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Pereira I, Lopez-Martinez MJ, Samitier J. Advances in current in vitro models on neurodegenerative diseases. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2023; 11:1260397. [PMID: 38026882 PMCID: PMC10658011 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2023.1260397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Many neurodegenerative diseases are identified but their causes and cure are far from being well-known. The problem resides in the complexity of the neural tissue and its location which hinders its easy evaluation. Although necessary in the drug discovery process, in vivo animal models need to be reduced and show relevant differences with the human tissues that guide scientists to inquire about other possible options which lead to in vitro models being explored. From organoids to organ-on-a-chips, 3D models are considered the cutting-edge technology in cell culture. Cell choice is a big parameter to take into consideration when planning an in vitro model and cells capable of mimicking both healthy and diseased tissue, such as induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC), are recognized as good candidates. Hence, we present a critical review of the latest models used to study neurodegenerative disease, how these models have evolved introducing microfluidics platforms, 3D cell cultures, and the use of induced pluripotent cells to better mimic the neural tissue environment in pathological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inês Pereira
- Nanobioengineering Group, Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia, Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Maria J. Lopez-Martinez
- Nanobioengineering Group, Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia, Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain
- Centro Investigación Biomédica en Red: Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Madrid, Spain
- Department of Electronics and Biomedical Engineering, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Josep Samitier
- Nanobioengineering Group, Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia, Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain
- Centro Investigación Biomédica en Red: Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Madrid, Spain
- Department of Electronics and Biomedical Engineering, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
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2
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Koczwara KE, Lake NJ, DeSimone AM, Lek M. Neuromuscular disorders: finding the missing genetic diagnoses. Trends Genet 2022; 38:956-971. [PMID: 35908999 DOI: 10.1016/j.tig.2022.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2022] [Revised: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Neuromuscular disorders (NMDs) are a wide-ranging group of diseases that seriously affect the quality of life of affected individuals. The development of next-generation sequencing revolutionized the diagnosis of NMD, enabling the discovery of hundreds of NMD genes and many more pathogenic variants. However, the diagnostic yield of genetic testing in NMD cohorts remains incomplete, indicating a large number of genetic diagnoses are not identified through current methods. Fortunately, recent advancements in sequencing technologies, analytical tools, and high-throughput functional screening provide an opportunity to circumvent current challenges. Here, we discuss reasons for missing genetic diagnoses in NMD, how emerging technologies and tools can overcome these hurdles, and examine future approaches to improving diagnostic yields in NMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine E Koczwara
- Department of Genetics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Nicole J Lake
- Department of Genetics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Alec M DeSimone
- Department of Genetics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Monkol Lek
- Department of Genetics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA.
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3
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Srinivasan G, Brafman DA. The Emergence of Model Systems to Investigate the Link Between Traumatic Brain Injury and Alzheimer’s Disease. Front Aging Neurosci 2022; 13:813544. [PMID: 35211003 PMCID: PMC8862182 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2021.813544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Numerous epidemiological studies have demonstrated that individuals who have sustained a traumatic brain injury (TBI) have an elevated risk for developing Alzheimer’s disease and Alzheimer’s-related dementias (AD/ADRD). Despite these connections, the underlying mechanisms by which TBI induces AD-related pathology, neuronal dysfunction, and cognitive decline have yet to be elucidated. In this review, we will discuss the various in vivo and in vitro models that are being employed to provide more definite mechanistic relationships between TBI-induced mechanical injury and AD-related phenotypes. In particular, we will highlight the strengths and weaknesses of each of these model systems as it relates to advancing the understanding of the mechanisms that lead to TBI-induced AD onset and progression as well as providing platforms to evaluate potential therapies. Finally, we will discuss how emerging methods including the use of human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-derived cultures and genome engineering technologies can be employed to generate better models of TBI-induced AD.
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4
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McTague A, Rossignoli G, Ferrini A, Barral S, Kurian MA. Genome Editing in iPSC-Based Neural Systems: From Disease Models to Future Therapeutic Strategies. Front Genome Ed 2021; 3:630600. [PMID: 34713254 PMCID: PMC8525405 DOI: 10.3389/fgeed.2021.630600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2020] [Accepted: 02/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Therapeutic advances for neurological disorders are challenging due to limited accessibility of the human central nervous system and incomplete understanding of disease mechanisms. Many neurological diseases lack precision treatments, leading to significant disease burden and poor outcome for affected patients. Induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technology provides human neuronal cells that facilitate disease modeling and development of therapies. The use of genome editing, in particular CRISPR-Cas9 technology, has extended the potential of iPSCs, generating new models for a number of disorders, including Alzheimers and Parkinson Disease. Editing of iPSCs, in particular with CRISPR-Cas9, allows generation of isogenic pairs, which differ only in the disease-causing mutation and share the same genetic background, for assessment of phenotypic differences and downstream effects. Moreover, genome-wide CRISPR screens allow high-throughput interrogation for genetic modifiers in neuronal phenotypes, leading to discovery of novel pathways, and identification of new therapeutic targets. CRISPR-Cas9 has now evolved beyond altering gene expression. Indeed, fusion of a defective Cas9 (dCas9) nuclease with transcriptional repressors or activation domains allows down-regulation or activation of gene expression (CRISPR interference, CRISPRi; CRISPR activation, CRISPRa). These new tools will improve disease modeling and facilitate CRISPR and cell-based therapies, as seen for epilepsy and Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Genome engineering holds huge promise for the future understanding and treatment of neurological disorders, but there are numerous barriers to overcome. The synergy of iPSC-based model systems and gene editing will play a vital role in the route to precision medicine and the clinical translation of genome editing-based therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy McTague
- Developmental Neurosciences, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom.,Department of Neurology, Great Ormond Street Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Giada Rossignoli
- Developmental Neurosciences, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Arianna Ferrini
- Developmental Neurosciences, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Serena Barral
- Developmental Neurosciences, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Manju A Kurian
- Developmental Neurosciences, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom.,Department of Neurology, Great Ormond Street Hospital, London, United Kingdom
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5
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Reed X, Cobb MM, Skinbinski G, Roosen D, Kaganovich A, Ding J, Finkbeiner S, Cookson MR. Transcriptional signatures in iPSC-derived neurons are reproducible across labs when differentiation protocols are closely matched. Stem Cell Res 2021; 56:102558. [PMID: 34626895 PMCID: PMC8655646 DOI: 10.1016/j.scr.2021.102558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2021] [Revised: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 09/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Reproducibility of expression patterns in iPSC-derived cells from different labs is an important first step in ensuring replication of biochemical or functional assays that are performed in different labs. Here we show that reproducible gene expression patterns from iPSCs and iPSC-derived neurons matured and collected at two separate laboratory locations can be achieved by closely matching protocols and reagents. While there are significant differences in gene expression between iPSCs and differentiated neurons, as well as between different donor lines of the same cell type, transcriptional changes that vary with laboratory sites are relatively small. These results suggest that making great efforts to match protocols, reagents and technical methods between labs may improve the reproducibility of iPSC-derived cell models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xylena Reed
- Laboratory of Neurogenetics, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Melanie M Cobb
- Center for Systems and Therapeutics & Taube/Koret Center for Neurodegenerative Disease, Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, CA, 94158, USA
| | - Gaia Skinbinski
- Center for Systems and Therapeutics & Taube/Koret Center for Neurodegenerative Disease, Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, CA, 94158, USA
| | - Dorien Roosen
- Laboratory of Neurogenetics, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Alice Kaganovich
- Laboratory of Neurogenetics, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Jinhui Ding
- Laboratory of Neurogenetics, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Steve Finkbeiner
- Center for Systems and Therapeutics & Taube/Koret Center for Neurodegenerative Disease, Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, CA, 94158, USA; Departments of Neurology and Physiology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Mark R Cookson
- Laboratory of Neurogenetics, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
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6
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Monk R, Connor B. Cell Reprogramming to Model Huntington's Disease: A Comprehensive Review. Cells 2021; 10:cells10071565. [PMID: 34206228 PMCID: PMC8306243 DOI: 10.3390/cells10071565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2021] [Revised: 06/20/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Huntington’s disease (HD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the progressive decline of motor, cognitive, and psychiatric functions. HD results from an autosomal dominant mutation that causes a trinucleotide CAG repeat expansion and the production of mutant Huntingtin protein (mHTT). This results in the initial selective and progressive loss of medium spiny neurons (MSNs) in the striatum before progressing to involve the whole brain. There are currently no effective treatments to prevent or delay the progression of HD as knowledge into the mechanisms driving the selective degeneration of MSNs has been hindered by a lack of access to live neurons from individuals with HD. The invention of cell reprogramming provides a revolutionary technique for the study, and potential treatment, of neurological conditions. Cell reprogramming technologies allow for the generation of live disease-affected neurons from patients with neurological conditions, becoming a primary technique for modelling these conditions in vitro. The ability to generate HD-affected neurons has widespread applications for investigating the pathogenesis of HD, the identification of new therapeutic targets, and for high-throughput drug screening. Cell reprogramming also offers a potential autologous source of cells for HD cell replacement therapy. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the use of cell reprogramming to model HD and a discussion on recent advancements in cell reprogramming technologies that will benefit the HD field.
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7
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2020 International Neuroethics Society Annual Meeting Top Abstracts. AJOB Neurosci 2021; 15:1-23. [PMID: 34060979 DOI: 10.1080/21507740.2021.1917726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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8
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Morello G, Salomone S, D’Agata V, Conforti FL, Cavallaro S. From Multi-Omics Approaches to Precision Medicine in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Front Neurosci 2020; 14:577755. [PMID: 33192262 PMCID: PMC7661549 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2020.577755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2020] [Accepted: 10/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a devastating and fatal neurodegenerative disorder, caused by the degeneration of upper and lower motor neurons for which there is no truly effective cure. The lack of successful treatments can be well explained by the complex and heterogeneous nature of ALS, with patients displaying widely distinct clinical features and progression patterns, and distinct molecular mechanisms underlying the phenotypic heterogeneity. Thus, stratifying ALS patients into consistent and clinically relevant subgroups can be of great value for the development of new precision diagnostics and targeted therapeutics for ALS patients. In the last years, the use and integration of high-throughput "omics" approaches have dramatically changed our thinking about ALS, improving our understanding of the complex molecular architecture of ALS, distinguishing distinct patient subtypes and providing a rational foundation for the discovery of biomarkers and new individualized treatments. In this review, we discuss the most significant contributions of omics technologies in unraveling the biological heterogeneity of ALS, highlighting how these approaches are revealing diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic targets for future personalized interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanna Morello
- Institute for Research and Biomedical Innovation (IRIB), Italian National Research Council (CNR), Catania, Italy
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Salvatore Salomone
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Velia D’Agata
- Human Anatomy and Histology, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | | | - Sebastiano Cavallaro
- Institute for Research and Biomedical Innovation (IRIB), Italian National Research Council (CNR), Catania, Italy
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9
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Human Autopsy-Derived Scalp Fibroblast Biobanking for Age-Related Neurodegenerative Disease Research. Cells 2020; 9:cells9112383. [PMID: 33143239 PMCID: PMC7692621 DOI: 10.3390/cells9112383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2020] [Accepted: 10/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The Arizona Study of Aging and Neurodegenerative Disorders/Brain and Body Donation Program at Banner Sun Health Research Institute (BSHRI) is a longitudinal clinicopathological study with a current enrollment of more than 900 living subjects for aging and neurodegenerative disease research. Annual clinical assessments are done by cognitive and movement neurologists and neuropsychologists. Brain and body tissues are collected at a median postmortem interval of 3.0 h for neuropathological diagnosis and banking. Since 2018, the program has undertaken banking of scalp fibroblasts derived from neuropathologically characterized donors with Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and other neurodegenerative diseases. Here, we describe the procedure development and cell characteristics from 14 male and 15 female donors (mean ± SD of age: 83.6 ± 12.2). Fibroblasts from explant cultures were banked at passage 3. The results of mRNA analysis showed positive expression of fibroblast activation protein, vimentin, fibronectin, and THY1 cell surface antigen. We also demonstrated that the banked fibroblasts from a postmortem elderly donor were successfully reprogramed to human-induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs). Taken together, we have demonstrated the successful establishment of a human autopsy-derived fibroblast banking program. The cryogenically preserved cells are available for request at the program website of the BSHRI.
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10
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Silva MC, Haggarty SJ. Human pluripotent stem cell-derived models and drug screening in CNS precision medicine. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2020; 1471:18-56. [PMID: 30875083 PMCID: PMC8193821 DOI: 10.1111/nyas.14012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2018] [Revised: 01/02/2019] [Accepted: 01/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Development of effective therapeutics for neurological disorders has historically been challenging partly because of lack of accurate model systems in which to investigate disease etiology and test new therapeutics at the preclinical stage. Human stem cells, particularly patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) upon differentiation, have the ability to recapitulate aspects of disease pathophysiology and are increasingly recognized as robust scalable systems for drug discovery. We review advances in deriving cellular models of human central nervous system (CNS) disorders using iPSCs along with strategies for investigating disease-relevant phenotypes, translatable biomarkers, and therapeutic targets. Given their potential to identify novel therapeutic targets and leads, we focus on phenotype-based, small-molecule screens employing human stem cell-derived models. Integrated efforts to assemble patient iPSC-derived cell models with deeply annotated clinicopathological data, along with molecular and drug-response signatures, may aid in the stratification of patients, diagnostics, and clinical trial success, shifting translational science and precision medicine approaches. A number of remaining challenges, including the optimization of cost-effective, large-scale culture of iPSC-derived cell types, incorporation of aging into neuronal models, as well as robustness and automation of phenotypic assays to support quantitative drug efficacy, toxicity, and metabolism testing workflows, are covered. Continued advancement of the field is expected to help fully humanize the process of CNS drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- M. Catarina Silva
- Chemical Neurobiology Laboratory, Departments of Neurology and Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Center for Genomic Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston MA, USA
| | - Stephen J. Haggarty
- Chemical Neurobiology Laboratory, Departments of Neurology and Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Center for Genomic Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston MA, USA
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11
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Volpato V, Webber C. Addressing variability in iPSC-derived models of human disease: guidelines to promote reproducibility. Dis Model Mech 2020; 13:dmm042317. [PMID: 31953356 PMCID: PMC6994963 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.042317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 166] [Impact Index Per Article: 41.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technologies have provided in vitro models of inaccessible human cell types, yielding new insights into disease mechanisms especially for neurological disorders. However, without due consideration, the thousands of new human iPSC lines generated in the past decade will inevitably affect the reproducibility of iPSC-based experiments. Differences between donor individuals, genetic stability and experimental variability contribute to iPSC model variation by impacting differentiation potency, cellular heterogeneity, morphology, and transcript and protein abundance. Such effects will confound reproducible disease modelling in the absence of appropriate strategies. In this Review, we explore the causes and effects of iPSC heterogeneity, and propose approaches to detect and account for experimental variation between studies, or even exploit it for deeper biological insight.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viola Volpato
- UK Dementia Research Institute at Cardiff University, Division of Psychological Medicine and Clinical Neuroscience, Haydn Ellis Building, Maindy Rd, Cardiff CF24 4HQ, UK
| | - Caleb Webber
- UK Dementia Research Institute at Cardiff University, Division of Psychological Medicine and Clinical Neuroscience, Haydn Ellis Building, Maindy Rd, Cardiff CF24 4HQ, UK
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12
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Sterlini B, Fruscione F, Baldassari S, Benfenati F, Zara F, Corradi A. Progress of Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell Technologies to Understand Genetic Epilepsy. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21020482. [PMID: 31940887 PMCID: PMC7013950 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21020482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2019] [Revised: 01/08/2020] [Accepted: 01/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The study of the pathomechanisms by which gene mutations lead to neurological diseases has benefit from several cellular and animal models. Recently, induced Pluripotent Stem Cell (iPSC) technologies have made possible the access to human neurons to study nervous system disease-related mechanisms, and are at the forefront of the research into neurological diseases. In this review, we will focalize upon genetic epilepsy, and summarize the most recent studies in which iPSC-based technologies were used to gain insight on the molecular bases of epilepsies. Moreover, we discuss the latest advancements in epilepsy cell modeling. At the two dimensional (2D) level, single-cell models of iPSC-derived neurons lead to a mature neuronal phenotype, and now allow a reliable investigation of synaptic transmission and plasticity. In addition, functional characterization of cerebral organoids enlightens neuronal network dynamics in a three-dimensional (3D) structure. Finally, we discuss the use of iPSCs as the cutting-edge technology for cell therapy in epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Sterlini
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genova, Viale Benedetto XV, 3, 16132 Genoa, Italy;
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132 Genoa, Italy;
| | - Floriana Fruscione
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genoa, Largo P. Daneo 3, 16132 Genoa, Italy;
| | - Simona Baldassari
- Unità Operativa Complessa Genetica Medica, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico Giannina Gaslini, Genova Italy, Via G. Gaslini 5, 16147 Genoa, Italy;
| | - Fabio Benfenati
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132 Genoa, Italy;
- Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Federico Zara
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genoa, Largo P. Daneo 3, 16132 Genoa, Italy;
- Unità Operativa Complessa Genetica Medica, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico Giannina Gaslini, Genova Italy, Via G. Gaslini 5, 16147 Genoa, Italy;
- Correspondence: (F.Z.); (A.C.)
| | - Anna Corradi
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genova, Viale Benedetto XV, 3, 16132 Genoa, Italy;
- Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132 Genoa, Italy
- Correspondence: (F.Z.); (A.C.)
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13
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Neural In Vitro Models for Studying Substances Acting on the Central Nervous System. Handb Exp Pharmacol 2020; 265:111-141. [PMID: 32594299 DOI: 10.1007/164_2020_367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Animal models have been greatly contributing to our understanding of physiology, mechanisms of diseases, and toxicity. Yet, their limitations due to, e.g., interspecies variation are reflected in the high number of drug attrition rates, especially in central nervous system (CNS) diseases. Therefore, human-based neural in vitro models for studying safety and efficacy of substances acting on the CNS are needed. Human iPSC-derived cells offer such a platform with the unique advantage of reproducing the "human context" in vitro by preserving the genetic and molecular phenotype of their donors. Guiding the differentiation of hiPSC into cells of the nervous system and combining them in a 2D or 3D format allows to obtain complex models suitable for investigating neurotoxicity or brain-related diseases with patient-derived cells. This chapter will give an overview over stem cell-based human 2D neuronal and mixed neuronal/astrocyte models, in vitro cultures of microglia, as well as CNS disease models and considers new developments in the field, more specifically the use of brain organoids and 3D bioprinted in vitro models for safety and efficacy evaluation.
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14
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Traxler L, Edenhofer F, Mertens J. Next-generation disease modeling with direct conversion: a new path to old neurons. FEBS Lett 2019; 593:3316-3337. [PMID: 31715002 PMCID: PMC6907729 DOI: 10.1002/1873-3468.13678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2019] [Revised: 10/20/2019] [Accepted: 11/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Within just over a decade, human reprogramming-based disease modeling has developed from a rather outlandish idea into an essential part of disease research. While iPSCs are a valuable tool for modeling developmental and monogenetic disorders, their rejuvenated identity poses limitations for modeling age-associated diseases. Direct cell-type conversion of fibroblasts into induced neurons (iNs) circumvents rejuvenation and preserves hallmarks of cellular aging. iNs are thus advantageous for modeling diseases that possess strong age-related and epigenetic contributions and can complement iPSC-based strategies for disease modeling. In this review, we provide an overview of the state of the art of direct iN conversion and describe the key epigenetic, transcriptomic, and metabolic changes that occur in converting fibroblasts. Furthermore, we summarize new insights into this fascinating process, particularly focusing on the rapidly changing criteria used to define and characterize in vitro-born human neurons. Finally, we discuss the unique features that distinguish iNs from other reprogramming-based neuronal cell models and how iNs are relevant to disease modeling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Larissa Traxler
- Department of GenomicsStem Cell Biology & Regenerative MedicineInstitute of Molecular Biology & CMBILeopold‐Franzens‐University InnsbruckInnsbruckAustria
- Laboratory of GeneticsThe Salk Institute for Biological StudiesLa JollaCAUSA
| | - Frank Edenhofer
- Department of GenomicsStem Cell Biology & Regenerative MedicineInstitute of Molecular Biology & CMBILeopold‐Franzens‐University InnsbruckInnsbruckAustria
| | - Jerome Mertens
- Department of GenomicsStem Cell Biology & Regenerative MedicineInstitute of Molecular Biology & CMBILeopold‐Franzens‐University InnsbruckInnsbruckAustria
- Laboratory of GeneticsThe Salk Institute for Biological StudiesLa JollaCAUSA
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15
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Ustyantseva EI, Medvedev SP, Vetchinova AS, Minina JM, Illarioshkin SN, Zakian SM. A Platform for Studying Neurodegeneration Mechanisms Using Genetically Encoded Biosensors. BIOCHEMISTRY (MOSCOW) 2019; 84:299-309. [PMID: 31221068 DOI: 10.1134/s000629791903012x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Patient-specific induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) capable of differentiation into required cell type are a promising model for studying various pathological processes and development of new therapeutic approaches. However, no conventional strategies for using iPSCs in disease research have been established yet. Genetically encoded biosensors can be used for monitoring messenger molecules, metabolites, and enzyme activity in real time with the following conversion of the registered signals in quantitative data, thus allowing evaluation of the impact of certain molecules on pathology development. In this article, we describe the development of a universal cell-based platform for studying pathological processes associated with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. For this purpose, we have created a series of plasmid constructs for monitoring endoplasmic reticulum stress, oxidative stress, apoptosis, and Ca2+-dependent hyperexcitability and generated transgenic iPSC line carrying mutation in the superoxide dismutase 1 gene (SOD1) and healthy control cell line. Both cell lines have specific transactivator sequence required for doxycycline-controlled transcriptional activation and can be used for a single-step biosensor insertion.
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Affiliation(s)
- E I Ustyantseva
- Federal Research Center Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, 630090, Russia.,Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, 630090, Russia.,Meshalkin National Medical Research Center, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Novosibirsk, 630055, Russia.,Novosibirsk State University, Novosibirsk, 630090, Russia
| | - S P Medvedev
- Federal Research Center Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, 630090, Russia.,Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, 630090, Russia.,Meshalkin National Medical Research Center, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Novosibirsk, 630055, Russia.,Novosibirsk State University, Novosibirsk, 630090, Russia
| | | | - J M Minina
- Federal Research Center Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, 630090, Russia
| | | | - S M Zakian
- Federal Research Center Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, 630090, Russia. .,Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, 630090, Russia.,Meshalkin National Medical Research Center, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Novosibirsk, 630055, Russia.,Novosibirsk State University, Novosibirsk, 630090, Russia
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16
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Sonic Hedgehog Signaling Is Required for Cyp26 Expression during Embryonic Development. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20092275. [PMID: 31072004 PMCID: PMC6540044 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20092275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2019] [Revised: 05/01/2019] [Accepted: 05/03/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Deciphering how signaling pathways interact during development is necessary for understanding the etiopathogenesis of congenital malformations and disease. In several embryonic structures, components of the Hedgehog and retinoic acid pathways, two potent players in development and disease are expressed and operate in the same or adjacent tissues and cells. Yet whether and, if so, how these pathways interact during organogenesis is, to a large extent, unclear. Using genetic and experimental approaches in the mouse, we show that during development of ontogenetically different organs, including the tail, genital tubercle, and secondary palate, Sonic hedgehog (SHH) loss-of-function causes anomalies phenocopying those induced by enhanced retinoic acid signaling and that SHH is required to prevent supraphysiological activation of retinoic signaling through maintenance and reinforcement of expression of the Cyp26 genes. Furthermore, in other tissues and organs, disruptions of the Hedgehog or the retinoic acid pathways during development generate similar phenotypes. These findings reveal that rigidly calibrated Hedgehog and retinoic acid activities are required for normal organogenesis and tissue patterning.
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17
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Miletta MC, Horvath TL. Patient-Derived iPSC-Hypothamic Neurons: The Ultimate Protocol. Cell Stem Cell 2019; 22:615-616. [PMID: 29727675 DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2018.04.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Several methods for making hypothalamic-like neurons (iHTNs) from human or mouse induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) with varying efficiencies exist. In this issue of Cell Stem Cell, Rajamani et al. (2018) devise a new, efficient method to differentiate iPSCs from super-obese and normal donors into iHTNS and investigate their different molecular profiles and hormone responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Consolata Miletta
- Program in Integrative Cell Signaling and Neurobiology of Metabolism, Department of Comparative Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Tamas L Horvath
- Program in Integrative Cell Signaling and Neurobiology of Metabolism, Department of Comparative Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA; Department of Anatomy and Histology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest 1078, Hungary.
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18
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Bowles KR, Tcw J, Qian L, Jadow BM, Goate AM. Reduced variability of neural progenitor cells and improved purity of neuronal cultures using magnetic activated cell sorting. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0213374. [PMID: 30917153 PMCID: PMC6436701 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0213374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2018] [Accepted: 02/19/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Genetic and epigenetic variability between iPSC-derived neural progenitor cells (NPCs) combined with differences in investigator technique and selection protocols contributes to variability between NPC lines, which subsequently impacts the quality of differentiated neuronal cultures. We therefore sought to develop an efficient method to reduce this variability in order to improve the purity of NPC and neuronal cultures. Here, we describe a magnetic activated cell sorting (MACS) method for enriching NPC cultures for CD271-/CD133+ cells at both early (<2–3) and late (>10) passage. MACS results in a similar sorting efficiency to fluorescence activated cell sorting (FACS), while achieving an increased yield of live cells and reduced cellular stress. Furthermore, neurons derived from MACS NPCs showed greater homogeneity between cell lines compared to those derived from unsorted NPCs. We conclude that MACS is a cheap technique for incorporation into standard NPC differentiation and maintenance protocols in order to improve culture homogeneity and consistency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn R Bowles
- Department of Neuroscience & Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States of America.,Ronald M. Loeb Center for Alzheimer's disease, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Julia Tcw
- Department of Neuroscience & Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States of America.,Ronald M. Loeb Center for Alzheimer's disease, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Lu Qian
- Department of Neuroscience & Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States of America.,Ronald M. Loeb Center for Alzheimer's disease, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Benjamin M Jadow
- Department of Neuroscience & Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States of America.,Ronald M. Loeb Center for Alzheimer's disease, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Alison M Goate
- Department of Neuroscience & Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States of America.,Ronald M. Loeb Center for Alzheimer's disease, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States of America.,Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn Institute of Genomics and Multiscale Biology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States of America
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19
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Farkhondeh A, Li R, Gorshkov K, Chen KG, Might M, Rodems S, Lo DC, Zheng W. Induced pluripotent stem cells for neural drug discovery. Drug Discov Today 2019; 24:992-999. [PMID: 30664937 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2019.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2018] [Revised: 12/31/2018] [Accepted: 01/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Neurological diseases such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease are growing problems, as average life expectancy is increasing globally. Drug discovery for neurological disease remains a major challenge. Poor understanding of disease pathophysiology and incomplete representation of human disease in animal models hinder therapeutic drug development. Recent advances with induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) have enabled modeling of human diseases with patient-derived neural cells. Utilizing iPSC-derived neurons advances compound screening and evaluation of drug efficacy. These cells have the genetic backgrounds of patients that more precisely model disease-specific pathophysiology and phenotypes. Neural cells derived from iPSCs can be produced in a large quantity. Therefore, application of iPSC-derived human neurons is a new direction for neuronal drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atena Farkhondeh
- National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Rong Li
- National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Kirill Gorshkov
- National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Kevin G Chen
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Matthew Might
- University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | | | - Donald C Lo
- National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Wei Zheng
- National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
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20
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Small-molecule induction of Aβ-42 peptide production in human cerebral organoids to model Alzheimer's disease associated phenotypes. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0209150. [PMID: 30557391 PMCID: PMC6296660 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0209150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2018] [Accepted: 12/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Human mini-brains (MB) are cerebral organoids that recapitulate in part the complexity of the human brain in a unique three-dimensional in vitro model, yielding discrete brain regions reminiscent of the cerebral cortex. Specific proteins linked to neurodegenerative disorders are physiologically expressed in MBs, such as APP-derived amyloids (Aβ), whose physiological and pathological roles and interactions with other proteins are not well established in humans. Here, we demonstrate that neuroectodermal organoids can be used to study the Aβ accumulation implicated in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). To enhance the process of protein secretion and accumulation, we adopted a chemical strategy of induction to modulate post-translational pathways of APP using an Amyloid-β Forty-Two Inducer named Aftin-5. Secreted, soluble Aβ fragment concentrations were analyzed in MB-conditioned media. An increase in the Aβ42 fragment secretion was observed as was an increased Aβ42/Aβ40 ratio after drug treatment, which is consistent with the pathological-like phenotypes described in vivo in transgenic animal models and in vitro in induced pluripotent stem cell-derived neural cultures obtained from AD patients. Notably in this context we observe time-dependent Aβ accumulation, which differs from protein accumulation occurring after treatment. We show that mini-brains obtained from a non-AD control cell line are responsive to chemical compound induction, producing a shift of physiological Aβ concentrations, suggesting that this model can be used to identify environmental agents that may initiate the cascade of events ultimately leading to sporadic AD. Increases in both Aβ oligomers and their target, the cellular prion protein (PrPC), support the possibility of using MBs to further understand the pathophysiological role that underlies their interaction in a human model. Finally, the potential application of MBs for modeling age-associated phenotypes and the study of neurological disorders is confirmed.
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21
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Rowland HA, Hooper NM, Kellett KAB. Modelling Sporadic Alzheimer's Disease Using Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells. Neurochem Res 2018; 43:2179-2198. [PMID: 30387070 PMCID: PMC6267251 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-018-2663-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2018] [Revised: 09/11/2018] [Accepted: 10/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Developing cellular models of sporadic Alzheimer's disease (sAD) is challenging due to the unknown initiator of disease onset and the slow disease progression that takes many years to develop in vivo. The use of human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) has revolutionised the opportunities to model AD pathology, investigate disease mechanisms and screen potential drugs. The majority of this work has, however, used cells derived from patients with familial AD (fAD) where specific genetic mutations drive disease onset. While these provide excellent models to investigate the downstream pathways involved in neuronal toxicity and ultimately neuronal death that leads to AD, they provide little insight into the causes and mechanisms driving the development of sAD. In this review we compare the data obtained from fAD and sAD iPSC-derived cell lines, identify the inconsistencies that exist in sAD models and highlight the potential role of Aβ clearance mechanisms, a relatively under-investigated area in iPSC-derived models, in the study of AD. We discuss the development of more physiologically relevant models using co-culture and three-dimensional culture of iPSC-derived neurons with glial cells. Finally, we evaluate whether we can develop better, more consistent models for sAD research using genetic stratification of iPSCs and identification of genetic and environmental risk factors that could be used to initiate disease onset for modelling sAD. These considerations provide exciting opportunities to develop more relevant iPSC models of sAD which can help drive our understanding of disease mechanisms and identify new therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen A Rowland
- Division of Neuroscience & Experimental Psychology, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Nigel M Hooper
- Division of Neuroscience & Experimental Psychology, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Katherine A B Kellett
- Division of Neuroscience & Experimental Psychology, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.
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22
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Osinalde N, Duarri A, Ramirez J, Barrio R, Perez de Nanclares G, Mayor U. Impaired proteostasis in rare neurological diseases. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2018; 93:164-177. [PMID: 30355526 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2018.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2018] [Revised: 10/09/2018] [Accepted: 10/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Rare diseases are classified as such when their prevalence is 1:2000 or lower, but even if each of them is so infrequent, altogether more than 300 million people in the world suffer one of the ∼7000 diseases considered as rare. Over 1200 of these disorders are known to affect the brain or other parts of our nervous system, and their symptoms can affect cognition, motor function and/or social interaction of the patients; we refer collectively to them as rare neurological disorders or RNDs. We have focused this review on RNDs known to have compromised protein homeostasis pathways. Proteostasis can be regulated and/or altered by a chain of cellular mechanisms, from protein synthesis and folding, to aggregation and degradation. Overall, we provide a list comprised of above 215 genes responsible for causing more than 170 distinct RNDs, deepening on some representative diseases, including as well a clinical view of how those diseases are diagnosed and dealt with. Additionally, we review existing methodologies for diagnosis and treatment, discussing the potential of specific deubiquitinating enzyme inhibition as a future therapeutic avenue for RNDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nerea Osinalde
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), 01006 Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
| | - Anna Duarri
- Barcelona Stem Cell Bank, Center of Regenerative Medicine in Barcelona, 08908 Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Juanma Ramirez
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), 48940 Leioa, Spain
| | - Rosa Barrio
- Functional Genomics Unit, CIC bioGUNE, 48160 Derio, Spain
| | - Guiomar Perez de Nanclares
- Molecular (Epi)Genetics Laboratory, BioAraba National Health Institute, Hospital Universitario Araba-Txagorritxu, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Alava, Spain
| | - Ugo Mayor
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), 48940 Leioa, Spain; Ikerbasque, Basque Foundation for Science, 48013 Bilbao, Spain.
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23
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Adams KV, Morshead CM. Neural stem cell heterogeneity in the mammalian forebrain. Prog Neurobiol 2018; 170:2-36. [PMID: 29902499 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2018.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2017] [Revised: 05/23/2018] [Accepted: 06/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The brain was long considered an organ that underwent very little change after development. It is now well established that the mammalian central nervous system contains neural stem cells that generate progeny that are capable of making new neurons, astrocytes, and oligodendrocytes throughout life. The field has advanced rapidly as it strives to understand the basic biology of these precursor cells, and explore their potential to promote brain repair. The purpose of this review is to present current knowledge about the diversity of neural stem cells in vitro and in vivo, and highlight distinctions between neural stem cell populations, throughout development, and within the niche. A comprehensive understanding of neural stem cell heterogeneity will provide insights into the cellular and molecular regulation of neural development and lifelong neurogenesis, and will guide the development of novel strategies to promote regeneration and neural repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelsey V Adams
- Institute of Medical Science, Terrence Donnelly Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto ON, M5S 3E2, Canada.
| | - Cindi M Morshead
- Institute of Medical Science, Terrence Donnelly Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto ON, M5S 3E2, Canada; Department of Surgery, Division of Anatomy, Canada; Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, Canada; Rehabilitation Science Institute, University of Toronto, Canada.
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24
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Ovadia EM, Colby DW, Kloxin AM. Designing well-defined photopolymerized synthetic matrices for three-dimensional culture and differentiation of induced pluripotent stem cells. Biomater Sci 2018; 6:1358-1370. [PMID: 29675520 PMCID: PMC6126667 DOI: 10.1039/c8bm00099a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) are of interest for the study of disease, where these cells can be derived from patients and have the potential to be differentiated into any cell type; however, three-dimensional (3D) culture and differentiation of iPSCs within well-defined synthetic matrices for these applications remains limited. Here, we aimed to establish synthetic cell-degradable hydrogels that allow precise presentation of specific biochemical cues for 3D culture of iPSCs with relevance for hypothesis testing and lineage-specific differentiation. We synthesized poly(ethylene glycol)-(PEG)-peptide-based hydrogels by photoinitiated step growth polymerization and used them to test the hypothesis that the viability of iPSCs within these matrices could be rescued with appropriate biochemical cues inspired by proteins and integrins important for iPSC culture on Matrigel. Specifically, we selected a range of motifs inspired by iPSC binding to Matrigel, including laminin-derived IKVAV and YIGSR, α5β1-binding PHSRNG10RGDS, αvβ5-binding KKQRFRHRNRKG, and RGDS that is known to bind a variety of integrins for generally promoting cell adhesion. YIGSR and PHSRNG10RGDS resulted in the highest iPSC viability, where binding of β1 integrin was key, and these permissive compositions also allowed iPSC differentiation into neural progenitor cells (NPCs) (decreased oct4 expression and increased pax6 expression) in response to soluble factors. The resulting NPCs formed clusters of different sizes in response to each peptide, suggesting that matrix biochemical cues affect iPSC proliferation and clustering in 3D culture. In summary, we have established photopolymerizable synthetic matrices for the encapsulation, culture, and differentiation of iPSCs for studies of cell-matrix interactions and deployment in disease models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa M Ovadia
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, USA.
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25
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Centeno EGZ, Cimarosti H, Bithell A. 2D versus 3D human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cultures for neurodegenerative disease modelling. Mol Neurodegener 2018; 13:27. [PMID: 29788997 PMCID: PMC5964712 DOI: 10.1186/s13024-018-0258-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 144] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2017] [Accepted: 05/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), Huntington's disease (HD) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), affect millions of people every year and so far, there are no therapeutic cures available. Even though animal and histological models have been of great aid in understanding disease mechanisms and identifying possible therapeutic strategies, in order to find disease-modifying solutions there is still a critical need for systems that can provide more predictive and physiologically relevant results. One possible avenue is the development of patient-derived models, e.g. by reprogramming patient somatic cells into human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs), which can then be differentiated into any cell type for modelling. These systems contain key genetic information from the donors, and therefore have enormous potential as tools in the investigation of pathological mechanisms underlying disease phenotype, and progression, as well as in drug testing platforms. hiPSCs have been widely cultured in 2D systems, but in order to mimic human brain complexity, 3D models have been proposed as a more advanced alternative. This review will focus on the use of patient-derived hiPSCs to model AD, PD, HD and ALS. In brief, we will cover the available stem cells, types of 2D and 3D culture systems, existing models for neurodegenerative diseases, obstacles to model these diseases in vitro, and current perspectives in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eduarda G Z Centeno
- Department of Biotechnology, Federal University of Pelotas, Campus Capão do Leão, Pelotas, RS, 96160-000, Brazil.,Department of Pharmacology, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Campus Trindade, Florianópolis, SC, 88040-900, Brazil
| | - Helena Cimarosti
- Department of Pharmacology, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Campus Trindade, Florianópolis, SC, 88040-900, Brazil.
| | - Angela Bithell
- School of Pharmacy, University of Reading, Whiteknights Campus, Reading, RG6 6UB, UK.
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