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Akter M, Cui H, Hosain MA, Liu J, Duan Y, Ding B. RANBP17 Overexpression Restores Nucleocytoplasmic Transport and Ameliorates Neurodevelopment in Induced DYT1 Dystonia Motor Neurons. J Neurosci 2024; 44:e1728232024. [PMID: 38438257 PMCID: PMC11007476 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1728-23.2024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Revised: 02/18/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/06/2024] Open
Abstract
DYT1 dystonia is a debilitating neurological movement disorder, and it represents the most frequent and severe form of hereditary primary dystonia. There is currently no cure for this disease due to its unclear pathogenesis. In our previous study utilizing patient-specific motor neurons (MNs), we identified distinct cellular deficits associated with the disease, including a deformed nucleus, disrupted neurodevelopment, and compromised nucleocytoplasmic transport (NCT) functions. However, the precise molecular mechanisms underlying these cellular impairments have remained elusive. In this study, we revealed the genome-wide changes in gene expression in DYT1 MNs through transcriptomic analysis. We found that those dysregulated genes are intricately involved in neurodevelopment and various biological processes. Interestingly, we identified that the expression level of RANBP17, a RAN-binding protein crucial for NCT regulation, exhibited a significant reduction in DYT1 MNs. By manipulating RANBP17 expression, we further demonstrated that RANBP17 plays an important role in facilitating the nuclear transport of both protein and transcript cargos in induced human neurons. Excitingly, the overexpression of RANBP17 emerged as a substantial mitigating factor, effectively restoring impaired NCT activity and rescuing neurodevelopmental deficits observed in DYT1 MNs. These findings shed light on the intricate molecular underpinnings of impaired NCT in DYT1 neurons and provide novel insights into the pathophysiology of DYT1 dystonia, potentially leading to the development of innovative treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masuma Akter
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center at Shreveport, Shreveport, Louisiana 71130-3932
| | - Haochen Cui
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center at Shreveport, Shreveport, Louisiana 71130-3932
| | - Md Abir Hosain
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center at Shreveport, Shreveport, Louisiana 71130-3932
| | - Jinmei Liu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center at Shreveport, Shreveport, Louisiana 71130-3932
| | - Yuntian Duan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center at Shreveport, Shreveport, Louisiana 71130-3932
| | - Baojin Ding
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center at Shreveport, Shreveport, Louisiana 71130-3932
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Liu ML, Ma S, Tai W, Zhong X, Ni H, Zou Y, Wang J, Zhang CL. Screens in aging-relevant human ALS-motor neurons identify MAP4Ks as therapeutic targets for the disease. Cell Death Dis 2024; 15:4. [PMID: 38177100 PMCID: PMC10766628 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-023-06395-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Revised: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
Effective therapeutics is much needed for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), an adult-onset neurodegenerative disease mainly affecting motor neurons. By screening chemical compounds in human patient-derived and aging-relevant motor neurons, we identify a neuroprotective compound and show that MAP4Ks may serve as therapeutic targets for treating ALS. The lead compound broadly improves survival and function of motor neurons directly converted from human ALS patients. Mechanistically, it works as an inhibitor of MAP4Ks, regulates the MAP4Ks-HDAC6-TUBA4A-RANGAP1 pathway, and normalizes subcellular distribution of RANGAP1 and TDP-43. Finally, in an ALS mouse model we show that inhibiting MAP4Ks preserves motor neurons and significantly extends animal lifespan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng-Lu Liu
- Department of Molecular Biology, Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
| | - Shuaipeng Ma
- Department of Molecular Biology, Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
| | - Wenjiao Tai
- Department of Molecular Biology, Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
| | - Xiaoling Zhong
- Department of Molecular Biology, Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
| | - Haoqi Ni
- Department of Molecular Biology, Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
| | - Yuhua Zou
- Department of Molecular Biology, Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
| | - Jingcheng Wang
- Department of Molecular Biology, Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
| | - Chun-Li Zhang
- Department of Molecular Biology, Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA.
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Fan Y, Si Z, Wang L, Zhang L. DYT- TOR1A dystonia: an update on pathogenesis and treatment. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1216929. [PMID: 37638318 PMCID: PMC10448058 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1216929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023] Open
Abstract
DYT-TOR1A dystonia is a neurological disorder characterized by involuntary muscle contractions and abnormal movements. It is a severe genetic form of dystonia caused by mutations in the TOR1A gene. TorsinA is a member of the AAA + family of adenosine triphosphatases (ATPases) involved in a variety of cellular functions, including protein folding, lipid metabolism, cytoskeletal organization, and nucleocytoskeletal coupling. Almost all patients with TOR1A-related dystonia harbor the same mutation, an in-frame GAG deletion (ΔGAG) in the last of its 5 exons. This recurrent variant results in the deletion of one of two tandem glutamic acid residues (i.e., E302/303) in a protein named torsinA [torsinA(△E)]. Although the mutation is hereditary, not all carriers will develop DYT-TOR1A dystonia, indicating the involvement of other factors in the disease process. The current understanding of the pathophysiology of DYT-TOR1A dystonia involves multiple factors, including abnormal protein folding, signaling between neurons and glial cells, and dysfunction of the protein quality control system. As there are currently no curative treatments for DYT-TOR1A dystonia, progress in research provides insight into its pathogenesis, leading to potential therapeutic and preventative strategies. This review summarizes the latest research advances in the pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment of DYT-TOR1A dystonia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuhang Fan
- Department of Neurology, the Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Zhibo Si
- Department of Ophthalmology, the Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Linlin Wang
- Department of Ultrasound, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- Department of Neurology, the Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
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Liu ML, Ma S, Tai W, Zhong X, Ni H, Zou Y, Wang J, Zhang CL. Chemical screens in aging-relevant human motor neurons identify MAP4Ks as therapeutic targets for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.04.24.538014. [PMID: 37162962 PMCID: PMC10168247 DOI: 10.1101/2023.04.24.538014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Effective therapeutics is much needed for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), an adult-onset neurodegenerative disease mainly affecting motor neurons. By screening chemical compounds in human patient-derived and aging-relevant motor neurons, we identify a neuroprotective compound and show that MAP4Ks may serve as therapeutic targets for treating ALS. The lead compound broadly improves survival and function of motor neurons directly converted from human ALS patients. Mechanistically, it works as an inhibitor of MAP4Ks, regulates the MAP4Ks-HDAC6-TUBA4A-RANGAP1 pathway, and normalizes subcellular distribution of RANGAP1 and TDP-43. Finally, in an ALS mouse model we show that inhibiting MAP4Ks preserves motor neurons and significantly extends animal lifespan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng-Lu Liu
- Department of Molecular Biology, Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Shuaipeng Ma
- Department of Molecular Biology, Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Wenjiao Tai
- Department of Molecular Biology, Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Xiaoling Zhong
- Department of Molecular Biology, Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Haoqi Ni
- Department of Molecular Biology, Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Yuhua Zou
- Department of Molecular Biology, Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Jingcheng Wang
- Department of Molecular Biology, Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Chun-Li Zhang
- Department of Molecular Biology, Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
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Cui H, Sepehrimanesh M, Coutee CA, Akter M, Hosain MA, Ding B. Protocol to image and quantify nucleocytoplasmic transport in cultured cells using fluorescent in situ hybridization and a dual reporter system. STAR Protoc 2022; 3:101813. [DOI: 10.1016/j.xpro.2022.101813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
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Modeling Movement Disorders via Generation of hiPSC-Derived Motor Neurons. Cells 2022; 11:cells11233796. [PMID: 36497056 PMCID: PMC9737271 DOI: 10.3390/cells11233796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2022] [Revised: 11/19/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Generation of motor neurons (MNs) from human-induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) overcomes the limited access to human brain tissues and provides an unprecedent approach for modeling MN-related diseases. In this review, we discuss the recent progression in understanding the regulatory mechanisms of MN differentiation and their applications in the generation of MNs from hiPSCs, with a particular focus on two approaches: induction by small molecules and induction by lentiviral delivery of transcription factors. At each induction stage, different culture media and supplements, typical growth conditions and cellular morphology, and specific markers for validation of cell identity and quality control are specifically discussed. Both approaches can generate functional MNs. Currently, the major challenges in modeling neurological diseases using iPSC-derived neurons are: obtaining neurons with high purity and yield; long-term neuron culture to reach full maturation; and how to culture neurons more physiologically to maximize relevance to in vivo conditions.
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Ding B. Novel insights into the pathogenesis of DYT1 dystonia from induced patient-derived neurons. Neural Regen Res 2022; 17:561-562. [PMID: 34380890 PMCID: PMC8504368 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.320978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Baojin Ding
- Department of Biology, University of Louisiana at Lafayette, Lafayette, LA, USA
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Abstract
Generation of patient-derived neurons provides an unprecedented approach in modeling neurological diseases. Here, we describe the direct conversion of adult fibroblasts into motor neurons via lentiviral delivery of transcription factors. Compared with iPSC-based approach, directly converted neurons from donors retain features associated with age, making them ideal systems for modeling age-related neurological diseases. Low yield is the major challenge of this protocol. High quality lentiviruses and optimized cell culture conditions are critical to improve the final yield. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Ding et al. (2020), Ding et al. (2021), and Liu et al. (2016).
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Affiliation(s)
- Masood Sepehrimanesh
- Department of Biology, University of Louisiana at Lafayette, 410 East Saint Mary Boulevard, Lafayette, LA 70503, USA
| | - Masuma Akter
- Department of Biology, University of Louisiana at Lafayette, 410 East Saint Mary Boulevard, Lafayette, LA 70503, USA
| | - Baojin Ding
- Department of Biology, University of Louisiana at Lafayette, 410 East Saint Mary Boulevard, Lafayette, LA 70503, USA
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Ding B, Sepehrimanesh M. Nucleocytoplasmic Transport: Regulatory Mechanisms and the Implications in Neurodegeneration. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:4165. [PMID: 33920577 PMCID: PMC8072611 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22084165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2021] [Revised: 04/13/2021] [Accepted: 04/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Nucleocytoplasmic transport (NCT) across the nuclear envelope is precisely regulated in eukaryotic cells, and it plays critical roles in maintenance of cellular homeostasis. Accumulating evidence has demonstrated that dysregulations of NCT are implicated in aging and age-related neurodegenerative diseases, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), frontotemporal dementia (FTD), Alzheimer's disease (AD), and Huntington disease (HD). This is an emerging research field. The molecular mechanisms underlying impaired NCT and the pathogenesis leading to neurodegeneration are not clear. In this review, we comprehensively described the components of NCT machinery, including nuclear envelope (NE), nuclear pore complex (NPC), importins and exportins, RanGTPase and its regulators, and the regulatory mechanisms of nuclear transport of both protein and transcript cargos. Additionally, we discussed the possible molecular mechanisms of impaired NCT underlying aging and neurodegenerative diseases, such as ALS/FTD, HD, and AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baojin Ding
- Department of Biology, University of Louisiana at Lafayette, 410 East Saint Mary Boulevard, Lafayette, LA 70503, USA;
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Ding B, Tang Y, Ma S, Akter M, Liu ML, Zang T, Zhang CL. Disease Modeling with Human Neurons Reveals LMNB1 Dysregulation Underlying DYT1 Dystonia. J Neurosci 2021; 41:2024-2038. [PMID: 33468570 PMCID: PMC7939088 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.2507-20.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2020] [Revised: 12/23/2020] [Accepted: 12/30/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
DYT1 dystonia is a hereditary neurologic movement disorder characterized by uncontrollable muscle contractions. It is caused by a heterozygous mutation in Torsin A (TOR1A), a gene encoding a membrane-embedded ATPase. While animal models provide insights into disease mechanisms, significant species-dependent differences exist since animals with the identical heterozygous mutation fail to show pathology. Here, we model DYT1 by using human patient-specific cholinergic motor neurons (MNs) that are generated through either direct conversion of patients' skin fibroblasts or differentiation of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). These human MNs with the heterozygous TOR1A mutation show reduced neurite length and branches, markedly thickened nuclear lamina, disrupted nuclear morphology, and impaired nucleocytoplasmic transport (NCT) of mRNAs and proteins, whereas they lack the perinuclear "blebs" that are often observed in animal models. Furthermore, we uncover that the nuclear lamina protein LMNB1 is upregulated in DYT1 cells and exhibits abnormal subcellular distribution in a cholinergic MNs-specific manner. Such dysregulation of LMNB1 can be recapitulated by either ectopic expression of the mutant TOR1A gene or shRNA-mediated downregulation of endogenous TOR1A in healthy control MNs. Interestingly, downregulation of LMNB1 can largely ameliorate all the cellular defects in DYT1 MNs. These results reveal the value of disease modeling with human patient-specific neurons and indicate that dysregulation of LMNB1, a crucial component of the nuclear lamina, may constitute a major molecular mechanism underlying DYT1 pathology.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Inaccessibility to patient neurons greatly impedes our understanding of the pathologic mechanisms for dystonia. In this study, we employ reprogrammed human patient-specific motor neurons (MNs) to model DYT1, the most severe hereditary form of dystonia. Our results reveal disease-dependent deficits in nuclear morphology and nucleocytoplasmic transport (NCT). Most importantly, we further identify LMNB1 dysregulation as a major contributor to these deficits, uncovering a new pathologic mechanism for DYT1 dystonia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baojin Ding
- Department of Molecular Biology, Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390
- Department of Biology, University of Louisiana at Lafayette, Lafayette, Louisiana 70503
| | - Yu Tang
- Department of Molecular Biology, Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Department of Geriatrics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province 410008, China
| | - Shuaipeng Ma
- Department of Molecular Biology, Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390
| | - Masuma Akter
- Department of Biology, University of Louisiana at Lafayette, Lafayette, Louisiana 70503
| | - Meng-Lu Liu
- Department of Molecular Biology, Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390
| | - Tong Zang
- Department of Molecular Biology, Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390
| | - Chun-Li Zhang
- Department of Molecular Biology, Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390
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Affiliation(s)
- Baojin Ding
- Department of Biology, University of Louisiana at Lafayette, Lafayette, LA, USA
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Ma S, Zang T, Liu ML, Zhang CL. Aging-relevant human basal forebrain cholinergic neurons as a cell model for Alzheimer's disease. Mol Neurodegener 2020; 15:61. [PMID: 33087140 PMCID: PMC7579825 DOI: 10.1186/s13024-020-00411-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2020] [Accepted: 10/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is an adult-onset mental disorder with aging as a major risk factor. Early and progressive degeneration of basal forebrain cholinergic neurons (BFCNs) contributes substantially to cognitive impairments of AD. An aging-relevant cell model of BFCNs will critically help understand AD and identify potential therapeutics. Recent studies demonstrate that induced neurons directly reprogrammed from adult human skin fibroblasts retain aging-associated features. However, human induced BFCNs (hiBFCNs) have yet to be achieved. Methods We examined a reprogramming procedure for the generation of aging-relevant hiBFCNs through virus-mediated expression of fate-determining transcription factors. Skin fibroblasts were obtained from healthy young persons, healthy adults and sporadic AD patients. Properties of the induced neurons were examined by immunocytochemistry, qRT-PCR, western blotting, and electrophysiology. Results We established a protocol for efficient generation of hiBFCNs from adult human skin fibroblasts. They show electrophysiological properties of mature neurons and express BFCN-specific markers, such as CHAT, p75NTR, ISL1, and VACHT. As a proof-of-concept, our preliminary results further reveal that hiBFCNs from sporadic AD patients exhibit time-dependent TAU hyperphosphorylation in the soma and dysfunctional nucleocytoplasmic transport activities. Conclusions Aging-relevant BFCNs can be directly reprogrammed from human skin fibroblasts of healthy adults and sporadic AD patients. They show promises as an aging-relevant cell model for understanding AD pathology and may be employed for therapeutics identification for AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuaipeng Ma
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 6000 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA.,Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 6000 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
| | - Tong Zang
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 6000 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA.,Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 6000 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
| | - Meng-Lu Liu
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 6000 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA.,Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 6000 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
| | - Chun-Li Zhang
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 6000 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA. .,Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 6000 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA.
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Sepehrimanesh M, Ding B. Generation and optimization of highly pure motor neurons from human induced pluripotent stem cells via lentiviral delivery of transcription factors. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2020; 319:C771-C780. [PMID: 32783653 PMCID: PMC7654652 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00279.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2020] [Revised: 07/21/2020] [Accepted: 08/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Generation of neurons from human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) overcomes the limited access to human brain samples and greatly facilitates the progress of research in neurological diseases. However, it is still a challenge to generate a particular neuronal subtype with high purity and yield for determining the pathogenesis of diseased neurons using biochemical approaches. Motor neurons (MNs) are a specialized neuronal subtype responsible for governing both autonomic and volitional movement. Dysfunctions in MNs are implicated in a variety of movement diseases, such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). In this study, we generated functional MNs from human iPSCs via lentiviral delivery of transcription factors. Moreover, we optimized induction conditions by using different combinations of transcription factors and found that a single lentiviral vector expressing three factors [neurogenin-2 (NGN2), insulin gene enhancer 1 (ISL1), and LIM/homeobox 3 (LHX3)] is necessary and sufficient to induce iPSC-derived MNs (iPSC-MNs). These MNs robustly expressed general neuron markers [microtubule-associated protein 2 (MAP2), neurofilament protein (SMI-32), and tubulin β-3 class III (TUBB3)] and MN-specific markers [HB9 and choline acetyltransferase (ChAT)] and showed electrical maturation and firing of action potentials within 3 wk. This approach significantly improved the neuronal survival, yield, and purity, making it feasible to obtain abundant materials for biochemical studies in modeling movement diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masood Sepehrimanesh
- Department of Biology, University of Louisiana at Lafayette, Lafayette, Louisiana
| | - Baojin Ding
- Department of Biology, University of Louisiana at Lafayette, Lafayette, Louisiana
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