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Anderson KA, Whitehead BJ, Petersen ED, Kemme MR, Wedster A, Hochgeschwender U, Sandstrom MI. Behavioral context improves optogenetic stimulation of transplanted dopaminergic cells in unilateral 6-OHDA rats. Behav Brain Res 2023; 441:114279. [PMID: 36586489 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2022.114279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Revised: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Stem cell therapy has long been a popular method of treatment for Parkinson's disease currently being researched in both preclinical and clinical settings. While early clinical results are based upon fetal tissue transplants rather than stem cell transplants, the lack of successful integration in some patients and gradual loss of effect in others suggests a more robust protocol is needed. We propose a two-front approach, one where transplants are directly stimulated in coordination with host activity elicited by behavioral tasks, which we refer to as behavioral context. After a pilot with unilateral 6-OHDA rats transplanted with dopaminergic cells differentiated from mesenchymal stem cells that were optogenetically stimulated during a swim task, we discovered that early stimulation predicted lasting reduction of motor deficits, even in the absence of later stimulation. This led to a follow-up with n = 21 rats split into three groups: one stimulated while performing a swim task (Stim-Swim; St-Sw), one not stimulated while swimming (NoStim-Swim; NSt-Sw), and one stimulated while stationary in a bowl (Stim-NoSwim; St-NSw). After initial stimulation (or lack thereof), all rats were retested two and seven days later with the swim task in the absence of stimulation. The St-Sw group gradually achieved and maintained symmetrical limb use, whereas the NSt-Sw group showed persistent asymmetry and the St-NSw group showed mixed results. This supports the notion that stem cell therapy should integrate targeted stimulation of the transplant with behavioral stimulation of the host tissue to encourage proper functional integration of the graft.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin A Anderson
- Central Michigan University, Department of Psychology, Mt. Pleasant, MI, USA
| | - Bailey J Whitehead
- Central Michigan University, Department of Psychology, Mt. Pleasant, MI, USA; West Virginia University, Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute, College of Medicine, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Eric D Petersen
- Central Michigan University, Program in Neuroscience, Mt. Pleasant, MI, USA; Central Michigan University, College of Medicine, Mt. Pleasant, MI, USA; Central Michigan University, Biochemistry, Cell, and Molecular Biology Program, Mt. Pleasant, MI, USA
| | - Madison R Kemme
- Central Michigan University, Department of Psychology, Mt. Pleasant, MI, USA; Michigan State University, College of Human Medicine, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Anna Wedster
- Central Michigan University, Program in Neuroscience, Mt. Pleasant, MI, USA
| | - Ute Hochgeschwender
- Central Michigan University, Program in Neuroscience, Mt. Pleasant, MI, USA; Central Michigan University, College of Medicine, Mt. Pleasant, MI, USA; Central Michigan University, Biochemistry, Cell, and Molecular Biology Program, Mt. Pleasant, MI, USA
| | - Michael I Sandstrom
- Central Michigan University, Department of Psychology, Mt. Pleasant, MI, USA; Central Michigan University, Program in Neuroscience, Mt. Pleasant, MI, USA.
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2
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Sramkó B, Földes A, Kádár K, Varga G, Zsembery Á, Pircs K. The Wisdom in Teeth: Neuronal Differentiation of Dental Pulp Cells. Cell Reprogram 2023; 25:32-44. [PMID: 36719998 PMCID: PMC9963504 DOI: 10.1089/cell.2022.0102] [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] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) are found in almost all postnatal organs. Under appropriate environmental cues, multipotency enables MSCs to serve as progenitors for several lineage-specific, differentiated cell types. In vitro expansion and differentiation of MSCs give the opportunity to obtain hardly available somatic cells, such as neurons. The neurogenic potential of MSCs makes them a promising, autologous source to restore damaged tissue and as such, they have received much attention in the field of regenerative medicine. Several stem cell pool candidates have been studied thus far, but only a few of them showed neurogenic differentiation potential. Due to their embryonic ontology, stem cells residing in the stroma of the dental pulp chamber are an exciting source for in vitro neural cell differentiation. In this study, we review the key properties of dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs), with a particular focus on their neurogenic potential. Moreover, we summarize the various presently available methods used for neural differentiation of human DPSCs also emphasizing the difficulties in reproducibly high production of such cells. We postulate that because DPSCs are stem cells with very close ontology to neurogenic lineages, they may serve as excellent targets for neuronal differentiation in vitro and even for direct reprogramming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bendegúz Sramkó
- HCEMM-SU Neurobiology and Neurodegenerative Diseases Research Group, Budapest, Hungary.,Institute of Translational Medicine, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Anna Földes
- Department of Oral Biology, Faculty of Dentistry, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Kristóf Kádár
- Department of Oral Biology, Faculty of Dentistry, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Gábor Varga
- Department of Oral Biology, Faculty of Dentistry, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Ákos Zsembery
- Department of Oral Biology, Faculty of Dentistry, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Karolina Pircs
- HCEMM-SU Neurobiology and Neurodegenerative Diseases Research Group, Budapest, Hungary.,Institute of Translational Medicine, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary.,Laboratory of Molecular Neurogenetics, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Wallenberg Neuroscience Center and Lund Stem Cell Center, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
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3
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Lelos MJ. Investigating cell therapies in animal models of Parkinson's and Huntington's disease: Current challenges and considerations. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF NEUROBIOLOGY 2022; 166:159-189. [PMID: 36424091 DOI: 10.1016/bs.irn.2022.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Cell therapeutics have entered into an exciting era, with first-in-person clinical trials underway for Parkinson's disease and novel cell therapies in development for other neurodegenerative diseases. In the hope of ensuring successful translation of these novel cell products to the clinic, a significant amount of preclinical work continues to be undertaken. Rodent models of neural transplantation are required to thoroughly assess the survival, safety and efficacy of novel therapeutics. It is critical to produce robust and reliable preclinical data, in order to increase the likelihood of clinical success. As a result, significant effort has been driven into generating ever more relevant model systems, from genetically modified disease models to mice with humanized immune systems. Despite this, several challenges remain in the quest to assess human cells in the rodent brain long-term. Here, with a focus on models of Parkinson's and Huntington's disease, we discuss key considerations for choosing an appropriate rodent model for neural transplantation. We also consider the challenges associated with long-term survival and assessment of functional efficacy in these models, as well as the need to consider the clinical relevance of the model. While the choice of model will be dependent on the scientific question, by considering the caveats associated with each model, we identify opportunities to optimize the preclinical assessment and generate reliable data on our novel cell therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariah J Lelos
- Brain Repair Group, School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom.
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4
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Survival and Neurogenesis-Promoting Effects of the Co-Overexpression of BCLXL and BDNF Genes on Wharton’s Jelly-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells. Life (Basel) 2022; 12:life12091406. [PMID: 36143442 PMCID: PMC9501059 DOI: 10.3390/life12091406] [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: 08/17/2022] [Revised: 09/05/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
The main problem with using MSC (mesenchymal stem cells) to treat the deficient diseases of the central nervous system is the low cell survival rate after the transplant procedure and their low ability to spontaneously differentiate into functional neurons. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of genetically modifying MSC. A co-overexpression of two genes was performed: BCLXL was supposed to increase the resistance of the cells to the toxic agents and BDNF was supposed to direct cells into the neuronal differentiation pathway. As a result, it was possible to obtain the functional overexpression of the BCLXL and BDNF genes. These cells had an increased resistance to apoptosis-inducing toxicants (staurosporine, doxorubicin and H2O2). At the same time, the genes of the neuronal pathway (CHAT, TPH1) were overexpressed. The genetically modified MSC increased the survival rate under toxic conditions, which increased the chance of surviving a transplant procedure. The obtained cells can be treated as neural cell progenitors, which makes them a universal material that can be used in various disease models. The production of neurotransmitters suggests that cells transplanted into the brain and subjected to the additional influence of the brain’s microenvironment, will be able to form synapses and become functional neurons.
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5
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Tabrizi SJ, Estevez-Fraga C, van Roon-Mom WMC, Flower MD, Scahill RI, Wild EJ, Muñoz-Sanjuan I, Sampaio C, Rosser AE, Leavitt BR. Potential disease-modifying therapies for Huntington's disease: lessons learned and future opportunities. Lancet Neurol 2022; 21:645-658. [PMID: 35716694 PMCID: PMC7613206 DOI: 10.1016/s1474-4422(22)00121-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 50.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2021] [Revised: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Huntington's disease is the most frequent autosomal dominant neurodegenerative disorder; however, no disease-modifying interventions are available for patients with this disease. The molecular pathogenesis of Huntington's disease is complex, with toxicity that arises from full-length expanded huntingtin and N-terminal fragments of huntingtin, which are both prone to misfolding due to proteolysis; aberrant intron-1 splicing of the HTT gene; and somatic expansion of the CAG repeat in the HTT gene. Potential interventions for Huntington's disease include therapies targeting huntingtin DNA and RNA, clearance of huntingtin protein, DNA repair pathways, and other treatment strategies targeting inflammation and cell replacement. The early termination of trials of the antisense oligonucleotide tominersen suggest that it is time to reflect on lessons learned, where the field stands now, and the challenges and opportunities for the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah J Tabrizi
- Huntington's Disease Centre, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK.
| | - Carlos Estevez-Fraga
- Huntington's Disease Centre, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK
| | | | - Michael D Flower
- Huntington's Disease Centre, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Rachael I Scahill
- Huntington's Disease Centre, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Edward J Wild
- Huntington's Disease Centre, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK
| | | | - Cristina Sampaio
- CHDI Management, CHDI Foundation Los Angeles, CA, USA; Laboratory of Clinical Pharmacology, Faculdade de Medicina de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Anne E Rosser
- BRAIN unit, Division of Psychological Medicine and Clinical Neurosciences, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Blair R Leavitt
- Centre for Huntington's disease, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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6
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Seng C, Luo W, Földy C. Circuit formation in the adult brain. Eur J Neurosci 2022; 56:4187-4213. [PMID: 35724981 PMCID: PMC9546018 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.15742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Revised: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Neurons in the mammalian central nervous system display an enormous capacity for circuit formation during development but not later in life. In principle, new circuits could be also formed in adult brain, but the absence of the developmental milieu and the presence of growth inhibition and hundreds of working circuits are generally viewed as unsupportive for such a process. Here, we bring together evidence from different areas of neuroscience—such as neurological disorders, adult‐brain neurogenesis, innate behaviours, cell grafting, and in vivo cell reprogramming—which demonstrates robust circuit formation in adult brain. In some cases, adult‐brain rewiring is ongoing and required for certain types of behaviour and memory, while other cases show significant promise for brain repair in disease models. Together, these examples highlight that the adult brain has higher capacity for structural plasticity than previously recognized. Understanding the underlying mechanisms behind this retained plasticity has the potential to advance basic knowledge regarding the molecular organization of synaptic circuits and could herald a new era of neural circuit engineering for therapeutic repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte Seng
- Laboratory of Neural Connectivity, Brain Research Institute, Faculties of Medicine and Science, University of Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Wenshu Luo
- Laboratory of Neural Connectivity, Brain Research Institute, Faculties of Medicine and Science, University of Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Csaba Földy
- Laboratory of Neural Connectivity, Brain Research Institute, Faculties of Medicine and Science, University of Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland
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7
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Giehrl-Schwab J, Giesert F, Rauser B, Lao CL, Hembach S, Lefort S, Ibarra IL, Koupourtidou C, Luecken MD, Truong DJJ, Fischer-Sternjak J, Masserdotti G, Prakash N, Ninkovic J, Hölter SM, Vogt Weisenhorn DM, Theis FJ, Götz M, Wurst W. Parkinson's disease motor symptoms rescue by CRISPRa-reprogramming astrocytes into GABAergic neurons. EMBO Mol Med 2022; 14:e14797. [PMID: 35373464 PMCID: PMC9081909 DOI: 10.15252/emmm.202114797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Revised: 03/08/2022] [Accepted: 03/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Direct reprogramming based on genetic factors resembles a promising strategy to replace lost cells in degenerative diseases such as Parkinson's disease. For this, we developed a knock‐in mouse line carrying a dual dCas9 transactivator system (dCAM) allowing the conditional in vivo activation of endogenous genes. To enable a translational application, we additionally established an AAV‐based strategy carrying intein‐split‐dCas9 in combination with activators (AAV‐dCAS). Both approaches were successful in reprogramming striatal astrocytes into induced GABAergic neurons confirmed by single‐cell transcriptome analysis of reprogrammed neurons in vivo. These GABAergic neurons functionally integrate into striatal circuits, alleviating voluntary motor behavior aspects in a 6‐OHDA Parkinson's disease model. Our results suggest a novel intervention strategy beyond the restoration of dopamine levels. Thus, the AAV‐dCAS approach might enable an alternative route for clinical therapies of Parkinson's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Giehrl-Schwab
- Institute of Developmental Genetics, Helmholtz Center Munich, Neuherberg, Germany.,Munich School of Life Sciences Weihenstephan, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Florian Giesert
- Institute of Developmental Genetics, Helmholtz Center Munich, Neuherberg, Germany.,Munich School of Life Sciences Weihenstephan, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Benedict Rauser
- Institute of Developmental Genetics, Helmholtz Center Munich, Neuherberg, Germany.,Munich School of Life Sciences Weihenstephan, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Chu Lan Lao
- Institute of Stem Cell Research, Helmholtz Center Munich, Neuherberg, Germany.,Physiological Genomics, Biomedical Center (BMC), Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität (LMU), Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Sina Hembach
- Institute of Developmental Genetics, Helmholtz Center Munich, Neuherberg, Germany.,Munich School of Life Sciences Weihenstephan, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Sandrine Lefort
- Institute for Diabetes and Obesity, Helmholtz Center Munich, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Ignacio L Ibarra
- Institute of Computational Biology, Helmholtz Center Munich, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Christina Koupourtidou
- Institute of Stem Cell Research, Helmholtz Center Munich, Neuherberg, Germany.,Department for Cell Biology and Anatomy, Biomedical Center, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität (LMU), Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Malte Daniel Luecken
- Institute of Computational Biology, Helmholtz Center Munich, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Dong-Jiunn Jeffery Truong
- Institute of Developmental Genetics, Helmholtz Center Munich, Neuherberg, Germany.,Munich School of Life Sciences Weihenstephan, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Judith Fischer-Sternjak
- Institute of Stem Cell Research, Helmholtz Center Munich, Neuherberg, Germany.,Physiological Genomics, Biomedical Center (BMC), Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität (LMU), Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Giacomo Masserdotti
- Institute of Stem Cell Research, Helmholtz Center Munich, Neuherberg, Germany.,Physiological Genomics, Biomedical Center (BMC), Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität (LMU), Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Nilima Prakash
- Laboratory of Applied Genetics and Stem Cell Biology, Department Hamm 2, Hamm-Lippstadt University of Applied Sciences, Hamm, Germany
| | - Jovica Ninkovic
- Institute of Stem Cell Research, Helmholtz Center Munich, Neuherberg, Germany.,Department for Cell Biology and Anatomy, Biomedical Center, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität (LMU), Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Sabine M Hölter
- Institute of Developmental Genetics, Helmholtz Center Munich, Neuherberg, Germany.,German Mouse Clinic, Helmholtz Center Munich, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Daniela M Vogt Weisenhorn
- Institute of Developmental Genetics, Helmholtz Center Munich, Neuherberg, Germany.,Munich School of Life Sciences Weihenstephan, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Fabian J Theis
- Institute of Computational Biology, Helmholtz Center Munich, Neuherberg, Germany.,Department of Mathematics, Technical University of Munich, Garching, Germany
| | - Magdalena Götz
- Institute of Stem Cell Research, Helmholtz Center Munich, Neuherberg, Germany.,Physiological Genomics, Biomedical Center (BMC), Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität (LMU), Planegg-Martinsried, Germany.,Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology (SyNergy), Munich, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Wurst
- Institute of Developmental Genetics, Helmholtz Center Munich, Neuherberg, Germany.,Munich School of Life Sciences Weihenstephan, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany.,Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology (SyNergy), Munich, Germany.,German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) Site Munich, Munich, Germany
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8
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Barry J, Bui MTN, Levine MS, Cepeda C. Synaptic pathology in Huntington's disease: Beyond the corticostriatal pathway. Neurobiol Dis 2022; 162:105574. [PMID: 34848336 PMCID: PMC9328779 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2021.105574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2021] [Revised: 11/22/2021] [Accepted: 11/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Huntington's disease (HD) is a heritable, fatal neurodegenerative disorder caused by a mutation in the Huntingtin gene. It is characterized by chorea, as well as cognitive and psychiatric symptoms. Histopathologically, there is a massive loss of striatal projection neurons and less but significant loss in other areas throughout the cortico-basal ganglia-thalamocortical (CBGTC) loop. The mutant huntingtin protein has been implicated in numerous functions, including an important role in synaptic transmission. Most studies on anatomical and physiological alterations in HD have focused on striatum and cerebral cortex. However, based on recent CBGTC projectome evidence, the need to study other pathways has become increasingly clear. In this review, we examine the current status of our knowledge of morphological and electrophysiological alterations of those pathways in animal models of HD. Based on recent studies, there is accumulating evidence that synaptic disconnection, particularly along excitatory pathways, is pervasive and almost universal in HD, thus supporting a critical role of the huntingtin protein in synaptic transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua Barry
- IDDRC, Jane and Terry Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Minh T N Bui
- IDDRC, Jane and Terry Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Michael S Levine
- IDDRC, Jane and Terry Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Carlos Cepeda
- IDDRC, Jane and Terry Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
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9
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Aldrin-Kirk P, Åkerblom M, Cardoso T, Nolbrant S, Adler AF, Liu X, Heuer A, Davidsson M, Parmar M, Björklund T. A novel two-factor monosynaptic TRIO tracing method for assessment of circuit integration of hESC-derived dopamine transplants. Stem Cell Reports 2021; 17:159-172. [PMID: 34971563 PMCID: PMC8758947 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2021.11.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2021] [Revised: 11/25/2021] [Accepted: 11/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Transplantation in Parkinson's disease using human embryonic stem cell (hESC)-derived dopaminergic (DA) neurons is a promising future treatment option. However, many of the mechanisms that govern their differentiation, maturation, and integration into the host circuitry remain elusive. Here, we engrafted hESCs differentiated toward a ventral midbrain DA phenotype into the midbrain of a preclinical rodent model of Parkinson's disease. We then injected a novel DA-neurotropic retrograde MNM008 adeno-associated virus vector capsid, into specific DA target regions to generate starter cells based on their axonal projections. Using monosynaptic rabies-based tracing, we demonstrated for the first time that grafted hESC-derived DA neurons receive distinctly different afferent inputs depending on their projections. The similarities to the host DA system suggest a previously unknown directed circuit integration. By evaluating the differential host-to-graft connectivity based on projection patterns, this novel approach offers a tool to answer outstanding questions regarding the integration of grafted hESC-derived DA neurons. A novel retrograde AAV-capsid (MNM008) allows highly accurate monosynaptic tracing Nigral human dopamine (DA) grafts reconstitute the nigrostriatal pathway The host rat brain makes circuit-specific connections with hESC-derived DA grafts The herein developed tool allows for detailed mapping of CNS circuits and repair
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Aldrin-Kirk
- Molecular Neuromodulation, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, BMC A10, 221 84 Lund, Sweden; Wallenberg Neuroscience Center, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Malin Åkerblom
- Molecular Neuromodulation, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, BMC A10, 221 84 Lund, Sweden; Wallenberg Neuroscience Center, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Tiago Cardoso
- Developmental and Regenerative Neurobiology, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, 221 84 Lund, Sweden; Wallenberg Neuroscience Center, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Sara Nolbrant
- Developmental and Regenerative Neurobiology, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, 221 84 Lund, Sweden; Wallenberg Neuroscience Center, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Andrew F Adler
- Developmental and Regenerative Neurobiology, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, 221 84 Lund, Sweden; Wallenberg Neuroscience Center, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Xiaohe Liu
- Molecular Neuromodulation, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, BMC A10, 221 84 Lund, Sweden; Wallenberg Neuroscience Center, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Andreas Heuer
- Molecular Neuromodulation, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, BMC A10, 221 84 Lund, Sweden; Wallenberg Neuroscience Center, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Marcus Davidsson
- Molecular Neuromodulation, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, BMC A10, 221 84 Lund, Sweden; Wallenberg Neuroscience Center, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Malin Parmar
- Developmental and Regenerative Neurobiology, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, 221 84 Lund, Sweden; Wallenberg Neuroscience Center, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Tomas Björklund
- Molecular Neuromodulation, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, BMC A10, 221 84 Lund, Sweden; Wallenberg Neuroscience Center, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.
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10
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Knowles R, Dehorter N, Ellender T. From Progenitors to Progeny: Shaping Striatal Circuit Development and Function. J Neurosci 2021; 41:9483-9502. [PMID: 34789560 PMCID: PMC8612473 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0620-21.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Revised: 09/17/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Understanding how neurons of the striatum are formed and integrate into complex synaptic circuits is essential to provide insight into striatal function in health and disease. In this review, we summarize our current understanding of the development of striatal neurons and associated circuits with a focus on their embryonic origin. Specifically, we address the role of distinct types of embryonic progenitors, found in the proliferative zones of the ganglionic eminences in the ventral telencephalon, in the generation of diverse striatal interneurons and projection neurons. Indeed, recent evidence would suggest that embryonic progenitor origin dictates key characteristics of postnatal cells, including their neurochemical content, their location within striatum, and their long-range synaptic inputs. We also integrate recent observations regarding embryonic progenitors in cortical and other regions and discuss how this might inform future research on the ganglionic eminences. Last, we examine how embryonic progenitor dysfunction can alter striatal formation, as exemplified in Huntington's disease and autism spectrum disorder, and how increased understanding of embryonic progenitors can have significant implications for future research directions and the development of improved therapeutic options.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT This review highlights recently defined novel roles for embryonic progenitor cells in shaping the functional properties of both projection neurons and interneurons of the striatum. It outlines the developmental mechanisms that guide neuronal development from progenitors in the embryonic ganglionic eminences to progeny in the striatum. Where questions remain open, we integrate observations from cortex and other regions to present possible avenues for future research. Last, we provide a progenitor-centric perspective onto both Huntington's disease and autism spectrum disorder. We suggest that future investigations and manipulations of embryonic progenitor cells in both research and clinical settings will likely require careful consideration of their great intrinsic diversity and neurogenic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rhys Knowles
- The John Curtin School of Medical Research, The Australian National University, Canberra 2601, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| | - Nathalie Dehorter
- The John Curtin School of Medical Research, The Australian National University, Canberra 2601, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| | - Tommas Ellender
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3QT, United Kingdom
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
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11
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He Z, Ding Y, Mu Y, Xu X, Kong W, Chai R, Chen X. Stem Cell-Based Therapies in Hearing Loss. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:730042. [PMID: 34746126 PMCID: PMC8567027 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.730042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2021] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years, neural stem cell transplantation has received widespread attention as a new treatment method for supplementing specific cells damaged by disease, such as neurodegenerative diseases. A number of studies have proved that the transplantation of neural stem cells in multiple organs has an important therapeutic effect on activation and regeneration of cells, and restore damaged neurons. This article describes the methods for inducing the differentiation of endogenous and exogenous stem cells, the implantation operation and regulation of exogenous stem cells after implanted into the inner ear, and it elaborates the relevant signal pathways of stem cells in the inner ear, as well as the clinical application of various new materials. At present, stem cell therapy still has limitations, but the role of this technology in the treatment of hearing diseases has been widely recognized. With the development of related research, stem cell therapy will play a greater role in the treatment of diseases related to the inner ear.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zuhong He
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yanyan Ding
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yurong Mu
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiaoxiang Xu
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Weijia Kong
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Renjie Chai
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, Jiangsu Province High-Tech Key Laboratory for Bio-Medical Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Southeast University, Nanjing, China.,Co-Innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, China.,Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,Jiangsu Province High-Tech Key Laboratory for Bio-Medical Research, Southeast University, Nanjing, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Neural Regeneration and Repair, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiong Chen
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
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12
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Dahlenburg H, Cameron D, Yang S, Bachman A, Pollock K, Cary W, Pham M, Hendrix K, White J, Nelson H, Deng P, Anderson JS, Fink K, Nolta J. A novel Huntington's disease mouse model to assess the role of neuroinflammation on disease progression and to develop human cell therapies. Stem Cells Transl Med 2021; 10:1033-1043. [PMID: 33710799 PMCID: PMC8235129 DOI: 10.1002/sctm.20-0431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2020] [Revised: 01/08/2021] [Accepted: 02/13/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Huntington's disease (HD) is a fatal autosomal-dominant neurodegenerative disease caused by a trinucleotide CAG repeat expansion of the huntingtin gene (HTT) that affects 1 in every 10 000 individuals in the United States. Our lab developed a novel immune deficient HD mouse strain, the YACNSG, from a commonly used line, the YAC128 mouse, to enable transplantation studies using engineered human cells in addition to studying the impact of the immune system on disease progression. The primary goal of this project was to characterize this novel immune deQficient HD mouse model, using behavioral assays and histology to compare this new model to the immune competent YAC128 and immune deficient mice that had engraftment of a human immune system. Flow cytometry was used to confirm that the YACNSG strain lacked immune cells, and in vivo imaging was used to assess human mesenchymal stem/stromal cell (MSC) retention compared with a commonly used immune deficient line, the NSG mouse. We found that YACNSG were able to retain human MSCs longer than the immune competent YAC128 mice. We performed behavioral assessments starting at 4 months of age and continued testing monthly until 12 months on the accelerod and in the open field. At 12 months, brains were isolated and evaluated using immunohistochemistry for striatal volume. Results from these studies suggest that the novel immune deficient YACNSG strain of mice could provide a good model for human stem-cell based therapies and that the immune system appears to play an important role in the pathology of HD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather Dahlenburg
- Stem Cell Program and Institute for Regenerative CuresUniversity of California Davis HealthSacramentoCaliforniaUSA
| | - David Cameron
- Stem Cell Program and Institute for Regenerative CuresUniversity of California Davis HealthSacramentoCaliforniaUSA
- Department of NeurologyUniversity of California Davis HealthSacramentoCaliforniaUSA
| | - Sheng Yang
- Stem Cell Program and Institute for Regenerative CuresUniversity of California Davis HealthSacramentoCaliforniaUSA
| | - Angelica Bachman
- Stem Cell Program and Institute for Regenerative CuresUniversity of California Davis HealthSacramentoCaliforniaUSA
| | - Kari Pollock
- Stem Cell Program and Institute for Regenerative CuresUniversity of California Davis HealthSacramentoCaliforniaUSA
| | - Whitney Cary
- Stem Cell Program and Institute for Regenerative CuresUniversity of California Davis HealthSacramentoCaliforniaUSA
| | - Missy Pham
- Stem Cell Program and Institute for Regenerative CuresUniversity of California Davis HealthSacramentoCaliforniaUSA
| | - Kyle Hendrix
- Stem Cell Program and Institute for Regenerative CuresUniversity of California Davis HealthSacramentoCaliforniaUSA
| | - Jeannine White
- Stem Cell Program and Institute for Regenerative CuresUniversity of California Davis HealthSacramentoCaliforniaUSA
| | - Haley Nelson
- Stem Cell Program and Institute for Regenerative CuresUniversity of California Davis HealthSacramentoCaliforniaUSA
| | - Peter Deng
- Stem Cell Program and Institute for Regenerative CuresUniversity of California Davis HealthSacramentoCaliforniaUSA
- Department of NeurologyUniversity of California Davis HealthSacramentoCaliforniaUSA
| | - Joseph S. Anderson
- Stem Cell Program and Institute for Regenerative CuresUniversity of California Davis HealthSacramentoCaliforniaUSA
| | - Kyle Fink
- Stem Cell Program and Institute for Regenerative CuresUniversity of California Davis HealthSacramentoCaliforniaUSA
- Department of NeurologyUniversity of California Davis HealthSacramentoCaliforniaUSA
| | - Jan Nolta
- Stem Cell Program and Institute for Regenerative CuresUniversity of California Davis HealthSacramentoCaliforniaUSA
- Department of Internal MedicineUniversity of California Davis HealthSacramentoCaliforniaUSA
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13
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Shrigley S, Nilsson F, Mattsson B, Fiorenzano A, Mudannayake J, Bruzelius A, Ottosson DR, Björklund A, Hoban DB, Parmar M. Grafts Derived from an α-Synuclein Triplication Patient Mediate Functional Recovery but Develop Disease-Associated Pathology in the 6-OHDA Model of Parkinson's Disease. JOURNAL OF PARKINSONS DISEASE 2021; 11:515-528. [PMID: 33361611 PMCID: PMC8150478 DOI: 10.3233/jpd-202366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) have been proposed as an alternative source for cell replacement therapy for Parkinson's disease (PD) and they provide the option of using the patient's own cells. A few studies have investigated transplantation of patient-derived dopaminergic (DA) neurons in preclinical models; however, little is known about the long-term integrity and function of grafts derived from patients with PD. OBJECTIVE To assess the viability and function of DA neuron grafts derived from a patient hiPSC line with an α-synuclein gene triplication (AST18), using a clinical grade human embryonic stem cell (hESC) line (RC17) as a reference control. METHODS Cells were differentiated into ventral mesencephalic (VM)-patterned DA progenitors using an established GMP protocol. The progenitors were then either terminally differentiated to mature DA neurons in vitro or transplanted into 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) lesioned rats and their survival, maturation, function, and propensity to develop α-synuclein related pathology, were assessed in vivo. RESULTS Both cell lines generated functional neurons with DA properties in vitro. AST18-derived VM progenitor cells survived transplantation and matured into neuron-rich grafts similar to the RC17 cells. After 24 weeks, both cell lines produced DA-rich grafts that mediated full functional recovery; however, pathological changes were only observed in grafts derived from the α-synuclein triplication patient line. CONCLUSION This data shows proof-of-principle for survival and functional recovery with familial PD patient-derived cells in the 6-OHDA model of PD. However, signs of slowly developing pathology warrants further investigation before use of autologous grafts in patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shelby Shrigley
- Wallenberg Neuroscience Center, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.,Lund Stem Cell Center, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Fredrik Nilsson
- Wallenberg Neuroscience Center, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.,Lund Stem Cell Center, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Bengt Mattsson
- Wallenberg Neuroscience Center, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Alessandro Fiorenzano
- Wallenberg Neuroscience Center, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.,Lund Stem Cell Center, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Janitha Mudannayake
- Wallenberg Neuroscience Center, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.,Lund Stem Cell Center, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Andreas Bruzelius
- Wallenberg Neuroscience Center, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.,Lund Stem Cell Center, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Daniella Rylander Ottosson
- Wallenberg Neuroscience Center, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.,Lund Stem Cell Center, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Anders Björklund
- Wallenberg Neuroscience Center, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Deirdre B Hoban
- Wallenberg Neuroscience Center, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.,Lund Stem Cell Center, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Malin Parmar
- Wallenberg Neuroscience Center, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.,Lund Stem Cell Center, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
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14
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Björklund A, Parmar M. Dopamine Cell Therapy: From Cell Replacement to Circuitry Repair. JOURNAL OF PARKINSONS DISEASE 2021; 11:S159-S165. [PMID: 33814467 PMCID: PMC8543294 DOI: 10.3233/jpd-212609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Cell therapy for Parkinson's disease (PD) is aimed to replace the degenerated midbrain dopamine (mDA) neurons and restore DA neurotransmission in the denervated forebrain targets. A limitation of the intrastriatal grafting approach, which is currently used in clinical trials, is that the mDA neurons are implanted into the target area, in most cases the putamen, and not in the ventral midbrain where they normally reside. This ectopic location of the cells may limit their functionality due to the lack of appropriate afferent regulation from the host. Homotopic transplantation, into the substantia nigra, is now being pursued in rodent PD models as a way to achieve more complete circuitry repair. Intranigral grafts of mDA neurons, derived from human embryonic stem cells, have the capacity to re-establish the nigrostriatal and mesolimbic pathways in their entirety and restore dense functional innervations in striatal, limbic and cortical areas. Tracing of host afferent inputs using the rabies tracing technique shows that the afferent connectivity of grafts implanted in the nigra matches closely that of the intrinsic mDA system, suggesting a degree of circuitry reconstruction that exceeds what has been achieved before. This approach holds great promise, but to match the larger size of the human brain, and the 10 times greater distance between substantia nigra and its forebrain targets, it may be necessary to find ways to improve the growth capacity of the grafted mDA neurons, pointing to a combined approach where growth promoting factors are used to enhance the performance of mDA neuron grafts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anders Björklund
- Department of Experimental Medical Science, Developmental and Regenerative Neurobiology, Wallenberg Neuroscience Center, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Malin Parmar
- Department of Experimental Medical Science, Developmental and Regenerative Neurobiology, Wallenberg Neuroscience Center, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
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