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Mathisen AF, Vacaru AM, Unger L, Lamba EM, Mardare OAM, Daian LM, Ghila L, Vacaru AM, Chera S. Molecular profiling of NOD mouse islets reveals a novel regulator of insulitis onset. Sci Rep 2024; 14:14669. [PMID: 38918575 PMCID: PMC11199597 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-65454-x] [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: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 06/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Non-obese diabetes (NOD) mice are an established, spontaneous model of type 1 diabetes in which diabetes develops through insulitis. Using next-generation sequencing, coupled with pathway analysis, the molecular fingerprint of early insulitis was mapped in a cohort of mice ranging from 4 to 12 weeks of age. The resulting dynamic timeline revealed an initial decrease in proliferative capacity followed by the emergence of an inflammatory signature between 6 and 8 weeks that increased to a regulatory plateau between 10 and 12 weeks. The inflammatory signature is identified by the activation of central immunogenic factors such as Infg, Il1b, and Tnfa, and activation of canonical inflammatory signaling. Analysis of the regulatory landscape revealed the transcription factor Atf3 as a potential novel modulator of inflammatory signaling in the NOD islets. Furthermore, the Hedgehog signaling pathway correlated with Atf3 regulation, suggesting that the two play a role in regulating islet inflammation; however, further studies are needed to establish the nature of this connection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Frøslev Mathisen
- Department of Clinical Science, Mohn Research Center for Diabetes Precision Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Andrei Mircea Vacaru
- BetaUpreg Research Group, Institute of Cellular Biology and Pathology "Nicolae Simionescu", Bucharest, Romania
| | - Lucas Unger
- Department of Clinical Science, Mohn Research Center for Diabetes Precision Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Elena Mirela Lamba
- BetaUpreg Research Group, Institute of Cellular Biology and Pathology "Nicolae Simionescu", Bucharest, Romania
| | - Oana-Ana-Maria Mardare
- BetaUpreg Research Group, Institute of Cellular Biology and Pathology "Nicolae Simionescu", Bucharest, Romania
| | - Laura Maria Daian
- BetaUpreg Research Group, Institute of Cellular Biology and Pathology "Nicolae Simionescu", Bucharest, Romania
| | - Luiza Ghila
- Department of Clinical Science, Mohn Research Center for Diabetes Precision Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Ana-Maria Vacaru
- BetaUpreg Research Group, Institute of Cellular Biology and Pathology "Nicolae Simionescu", Bucharest, Romania.
| | - Simona Chera
- Department of Clinical Science, Mohn Research Center for Diabetes Precision Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.
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Ng NHJ, Ghosh S, Bok CM, Ching C, Low BSJ, Chen JT, Lim E, Miserendino MC, Tan YS, Hoon S, Teo AKK. HNF4A and HNF1A exhibit tissue specific target gene regulation in pancreatic beta cells and hepatocytes. Nat Commun 2024; 15:4288. [PMID: 38909044 PMCID: PMC11193738 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-48647-w] [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: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 06/24/2024] Open
Abstract
HNF4A and HNF1A encode transcription factors that are important for the development and function of the pancreas and liver. Mutations in both genes have been directly linked to Maturity Onset Diabetes of the Young (MODY) and type 2 diabetes (T2D) risk. To better define the pleiotropic gene regulatory roles of HNF4A and HNF1A, we generated a comprehensive genome-wide map of their binding targets in pancreatic and hepatic cells using ChIP-Seq. HNF4A was found to bind and regulate known (ACY3, HAAO, HNF1A, MAP3K11) and previously unidentified (ABCD3, CDKN2AIP, USH1C, VIL1) loci in a tissue-dependent manner. Functional follow-up highlighted a potential role for HAAO and USH1C as regulators of beta cell function. Unlike the loss-of-function HNF4A/MODY1 variant I271fs, the T2D-associated HNF4A variant (rs1800961) was found to activate AKAP1, GAD2 and HOPX gene expression, potentially due to changes in DNA-binding affinity. We also found HNF1A to bind to and regulate GPR39 expression in beta cells. Overall, our studies provide a rich resource for uncovering downstream molecular targets of HNF4A and HNF1A that may contribute to beta cell or hepatic cell (dys)function, and set up a framework for gene discovery and functional validation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natasha Hui Jin Ng
- Stem Cells and Diabetes Laboratory, Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, 138673, Singapore
| | - Soumita Ghosh
- Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 119228, Singapore
| | - Chek Mei Bok
- Stem Cells and Diabetes Laboratory, Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, 138673, Singapore
| | - Carmen Ching
- Stem Cells and Diabetes Laboratory, Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, 138673, Singapore
| | - Blaise Su Jun Low
- Stem Cells and Diabetes Laboratory, Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, 138673, Singapore
| | - Juin Ting Chen
- Stem Cells and Diabetes Laboratory, Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, 138673, Singapore
- Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 119228, Singapore
- Department of Biochemistry, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117596, Singapore
| | - Euodia Lim
- Stem Cells and Diabetes Laboratory, Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, 138673, Singapore
- Department of Biochemistry, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117596, Singapore
| | - María Clara Miserendino
- Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, X5000HUA, Córdoba, Argentina
- Bioinformatics Institute, A*STAR, Singapore, 138671, Singapore
| | - Yaw Sing Tan
- Bioinformatics Institute, A*STAR, Singapore, 138671, Singapore
| | - Shawn Hoon
- Molecular Engineering Laboratory, IMCB, A*STAR, Singapore, 138673, Singapore
| | - Adrian Kee Keong Teo
- Stem Cells and Diabetes Laboratory, Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, 138673, Singapore.
- Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 119228, Singapore.
- Department of Biochemistry, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117596, Singapore.
- Precision Medicine Translational Research Programme (TRP), National University of Singapore, Singapore, 119228, Singapore.
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3
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Wang C, Abadpour S, Olsen PA, Wang D, Stokowiec J, Chera S, Ghila L, Ræder H, Krauss S, Aizenshtadt A, Scholz H. Glucose Concentration in Regulating Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells Differentiation Toward Insulin-Producing Cells. Transpl Int 2024; 37:11900. [PMID: 38304198 PMCID: PMC10830798 DOI: 10.3389/ti.2024.11900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
The generation of insulin-producing cells from human-induced pluripotent stem cells holds great potential for diabetes modeling and treatment. However, existing protocols typically involve incubating cells with un-physiologically high concentrations of glucose, which often fail to generate fully functional IPCs. Here, we investigated the influence of high (20 mM) versus low (5.5 mM) glucose concentrations on IPCs differentiation in three hiPSC lines. In two hiPSC lines that were unable to differentiate to IPCs sufficiently, we found that high glucose during differentiation leads to a shortage of NKX6.1+ cells that have co-expression with PDX1 due to insufficient NKX6.1 gene activation, thus further reducing differentiation efficiency. Furthermore, high glucose during differentiation weakened mitochondrial respiration ability. In the third iPSC line, which is IPC differentiation amenable, glucose concentrations did not affect the PDX1/NKX6.1 expression and differentiation efficiency. In addition, glucose-stimulated insulin secretion was only seen in the differentiation under a high glucose condition. These IPCs have higher KATP channel activity and were linked to sufficient ABCC8 gene expression under a high glucose condition. These data suggest high glucose concentration during IPC differentiation is necessary to generate functional IPCs. However, in cell lines that were IPC differentiation unamenable, high glucose could worsen the situation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chencheng Wang
- Department of Transplant Medicine, Institute for Surgical Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Hybrid Technology Hub, Center of Excellence, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Shadab Abadpour
- Department of Transplant Medicine, Institute for Surgical Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Hybrid Technology Hub, Center of Excellence, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Petter Angell Olsen
- Hybrid Technology Hub, Center of Excellence, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Immunology and Transfusion Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Daxin Wang
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Justyna Stokowiec
- Hybrid Technology Hub, Center of Excellence, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Simona Chera
- Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Luiza Ghila
- Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Helge Ræder
- Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Pediatrics, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Stefan Krauss
- Hybrid Technology Hub, Center of Excellence, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Immunology and Transfusion Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Hanne Scholz
- Department of Transplant Medicine, Institute for Surgical Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Hybrid Technology Hub, Center of Excellence, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
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Unger L, Ghila L, Chera S. Targeted Gene Silencing by Using GapmeRs in Differentiating Human-Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (hiPSC) Toward Pancreatic Progenitors. Methods Mol Biol 2024; 2736:23-38. [PMID: 37615889 DOI: 10.1007/7651_2023_498] [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] [Indexed: 08/25/2023]
Abstract
Induced pluripotent stem cells as a source for generating pancreatic islet endocrine cells represent a great research tool for deciphering the molecular mechanisms of lineage commitment, a layered multi-step process. Additionally, targeted gene silencing by using GapmeRs, short antisense oligonucleotides, proved instrumental in studying the role of different developmental genes. Here we describe our approach to induce mTOR silencing by using specific GapmeRs during the differentiation of induced pluripotent stem cells toward pancreatic progenitors. We will describe our current differentiation protocol, the transfection procedure, and the quality control steps required for a successful experiment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas Unger
- Mohn Research Center for Diabetes Precision Medicine, Department of Clinical Science, Faculty of Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Luiza Ghila
- Mohn Research Center for Diabetes Precision Medicine, Department of Clinical Science, Faculty of Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Simona Chera
- Mohn Research Center for Diabetes Precision Medicine, Department of Clinical Science, Faculty of Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.
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Mathisen AF, Abadpour S, Legøy TA, Paulo JA, Ghila L, Scholz H, Chera S. Global proteomics reveals insulin abundance as a marker of human islet homeostasis alterations. Acta Physiol (Oxf) 2023; 239:e14037. [PMID: 37621186 PMCID: PMC10592125 DOI: 10.1111/apha.14037] [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: 06/25/2023] [Revised: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023]
Abstract
AIM The variation in quality between the human islet samples represents a major problem for research, especially when used as control material. The assays assessing the quality of human islets used in research are non-standardized and limited, with many important parameters not being consistently assessed. High-throughput studies aimed at characterizing the diversity and segregation markers among apparently functionally healthy islet preps are thus a requirement. Here, we designed a pilot study to comprehensively identify the diversity of global proteome signatures and the deviation from normal homeostasis in randomly selected human-isolated islet samples. METHODS By using Tandem Mass Tag 16-plex proteomics, we focused on the recurrently observed disparity in the detected insulin abundance between the samples, used it as a segregating parameter, and analyzed the correlated changes in the proteome signature and homeostasis by pathway analysis. RESULTS In this pilot study, we showed that insulin protein abundance is a predictor of human islet homeostasis and quality. This parameter is independent of other quality predictors within their acceptable range, thus being able to further stratify islets samples of apparent good quality. Human islets with low amounts of insulin displayed changes in their metabolic and signaling profile, especially in regard to energy homeostasis and cell identity maintenance. We further showed that xenotransplantation into diabetic hosts is not expected to improve the pre-transplantation signature, as it has a negative effect on energy balance, antioxidant activity, and islet cell identity. CONCLUSIONS Insulin protein abundance predicts significant changes in human islet homeostasis among random samples of apparently good quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas F. Mathisen
- Mohn Research Center for Diabetes Precision Medicine, Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Shadab Abadpour
- Hybrid Technology Hub-Centre of Excellence, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Norway
- Institute for Surgical Research and Department of Transplant Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Thomas Aga Legøy
- Mohn Research Center for Diabetes Precision Medicine, Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Joao A. Paulo
- Department of Cell Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Luiza Ghila
- Mohn Research Center for Diabetes Precision Medicine, Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Hanne Scholz
- Hybrid Technology Hub-Centre of Excellence, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Norway
- Institute for Surgical Research and Department of Transplant Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Simona Chera
- Mohn Research Center for Diabetes Precision Medicine, Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
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Heppert JK, Lickwar CR, Tillman MC, Davis BR, Davison JM, Lu HY, Chen W, Busch-Nentwich EM, Corcoran DL, Rawls JF. Conserved roles for Hnf4 family transcription factors in zebrafish development and intestinal function. Genetics 2022; 222:iyac133. [PMID: 36218393 PMCID: PMC9713462 DOI: 10.1093/genetics/iyac133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Transcription factors play important roles in the development of the intestinal epithelium and its ability to respond to endocrine, nutritional, and microbial signals. Hepatocyte nuclear factor 4 family nuclear receptors are liganded transcription factors that are critical for the development and function of multiple digestive organs in vertebrates, including the intestinal epithelium. Zebrafish have 3 hepatocyte nuclear factor 4 homologs, of which, hnf4a was previously shown to mediate intestinal responses to microbiota in zebrafish larvae. To discern the functions of other hepatocyte nuclear factor 4 family members in zebrafish development and intestinal function, we created and characterized mutations in hnf4g and hnf4b. We addressed the possibility of genetic redundancy amongst these factors by creating double and triple mutants which showed different rates of survival, including apparent early lethality in hnf4a; hnf4b double mutants and triple mutants. RNA sequencing performed on digestive tracts from single and double mutant larvae revealed extensive changes in intestinal gene expression in hnf4a mutants that were amplified in hnf4a; hnf4g mutants, but limited in hnf4g mutants. Changes in hnf4a and hnf4a; hnf4g mutants were reminiscent of those seen in mice including decreased expression of genes involved in intestinal function and increased expression of cell proliferation genes, and were validated using transgenic reporters and EdU labeling in the intestinal epithelium. Gnotobiotics combined with RNA sequencing also showed hnf4g has subtler roles than hnf4a in host responses to microbiota. Overall, phenotypic changes in hnf4a single mutants were strongly enhanced in hnf4a; hnf4g double mutants, suggesting a conserved partial genetic redundancy between hnf4a and hnf4g in the vertebrate intestine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer K Heppert
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke Microbiome Center, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Colin R Lickwar
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke Microbiome Center, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Matthew C Tillman
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke Microbiome Center, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Briana R Davis
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke Microbiome Center, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - James M Davison
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke Microbiome Center, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Hsiu-Yi Lu
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke Microbiome Center, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Wei Chen
- Center for Genomics and Computational Biology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | | | - David L Corcoran
- Center for Genomics and Computational Biology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - John F Rawls
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke Microbiome Center, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA
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F. V, V. D. P, C. M, M. LI, C. D, G. P, D. C, A. T, M. G, S. DF, M. T, V. V, G. S. Targeting epigenetic alterations in cancer stem cells. FRONTIERS IN MOLECULAR MEDICINE 2022; 2:1011882. [PMID: 39086963 PMCID: PMC11285701 DOI: 10.3389/fmmed.2022.1011882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2022] [Indexed: 08/02/2024]
Abstract
Oncogenes or tumor suppressor genes are rarely mutated in several pediatric tumors and some early stage adult cancers. This suggests that an aberrant epigenetic reprogramming may crucially affect the tumorigenesis of these tumors. Compelling evidence support the hypothesis that cancer stem cells (CSCs), a cell subpopulation within the tumor bulk characterized by self-renewal capacity, metastatic potential and chemo-resistance, may derive from normal stem cells (NSCs) upon an epigenetic deregulation. Thus, a better understanding of the specific epigenetic alterations driving the transformation from NSCs into CSCs may help to identify efficacious treatments to target this aggressive subpopulation. Moreover, deepening the knowledge about these alterations may represent the framework to design novel therapeutic approaches also in the field of regenerative medicine in which bioengineering of NSCs has been evaluated. Here, we provide a broad overview about: 1) the role of aberrant epigenetic modifications contributing to CSC initiation, formation and maintenance, 2) the epigenetic inhibitors in clinical trial able to specifically target the CSC subpopulation, and 3) epigenetic drugs and stem cells used in regenerative medicine for cancer and diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Verona F.
- Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Pantina V. D.
- Department of Surgical, Oncological and Stomatological Sciences (DICHIRONS), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Modica C.
- Department of Surgical, Oncological and Stomatological Sciences (DICHIRONS), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Lo Iacono M.
- Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - D’Accardo C.
- Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Porcelli G.
- Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Cricchio D.
- Department of Surgical, Oncological and Stomatological Sciences (DICHIRONS), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Turdo A.
- Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Gaggianesi M.
- Department of Surgical, Oncological and Stomatological Sciences (DICHIRONS), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Di Franco S.
- Department of Surgical, Oncological and Stomatological Sciences (DICHIRONS), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Todaro M.
- Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Veschi V.
- Department of Surgical, Oncological and Stomatological Sciences (DICHIRONS), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Stassi G.
- Department of Surgical, Oncological and Stomatological Sciences (DICHIRONS), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
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Carrasco M, Wang C, Søviknes AM, Bjørlykke Y, Abadpour S, Paulo JA, Tjora E, Njølstad P, Ghabayen J, Nermoen I, Lyssenko V, Chera S, Ghila LM, Vaudel M, Scholz H, Ræder H. Spatial Environment Affects HNF4A Mutation-Specific Proteome Signatures and Cellular Morphology in hiPSC-Derived β-Like Cells. Diabetes 2022; 71:862-869. [PMID: 35043148 PMCID: PMC8965667 DOI: 10.2337/db20-1279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2020] [Accepted: 01/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Studies of monogenic diabetes are particularly useful because we can gain insight into the molecular events of pancreatic β-cell failure. Maturity-onset diabetes of the young 1 (MODY1) is a form of monogenic diabetes caused by a mutation in the HNF4A gene. Human-induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) provide an excellent tool for disease modeling by subsequently directing differentiation toward desired pancreatic islet cells, but cellular phenotypes in terminally differentiated cells are notoriously difficult to detect. Re-creating a spatial (three-dimensional [3D]) environment may facilitate phenotype detection. We studied MODY1 by using hiPSC-derived pancreatic β-like patient and isogenic control cell lines in two different 3D contexts. Using size-adjusted cell aggregates and alginate capsules, we show that the 3D context is critical to facilitating the detection of mutation-specific phenotypes. In 3D cell aggregates, we identified irregular cell clusters and lower levels of structural proteins by proteome analysis, whereas in 3D alginate capsules, we identified altered levels of glycolytic proteins in the glucose sensing apparatus by proteome analysis. Our study provides novel knowledge on normal and abnormal function of HNF4A, paving the way for translational studies of new drug targets that can be used in precision diabetes medicine in MODY.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuel Carrasco
- Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Center for Cancer Biomarkers, Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Chencheng Wang
- Department of Transplant Medicine and Institute for Surgical Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Hybrid Technology Hub–Centre of Excellence, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Anne M. Søviknes
- Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Yngvild Bjørlykke
- Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Pediatrics, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Shadab Abadpour
- Department of Transplant Medicine and Institute for Surgical Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Hybrid Technology Hub–Centre of Excellence, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Joao A. Paulo
- Department of Cell Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Erling Tjora
- Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Pediatrics, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Pål Njølstad
- Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Pediatrics, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Jonas Ghabayen
- Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Ingrid Nermoen
- Department of Endocrinology, Akershus University Hospital, Lorenskog, Norway
| | - Valeriya Lyssenko
- Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Simona Chera
- Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Luiza M. Ghila
- Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Marc Vaudel
- Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Hanne Scholz
- Department of Transplant Medicine and Institute for Surgical Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Hybrid Technology Hub–Centre of Excellence, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Helge Ræder
- Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Pediatrics, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
- Corresponding author: Helge Ræder,
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9
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Miyachi Y, Miyazawa T, Ogawa Y. HNF1A Mutations and Beta Cell Dysfunction in Diabetes. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23063222. [PMID: 35328643 PMCID: PMC8948720 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23063222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Revised: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Understanding the genetic factors of diabetes is essential for addressing the global increase in type 2 diabetes. HNF1A mutations cause a monogenic form of diabetes called maturity-onset diabetes of the young (MODY), and HNF1A single-nucleotide polymorphisms are associated with the development of type 2 diabetes. Numerous studies have been conducted, mainly using genetically modified mice, to explore the molecular basis for the development of diabetes caused by HNF1A mutations, and to reveal the roles of HNF1A in multiple organs, including insulin secretion from pancreatic beta cells, lipid metabolism and protein synthesis in the liver, and urinary glucose reabsorption in the kidneys. Recent studies using human stem cells that mimic MODY have provided new insights into beta cell dysfunction. In this article, we discuss the involvement of HNF1A in beta cell dysfunction by reviewing previous studies using genetically modified mice and recent findings in human stem cell-derived beta cells.
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10
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Ghila L, Legøy TA, Chera S. A Method for Encapsulation and Transplantation into Diabetic Mice of Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (hiPSC)-Derived Pancreatic Progenitors. Methods Mol Biol 2022; 2454:327-349. [PMID: 33786775 DOI: 10.1007/7651_2021_356] [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] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic islet endocrine cells generated from patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells represent a great strategy for both disease modeling and regenerative medicine. Nevertheless, these cells inherently miss the effects of the intricate network of systemic signals characterizing the living organisms. Xenotransplantation of in vitro differentiating cells into murine hosts substantially compensates for this drawback.Here we describe our transplantation strategy of encapsulated differentiating pancreatic progenitors into diabetic immunosuppressed (NSG) overtly diabetic mice generated by the total ablation of insulin-producing cells following diphtheria toxin administration. We will detail the differentiation protocol employed, the alginate encapsulation procedure, and the xenotransplantation steps required for a successful and reproducible experiment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luiza Ghila
- Department of Clinical Science, Faculty of Medicine, Center for Diabetes Research, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Thomas Aga Legøy
- Department of Clinical Science, Faculty of Medicine, Center for Diabetes Research, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Simona Chera
- Department of Clinical Science, Faculty of Medicine, Center for Diabetes Research, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.
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Mooranian A, Jones M, Ionescu CM, Walker D, Wagle SR, Kovacevic B, Chester J, Foster T, Johnston E, Kuthubutheen J, Brown D, Mikov M, Al-Salami H. Artificial Cell Encapsulation for Biomaterials and Tissue Bio-Nanoengineering: History, Achievements, Limitations, and Future Work for Potential Clinical Applications and Transplantation. J Funct Biomater 2021; 12:68. [PMID: 34940547 PMCID: PMC8704355 DOI: 10.3390/jfb12040068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2021] [Revised: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic β-cell loss and failure with subsequent deficiency of insulin production is the hallmark of type 1 diabetes (T1D) and late-stage type 2 diabetes (T2D). Despite the availability of parental insulin, serious complications of both types are profound and endemic. One approach to therapy and a potential cure is the immunoisolation of β cells via artificial cell microencapsulation (ACM), with ongoing promising results in human and animal studies that do not depend on immunosuppressive regimens. However, significant challenges remain in the formulation and delivery platforms and potential immunogenicity issues. Additionally, the level of impact on key metabolic and disease biomarkers and long-term benefits from human and animal studies stemming from the encapsulation and delivery of these cells is a subject of continuing debate. The purpose of this review is to summarise key advances in this field of islet transplantation using ACM and to explore future strategies, limitations, and hurdles as well as upcoming developments utilising bioengineering and current clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Armin Mooranian
- The Biotechnology and Drug Development Research Laboratory, Curtin Medical School & Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Curtin University, Bentley, Perth, WA 6102, Australia; (A.M.); (M.J.); (C.M.I.); (D.W.); (S.R.W.); (B.K.); (J.C.); (T.F.); (E.J.)
- Hearing Therapeutics, Ear Science Institute Australia, Queen Elizabeth II Medical Centre, Nedlands, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Melissa Jones
- The Biotechnology and Drug Development Research Laboratory, Curtin Medical School & Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Curtin University, Bentley, Perth, WA 6102, Australia; (A.M.); (M.J.); (C.M.I.); (D.W.); (S.R.W.); (B.K.); (J.C.); (T.F.); (E.J.)
- Hearing Therapeutics, Ear Science Institute Australia, Queen Elizabeth II Medical Centre, Nedlands, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Corina Mihaela Ionescu
- The Biotechnology and Drug Development Research Laboratory, Curtin Medical School & Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Curtin University, Bentley, Perth, WA 6102, Australia; (A.M.); (M.J.); (C.M.I.); (D.W.); (S.R.W.); (B.K.); (J.C.); (T.F.); (E.J.)
- Hearing Therapeutics, Ear Science Institute Australia, Queen Elizabeth II Medical Centre, Nedlands, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Daniel Walker
- The Biotechnology and Drug Development Research Laboratory, Curtin Medical School & Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Curtin University, Bentley, Perth, WA 6102, Australia; (A.M.); (M.J.); (C.M.I.); (D.W.); (S.R.W.); (B.K.); (J.C.); (T.F.); (E.J.)
- Hearing Therapeutics, Ear Science Institute Australia, Queen Elizabeth II Medical Centre, Nedlands, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Susbin Raj Wagle
- The Biotechnology and Drug Development Research Laboratory, Curtin Medical School & Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Curtin University, Bentley, Perth, WA 6102, Australia; (A.M.); (M.J.); (C.M.I.); (D.W.); (S.R.W.); (B.K.); (J.C.); (T.F.); (E.J.)
- Hearing Therapeutics, Ear Science Institute Australia, Queen Elizabeth II Medical Centre, Nedlands, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Bozica Kovacevic
- The Biotechnology and Drug Development Research Laboratory, Curtin Medical School & Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Curtin University, Bentley, Perth, WA 6102, Australia; (A.M.); (M.J.); (C.M.I.); (D.W.); (S.R.W.); (B.K.); (J.C.); (T.F.); (E.J.)
- Hearing Therapeutics, Ear Science Institute Australia, Queen Elizabeth II Medical Centre, Nedlands, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Jacqueline Chester
- The Biotechnology and Drug Development Research Laboratory, Curtin Medical School & Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Curtin University, Bentley, Perth, WA 6102, Australia; (A.M.); (M.J.); (C.M.I.); (D.W.); (S.R.W.); (B.K.); (J.C.); (T.F.); (E.J.)
- Hearing Therapeutics, Ear Science Institute Australia, Queen Elizabeth II Medical Centre, Nedlands, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Thomas Foster
- The Biotechnology and Drug Development Research Laboratory, Curtin Medical School & Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Curtin University, Bentley, Perth, WA 6102, Australia; (A.M.); (M.J.); (C.M.I.); (D.W.); (S.R.W.); (B.K.); (J.C.); (T.F.); (E.J.)
- Hearing Therapeutics, Ear Science Institute Australia, Queen Elizabeth II Medical Centre, Nedlands, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Edan Johnston
- The Biotechnology and Drug Development Research Laboratory, Curtin Medical School & Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Curtin University, Bentley, Perth, WA 6102, Australia; (A.M.); (M.J.); (C.M.I.); (D.W.); (S.R.W.); (B.K.); (J.C.); (T.F.); (E.J.)
- Hearing Therapeutics, Ear Science Institute Australia, Queen Elizabeth II Medical Centre, Nedlands, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
| | | | - Daniel Brown
- Curtin Medical School, Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Curtin University, Perth, WA 6102, Australia;
| | - Momir Mikov
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Clinical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Novi Sad, Hajduk Veljkova 3, 21101 Novi Sad, Serbia;
| | - Hani Al-Salami
- The Biotechnology and Drug Development Research Laboratory, Curtin Medical School & Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Curtin University, Bentley, Perth, WA 6102, Australia; (A.M.); (M.J.); (C.M.I.); (D.W.); (S.R.W.); (B.K.); (J.C.); (T.F.); (E.J.)
- Hearing Therapeutics, Ear Science Institute Australia, Queen Elizabeth II Medical Centre, Nedlands, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
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12
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Siehler J, Blöchinger AK, Meier M, Lickert H. Engineering islets from stem cells for advanced therapies of diabetes. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2021; 20:920-940. [PMID: 34376833 DOI: 10.1038/s41573-021-00262-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder that affects more than 460 million people worldwide. Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is caused by autoimmune destruction of β-cells, whereas type 2 diabetes (T2D) is caused by a hostile metabolic environment that leads to β-cell exhaustion and dysfunction. Currently, first-line medications treat the symptomatic insulin resistance and hyperglycaemia, but do not prevent the progressive decline of β-cell mass and function. Thus, advanced therapies need to be developed that either protect or regenerate endogenous β-cell mass early in disease progression or replace lost β-cells with stem cell-derived β-like cells or engineered islet-like clusters. In this Review, we discuss the state of the art of stem cell differentiation and islet engineering, reflect on current and future challenges in the area and highlight the potential for cell replacement therapies, disease modelling and drug development using these cells. These efforts in stem cell and regenerative medicine will lay the foundations for future biomedical breakthroughs and potentially curative treatments for diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johanna Siehler
- Institute of Stem Cell Research, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Neuherberg, Germany.,Technical University of Munich, Medical Faculty, Munich, Germany.,German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Anna Karolina Blöchinger
- Technical University of Munich, Medical Faculty, Munich, Germany.,German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), Neuherberg, Germany.,Institute of Diabetes and Regeneration Research, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Matthias Meier
- Technical University of Munich, Medical Faculty, Munich, Germany.,Helmholtz Pioneer Campus, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Heiko Lickert
- Institute of Stem Cell Research, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Neuherberg, Germany. .,Technical University of Munich, Medical Faculty, Munich, Germany. .,German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), Neuherberg, Germany. .,Institute of Diabetes and Regeneration Research, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Neuherberg, Germany.
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Boscari F, Avogaro A. Current treatment options and challenges in patients with Type 1 diabetes: Pharmacological, technical advances and future perspectives. Rev Endocr Metab Disord 2021; 22:217-240. [PMID: 33755854 PMCID: PMC7985920 DOI: 10.1007/s11154-021-09635-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Type 1 diabetes mellitus imposes a significant burden of complications and mortality, despite important advances in treatment: subjects affected by this disease have also a worse quality of life-related to disease management. To overcome these challenges, different new approaches have been proposed, such as new insulin formulations or innovative devices. The introduction of insulin pumps allows a more physiological insulin administration with a reduction of HbA1c level and hypoglycemic risk. New continuous glucose monitoring systems with better accuracy have allowed, not only better glucose control, but also the improvement of the quality of life. Integration of these devices with control algorithms brought to the creation of the first artificial pancreas, able to independently gain metabolic control without the risk of hypo- and hyperglycemic crisis. This approach has revolutionized the management of diabetes both in terms of quality of life and glucose control. However, complete independence from exogenous insulin will be obtained only by biological approaches that foresee the replacement of functional beta cells obtained from stem cells: this will be a major challenge but the biggest hope for the subjects with type 1 diabetes. In this review, we will outline the current scenario of innovative diabetes management both from a technological and biological point of view, and we will also forecast some cutting-edge approaches to reduce the challenges that hamper the definitive cure of diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federico Boscari
- Department of Medicine, Unit of Metabolic Diseases, University of Padova, Padova, Italy.
| | - Angelo Avogaro
- Department of Medicine, Unit of Metabolic Diseases, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
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Chronically Elevated Exogenous Glucose Elicits Antipodal Effects on the Proteome Signature of Differentiating Human iPSC-Derived Pancreatic Progenitors. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22073698. [PMID: 33918250 PMCID: PMC8038174 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22073698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2021] [Revised: 03/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The past decade revealed that cell identity changes, such as dedifferentiation or transdifferentiation, accompany the insulin-producing β-cell decay in most diabetes conditions. Mapping and controlling the mechanisms governing these processes is, thus, extremely valuable for managing the disease progression. Extracellular glucose is known to influence cell identity by impacting the redox balance. Here, we use global proteomics and pathway analysis to map the response of differentiating human pancreatic progenitors to chronically increased in vitro glucose levels. We show that exogenous high glucose levels impact different protein subsets in a concentration-dependent manner. In contrast, regardless of concentration, glucose elicits an antipodal effect on the proteome landscape, inducing both beneficial and detrimental changes in regard to achieving the desired islet cell fingerprint. Furthermore, we identified that only a subgroup of these effects and pathways are regulated by changes in redox balance. Our study highlights a complex effect of exogenous glucose on differentiating pancreas progenitors characterized by a distinct proteome signature.
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Chen S, Du K, Zou C. Current progress in stem cell therapy for type 1 diabetes mellitus. Stem Cell Res Ther 2020; 11:275. [PMID: 32641151 PMCID: PMC7346484 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-020-01793-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2020] [Revised: 06/19/2020] [Accepted: 06/29/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is the most common chronic autoimmune disease in young patients and is characterized by the loss of pancreatic β cells; as a result, the body becomes insulin deficient and hyperglycemic. Administration or injection of exogenous insulin cannot mimic the endogenous insulin secreted by a healthy pancreas. Pancreas and islet transplantation have emerged as promising treatments for reconstructing the normal regulation of blood glucose in T1DM patients. However, a critical shortage of pancreases and islets derived from human organ donors, complications associated with transplantations, high cost, and limited procedural availability remain bottlenecks in the widespread application of these strategies. Attempts have been directed to accommodate the increasing population of patients with T1DM. Stem cell therapy holds great potential for curing patients with T1DM. With the advent of research on stem cell therapy for various diseases, breakthroughs in stem cell-based therapy for T1DM have been reported. However, many unsolved issues need to be addressed before stem cell therapy will be clinically feasible for diabetic patients. In this review, we discuss the current research advances in strategies to obtain insulin-producing cells (IPCs) from different precursor cells and in stem cell-based therapies for diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuai Chen
- Key Laboratory of Longevity and Ageing-Related Disease of Chinese Ministry of Education, Center for Translational Medicine and School of Preclinical Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, China
| | - Kechen Du
- Key Laboratory of Longevity and Ageing-Related Disease of Chinese Ministry of Education, Center for Translational Medicine and School of Preclinical Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, China
| | - Chunlin Zou
- Key Laboratory of Longevity and Ageing-Related Disease of Chinese Ministry of Education, Center for Translational Medicine and School of Preclinical Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, China.
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Bioinformatic Analyses of miRNA-mRNA Signature during hiPSC Differentiation towards Insulin-Producing Cells upon HNF4α Mutation. Biomedicines 2020; 8:biomedicines8070179. [PMID: 32605028 PMCID: PMC7400504 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines8070179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2020] [Revised: 06/22/2020] [Accepted: 06/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Mutations in the hepatocyte nuclear factor 4α (HNF4α) gene affect prenatal and postnatal pancreas development, being characterized by insulin-producing β-cell dysfunction. Little is known about the cellular and molecular mechanisms leading to β-cell failure as result of HNF4α mutation. In this study, we compared the miRNA profile of differentiating human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSC) derived from HNF4α+/Δ mutation carriers and their family control along the differentiation timeline. Moreover, we associated this regulation with the corresponding transcriptome profile to isolate transcript–miRNA partners deregulated in the mutated cells. This study uncovered a steep difference in the miRNA regulation pattern occurring during the posterior foregut to pancreatic endoderm transition, defining early and late differentiation regulatory windows. The pathway analysis of the miRNAome–transcriptome interactions revealed a likely gradual involvement of HNF4α+/Δ mutation in p53-mediated cell cycle arrest, with consequences for the proliferation potential, survival and cell fate acquisition of the differentiating cells. The present study is based on bioinformatics approaches and we expect that, pending further experimental validation, certain miRNAs deregulated in the HNF4α+/Δ cells would prove useful for therapy.
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