mesencephalic (A9-type) dopaminergic neurons has heightened the prospects for PD cell therapy. Here, we focus our review on current state-of-the-art techniques for harnessing hESC-based strategies toward development of a stem cell therapeutic for PD. Importantly, we also briefly describe a novel genetic-programming approach that may address many of the key challenges that remain in the field and that may hasten clinical translation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rajesh Ambasudhan
- Del E. Webb Center for Neuroscience, Aging, and Stem Cell Research, Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute, 10901 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, California, 92037
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
15
|
Hong S, Chung S, Leung K, Hwang I, Moon J, Kim KS. Functional roles of Nurr1, Pitx3, and Lmx1a in neurogenesis and phenotype specification of dopamine neurons during in vitro differentiation of embryonic stem cells. Stem Cells Dev 2013; 23:477-87. [PMID: 24172139 DOI: 10.1089/scd.2013.0406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
To elucidate detailed functional mechanisms of key fate-determining transcription factors (eg, Nurr1, Pitx3, and Lmx1a) and their functional interplay for midbrain dopamine (mDA) neurons, we developed highly efficient gain-of-function system by transducing the neural progenitors (NPs) derived from embryonic stem cells (ESCs) with retroviral vectors, allowing the analysis of downstream molecular and cellular effects. Overexpression of each factors, Nurr1, Pitx3, and Lmx1a robustly promoted the dopaminergic differentiation of ESC-NP cells exposed to sonic hedgehog (SHH) and fibroblast growth factor 8 (FGF8). In addition, each of these factors directly interacts with potential binding sites within the tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) gene and activated its promoter activity. Interestingly, however, overexpression of Nurr1, but not of Pitx3 or Lmx1a, generated a significant number of nonneuronal TH-positive cells. In line with this, Pitx3 and Lmx1a, but not Nurr1, induced expression of the Ngn2 gene, which is critical for neurogenesis. We also observed that Pitx3 directly bound to its potential binding sites within the Ngn2 gene and the pan-neuronal marker β-tubulin III gene, suggesting that Pitx3 contributes to mDA neurogenesis by directly regulating these genes. Taken together, our data demonstrate that key mDA regulators (Nurr1, Pitx3, and Lmx1a) play overlapping as well as distinct roles during neurogenesis and neurotransmitter phenotype determination of mDA neurons.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sunghoi Hong
- 1 Molecular Neurobiology Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry and Program in Neuroscience, McLean Hospital/Harvard Medical School , Belmont, Massachusetts
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
16
|
Directed neuronal differentiation of mouse embryonic and induced pluripotent stem cells and their gene expression profiles. Int J Mol Med 2013; 32:25-34. [PMID: 23652807 DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2013.1372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2012] [Accepted: 03/08/2013] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Embryonic stem cells (ESCs) may be useful as a therapeutic source of cells for the production of healthy tissue; however, they are associated with certain challenges including immunorejection as well as ethical issues. Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) are a promising substitute since a patient's own adult cells would serve as tissue precursors. Ethical concerns prevent a full evaluation of the developmental potency of human ESCs and iPSCs, therefore, mouse iPSC models are required for protocol development and safety assessments. We used a modified culturing protocol to differentiate pluripotent cells from a mouse iPS cell line and two mouse ES cell lines into neurons. Our results indicated that all three pluripotent stem cell lines underwent nearly the same differentiation process when induced to form neurons in vitro. Genomic expression microarray profiling and single-cell RT-qPCR were used to analyze the neural lineage differentiation process, and more than one thousand differentially expressed genes involved in multiple molecular processes relevant to neural development were identified.
Collapse
|
17
|
Moon J, Lee HS, Kang JM, Park J, Leung A, Hong S, Chung S, Kim KS. Stem cell grafting improves both motor and cognitive impairments in a genetic model of Parkinson's disease, the aphakia (ak) mouse. Cell Transplant 2012; 22:1263-79. [PMID: 23031199 DOI: 10.3727/096368912x657242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Stem cell-based cell replacement of lost midbrain dopamine (mDA) neurons is a potential therapy for Parkinson's disease (PD). Toward this goal, it is critical to optimize various aspects of cell transplantation and to assess functional recovery through behavioral tests in validated animal model(s) of PD. At present, cell transplantation studies are being done almost exclusively in neurotoxin-based animal models, because few genetic models of PD exhibit robust mDA neuronal loss. Here we used a genetic model of PD, the aphakia mouse, which demonstrates selective degeneration of mDA neurons in the substantia nigra. We systematically investigated the functional effects of transplanting embryonic stem cell-derived cells at different stages of in vitro differentiation: embryoid body (EB), neural progenitor (NP), and neuronal differentiated (ND) stages. We found that transplantation of NP cells yielded the best outcomes for both survival and behavioral improvement, while transplantation of EB and ND cells resulted in high teratoma-like tumor formation and poor survival, respectively. In behavioral paradigms specific to basal ganglia, the NP cells group prominently improved motor behavioral defects 1 and 2 months posttransplantation. Furthermore, we found that NP cell transplantation also improved cognitive impairments of aphakia mice, as examined by the passive avoidance task. Importantly, these graft-induced functional improvements well correlated with survival of tyrosine hydroxylase-positive DA neurons. Taken together, we propose that the aphakia mouse can serve as a novel and useful platform for cell transplantation studies to assess both neurological and cognitive improvements and that NP stage cells represent an optimal stage for transplantation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jisook Moon
- Molecular Neurobiology Laboratory, McLean Hospital/Harvard Medical School, Belmont, MA 02178, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
18
|
Ogura A, Morizane A, Nakajima Y, Miyamoto S, Takahashi J. γ-secretase inhibitors prevent overgrowth of transplanted neural progenitors derived from human-induced pluripotent stem cells. Stem Cells Dev 2012; 22:374-82. [PMID: 23020188 DOI: 10.1089/scd.2012.0198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Although transplanted pluripotent stem cell-derived neurons can contribute to functional recovery in animal models of Parkinson's disease, the risk of tumor formation hinders clinical applications of this approach. Removing undifferentiated cells from the donor population is critical to reduce tumorigenesis. Moreover, immature neural progenitors in transplants can proliferate unpredictably, resulting in neural overgrowth and long-term risks of compressing the surrounding host tissue. Because Notch signaling plays a role in maintaining the multipotency and proliferative capacity of neural progenitors, we used γ-secretase inhibitors (GSIs) to dampen Notch signaling in human-induced pluripotent stem cell-derived neural progenitors before transplantation and examined the effects on the growth of proliferative grafts. We observed a marked reduction in the percentage of dividing cells and increased neuronal maturation in GSI-treated samples in vitro. Next, grafts were transplanted into the striata of nonobese diabetic/severe combined immune deficiency mice. Histological analyses performed 8 weeks after the operation showed that grafts pretreated with GSIs--N-[N-(3,5-difluorophenacetyl)-L-alanyl]-S-phenylglycine t-butyl ester or compound E--were significantly smaller than control samples. Immunohistologic analyses revealed that briefly treating the donor population with GSIs not only reduced the graft volume, but also altered the composition of the graft; control grafts showed neural overgrowth with numerous PAX6+ and Ki67+ neural rosettes, whereas GSI-treated samples developed into mature neuronal grafts containing primarily Tubβ3+ cells. These results suggest that pretreating potentially proliferative progenitors with GSIs may improve the safety of cell replacement therapies using pluripotent stem cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aya Ogura
- Department of Biological Repair, Institute for Frontier Medical Sciences, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
19
|
Salti A, Nat R, Neto S, Puschban Z, Wenning G, Dechant G. Expression of early developmental markers predicts the efficiency of embryonic stem cell differentiation into midbrain dopaminergic neurons. Stem Cells Dev 2012; 22:397-411. [PMID: 22889265 DOI: 10.1089/scd.2012.0238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Dopaminergic neurons derived from pluripotent stem cells are among the best investigated products of in vitro stem cell differentiation owing to their potential use for neurorestorative therapy of Parkinson's disease. However, the classical differentiation protocols for both mouse and human pluripotent stem cells generate a limited percentage of dopaminergic neurons and yield a considerable cellular heterogeneity comprising numerous scarcely characterized cell populations. To improve pluripotent stem cell differentiation protocols for midbrain dopaminergic neurons, we established extensive and strictly quantitative gene expression profiles, including markers for pluripotent cells, neural progenitors, non-neural cells, pan-neuronal and glial cells, neurotransmitter phenotypes, midbrain and nonmidbrain populations, floor plate and basal plate populations, as well as for Hedgehog, Fgf, and Wnt signaling pathways. The profiles were applied to discrete stages of in vitro differentiation of mouse embryonic stem cells toward the dopaminergic lineage and after transplantation into the striatum of 6-hydroxy-dopamine-lesioned rats. The comparison of gene expression in vitro with stages in the developing ventral midbrain between embryonic day 11.5 and 13.5 ex vivo revealed dynamic changes in the expression of transcription factors and signaling molecules. Based on these profiles, we propose quantitative gene expression milestones that predict the efficiency of dopaminergic differentiation achieved at the end point of the protocol, already at earlier stages of differentiation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ahmad Salti
- Institute for Neuroscience, Innsbruck Medical University, Innsbruck, Austria
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
20
|
Cellular programming and reprogramming: sculpting cell fate for the production of dopamine neurons for cell therapy. Stem Cells Int 2012; 2012:412040. [PMID: 22988464 PMCID: PMC3441013 DOI: 10.1155/2012/412040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2012] [Accepted: 07/05/2012] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Pluripotent stem cells are regarded as a promising cell source to obtain human dopamine neurons in sufficient amounts and purity for cell replacement therapy. Importantly, the success of clinical applications depends on our ability to steer pluripotent stem cells towards the right neuronal identity. In Parkinson disease, the loss of dopamine neurons is more pronounced in the ventrolateral population that projects to the sensorimotor striatum. Because synapses are highly specific, only neurons with this precise identity will contribute, upon transplantation, to the synaptic reconstruction of the dorsal striatum. Thus, understanding the developmental cell program of the mesostriatal dopamine neurons is critical for the identification of the extrinsic signals and cell-intrinsic factors that instruct and, ultimately, determine cell identity. Here, we review how extrinsic signals and transcription factors act together during development to shape midbrain cell fates. Further, we discuss how these same factors can be applied in vitro to induce, select, and reprogram cells to the mesostriatal dopamine fate.
Collapse
|
21
|
Nefzger CM, Su CT, Fabb SA, Hartley BJ, Beh SJ, Zeng WR, Haynes JM, Pouton CW. Lmx1a Allows Context-Specific Isolation of Progenitors of GABAergic or Dopaminergic Neurons During Neural Differentiation of Embryonic Stem Cells. Stem Cells 2012; 30:1349-61. [DOI: 10.1002/stem.1105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
|
22
|
Massaro A, Bizzoca A, Corsi P, Pinto MF, Carratù MR, Gennarini G. Significance of F3/Contactin gene expression in cerebral cortex and nigrostriatal development. Mol Cell Neurosci 2012; 50:221-37. [PMID: 22579730 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcn.2012.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2011] [Revised: 03/19/2012] [Accepted: 05/02/2012] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
F3/Contactin is a neuronal surface glycoprotein, which plays a general role in neural development and, in particular, in neuronal and oligodendrocyte differentiation. In a previous study using the F3/EGFP transgenic mice, which express an EGFP reporter under control of the regulatory region from the mouse F3/Contactin gene, the activation of the F3/Contactin promoter was found to correlate with granule and Purkinje neuron differentiation in developing cerebellar cortex. Here we report that in developing cerebral cortex and basal ganglia the F3/Contactin gene is mostly activated during early commitment of neuronal precursors, thus indicating a region-specific profile of its developmental activation. We also report that, in the same structures of F3/EGFP mice, a downregulation of the endogenous F3/Contactin gene occurs, which correlates with upregulation of the dopaminergic phenotype and with locomotor pattern abnormalities. Therefore, F3/EGFP transgenic mice exhibit morphological and functional phenotypes recapitulating those arising from imbalance of the striatal dopaminergic pathway. As for the underlying mechanisms, we postulate that in F3/EGFP mice F3/Contactin downregulation results from the ability of transgene promoter sequences to interfere with the activation of the endogenous gene, thus realizing an F3/Contactin knockdown model, while dopaminergic upregulation is consistent with a general F3/Contactin inhibitory effect on the neuronal phenotype.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Massaro
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Medical School, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Piazza Giulio Cesare 11, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
23
|
Garbossa D, Boido M, Fontanella M, Fronda C, Ducati A, Vercelli A. Recent therapeutic strategies for spinal cord injury treatment: possible role of stem cells. Neurosurg Rev 2012; 35:293-311; discussion 311. [PMID: 22539011 DOI: 10.1007/s10143-012-0385-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2011] [Revised: 09/27/2011] [Accepted: 11/20/2011] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) often results in significant dysfunction and disability. A series of treatments have been proposed to prevent and overcome the formation of the glial scar and inhibitory factors to axon regrowth. In the last decade, cell therapy has emerged as a new tool for several diseases of the nervous system. Stem cells act as minipumps providing trophic and immunomodulatory factors to enhance axonal growth, to modulate the environment, and to reduce neuroinflammation. This capability can be boosted by genetical manipulation to deliver trophic molecules. Different types of stem cells have been tested, according to their properties and the therapeutic aims. They differ from each other for origin, developmental stage, stage of differentiation, and fate lineage. Related to this, stem cells differentiating into neurons could be used for cell replacement, even though the feasibility that stem cells after transplantation in the adult lesioned spinal cord can differentiate into neurons, integrate within neural circuits, and emit axons reaching the muscle is quite remote. The timing of cell therapy has been variable, and may be summarized in the acute and chronic phases of disease, when stem cells interact with a completely different environment. Even though further experimental studies are needed to elucidate the mechanisms of action, the therapeutic, and the side effects of cell therapy, several clinical protocols have been tested or are under trial. Here, we report the state-of-the-art of cell therapy in SCI, in terms of feasibility, outcome, and side effects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- D Garbossa
- Department of Neurosurgery, S. Giovanni Battista Hospital, University of Torino, Via Cherasco 15, 10126, Torino, Italy.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
24
|
Loewenbrück K, Storch A. Stem cell-based therapies in Parkinson's disease: future hope or current treatment option? J Neurol 2012; 258:S346-53. [PMID: 21437664 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-011-5974-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is one of the most frequent neurodegenerative diseases and represents a major therapeutic challenge because of the so far missing therapeutic means to influence the ongoing loss of dopaminergic innervation to the striatum. Cell replacement has raised hope to offer the first restorative treatment option. Clinical trials have provided "proof of principle" that transplantation of dopamine-producing neurons into the striatum of PD patients can achieve symptomatic relief given that the striatum is sufficiently re-innervated. Various cell sources have been tested, including fetal ventral midbrain tissue, embryonic stem cells, fetal and adult neural stem cells and, after a ground-breaking discovery, induced pluripotent stem cells. Although embryonic and induced pluripotent stem cells have emerged as the most promising candidates to overcome most of the obstacles to clinical successful cell replacement, each cell source has its unique drawbacks. This review does not only provide a comprehensive overview of the different cellular candidates, including their assets and drawbacks, but also of the various additional issues that need to be addressed in order to convert cellular replacement therapies from an experimental to a clinically relevant therapeutic alternative.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kai Loewenbrück
- Department of Neurology, Dresden University of Technology, Fetscherstrasse 74, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | | |
Collapse
|
25
|
Lmx1b can promote the differentiation of embryonic stem cells to dopaminergic neurons associated with Parkinson’s disease. Biotechnol Lett 2012; 34:1167-74. [DOI: 10.1007/s10529-012-0888-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2011] [Accepted: 02/21/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
|
26
|
Yang D, Li T, Wang Y, Tang Y, Cui H, Tang Y, Zhang X, Chen D, Shen N, Le W. miR-132 regulates the differentiation of dopamine neurons by directly targeting Nurr1 expression. J Cell Sci 2012; 125:1673-82. [PMID: 22328530 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.086421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 116] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Although it is well established that embryonic stem (ES) cells have the potential to differentiate into dopamine neurons, the molecular basis of this process, particularly the role of microRNAs (miRNAs), remains largely unknown. Here we report that miR-132 plays a key role in the differentiation of dopamine neurons by directly regulating the expression of Nurr1 (also known as nuclear receptor subfamily 4 group A member 2; Nr4a2). We constructed a mouse ES cell line CGR8, which stably expresses GFP under the tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) promoter, so the TH-positive neurons could be easily sorted using fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS). Then, we performed a miRNA array analysis on the purified TH-positive neurons and found that 45 of 585 miRNAs had more than a fivefold change in expression level during dopamine neuron differentiation. Among the 45 miRNAs, we were particularly interested in miR-132 because this miRNA has been reported to be highly expressed in neurons and to have a potential role in neurodegenerative diseases. We found that the direct downregulation of endogenous miR-132 induced by miR-132 antisense oligonucleotide (miR-132-ASO) promoted the differentiation of TH-positive neurons, whereas ectopic expression of miR-132 in ES cells reduced the number of differentiated TH-positive neurons but did not change the total number of differentiated neurons. Furthermore, we identified that miR-132-ASO could substantially reverse the miR-132-mediated suppression of TH-positive neuron differentiation. Moreover, through a bioinformatics assay we identified the Nurr1 gene as a potential molecular target of miR-132. Using a luciferase-reporter assay and western blot analysis, we demonstrated that miR-132 could directly regulate the expression of Nurr1. Collectively, our data provide the first evidence that miR-132 is an important molecule regulating ES cell differentiation into dopamine neurons by directly targeting Nurr1 gene expression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dehua Yang
- Key Laboratory of Stem Cell Biology, Institute of Health Sciences, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
27
|
Cho EG, Zaremba JD, McKercher SR, Talantova M, Tu S, Masliah E, Chan SF, Nakanishi N, Terskikh A, Lipton SA. MEF2C enhances dopaminergic neuron differentiation of human embryonic stem cells in a parkinsonian rat model. PLoS One 2011; 6:e24027. [PMID: 21901155 PMCID: PMC3162026 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0024027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2011] [Accepted: 08/04/2011] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) can potentially differentiate into any cell type, including dopaminergic neurons to treat Parkinson's disease (PD), but hyperproliferation and tumor formation must be avoided. Accordingly, we use myocyte enhancer factor 2C (MEF2C) as a neurogenic and anti-apoptotic transcription factor to generate neurons from hESC-derived neural stem/progenitor cells (NPCs), thus avoiding hyperproliferation. Here, we report that forced expression of constitutively active MEF2C (MEF2CA) generates significantly greater numbers of neurons with dopaminergic properties in vitro. Conversely, RNAi knockdown of MEF2C in NPCs decreases neuronal differentiation and dendritic length. When we inject MEF2CA-programmed NPCs into 6-hydroxydopamine—lesioned Parkinsonian rats in vivo, the transplanted cells survive well, differentiate into tyrosine hydroxylase-positive neurons, and improve behavioral deficits to a significantly greater degree than non-programmed cells. The enriched generation of dopaminergic neuronal lineages from hESCs by forced expression of MEF2CA in the proper context may prove valuable in cell-based therapy for CNS disorders such as PD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eun-Gyung Cho
- Del E. Webb Center for Neuroscience, Aging, and Stem Cell Research, Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Jeffrey D. Zaremba
- Del E. Webb Center for Neuroscience, Aging, and Stem Cell Research, Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Scott R. McKercher
- Del E. Webb Center for Neuroscience, Aging, and Stem Cell Research, Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Maria Talantova
- Del E. Webb Center for Neuroscience, Aging, and Stem Cell Research, Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Shichun Tu
- Del E. Webb Center for Neuroscience, Aging, and Stem Cell Research, Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Eliezer Masliah
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Shing Fai Chan
- Del E. Webb Center for Neuroscience, Aging, and Stem Cell Research, Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Nobuki Nakanishi
- Del E. Webb Center for Neuroscience, Aging, and Stem Cell Research, Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Alexey Terskikh
- Del E. Webb Center for Neuroscience, Aging, and Stem Cell Research, Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Stuart A. Lipton
- Del E. Webb Center for Neuroscience, Aging, and Stem Cell Research, Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute, La Jolla, California, United States of America
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Rhee YH, Ko JY, Chang MY, Yi SH, Kim D, Kim CH, Shim JW, Jo AY, Kim BW, Lee H, Lee SH, Suh W, Park CH, Koh HC, Lee YS, Lanza R, Kim KS, Lee SH. Protein-based human iPS cells efficiently generate functional dopamine neurons and can treat a rat model of Parkinson disease. J Clin Invest 2011; 121:2326-35. [PMID: 21576821 DOI: 10.1172/jci45794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 170] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2010] [Accepted: 04/06/2011] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Parkinson disease (PD) involves the selective loss of midbrain dopamine (mDA) neurons and is a possible target disease for stem cell-based therapy. Human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) are a potentially unlimited source of patient-specific cells for transplantation. However, it is critical to evaluate the safety of hiPSCs generated by different reprogramming methods. Here, we compared multiple hiPSC lines derived by virus- and protein-based reprogramming to human ES cells (hESCs). Neuronal precursor cells (NPCs) and dopamine (DA) neurons delivered from lentivirus-based hiPSCs exhibited residual expression of exogenous reprogramming genes, but those cells derived from retrovirus- and protein-based hiPSCs did not. Furthermore, NPCs derived from virus-based hiPSCs exhibited early senescence and apoptotic cell death during passaging, which was preceded by abrupt induction of p53. In contrast, NPCs derived from hESCs and protein-based hiPSCs were highly expandable without senescence. DA neurons derived from protein-based hiPSCs exhibited gene expression, physiological, and electrophysiological properties similar to those of mDA neurons. Transplantation of these cells into rats with striatal lesions, a model of PD, significantly rescued motor deficits. These data support the clinical potential of protein-based hiPSCs for personalized cell therapy of PD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yong-Hee Rhee
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, Hanyang University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
29
|
|
30
|
Stroh A, Tsai HC, Wang LP, Zhang F, Kressel J, Aravanis A, Santhanam N, Deisseroth K, Konnerth A, Schneider MB. Tracking stem cell differentiation in the setting of automated optogenetic stimulation. Stem Cells 2011; 29:78-88. [PMID: 21280159 DOI: 10.1002/stem.558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Membrane depolarization has been shown to play an important role in the neural differentiation of stem cells and in the survival and function of mature neurons. Here, we introduce a microbial opsin into ESCs and develop optogenetic technology for stem cell engineering applications, with an automated system for noninvasive modulation of ESC differentiation employing fast optogenetic control of ion flux. Mouse ESCs were stably transduced with channelrhodopsin-2 (ChR2)-yellow fluorescent protein and purified by fluorescence activated cell sorting (FACS). Illumination of resulting ChR2-ESCs with pulses of blue light triggered inward currents. These labeled ESCs retained the capability to differentiate into functional mature neurons, assessed by the presence of voltage-gated sodium currents, action potentials, fast excitatory synaptic transmission, and expression of mature neuronal proteins and neuronal morphology. We designed and tested an apparatus for optically stimulating ChR2-ESCs during chronic neuronal differentiation, with high-speed optical switching on a custom robotic stage with environmental chamber for automated stimulation and imaging over days, with tracking for increased expression of neural and neuronal markers. These data point to potential uses of ChR2 technology for chronic and temporally precise noninvasive optical control of ESCs both in vitro and in vivo, ranging from noninvasive control of stem cell differentiation to causal assessment of the specific contribution of transplanted cells to tissue and network function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Albrecht Stroh
- Department of Bioengineering, Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
31
|
Willerth SM. Neural tissue engineering using embryonic and induced pluripotent stem cells. Stem Cell Res Ther 2011; 2:17. [PMID: 21539726 PMCID: PMC3226288 DOI: 10.1186/scrt58] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
With the recent start of the first clinical trial evaluating a human embryonic stem cell-derived therapy for the treatment of acute spinal cord injury, it is important to review the current literature examining the use of embryonic stem cells for neural tissue engineering applications with a focus on diseases and disorders that affect the central nervous system. Embryonic stem cells exhibit pluripotency and thus can differentiate into any cell type found in the body, including those found in the nervous system. A range of studies have investigated how to direct the differentiation of embryonic cells into specific neural phenotypes using a variety of cues to achieve the goal of replacing diseased or damaged neural tissue. Additionally, the recent development of induced pluripotent stem cells provides an intriguing alternative to the use of human embryonic stem cell lines for these applications. This review will discuss relevant studies that have used embryonic stem cells to replicate the tissue found in the central nervous system as well as evaluate the potential of induced pluripotent stem cells for the aforementioned applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie M Willerth
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Victoria, PO Box 3055, STN CSC, Victoria, British Columbia, V8W 3P6 Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Kim DS, Jung SJ, Nam TS, Jeon YH, Lee DR, Lee JS, Leem JW, Kim DW. Transplantation of GABAergic neurons from ESCs attenuates tactile hypersensitivity following spinal cord injury. Stem Cells 2011; 28:2099-108. [PMID: 20848655 DOI: 10.1002/stem.526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Dae-Sung Kim
- Department of Physiology,Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
33
|
Kim HJ. Stem cell potential in Parkinson's disease and molecular factors for the generation of dopamine neurons. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2010; 1812:1-11. [PMID: 20713152 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2010.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2010] [Revised: 07/13/2010] [Accepted: 08/11/2010] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) involves the loss of dopamine (DA) neurons, making it the most expected neurodegenerative disease to be treated by cell replacement therapy. Stem cells are a promising source for cell replacement therapy due to their ability to self-renew and their pluripotency/multipotency that allows them to generate various types of cells. However, it is challenging to derive midbrain DA neurons from stem cells. Thus, in this review, I will discuss the molecular factors that are known to play critical roles in the generation and survival of DA neurons. The developmental process of DA neurons and functions of extrinsic soluble factors and homeodomain proteins, forkhead box proteins, proneural genes, Nurr1 and genes involved in epigenetic control are discussed. In addition, different types of stem cells that have potential for future cell replacement therapy are reviewed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hyun-Jung Kim
- Laboratory of Molecular and Stem Cell Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Chung-Ang University, Seoul 156-756, South Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Yang JR, Liao CH, Pang CY, Huang LLH, Lin YT, Chen YL, Shiue YL, Chen LR. Directed Differentiation into Neural Lineages and Therapeutic Potential of Porcine Embryonic Stem Cells in Rat Parkinson's Disease Model. Cell Reprogram 2010; 12:447-61. [DOI: 10.1089/cell.2009.0078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Jenn-Rong Yang
- Division of Physiology, Livestock Research Institute, Council of Agriculture, Executive Yuan, Tainan, Taiwan, R.O.C
- Institute of Biomedical Science, National Sun Yat-Sen University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Chia-Hsin Liao
- Department of Research, Buddhist Tzu-Chi General Hospital, Hualien, Taiwan, R.O.C
- Institute of Medical Science, Buddhist Tzu-Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Cheng-Yoong Pang
- Department of Research, Buddhist Tzu-Chi General Hospital, Hualien, Taiwan, R.O.C
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, Buddhist Tzu-Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Lynn Ling-Huei Huang
- Institute of Biotechnology, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan, R.O.C
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Yu-Ting Lin
- Division of Physiology, Livestock Research Institute, Council of Agriculture, Executive Yuan, Tainan, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Yi-Ling Chen
- Division of Physiology, Livestock Research Institute, Council of Agriculture, Executive Yuan, Tainan, Taiwan, R.O.C
- Institute of Biomedical Science, National Sun Yat-Sen University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Yow-Ling Shiue
- Institute of Biomedical Science, National Sun Yat-Sen University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Lih-Ren Chen
- Division of Physiology, Livestock Research Institute, Council of Agriculture, Executive Yuan, Tainan, Taiwan, R.O.C
- Institute of Biotechnology, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan, R.O.C
- Institute of Biotechnology, Southern Taiwan University, Tainan, Taiwan, R.O.C
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Stock K, Nolden L, Edenhofer F, Quandel T, Brüstle O. Transcription factor-based modulation of neural stem cell differentiation using direct protein transduction. Cell Mol Life Sci 2010; 67:2439-49. [PMID: 20352468 PMCID: PMC2889284 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-010-0347-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2010] [Revised: 02/16/2010] [Accepted: 03/08/2010] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
In contrast to conventional gene transfer strategies, the direct introduction of recombinant proteins into cells bypasses the risk of insertional mutagenesis and offers an alternative to genetic intervention. Here, we explore whether protein transduction of the gliogenic transcription factor Nkx2.2 can be used to promote oligodendroglial differentiation of mouse embryonic stem cell (ESC)-derived neural stem cells (NSC). To that end, a recombinant cell-permeant form of Nkx2.2 protein was generated. Exposure of ESC-derived NSC to the recombinant protein and initiation of differentiation resulted in a two-fold increase in the number of oligodendrocytes. Furthermore, Nkx2.2-transduced cells exhibited a more mature oligodendroglial phenotype. Comparative viral gene transfer studies showed that the biological effect of Nkx2.2 protein transduction is comparable to that obtained by lentiviral transduction. The results of this proof-of-concept study depict direct intracellular delivery of transcription factors as alternative modality to control lineage differentiation in NSC cultures without genetic modification.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kristin Stock
- Stem Cell Engineering Group, Institute of Reconstructive Neurobiology, LIFE and BRAIN Center, University of Bonn and Hertie Foundation, Bonn, Germany
- Institute of Reconstructive Neurobiology, LIFE and BRAIN Center, University of Bonn and Hertie Foundation, Sigmund-Freud-Strasse 25, 53105 Bonn, Germany
| | - Lars Nolden
- Stem Cell Engineering Group, Institute of Reconstructive Neurobiology, LIFE and BRAIN Center, University of Bonn and Hertie Foundation, Bonn, Germany
- Institute of Reconstructive Neurobiology, LIFE and BRAIN Center, University of Bonn and Hertie Foundation, Sigmund-Freud-Strasse 25, 53105 Bonn, Germany
| | - Frank Edenhofer
- Stem Cell Engineering Group, Institute of Reconstructive Neurobiology, LIFE and BRAIN Center, University of Bonn and Hertie Foundation, Bonn, Germany
- Institute of Reconstructive Neurobiology, LIFE and BRAIN Center, University of Bonn and Hertie Foundation, Sigmund-Freud-Strasse 25, 53105 Bonn, Germany
| | - Tamara Quandel
- Institute of Reconstructive Neurobiology, LIFE and BRAIN Center, University of Bonn and Hertie Foundation, Sigmund-Freud-Strasse 25, 53105 Bonn, Germany
| | - Oliver Brüstle
- Institute of Reconstructive Neurobiology, LIFE and BRAIN Center, University of Bonn and Hertie Foundation, Sigmund-Freud-Strasse 25, 53105 Bonn, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Anisimov SV. Cell-based therapeutic approaches for Parkinson's disease: progress and perspectives. Rev Neurosci 2010; 20:347-81. [PMID: 20397620 DOI: 10.1515/revneuro.2009.20.5-6.347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Motor dysfunctions in Parkinson's disease are believed to be primarily due to the degeneration of dopaminergic neurons located in the substantia nigra pars compacta. Because a single-type cell population is depleted, Parkinson's disease is considered a primary target for cell replacement-based therapeutic strategies. Extensive studies have confirmed transplantation of donor neurons could be beneficial, yet identifying an alternative cell source is clearly essential. Human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) have been proposed as a renewable source of dopaminergic neurons for transplantation in Parkinson's disease; other potential sources could include neural stem cells (hNSCs) and adult mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs). However, numerous difficulties avert practical application of stem cell-based therapeutic approaches for the treatment of Parkinson's disease. Among the latter, ethical, safety (including xeno- and tumor formation-associated risks) and technical issues stand out. This review aims to provide a balanced and updated outlook on various issues associated with stem cells in regard to their potential in the treatment of Parkinson's disease. Essential features of the individual stem cell subtypes, principles of available differentiation protocols, transplantation, and safety issues are discussed extensively.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sergey V Anisimov
- Department of Intracellular Signalling and Transport, Institute of Cytology, Russian Academy of Sciences and Research, Saint-Petersburg, Russia.
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Cui YF, Hargus G, Xu JC, Schmid JS, Shen YQ, Glatzel M, Schachner M, Bernreuther C. Embryonic stem cell-derived L1 overexpressing neural aggregates enhance recovery in Parkinsonian mice. Brain 2010; 133:189-204. [PMID: 19995872 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awp290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Parkinson's disease is the second most common neurodegenerative disease, after Alzheimer's disease, and the most common movement disorder. Drug treatment and deep brain stimulation can ameliorate symptoms, but the progressive degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra eventually leads to severe motor dysfunction. The transplantation of stem cells has emerged as a promising approach to replace lost neurons in order to restore dopamine levels in the striatum and reactivate functional circuits. We have generated substrate-adherent embryonic stem cell-derived neural aggregates overexpressing the neural cell adhesion molecule L1, because it has shown beneficial functions after central nervous system injury. L1 enhances neurite outgrowth and neuronal migration, differentiation and survival as well as myelination. In a previous study, L1 was shown to enhance functional recovery in a mouse model of Huntington's disease. In another study, a new differentiation protocol for murine embryonic stem cells was established allowing the transplantation of stem cell-derived neural aggregates consisting of differentiated neurons and radial glial cells into the lesioned brain. In the present study, this embryonic stem cell line was engineered to overexpress L1 constitutively at all stages of differentiation and used to generate stem cell-derived neural aggregates. These were monitored in their effects on stem cell survival and differentiation, rescue of endogenous dopaminergic neurons and ability to influence functional recovery after transplantation in an animal model of Parkinson's disease. Female C57BL/6J mice (2 months old) were treated with the mitochondrial toxin 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine intraperitoneally to deplete dopaminergic neurons selectively, followed by unilateral transplantation of stem cell-derived neural aggregates into the striatum. Mice grafted with L1 overexpressing stem cell-derived neural aggregates showed better functional recovery when compared to mice transplanted with wild-type stem cell-derived neural aggregates and vehicle-injected mice. Morphological analysis revealed increased numbers and migration of surviving transplanted cells, as well as increased numbers of dopaminergic neurons, leading to enhanced levels of dopamine in the striatum ipsilateral to the grafted side in L1 overexpressing stem cell-derived neural aggregates, when compared to wild-type stem cell-derived neural aggregates. The striatal levels of gamma-aminobutyric acid were not affected by L1 overexpressing stem cell-derived neural aggregates. Furthermore, L1 overexpressing, but not wild-type stem cell-derived neural aggregates, enhanced survival of endogenous host dopaminergic neurons after transplantation adjacent to the substantia nigra pars compacta. Thus, L1 overexpressing stem cell-derived neural aggregates enhance survival and migration of transplanted cells, differentiation into dopaminergic neurons, survival of endogenous dopaminergic neurons, and functional recovery after syngeneic transplantation in the 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine mouse model of Parkinson's disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Fang Cui
- Centre for Neuroscience, Shantou University Medical College, 22 Xin Ling Road, Shantou 515041, P.R. China
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
38
|
Zhang N, Wimmer J, Qian SJ, Chen WS. Stem Cells: Current Approach and Future Prospects in Spinal Cord Injury Repair. Anat Rec (Hoboken) 2009; 293:519-30. [DOI: 10.1002/ar.21025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
|
39
|
Burns TC, Verfaillie CM, Low WC. Stem cells for ischemic brain injury: a critical review. J Comp Neurol 2009; 515:125-44. [PMID: 19399885 DOI: 10.1002/cne.22038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 154] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
No effective therapy is currently available to promote recovery following ischemic stroke. Stem cells have been proposed as a potential source of new cells to replace those lost due to central nervous system injury, as well as a source of trophic molecules to minimize damage and promote recovery. We undertook a detailed review of data from recent basic science and preclinical studies to investigate the potential application of endogenous and exogenous stem cell therapies for treatment of cerebral ischemia. To date, spontaneous endogenous neurogenesis has been observed in response to ischemic injury, and can be enhanced via infusion of appropriate cytokines. Exogenous stem cells from multiple sources can generate neural cells that survive and form synaptic connections after transplantation in the stroke-injured brain. Stem cells from multiple sources cells also exhibit neuroprotective properties that may ameliorate stroke deficits. In many cases, functional benefits observed are likely independent of neural differentiation, although the exact mechanisms remain poorly understood. Future studies of neuroregeneration will require the demonstration of function in endogenously born neurons following focal ischemia. Further, methods are currently lacking to demonstrate definitively the therapeutic effect of newly introduced neural cells. Increased plasticity following stroke may facilitate the functional integration of new neurons, but the loss of appropriate guidance cues and supporting architecture in the infarct cavity will likely impede the restoration of lost circuitry. Thus careful investigation of the mechanisms underlying trophic benefits will be essential. Evidence to date suggests that continued development of stem cell therapies may ultimately lead to viable treatment options for ischemic brain injury.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Terry C Burns
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, USA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
40
|
Toriumi H, Yoshikawa M, Matsuda R, Nishimura F, Yamada SI, Hirabayashi H, Nakase H, Nonaka JI, Ouji Y, Ishizaka S, Sakaki T. Treatment of Parkinson's disease model mice with allogeneic embryonic stem cells: necessity of immunosuppressive treatment for sustained improvement. Neurol Res 2009; 31:220-7. [PMID: 19406036 DOI: 10.1179/016164108x339378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The purpose of the present study was to examine the efficacy of transplantation of mouse embryonic stem (ES) into Parkinson's disease (PD) model mice as well as the necessity of immunosuppression in allogeneic donor-host combinations. MATERIALS AND METHODS ES cells, derived from SvJ129 strain mice, were differentiated into tyrosine hydroxylase (TH)-positive neurons in vitro by an embryoid body (EB)-based multistep differentiation method and used as graft cells for PD mice, which were prepared by injection of 6-hydroxydopamine (OHDA) into C57BL/6, BALB/c and C3H/HeN strains. Mice from each strain were divided into Groups 1-3. Four weeks after the 6-OHDA injection, Group 1 received phosphate-buffered saline in the striatum wounds, while Group 2 received 2 x 10(4) graft cells, and Group 3 mice received 2 x 10(4) graft cells and were also treated with cyclosporine A. RESULTS Apomorphine-induced rotational behavior was improved in Groups 2 and 3, but not in Group 1. However, the behavioral improvement ceased later in Group 2, whereas sustained improvement was observed in Group 3 throughout the 8 week observation period after transplantation. ES-derived TH(+) cells were found at the grafted sites at the end of the experiment in Groups 2 and 3, and tended to be more abundant in Group 3. CONCLUSION Intra-striatum transplantation of ES-derived dopaminergic neurons was effective in treating PD mice, even in allogeneic donor-host combinations. Immunosuppressive treatment did not have an effect on initial behavioral restoration after transplantation; however, it was necessary for sustained improvement over a prolonged period.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hayato Toriumi
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nara Medical University, 840 Shijo-cho, Kashihara-shi, Nara 634-8521, Japan
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
41
|
Wijeyekoon R, Barker RA. Cell replacement therapy for Parkinson's disease. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2009; 1792:688-702. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2008.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2008] [Revised: 10/12/2008] [Accepted: 10/13/2008] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
|
42
|
Lindvall O, Kokaia Z. Prospects of stem cell therapy for replacing dopamine neurons in Parkinson's disease. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2009; 30:260-7. [PMID: 19362379 DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2009.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 131] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2009] [Revised: 03/02/2009] [Accepted: 03/02/2009] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
In Parkinson's disease (PD), the main pathology is a loss of nigrostriatal dopamine (DA) neurons. Clinical trials with intrastriatal transplantation of human embryonic mesencephalic tissue have shown that grafted DA neurons reinnervate the striatum, restore striatal DA release and, in some patients, induce major clinical benefit. Stem cells could provide an unlimited source of DA neurons for transplantation. Recent studies demonstrate that cells with properties of mesencephalic DA neurons can be produced from stem cells of different sources including reprogrammed somatic cells. However, as we discuss here, it remains to be shown that these cells can provide efficient functional reinnervation and behavioral recovery in animal PD models. Moreover, a clinically competitive cell therapy for PD will require better criteria for patient selection, improved functional efficacy of grafts by a tailor-made transplantation procedure providing optimum repair of the patient's DA system and strategies to prevent dyskinesias and tumor formation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Olle Lindvall
- Laboratory of Neurogenesis and Cell Therapy, Section of Restorative Neurology, Wallenberg Neuroscience Center, University Hospital, SE-221 84 Lund, Sweden.
| | | |
Collapse
|
43
|
Chatzi C, Scott RH, Pu J, Lang B, Nakamoto C, McCaig CD, Shen S. Derivation of homogeneous GABAergic neurons from mouse embryonic stem cells. Exp Neurol 2009; 217:407-16. [PMID: 19348800 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2009.03.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2009] [Accepted: 03/23/2009] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Embryonic stem cells (ESCs) promise an unlimited source of defined cells for cell transplantation therapy, while protocols for derivation of homogeneous populations of desirable cell types are yet to be developed and/or refined. Gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) is a major inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system, and disturbed GABAergic signaling is associated with a host of neurological conditions. We developed a simple ES cell differentiation protocol which led to the production of uniform GABAergic neurons in approximately 2 weeks. The differentiation protocol involved treatment of embryoid bodies (EBs) with high concentrations (10(-5)-10(-)(4) M) of all-trans-retinoic acid (RA) for 3 days. After plating these EBs on attached dishes in neural supportive medium, 93-96% of the cells became GABA-positive neurons in 7-11 days. These cells also expressed immature neuronal markers with voltage-gated delayed rectifier potassium currents, suggesting that they were immature GABAergic neurons. The technology may have implications for modeling and treatment of GABAergic signaling-related diseases and injuries.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christina Chatzi
- School of Medical Sciences, Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
44
|
Cho MS, Hwang DY, Kim DW. Efficient derivation of functional dopaminergic neurons from human embryonic stem cells on a large scale. Nat Protoc 2009; 3:1888-94. [PMID: 19008875 DOI: 10.1038/nprot.2008.188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Cell-replacement therapy using human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) holds great promise in treating Parkinson's disease. We have recently reported a highly efficient method to generate functional dopaminergic (DA) neurons from hESCs. Our method includes a unique step, the formation of spherical neural masses (SNMs), and offers the highest yield of DA neurons ever achieved so far. In this report, we describe our method step by step, covering not only how to differentiate hESCs into DA neurons at a high yield, but also how to amplify, freeze and thaw the SNMs, which are the key structures that make our protocol unique and advantageous. Although the whole process of generation of DA neurons from hESCs takes about 2 months, only 14 d are needed to derive DA neurons from the SNMs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Myung-Soo Cho
- Stem Cell Research Center, 21C Frontier R&D Program of Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, Yonsei University Medical Centre, 134 Sinchon-dong, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul 120-752, Korea
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
45
|
Grivennikov IA. Embryonic stem cells and the problem of directed differentiation. BIOCHEMISTRY (MOSCOW) 2009; 73:1438-52. [DOI: 10.1134/s0006297908130051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
|
46
|
Molecular and cellular determinants for generating ES-cell derived dopamine neurons for cell therapy. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2009; 651:112-23. [PMID: 19731556 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4419-0322-8_11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Embryonic stem (ES) cells can generate midbrain dopaminergic (DA) neuronal phenotypes in vitro and have been successfully applied to restore function in animal models of Parkinson's disease (PD). How can we best integrate our growinginsight into the regulatory cascade of transcription factors guiding midbrain specification to further improve the in vitro differentiation of midbrain DA neurons for cell therapy of PD? To characterize the differentiation of authentic DA neurons in vitro, expression patterns of the numerous midbrain-characteristic markers need to be investigated. When using forced gene expression, such factors have to be closely monitored to avoid generation of nonphysiological cell types. Fluorescent markers such as Pitx3-GFP, TH-GFP, Sox1-GFP or surface antigens have proven useful for elimination of unwanted cell types by cell sorting, thereby averting tumors and increasing the DA fraction for transplantation studies. The importance of appropriate timing during application of extrinsic factors and the influence of cell-cell interactions in the dish has to be taken into account. This conceptual synopsis outlines current objectives, progress, but also challenges, in deriving midbrain DA neurons from pluripotent stem cells for clinical and scientific applications.
Collapse
|
47
|
Sharma R, Ottenhof T, Rzeczkowska PA, Niles LP. Epigenetic targets for melatonin: induction of histone H3 hyperacetylation and gene expression in C17.2 neural stem cells. J Pineal Res 2008; 45:277-84. [PMID: 18373554 DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-079x.2008.00587.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
We have reported the induction of glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor, a potent survival factor for dopaminergic neurons, in the C17.2 neural stem cell line following in vitro treatment with melatonin. Furthermore, we have detected the melatonin MT(1) receptor in these cells. Given these findings and recent evidence that melatonin may play a role in cellular differentiation, we examined whether this indoleamine induces morphological and transcriptional changes suggestive of a neuronal phenotype in C17.2 cells. Moreover, in order to extend preliminary evidence of a potential role for melatonin in epigenetic modulation, its effects on the mRNA expression of several histone deacetylase (HDAC) isoforms and on histone acetylation were examined. Physiological concentrations of melatonin (nanomolar range) increased neurite-like extensions and induced mRNA expression of the neural stem cell marker, nestin, the early neuronal marker beta-III-tubulin and the orphan nuclear receptor nurr1 in C17.2 cells. The indoleamine also significantly increased mRNA expression for various HDAC isoforms, including HDAC3, HDAC5, and HDAC7. Importantly, treatment with melatonin for 24 hr caused a significant increase in histone H3 acetylation, which is associated with chromatin remodeling and gene transcription. Since the melatonin MT(2) receptor was not detected in C17.2 cells, it is likely that the MT(1) receptor is involved in mediating these physiological effects of melatonin. These findings suggest novel roles for melatonin in stem cell differentiation and epigenetic modulation of gene transcription.
Collapse
MESH Headings
- Acetylation
- Animals
- Cell Differentiation
- Cell Line
- Chromatin Assembly and Disassembly
- DNA-Binding Proteins/metabolism
- Epigenesis, Genetic
- Gene Expression Regulation
- Histone Deacetylases/genetics
- Histone Deacetylases/metabolism
- Histones/metabolism
- Intermediate Filament Proteins/genetics
- Intermediate Filament Proteins/metabolism
- Melatonin/metabolism
- Methyl-CpG-Binding Protein 2/metabolism
- Mice
- Nerve Tissue Proteins/genetics
- Nerve Tissue Proteins/metabolism
- Nestin
- Neurites/metabolism
- Neurons/cytology
- Neurons/metabolism
- Neurons/ultrastructure
- Nuclear Receptor Subfamily 4, Group A, Member 2
- Receptor, Melatonin, MT1/genetics
- Receptor, Melatonin, MT1/metabolism
- Receptor, Melatonin, MT2/genetics
- Receptor, Melatonin, MT2/metabolism
- Stem Cells/metabolism
- Stem Cells/ultrastructure
- Transcription Factors/metabolism
- Transcription, Genetic
- Tubulin/genetics
- Tubulin/metabolism
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rohita Sharma
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
48
|
Abstract
Important cellular processes such as cell fate are likely to be controlled by an elaborate orchestration of multiple signaling pathways, many of which are still not well understood or known. Because protein kinases, the members of a large family of proteins involved in modulating many known signaling pathways, are likely to play important roles in balancing multiple signals to modulate cell fate, we focused our initial search for chemical reagents that regulate stem cell fate among known inhibitors of protein kinases. We have screened 41 characterized inhibitors of six major protein kinase subfamilies to alter the orchestration of multiple signaling pathways involved in differentiation of stem cells. We found that some of them cause recognizable changes in the differentiation rates of two types of stem cells, rat mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and mouse embryonic stem cells (ESCs). Among many, we describe the two most effective derivatives of the same scaffold compound, isoquinolinesulfonamide, on the stem cell differentiation: rat MSCs to chondrocytes and mouse ESCs to dopaminergic neurons.
Collapse
|
49
|
Cho MS, Lee YE, Kim JY, Chung S, Cho YH, Kim DS, Kang SM, Lee H, Kim MH, Kim JH, Leem JW, Oh SK, Choi YM, Hwang DY, Chang JW, Kim DW. Highly efficient and large-scale generation of functional dopamine neurons from human embryonic stem cells. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2008; 105:3392-7. [PMID: 18305158 PMCID: PMC2265201 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.0712359105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 200] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2007] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
We developed a method for the efficient generation of functional dopaminergic (DA) neurons from human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) on a large scale. The most unique feature of this method is the generation of homogeneous spherical neural masses (SNMs) from the hESC-derived neural precursors. These SNMs provide several advantages: (i) they can be passaged for a long time without losing their differentiation capability into DA neurons; (ii) they can be coaxed into DA neurons at much higher efficiency than that from previous reports (86% tyrosine hydroxylase-positive neurons/total neurons); (iii) the induction of DA neurons from SNMs only takes 14 days; and (iv) no feeder cells are required during differentiation. These advantages allowed us to obtain a large number of DA neurons within a short time period and minimized potential contamination of unwanted cells or pathogens coming from the feeder layer. The highly efficient differentiation may not only enhance the efficacy of the cell therapy but also reduce the potential tumor formation from the undifferentiated residual hESCs. In line with this effect, we have never observed any tumor formation from the transplanted animals used in our study. When grafted into a parkinsonian rat model, the hESC-derived DA neurons elicited clear behavioral recovery in three behavioral tests. In summary, our study paves the way for the large-scale generation of purer and functional DA neurons for future clinical applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Myung Soo Cho
- *Research and Development Center, Jeil Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Yongin 449-861, Korea
- Stem Cell Research Center, Seoul 120-752, Korea
| | - Young-Eun Lee
- Department of Physiology
- Brain Korea 21 Project for Medical Science
- Department of Neurosurgery, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 120-752, Korea
| | - Ji Young Kim
- Department of Physiology
- Brain Korea 21 Project for Medical Science
| | - Seungsoo Chung
- Department of Physiology
- Brain Korea 21 Project for Medical Science
| | - Yoon Hee Cho
- Brain Korea 21 Project for Medical Science
- Department of Neurosurgery, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 120-752, Korea
| | - Dae-Sung Kim
- Department of Physiology
- Brain Korea 21 Project for Medical Science
| | - Sang-Moon Kang
- Department of Physiology
- Brain Korea 21 Project for Medical Science
| | - Haksup Lee
- *Research and Development Center, Jeil Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Yongin 449-861, Korea
| | - Myung-Hwa Kim
- *Research and Development Center, Jeil Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Yongin 449-861, Korea
| | - Jeong-Hoon Kim
- Department of Physiology
- Brain Korea 21 Project for Medical Science
| | - Joong Woo Leem
- Stem Cell Research Center, Seoul 120-752, Korea
- Department of Physiology
- Brain Korea 21 Project for Medical Science
| | - Sun Kyung Oh
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul 110-744, Korea
| | - Young Min Choi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul 110-744, Korea
| | - Dong-Youn Hwang
- **CHA Stem Cell Institute, Pochon CHA University College of Medicine, Seoul 135-913, Korea; and
| | - Jin Woo Chang
- Brain Korea 21 Project for Medical Science
- Department of Neurosurgery, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 120-752, Korea
| | - Dong-Wook Kim
- Stem Cell Research Center, Seoul 120-752, Korea
- Department of Physiology
- Brain Korea 21 Project for Medical Science
- Center for Cell Therapy, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 120-752, Korea
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Li JY, Christophersen NS, Hall V, Soulet D, Brundin P. Critical issues of clinical human embryonic stem cell therapy for brain repair. Trends Neurosci 2008; 31:146-53. [PMID: 18255164 DOI: 10.1016/j.tins.2007.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 151] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2007] [Revised: 12/14/2007] [Accepted: 12/17/2007] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Embryonic stem cells (ESCs) provide hope as a potential regenerative therapy for neurological conditions such as Parkinson's disease and spinal cord injury. Currently, ESC-based nervous system repair faces several problems. One major hurdle is related to problems in generating large and defined populations of the desired types of neurons from human ESCs (hESCs). Moreover, survival of grafted hESC-derived cells has varied and functional recovery in recipient animals has often been disappointing. Importantly, in clinical trials, adverse effects after surgery, including tumors or vigorous immune reactions, must be avoided. Here we highlight attempts to overcome these hurdles with hESCs intended for central nervous system repair. We focus on hESC-derived dopamine-producing neurons that can be grafted in Parkinson's disease and identify critical experiments that need to be conducted before clinical trials can occur.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jia-Yi Li
- Neuronal Survival Unit, Wallenberg Neuroscience Center, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, BMC A10, 221 84 Lund, Sweden.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|