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Qi Y, Hu L, Ji C, Yang X, Yao J, Chen D, Yao Y. B7-H4 reduces the infiltration of CD8+T cells and induces their anti-tumor dysfunction in gliomas. Neoplasia 2024; 54:101007. [PMID: 38796932 PMCID: PMC11152750 DOI: 10.1016/j.neo.2024.101007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Revised: 04/26/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
B7-H4 is a promising immune checkpoint molecule in tumor immunotherapy. Our previous study showed that high B7-H4 expression was strongly correlated with deficiency in tumor infiltrated lymphocytes (TILs) in glioma patients. On this basis, we investigated the impact of B7-H4 on CD8+TILs in gliomas and the associated molecular mechanism here. B7-H4-positive tumor samples (n=129) from our glioma cohort were used to assess B7-H4 expression and CD8+TIL quantification by immunohistochemistry. CD8+TILs from five glioma patients cultured with B7-H4 protein were used to evaluate anti-tumor dysfunction by flow cytometry and ELISpot. An orthotopic murine glioma model was used to investigate the role of B7-H4 in glioma CD8+TILs by immunohisto- chemistry and flow cytometry. CD8+TILs from glioma patients cultured with B7-H4 protein were used to explore the potential molecular mechanism by RNA sequencing and western blot. Our results showed that glioma CD8+TIL density was negatively correlated with B7-H4 expression both in glioma patient cohort (P < 0.05) and orthotopic glioma murine model (P < 0.01). B7-H4 also lowered the expression of CD137 and CD103 (P < 0.05 for both) in glioma CD8+TILs and reduced their secretion of the anti-tumor cytokines IFN-γ and TNF-α (P < 0.01 for both) in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, B7-H4 was found to induce early dysfunction of glioma CD8+TILs by downregulating the phosphorylation of AKT and eNOS (P < 0.05 for both). In conclusion, B7-H4 reduced the infiltration of glioma CD8+TILs and induced an anti-tumor dysfunction phenotype. B7-H4 may also impair the anti-tumor function of glioma CD8+TILs via the AKT-eNOS pathway. These results indicated that B7-H4 may serve as a potential target in future glioma immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Qi
- Department of Neurosurgery, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; National Center for Neurological Disorders, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Restoration and Neural Regeneration, Shanghai, China; Immunology Laboratory, Neurosurgical Institute of Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Clinical Medical Center of Neurosurgery, Shanghai, China
| | - Lang Hu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; National Center for Neurological Disorders, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Restoration and Neural Regeneration, Shanghai, China; Immunology Laboratory, Neurosurgical Institute of Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Clinical Medical Center of Neurosurgery, Shanghai, China
| | - Chunxia Ji
- Department of Neurosurgery, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; National Center for Neurological Disorders, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Restoration and Neural Regeneration, Shanghai, China; Immunology Laboratory, Neurosurgical Institute of Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Clinical Medical Center of Neurosurgery, Shanghai, China
| | - Xinyu Yang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; National Center for Neurological Disorders, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Restoration and Neural Regeneration, Shanghai, China; Immunology Laboratory, Neurosurgical Institute of Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Clinical Medical Center of Neurosurgery, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiakai Yao
- Immunology Laboratory, Neurosurgical Institute of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Di Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; National Center for Neurological Disorders, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Restoration and Neural Regeneration, Shanghai, China; Immunology Laboratory, Neurosurgical Institute of Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Clinical Medical Center of Neurosurgery, Shanghai, China.
| | - Yu Yao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; National Center for Neurological Disorders, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Restoration and Neural Regeneration, Shanghai, China; Immunology Laboratory, Neurosurgical Institute of Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Clinical Medical Center of Neurosurgery, Shanghai, China.
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Pavlinkova G, Smolik O. NEUROD1: transcriptional and epigenetic regulator of human and mouse neuronal and endocrine cell lineage programs. Front Cell Dev Biol 2024; 12:1435546. [PMID: 39105169 PMCID: PMC11298428 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2024.1435546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2024] [Accepted: 07/02/2024] [Indexed: 08/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Transcription factors belonging to the basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) family are key regulators of cell fate specification and differentiation during development. Their dysregulation is implicated not only in developmental abnormalities but also in various adult diseases and cancers. Recently, the abilities of bHLH factors have been exploited in reprogramming strategies for cell replacement therapy. One such factor is NEUROD1, which has been associated with the reprogramming of the epigenetic landscape and potentially possessing pioneer factor abilities, initiating neuronal developmental programs, and enforcing pancreatic endocrine differentiation. The review aims to consolidate current knowledge on NEUROD1's multifaceted roles and mechanistic pathways in human and mouse cell differentiation and reprogramming, exploring NEUROD1 roles in guiding the development and reprogramming of neuroendocrine cell lineages. The review focuses on NEUROD1's molecular mechanisms, its interactions with other transcription factors, its role as a pioneer factor in chromatin remodeling, and its potential in cell reprogramming. We also show a differential potential of NEUROD1 in differentiation of neurons and pancreatic endocrine cells, highlighting its therapeutic potential and the necessity for further research to fully understand and utilize its capabilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela Pavlinkova
- Laboratory of Molecular Pathogenetics, Institute of Biotechnology Czech Academy of Sciences, Vestec, Czechia
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Liang S, Zhou J, Yu X, Lu S, Liu R. Neuronal conversion from glia to replenish the lost neurons. Neural Regen Res 2024; 19:1446-1453. [PMID: 38051886 PMCID: PMC10883502 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.386400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT Neuronal injury, aging, and cerebrovascular and neurodegenerative diseases such as cerebral infarction, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, frontotemporal dementia, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and Huntington's disease are characterized by significant neuronal loss. Unfortunately, the neurons of most mammals including humans do not possess the ability to self-regenerate. Replenishment of lost neurons becomes an appealing therapeutic strategy to reverse the disease phenotype. Transplantation of pluripotent neural stem cells can supplement the missing neurons in the brain, but it carries the risk of causing gene mutation, tumorigenesis, severe inflammation, and obstructive hydrocephalus induced by brain edema. Conversion of neural or non-neural lineage cells into functional neurons is a promising strategy for the diseases involving neuron loss, which may overcome the above-mentioned disadvantages of neural stem cell therapy. Thus far, many strategies to transform astrocytes, fibroblasts, microglia, Müller glia, NG2 cells, and other glial cells to mature and functional neurons, or for the conversion between neuronal subtypes have been developed through the regulation of transcription factors, polypyrimidine tract binding protein 1 (PTBP1), and small chemical molecules or are based on a combination of several factors and the location in the central nervous system. However, some recent papers did not obtain expected results, and discrepancies exist. Therefore, in this review, we discuss the history of neuronal transdifferentiation, summarize the strategies for neuronal replenishment and conversion from glia, especially astrocytes, and point out that biosafety, new strategies, and the accurate origin of the truly converted neurons in vivo should be focused upon in future studies. It also arises the attention of replenishing the lost neurons from glia by gene therapies such as up-regulation of some transcription factors or down-regulation of PTBP1 or drug interference therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiyu Liang
- National Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- School of Chemical Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jing Zhou
- Department of Geriatric Rehabilitation, Beijing Rehabilitation Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaolin Yu
- National Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Shuai Lu
- National Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Ruitian Liu
- National Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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Wei J, Wang M, Li S, Han R, Xu W, Zhao A, Yu Q, Li H, Li M, Chi G. Reprogramming of astrocytes and glioma cells into neurons for central nervous system repair and glioblastoma therapy. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 176:116806. [PMID: 38796971 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2024] [Revised: 05/18/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Central nervous system (CNS) damage is usually irreversible owing to the limited regenerative capability of neurons. Following CNS injury, astrocytes are reactively activated and are the key cells involved in post-injury repair mechanisms. Consequently, research on the reprogramming of reactive astrocytes into neurons could provide new directions for the restoration of neural function after CNS injury and in the promotion of recovery in various neurodegenerative diseases. This review aims to provide an overview of the means through which reactive astrocytes around lesions can be reprogrammed into neurons, to elucidate the intrinsic connection between the two cell types from a neurogenesis perspective, and to summarize what is known about the neurotranscription factors, small-molecule compounds and MicroRNA that play major roles in astrocyte reprogramming. As the malignant proliferation of astrocytes promotes the development of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), this review also examines the research advances on and the theoretical basis for the reprogramming of GBM cells into neurons and discusses the advantages of such approaches over traditional treatment modalities. This comprehensive review provides new insights into the field of GBM therapy and theoretical insights into the mechanisms of neurological recovery following neurological injury and in GBM treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junyuan Wei
- The Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, and College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China.
| | - Miaomiao Wang
- The Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, and College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China.
| | - Shilin Li
- School of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China.
| | - Rui Han
- Department of Neurovascular Surgery, First Hospital of Jilin University, 1xinmin Avenue, Changchun, Jilin Province 130021, China.
| | - Wenhong Xu
- The Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, and College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China.
| | - Anqi Zhao
- The Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, and College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China.
| | - Qi Yu
- The Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, and College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China.
| | - Haokun Li
- The Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, and College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China.
| | - Meiying Li
- The Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, and College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China.
| | - Guangfan Chi
- The Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, and College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China.
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Boskovic P, Wilke N, Man KH, Lichter P, Francois L, Radlwimmer B. Branched-chain amino acid transaminase 1 regulates glioblastoma cell plasticity and contributes to immunosuppression. Neuro Oncol 2024; 26:251-265. [PMID: 37769206 PMCID: PMC10836774 DOI: 10.1093/neuonc/noad190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/30/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Glioblastoma is the most common malignant brain tumor in adults. Cellular plasticity and the poorly differentiated features result in a fast relapse of the tumors following treatment. Moreover, the immunosuppressive microenvironment proved to be a major obstacle to immunotherapeutic approaches. Branched-chain amino acid transaminase 1 (BCAT1) was shown to drive the growth of glioblastoma and other cancers;however, its oncogenic mechanism remains poorly understood. METHODS Using human tumor data, cell line models and orthotopic immuno-competent and -deficient mouse models, we investigated the phenotypic and mechanistic effects of BCAT1 on glioblastoma cell state and immunomodulation. RESULTS Here, we show that BCAT1 is crucial for maintaining the poorly differentiated state of glioblastoma cells and that its low expression correlates with a more differentiated glioblastoma phenotype. Furthermore, orthotopic tumor injection into immunocompetent mice demonstrated that the brain microenvironment is sufficient to induce differentiation of Bcat1-KO tumors in vivo. We link the transition to a differentiated cell state to the increased activity of ten-eleven translocation demethylases and the hypomethylation and activation of neuronal differentiation genes. In addition, the knockout of Bcat1 attenuated immunosuppression, allowing for an extensive infiltration of CD8+ cytotoxic T-cells and complete abrogation of tumor growth. Further analysis in immunodeficient mice revealed that both tumor cell differentiation and immunomodulation following BCAT1-KO contribute to the long-term suppression of tumor growth. CONCLUSIONS Our study unveils BCAT1's pivotal role in promoting glioblastoma growth by inhibiting tumor cell differentiation and sustaining an immunosuppressive milieu. These findings offer a novel therapeutic avenue for targeting glioblastoma through the inhibition of BCAT1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pavle Boskovic
- Division of Molecular Genetics, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Faculty of Biosciences, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Nathalie Wilke
- Division of Molecular Genetics, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Faculty of Biosciences, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Ka-Hou Man
- Division of Molecular Genetics, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Peter Lichter
- Division of Molecular Genetics, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Liliana Francois
- Division of Molecular Genetics, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Bernhard Radlwimmer
- Division of Molecular Genetics, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
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Chen X, Sokirniy I, Wang X, Jiang M, Mseis-Jackson N, Williams C, Mayes K, Jiang N, Puls B, Du Q, Shi Y, Li H. MicroRNA-375 Is Induced during Astrocyte-to-Neuron Reprogramming and Promotes Survival of Reprogrammed Neurons when Overexpressed. Cells 2023; 12:2202. [PMID: 37681934 PMCID: PMC10486704 DOI: 10.3390/cells12172202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023] Open
Abstract
While astrocyte-to-neuron (AtN) reprogramming holds great promise in regenerative medicine, the molecular mechanisms that govern this unique biological process remain elusive. To understand the function of miRNAs during the AtN reprogramming process, we performed RNA-seq of both mRNAs and miRNAs on human astrocyte (HA) cultures upon NeuroD1 overexpression. Bioinformatics analyses showed that NeuroD1 not only activated essential neuronal genes to initiate the reprogramming process but also induced miRNA changes in HA. Among the upregulated miRNAs, we identified miR-375 and its targets, neuronal ELAVL genes (nELAVLs), which encode a family of RNA-binding proteins and were also upregulated by NeuroD1. We further showed that manipulating the miR-375 level regulated nELAVLs' expression during NeuroD1-mediated reprogramming. Interestingly, miR-375/nELAVLs were also induced by the reprogramming factors Neurog2 and ASCL1 in HA, suggesting a conserved function to neuronal reprogramming, and by NeuroD1 in the mouse astrocyte culture and spinal cord. Functionally, we showed that miR-375 overexpression improved NeuroD1-mediated reprogramming efficiency by promoting cell survival at early stages in HA and did not appear to compromise the maturation of the reprogrammed neurons. Lastly, overexpression of miR-375-refractory ELAVL4 induced apoptosis and reversed the cell survival-promoting effect of miR-375 during AtN reprogramming. Together, we demonstrated a neuroprotective role of miR-375 during NeuroD1-mediated AtN reprogramming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuanyu Chen
- Department of Neuroscience & Regenerative Medicine, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
| | - Ivan Sokirniy
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Xin Wang
- Department of Biology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Mei Jiang
- Department of Neuroscience & Regenerative Medicine, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
| | - Natalie Mseis-Jackson
- Department of Neuroscience & Regenerative Medicine, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
| | - Christine Williams
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, College of Science & Mathematics, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
| | - Kristopher Mayes
- Department of Neuroscience & Regenerative Medicine, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
| | - Na Jiang
- Department of Neuroscience & Regenerative Medicine, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
| | - Brendan Puls
- Department of Biology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Quansheng Du
- Department of Neuroscience & Regenerative Medicine, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
| | - Yang Shi
- Department of Neuroscience & Regenerative Medicine, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
- Division of Biostatistics and Data Science, Department of Population Health Sciences, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
| | - Hedong Li
- Department of Neuroscience & Regenerative Medicine, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
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Wang X, Sun Y, Zhang DY, Ming GL, Song H. Glioblastoma modeling with 3D organoids: progress and challenges. OXFORD OPEN NEUROSCIENCE 2023; 2:kvad008. [PMID: 38596241 PMCID: PMC10913843 DOI: 10.1093/oons/kvad008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most aggressive adult primary brain tumor with nearly universal treatment resistance and recurrence. The mainstay of therapy remains maximal safe surgical resection followed by concurrent radiation therapy and temozolomide chemotherapy. Despite intensive investigation, alternative treatment options, such as immunotherapy or targeted molecular therapy, have yielded limited success to achieve long-term remission. This difficulty is partly due to the lack of pre-clinical models that fully recapitulate the intratumoral and intertumoral heterogeneity of GBM and the complex tumor microenvironment. Recently, GBM 3D organoids originating from resected patient tumors, genetic manipulation of induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived brain organoids and bio-printing or fusion with non-malignant tissues have emerged as novel culture systems to portray the biology of GBM. Here, we highlight several methodologies for generating GBM organoids and discuss insights gained using such organoid models compared to classic modeling approaches using cell lines and xenografts. We also outline limitations of current GBM 3D organoids, most notably the difficulty retaining the tumor microenvironment, and discuss current efforts for improvements. Finally, we propose potential applications of organoid models for a deeper mechanistic understanding of GBM and therapeutic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Wang
- Department of Neuroscience and Mahoney Institute for Neurosciences, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Yusha Sun
- Neuroscience Graduate Group, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Daniel Y Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Guo-li Ming
- Department of Neuroscience and Mahoney Institute for Neurosciences, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Hongjun Song
- Department of Neuroscience and Mahoney Institute for Neurosciences, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- The Epigenetics Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- GBM Translational Center of Excellence, Abramson Cancer Center, University of Pennsylvania Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
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Zhang C, Ye W, Zhao M, Long L, Xia D, Fan Z. KDM6B Negatively Regulates the Neurogenesis Potential of Apical Papilla Stem Cells via HES1. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:10608. [PMID: 37445785 PMCID: PMC10341966 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241310608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Revised: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Stem cells from the apical papilla (SCAPs) are used to regulate the microenvironment of nerve defects. KDM6B, which functions as an H3K27me3 demethylase, is known to play a crucial role in neurogenesis. However, the mechanism by which KDM6B influences the neurogenesis potential of SCAPs remains unclear. We evaluated the expression of neural markers in SCAPs by using real-time RT-PCR and immunofluorescence staining. To assess the effectiveness of SCAP transplantation in the SCI model, we used the BBB scale to evaluate motor function. Additionally, toluidine blue staining and Immunofluorescence staining of NCAM, NEFM, β-III-tubulin, and Nestin were used to assess nerve tissue remodeling. Further analysis was conducted through Microarray analysis and ChIP assay to study the molecular mechanisms. Our results show that KDM6B inhibits the expression of NeuroD, TH, β-III tubulin, and Nestin. In vivo studies indicate that the SCAP-KDM6Bsh group is highly effective in restoring spinal cord structure and motor function in rats suffering from SCI. Our findings suggest that KDM6B directly binds to the HES1 promoter via regulating H3K27me3 and HES1 expression. In conclusion, our study can help understand the regulatory role of KDM6B in neurogenesis and provide more effective treatments for nerve injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Zhang
- Laboratory of Molecular Signaling and Stem Cells Therapy, Beijing Key Laboratory of Tooth Regeneration and Function Reconstruction, Beijing Stomatological Hospital, School of Stomatology, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100050, China; (C.Z.); (W.Y.); (M.Z.); (L.L.)
- Department of Dental Emergency, Beijing Stomatological Hospital, School of Stomatology, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100050, China;
| | - Weilong Ye
- Laboratory of Molecular Signaling and Stem Cells Therapy, Beijing Key Laboratory of Tooth Regeneration and Function Reconstruction, Beijing Stomatological Hospital, School of Stomatology, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100050, China; (C.Z.); (W.Y.); (M.Z.); (L.L.)
| | - Mengyao Zhao
- Laboratory of Molecular Signaling and Stem Cells Therapy, Beijing Key Laboratory of Tooth Regeneration and Function Reconstruction, Beijing Stomatological Hospital, School of Stomatology, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100050, China; (C.Z.); (W.Y.); (M.Z.); (L.L.)
| | - Lujue Long
- Laboratory of Molecular Signaling and Stem Cells Therapy, Beijing Key Laboratory of Tooth Regeneration and Function Reconstruction, Beijing Stomatological Hospital, School of Stomatology, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100050, China; (C.Z.); (W.Y.); (M.Z.); (L.L.)
| | - Dengsheng Xia
- Department of Dental Emergency, Beijing Stomatological Hospital, School of Stomatology, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100050, China;
| | - Zhipeng Fan
- Laboratory of Molecular Signaling and Stem Cells Therapy, Beijing Key Laboratory of Tooth Regeneration and Function Reconstruction, Beijing Stomatological Hospital, School of Stomatology, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100050, China; (C.Z.); (W.Y.); (M.Z.); (L.L.)
- Beijing Laboratory of Oral Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China
- Research Unit of Tooth Development and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100069, China
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9
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Shen Y, Ye YR, Tang ZQ. Expression, Significance, and Correlation of Histone Deacetylase 1/RE-1 Silencing Transcription Factor and Neuronal Markers in Glioma. World Neurosurg 2023; 172:e267-e277. [PMID: 36623722 DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2023.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Revised: 01/02/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Inducing the differentiation of glioma cells into neuron-like cells may be an effective strategy to combat glioma. The histone deacetylase 1/RE-1 silencing transcription factor (HDAC1/REST) complex regulates the expression of multiple neuronal genes. In this study, we analyzed the presence and significance of this regulatory effect in glioma based on bioinformatics methods. METHODS The Human Protein Atlas database was used to obtain immunohistochemical staining images. The Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis and Chinese Glioma Genome Atlas databases were used to analyze the expression of HDAC1/REST and neuronal markers in glioma, their effects on survival, and the association between HDAC1/REST and the expression of neuronal markers and stem cell markers. The differentially expressed genes between the high and low HDAC1/REST groups were explored. The Database for Annotation, Visualization and Integrated Discovery database was used for gene ontology and kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes pathway enrichment analysis. RESULTS The results showed that the expression of HDAC1 and REST increased with the grade of glioma, while the expression of neuronal markers decreased with the grade of glioma. High expression of HDAC1/REST and low expression of neuronal markers were associated with poor prognosis. HDAC1/REST expression was negatively correlated with the expression of neuronal markers, and positively correlated with the expression of neural stem cell markers. The genes up-regulated in the high HDAC1/REST group were mainly related to extracellular matrix and inflammation, and the down-regulated genes were mainly related to synapsis. CONCLUSIONS This study suggested that HDAC1/REST may be involved in maintaining the malignant phenotype of glioma cells and the stem cell status of glioma stem cells by inhibiting the expression of neuronal markers, which promote the progression of glioma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Shen
- Department of Pharmacy, Zhongshan Hospital (Xiamen), Fudan University, Xiamen, China; Department of Pharmacy, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yan-Rong Ye
- Department of Pharmacy, Zhongshan Hospital (Xiamen), Fudan University, Xiamen, China; Department of Pharmacy, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhao-Qi Tang
- Department of Pharmacy, Zhongshan Hospital (Xiamen), Fudan University, Xiamen, China; Xiamen Clinical Research Center for Cancer Therapy, Xiamen, China.
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10
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Regulation of Cell Plasticity by Bromodomain and Extraterminal Domain (BET) Proteins: A New Perspective in Glioblastoma Therapy. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24065665. [PMID: 36982740 PMCID: PMC10055343 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24065665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Revised: 03/12/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BET proteins are a family of multifunctional epigenetic readers, mainly involved in transcriptional regulation through chromatin modelling. Transcriptome handling ability of BET proteins suggests a key role in the modulation of cell plasticity, both in fate decision and in lineage commitment during embryonic development and in pathogenic conditions, including cancerogenesis. Glioblastoma is the most aggressive form of glioma, characterized by a very poor prognosis despite the application of a multimodal therapy. Recently, new insights are emerging about the glioblastoma cellular origin, leading to the hypothesis that several putative mechanisms occur during gliomagenesis. Interestingly, epigenome dysregulation associated with loss of cellular identity and functions are emerging as crucial features of glioblastoma pathogenesis. Therefore, the emerging roles of BET protein in glioblastoma onco-biology and the compelling demand for more effective therapeutic strategies suggest that BET family members could be promising targets for translational breakthroughs in glioblastoma treatment. Primarily, “Reprogramming Therapy”, which is aimed at reverting the malignant phenotype, is now considered a promising strategy for GBM therapy.
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Goudarzi Far F, Tambrchi V, Nahid Samiei R, Nahid Samiei M, Saadati H, Moradi P, Keyvanlou Z, Advay S, Nili M, Abdi S, Jamalvandi T, Arash Letafati, Behzadpour M, Kamalpour M, Ebrahimdamavandi N, Khatami A, Kiani SJ, Ghorbani S. Association between human polyomavirus infection and brain cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Microb Pathog 2022; 173:105797. [PMID: 36183958 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2022.105797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2022] [Revised: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
AIM The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence and potential association between the infection with some members of the polyomaviridae family of viruses and development of the brain tumors. METHODS A systematic literature search was performed by finding relevant cross-sectional and case-control studies from a large online database. Heterogeneity, OR, and corresponding 95% CI were applied to all studies by meta-analysis and forest plots. The analysis was performed using Stata Software v.14. RESULTS Twenty-three articles (33 datasets) were included in the meta-analysis, four (four datasets) of which were case/control studies and the rest were cross-sectional. The pooled prevalence of polyomaviruses among brain cancer patients was 13% (95% CI: 8-20%; I2 = 96.91%). In subgroup analysis, the pooled prevalence of JCV, SV40, BKV and Merkel cell polyomavirus was 20%, 8%, 6%, and 16%, respectively. An association was found between polyomavirus infection and brain cancer [summary OR 7.22 (95% CI (2.36-22.05); I2 = 0%)]. The subgroup analysis, based on the virus type, demonstrated a strong association between JCV infection and brain cancer development [summary OR 10.34 (95% CI 1.10-97.42; I2 = 0%)]. CONCLUSION The present study showed a significant association between polyomavirus infection and brain tumors. Moreover, these results suggest that polyomavirus infection may be a potential risk factor for the development of brain cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fariba Goudarzi Far
- Department of Virology, Faculty of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
| | - Vahid Tambrchi
- Department of Microbiology, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Golesatn, Iran
| | - Rahil Nahid Samiei
- Department of Virology, Faculty of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Hassan Saadati
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Health, North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Bojnurd, Iran
| | - Pouya Moradi
- Department of Virology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zahra Keyvanlou
- Department of Virology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shoaib Advay
- Department of Virology, Faculty of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Marzie Nili
- Department of Virology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Samaneh Abdi
- Animal Virology Department, Research and Diagnosis, Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute, Karaj, Iran
| | - Tasnim Jamalvandi
- Department of Virology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Arash Letafati
- Department of Virology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maral Behzadpour
- Faculty of Medicine, Islamic Azad University, Tehran Medical Science Branch, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Kamalpour
- Khorramshahr University of Marine Sciences and Technology, School of Marine Science and Ocean, Iran
| | | | - Alireza Khatami
- Department of Virology, Faculty of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
| | - Seyed Jalal Kiani
- Department of Virology, Faculty of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Saied Ghorbani
- Department of Virology, Faculty of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran.
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12
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Zhang N, Zhang J, Liu Z, Li T. Identification of signaling pathways associated with achaete-scute homolog 1 in glioblastomas through ChIP-seq data bioinformatics. Front Genet 2022; 13:938712. [PMID: 36147490 PMCID: PMC9486169 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.938712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Achaete-scute homolog 1 transcription factors were important in the differentiation of neuronal-like glioblastoma (GBM) cancer stem cells (CSCs). To gain a better understanding of the role of ASCL1 in GBM, chromatin immunoprecipitation followed by high-throughput sequencing (ChIP-seq) data can be analyzed to construct their gene transcription regulation network.Methods: GSE87618 was downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus, which is a famous database, in the field of biology. The filtered clean reads were mapped to the human genome utilizing the software of bowtie2. Then, differential peak analysis was performed by diffbind. Finally, the annotated gene functions and signaling pathways were investigated by Gene ontology function and kyoto encyclopedia of genes genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis. Moreover, the protein–protein interaction network (PPI) analysis of genes obtained from ASCL1 was carried out to explore the hub genes influenced by ASCL1.Results: A total of 516 differential peaks were selected. GO analysis of functions revealed that promoter, untranslated region (UTR), exon, intron, and intergenic genes were mainly enriched in biological pathways such as keratinization, regulation of cAMP metabolic process, blood coagulation, fibrin clot formation, midgut development, and synapse assembly. Genes were mainly enriched in KEGG pathways including pentose phosphate pathway, glycosphingolipid biosynthesis—globo and isoglobo series, ECM–receptor interaction, and adherens junction. In total, 244 nodes and 475 interaction pairs were included in the PPI network with the hub genes including EGFR, CTNNB1, and SPTAN1.Conclusion: EGFR, SPTAN1, and CTNN1B might be the potential down-stream genes of ASCL1 in GBM development, and CTNN1B might make contributions to GBM progression on regulating the cAMP pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na Zhang
- School of Food and Bioengineering, Xuzhou University of Technology, Jiangsu, Xuzhou, China
| | - Jie Zhang
- School of Biology and Food Engineering, Changshu Institute of Technology, Jiangsu, Suzhou, China
| | - Zhihong Liu
- The State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Medical School, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Tushuai Li
- School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, China
- Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, China
- *Correspondence: Tushuai Li,
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13
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Uthamacumaran A. Dissecting cell fate dynamics in pediatric glioblastoma through the lens of complex systems and cellular cybernetics. BIOLOGICAL CYBERNETICS 2022; 116:407-445. [PMID: 35678918 DOI: 10.1007/s00422-022-00935-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Cancers are complex dynamic ecosystems. Reductionist approaches to science are inadequate in characterizing their self-organized patterns and collective emergent behaviors. Since current approaches to single-cell analysis in cancer systems rely primarily on single time-point multiomics, many of the temporal features and causal adaptive behaviors in cancer dynamics are vastly ignored. As such, tools and concepts from the interdisciplinary paradigm of complex systems theory are introduced herein to decode the cellular cybernetics of cancer differentiation dynamics and behavioral patterns. An intuition for the attractors and complex networks underlying cancer processes such as cell fate decision-making, multiscale pattern formation systems, and epigenetic state-transitions is developed. The applications of complex systems physics in paving targeted therapies and causal pattern discovery in precision oncology are discussed. Pediatric high-grade gliomas are discussed as a model-system to demonstrate that cancers are complex adaptive systems, in which the emergence and selection of heterogeneous cellular states and phenotypic plasticity are driven by complex multiscale network dynamics. In specific, pediatric glioblastoma (GBM) is used as a proof-of-concept model to illustrate the applications of the complex systems framework in understanding GBM cell fate decisions and decoding their adaptive cellular dynamics. The scope of these tools in forecasting cancer cell fate dynamics in the emerging field of computational oncology and patient-centered systems medicine is highlighted.
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14
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Shafi O, Siddiqui G. Tracing the origins of glioblastoma by investigating the role of gliogenic and related neurogenic genes/signaling pathways in GBM development: a systematic review. World J Surg Oncol 2022; 20:146. [PMID: 35538578 PMCID: PMC9087910 DOI: 10.1186/s12957-022-02602-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/15/2022] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Glioblastoma is one of the most aggressive tumors. The etiology and the factors determining its onset are not yet entirely known. This study investigates the origins of GBM, and for this purpose, it focuses primarily on developmental gliogenic processes. It also focuses on the impact of the related neurogenic developmental processes in glioblastoma oncogenesis. It also addresses why glial cells are at more risk of tumor development compared to neurons. Methods Databases including PubMed, MEDLINE, and Google Scholar were searched for published articles without any date restrictions, involving glioblastoma, gliogenesis, neurogenesis, stemness, neural stem cells, gliogenic signaling and pathways, neurogenic signaling and pathways, and astrocytogenic genes. Results The origin of GBM is dependent on dysregulation in multiple genes and pathways that accumulatively converge the cells towards oncogenesis. There are multiple layers of steps in glioblastoma oncogenesis including the failure of cell fate-specific genes to keep the cells differentiated in their specific cell types such as p300, BMP, HOPX, and NRSF/REST. There are genes and signaling pathways that are involved in differentiation and also contribute to GBM such as FGFR3, JAK-STAT, and hey1. The genes that contribute to differentiation processes but also contribute to stemness in GBM include notch, Sox9, Sox4, c-myc gene overrides p300, and then GFAP, leading to upregulation of nestin, SHH, NF-κB, and others. GBM mutations pathologically impact the cell circuitry such as the interaction between Sox2 and JAK-STAT pathway, resulting in GBM development and progression. Conclusion Glioblastoma originates when the gene expression of key gliogenic genes and signaling pathways become dysregulated. This study identifies key gliogenic genes having the ability to control oncogenesis in glioblastoma cells, including p300, BMP, PAX6, HOPX, NRSF/REST, LIF, and TGF beta. It also identifies key neurogenic genes having the ability to control oncogenesis including PAX6, neurogenins including Ngn1, NeuroD1, NeuroD4, Numb, NKX6-1 Ebf, Myt1, and ASCL1. This study also postulates how aging contributes to the onset of glioblastoma by dysregulating the gene expression of NF-κB, REST/NRSF, ERK, AKT, EGFR, and others.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ovais Shafi
- Sindh Medical College - Jinnah Sindh Medical University / Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, Pakistan.
| | - Ghazia Siddiqui
- Sindh Medical College - Jinnah Sindh Medical University / Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, Pakistan
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Demirci Y, Heger G, Katkat E, Papatheodorou I, Brazma A, Ozhan G. Brain Regeneration Resembles Brain Cancer at Its Early Wound Healing Stage and Diverges From Cancer Later at Its Proliferation and Differentiation Stages. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:813314. [PMID: 35223842 PMCID: PMC8868567 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.813314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Gliomas are the most frequent type of brain cancers and characterized by continuous proliferation, inflammation, angiogenesis, invasion and dedifferentiation, which are also among the initiator and sustaining factors of brain regeneration during restoration of tissue integrity and function. Thus, brain regeneration and brain cancer should share more molecular mechanisms at early stages of regeneration where cell proliferation dominates. However, the mechanisms could diverge later when the regenerative response terminates, while cancer cells sustain proliferation. To test this hypothesis, we exploited the adult zebrafish that, in contrast to the mammals, can efficiently regenerate the brain in response to injury. By comparing transcriptome profiles of the regenerating zebrafish telencephalon at its three different stages, i.e., 1 day post-lesion (dpl)-early wound healing stage, 3 dpl-early proliferative stage and 14 dpl-differentiation stage, to those of two brain cancers, i.e., low-grade glioma (LGG) and glioblastoma (GBM), we reveal the common and distinct molecular mechanisms of brain regeneration and brain cancer. While the transcriptomes of 1 dpl and 3 dpl harbor unique gene modules and gene expression profiles that are more divergent from the control, the transcriptome of 14 dpl converges to that of the control. Next, by functional analysis of the transcriptomes of brain regeneration stages to LGG and GBM, we reveal the common and distinct molecular pathways in regeneration and cancer. 1 dpl and LGG and GBM resemble with regard to signaling pathways related to metabolism and neurogenesis, while 3 dpl and LGG and GBM share pathways that control cell proliferation and differentiation. On the other hand, 14 dpl and LGG and GBM converge with respect to developmental and morphogenetic processes. Finally, our global comparison of gene expression profiles of three brain regeneration stages, LGG and GBM exhibit that 1 dpl is the most similar stage to LGG and GBM while 14 dpl is the most distant stage to both brain cancers. Therefore, early convergence and later divergence of brain regeneration and brain cancer constitutes a key starting point in comparative understanding of cellular and molecular events between the two phenomena and development of relevant targeted therapies for brain cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yeliz Demirci
- Izmir Biomedicine and Genome Center (IBG), Dokuz Eylul University Health Campus, Inciralti-Balcova, Izmir, Turkey
- Izmir International Biomedicine and Genome Institute (IBG-Izmir), Dokuz Eylul University, Inciralti-Balcova, Izmir, Turkey
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Hinxton, United Kingdom
| | | | - Esra Katkat
- Izmir Biomedicine and Genome Center (IBG), Dokuz Eylul University Health Campus, Inciralti-Balcova, Izmir, Turkey
- Izmir International Biomedicine and Genome Institute (IBG-Izmir), Dokuz Eylul University, Inciralti-Balcova, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Irene Papatheodorou
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory–European Bioinformatics Institute (EMBL-EBI), Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Alvis Brazma
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory–European Bioinformatics Institute (EMBL-EBI), Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Gunes Ozhan
- Izmir Biomedicine and Genome Center (IBG), Dokuz Eylul University Health Campus, Inciralti-Balcova, Izmir, Turkey
- Izmir International Biomedicine and Genome Institute (IBG-Izmir), Dokuz Eylul University, Inciralti-Balcova, Izmir, Turkey
- *Correspondence: Gunes Ozhan,
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Wang LL, Serrano C, Zhong X, Ma S, Zou Y, Zhang CL. Revisiting astrocyte to neuron conversion with lineage tracing in vivo. Cell 2021; 184:5465-5481.e16. [PMID: 34582787 PMCID: PMC8526404 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2021.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 151] [Impact Index Per Article: 50.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2020] [Revised: 08/06/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
In vivo cell fate conversions have emerged as potential regeneration-based therapeutics for injury and disease. Recent studies reported that ectopic expression or knockdown of certain factors can convert resident astrocytes into functional neurons with high efficiency, region specificity, and precise connectivity. However, using stringent lineage tracing in the mouse brain, we show that the presumed astrocyte-converted neurons are actually endogenous neurons. AAV-mediated co-expression of NEUROD1 and a reporter specifically and efficiently induces reporter-labeled neurons. However, these neurons cannot be traced retrospectively to quiescent or reactive astrocytes using lineage-mapping strategies. Instead, through a retrograde labeling approach, our results reveal that endogenous neurons are the source for these viral-reporter-labeled neurons. Similarly, despite efficient knockdown of PTBP1 in vivo, genetically traced resident astrocytes were not converted into neurons. Together, our results highlight the requirement of lineage-tracing strategies, which should be broadly applied to studies of cell fate conversions in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei-Lei Wang
- Department of Molecular Biology and Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA.
| | - Carolina Serrano
- Department of Molecular Biology and Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Xiaoling Zhong
- Department of Molecular Biology and Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Shuaipeng Ma
- Department of Molecular Biology and Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Yuhua Zou
- Department of Molecular Biology and Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Chun-Li Zhang
- Department of Molecular Biology and Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA.
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17
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Xiang Z, Xu L, Liu M, Wang Q, Li W, Lei W, Chen G. Lineage tracing of direct astrocyte-to-neuron conversion in the mouse cortex. Neural Regen Res 2021; 16:750-756. [PMID: 33063738 PMCID: PMC8067918 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.295925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Regenerating functional new neurons in the adult mammalian central nervous system has been proven to be very challenging due to the inability of neurons to divide and repopulate themselves after neuronal loss. Glial cells, on the other hand, can divide and repopulate themselves under injury or diseased conditions. We have previously reported that ectopic expression of NeuroD1 in dividing glial cells can directly convert them into neurons. Here, using astrocytic lineage-tracing reporter mice (Aldh1l1-CreERT2 mice crossing with Ai14 mice), we demonstrate that lineage-traced astrocytes can be successfully converted into NeuN-positive neurons after expressing NeuroD1 through adeno-associated viruses. Retroviral expression of NeuroD1 further confirms that dividing glial cells can be converted into neurons. Importantly, we demonstrate that for in vivo cell conversion study, using a safe level of adeno-associated virus dosage (1010–1012 gc/mL, 1 µL) in the rodent brain is critical to avoid artifacts caused by toxic dosage, such as that used in a recent bioRxiv study (2 × 1013 gc/mL, 1 µL, mouse cortex). For therapeutic purpose under injury or diseased conditions, or for non-human primate studies, adeno-associated virus dosage needs to be optimized through a series of dose-finding experiments. Moreover, for future in vivo glia-to-neuron conversion studies, we recommend that the adeno-associated virus results are further verified with retroviruses that mainly express transgenes in dividing glial cells in order to draw solid conclusions. The study was approved by the Laboratory Animal Ethics Committee of Jinan University, China (approval No. IACUC-20180330-06) on March 30, 2018.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zongqin Xiang
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration; Department of Neurosurgery, the First Affiliated Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Liang Xu
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Minhui Liu
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Qingsong Wang
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Wen Li
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Wenliang Lei
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Gong Chen
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
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