Human iPSC-Derived Glia as a Tool for Neuropsychiatric Research and Drug Development

Stem Cell-Based Approaches for Spinal Cord Injury: The Promise of iPSCs

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a life-altering condition that leads to severe neurological deficits and significantly impacts patients' quality of life. Despite advancements in medical care, current treatment options remain largely palliative, with limited ability to promote meaningful functional recovery. Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) have emerged as a promising avenue for regenerative medicine, offering patient-specific, cell-based therapeutic potential for SCI repair. This review provides a comprehensive overview of recent advancements in iPSC-based approaches for SCI, detailing the strategies used to generate neural cell types, including neural progenitor cells, oligodendrocytes, astrocytes, and microglia, and their roles in promoting neuroprotection and regeneration. Additionally, we examine key preclinical and clinical studies, highlighting functional recovery assessments and discussing both standardized and debated evaluation metrics. Furthermore, we address critical challenges related to safety, tumorigenicity, immune response, survival, integration, and overcoming the inhibitory microenvironment of the injured spinal cord. We also explore emerging approaches in biomaterial scaffolds, gene editing, and rehabilitation strategies that may enhance the clinical applicability of iPSC-based therapies. By addressing these challenges and refining translational strategies, iPSC-based interventions hold significant potential to revolutionize SCI treatment and improve outcomes for affected individuals.

Peering into the mind: unraveling schizophrenia's secrets using models

Schizophrenia (SCZ) is a complex mental disorder characterized by a range of symptoms, including positive and negative symptoms, as well as cognitive impairments. Despite the extensive research, the underlying neurobiology of SCZ remain elusive. To overcome this challenge, the use of diverse laboratory modeling techniques, encompassing cellular and animal models, and innovative approaches like induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived neuronal cultures or brain organoids and genetically engineered animal models, has been crucial. Immortalized cellular models provide controlled environments for investigating the molecular and neurochemical pathways involved in neuronal function, while iPSCs and brain organoids, derived from patient-specific sources, offer significant advantage in translational research by facilitating direct comparisons of cellular phenotypes between patient-derived neurons and healthy-control neurons. Animal models can recapitulate the different psychopathological aspects that should be modeled, offering valuable insights into the neurobiology of SCZ. In addition, invertebrates' models are genetically tractable and offer a powerful approach to dissect the core genetic underpinnings of SCZ, while vertebrate models, especially mammals, with their more complex nervous systems and behavioral repertoire, provide a closer approximation of the human condition to study SCZ-related traits. This narrative review provides a comprehensive overview of the diverse modeling approaches, critically evaluating their strengths and limitations. By synthesizing knowledge from these models, this review offers a valuable source for researchers, clinicians, and stakeholders alike. Integrating findings across these different models may allow us to build a more holistic picture of SCZ pathophysiology, facilitating the exploration of new research avenues and informed decision-making for interventions.

Astrocytes in Primary Familial Brain Calcification (PFBC): Emphasis on the Importance of Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Human Astrocyte Models

Primary familial brain calcification (PFBC) is a rare, progressive central nervous system (CNS) disorder without a cure, and the current treatment methodologies primarily aim to relieve neurological and psychiatric symptoms of the patients. The disease is characterized by abnormal bilateral calcifications in the brain, however, our mechanistic understanding of the biology of the disease is still limited. Determining the roles of the specific cell types and molecular mechanisms involved in the pathophysiological processes of the disease is of great importance for the development of novel and effective treatment methodologies. There is a growing interest in the involvement of astrocytes in PFBC, as recent studies have suggested that astrocytes play a central role in the disease and that functional defects in these cells are critical for the development and progression of the disease. This review aims to discuss recent findings on the roles of astrocytes in PFBC pathophysiology, with a focus on known expression and roles of PFBC genes in astrocytes. Additionally, we discuss the importance of human astrocytes for PFBC disease modeling, and astrocytes as a potential therapeutic target in PFBC. Utilization of species-specific and physiologically relevant PFBC model systems can open new avenues for basic research, drug development, and regenerative medicine.

From Serendipity to Precision: Integrating AI, Multi-Omics, and Human-Specific Models for Personalized Neuropsychiatric Care

Background/Objectives: The dual forces of structured inquiry and serendipitous discovery have long shaped neuropsychiatric research, with groundbreaking treatments such as lithium and ketamine resulting from unexpected discoveries. However, relying on chance is becoming increasingly insufficient to address the rising prevalence of mental health disorders like depression and schizophrenia, which necessitate precise, innovative approaches. Emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, induced pluripotent stem cells, and multi-omics have the potential to transform this field by allowing for predictive, patient-specific interventions. Despite these advancements, traditional methodologies such as animal models and single-variable analyses continue to be used, frequently failing to capture the complexities of human neuropsychiatric conditions. Summary: This review critically evaluates the transition from serendipity to precision-based methodologies in neuropsychiatric research. It focuses on key innovations such as dynamic systems modeling and network-based approaches that use genetic, molecular, and environmental data to identify new therapeutic targets. Furthermore, it emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and human-specific models in overcoming the limitations of traditional approaches. Conclusions: We highlight precision psychiatry's transformative potential for revolutionizing mental health care. This paradigm shift, which combines cutting-edge technologies with systematic frameworks, promises increased diagnostic accuracy, reproducibility, and efficiency, paving the way for tailored treatments and better patient outcomes in neuropsychiatric care.

Induced pluripotent stem cell-based assays recapture multiple properties of human astrocytes

The majority of the population of glial cells in the central nervous system consists of astrocytes, and impairment of astrocytes causes various disorders. It is useful to assess the multiple astrocytic properties in order to understand their complex roles in the pathophysiology. Although we can differentiate human astrocytes from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), it remains unknown how we can analyse and reveal the multiple properties of astrocytes in complexed human disease conditions. For this purpose, we tested astrocytic differentiation protocols from feeder-free iPSCs based on the previous method with some modifications. Then, we set up extra- and intracellular assessments of iPSC-derived astrocytes by testing cytokine release, calcium influx, autophagy induction and migration. The results led us to analytic methods with conditions in which iPSC-derived astrocytes behave as in vivo. Finally, we applied these methods for modelling an astrocyte-related disease, Alexander disease. An analytic system using iPSC-derived astrocytes could be used to recapture complexities in human astrocyte diseases.

The Conventional and Breakthrough Tool for the Study of L-Glutamate Transporters

In our recent report, we clarified the direct interaction between the excitatory amino acid transporter (EAAT) 1/2 and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) by applying electrophysiological and molecular biological techniques to Xenopus oocytes. Xenopus oocytes have a long history of use in the scientific field, but they are still attractive experimental systems for neuropharmacological studies. We will therefore summarize the pharmacological significance, advantages (especially in the study of EAAT2), and experimental techniques that can be applied to Xenopus oocytes; our new findings concerning L-glutamate (L-Glu) transporters and PUFAs; and the significant outcomes of our data. The data obtained from electrophysiological and molecular biological studies of Xenopus oocytes have provided us with further important questions, such as whether or not some PUFAs can modulate EAATs as allosteric modulators and to what extent docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) affects neurotransmission and thereby affects brain functions. Xenopus oocytes have great advantages in the studies about the interactions between molecules and functional proteins, especially in the case when the expression levels of the proteins are small in cell culture systems without transfections. These are also proper to study the mechanisms underlying the interactions. Based on the data collected in Xenopus oocyte experiments, we can proceed to the next step, i.e., the physiological roles of the compounds and their significances. In the case of EAAT2, the effects on the neurotransmission should be examined by electrophysiological approach using acute brain slices. For new drug development, pharmacokinetics pharmacodynamics (PKPD) data and blood brain barrier (BBB) penetration data are also necessary. In order not to miss the promising candidate compounds at the primary stages of drug development, we should reconsider using Xenopus oocytes in the early phase of drug development.

Unraveling the Neural Circuits: Techniques, Opportunities and Challenges in Epilepsy Research

Epilepsy, a prevalent neurological disorder characterized by high morbidity, frequent recurrence, and potential drug resistance, profoundly affects millions of people globally. Understanding the microscopic mechanisms underlying seizures is crucial for effective epilepsy treatment, and a thorough understanding of the intricate neural circuits underlying epilepsy is vital for the development of targeted therapies and the enhancement of clinical outcomes. This review begins with an exploration of the historical evolution of techniques used in studying neural circuits related to epilepsy. It then provides an extensive overview of diverse techniques employed in this domain, discussing their fundamental principles, strengths, limitations, as well as their application. Additionally, the synthesis of multiple techniques to unveil the complexity of neural circuits is summarized. Finally, this review also presents targeted drug therapies associated with epileptic neural circuits. By providing a critical assessment of methodologies used in the study of epileptic neural circuits, this review seeks to enhance the understanding of these techniques, stimulate innovative approaches for unraveling epilepsy's complexities, and ultimately facilitate improved treatment and clinical translation for epilepsy.

Microglia-neuron interactions in schizophrenia

Multiple lines of evidence implicate increased neuroinflammation mediated by glial cells to play a key role in neurodevelopmental disorders such as schizophrenia. Microglia, which are the primary innate immune cells of the brain, are crucial for the refinement of the synaptic circuitry during early brain development by synaptic pruning and the regulation of synaptic plasticity during adulthood. Schizophrenia risk factors as genetics or environmental influences may further be linked to increased activation of microglia, an increase of pro-inflammatory cytokine levels and activation of the inflammasome resulting in an overall elevated neuroinflammatory state in patients. Synaptic loss, one of the central pathological hallmarks of schizophrenia, is believed to be due to excess removal of synapses by activated microglia, primarily affecting glutamatergic neurons. Therefore, it is crucial to investigate microglia-neuron interactions, which has been done by multiple studies focusing on post-mortem brain tissues, brain imaging, animal models and patient iPSC-derived 2D culture systems. In this review, we summarize the major findings in patients and in vivo and in vitro models in the context of neuron-microglia interactions in schizophrenia and secondly discuss the potential of anti-inflammatory treatments for the alleviation of positive, negative, and cognitive symptoms.

Emerging Models to Study Human Microglia In vitro

New in vitro models provide an exciting opportunity to study live human microglia. Previously, a major limitation in understanding human microglia in health and disease has been their limited availability. Here, we provide an overview of methods to obtain human stem cell or blood monocyte-derived microglia-like cells that provide a nearly unlimited source of live human microglia for research. We address how understanding microglial ontogeny can help modeling microglial identity and function in a dish with increased accuracy. Moreover, we categorize stem cell-derived differentiation methods into embryoid body based, growth factor driven, and coculture-driven approaches, and review novel viral approaches to reprogram stem cells directly into microglia-like cells. Furthermore, we review typical readouts used in the field to verify microglial identity and characterize functional microglial phenotypes. We provide an overview of methods used to study microglia in environments more closely resembling the (developing) human CNS, such as cocultures and brain organoid systems with incorporated or innately developing microglia. We highlight how microglia-like cells can be utilized to reveal molecular and functional mechanisms in human disease context, focusing on Alzheimer's disease and other neurodegenerative diseases as well as neurodevelopmental diseases. Finally, we provide a critical overview of challenges and future opportunities to more accurately model human microglia in a dish and conclude that novel in vitro microglia-like cells provide an exciting potential to bring preclinical research of microglia to a new era.

The Janus face of antipsychotics in glial cells: Focus on glioprotection

Antipsychotics are commonly prescribed to treat several neuropsychiatric disorders, including schizophrenia, mania in bipolar disorder, autism spectrum disorder, delirium, and organic or secondary psychosis, for example, in dementias such as Alzheimer's disease. There is evidence that typical antipsychotics such as haloperidol are more effective in reducing positive symptoms than negative symptoms and/or cognitive deficits. In contrast, atypical antipsychotic agents have gained popularity over typical antipsychotics, due to fewer extrapyramidal side effects and their theoretical efficacy in controlling both positive and negative symptoms. Although these therapies focus on neuron-based therapeutic schemes, glial cells have been recognized as important regulators of the pathophysiology of neuropsychiatric disorders, as well as targets to improve the efficacy of these drugs. Glial cells (astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, and microglia) are critical for the central nervous system in both physiological and pathological conditions. Astrocytes are the most abundant glial cells and play important roles in brain homeostasis, regulating neurotransmitter systems and gliotransmission, since they express a wide variety of functional receptors for different neurotransmitters. In addition, converging lines of evidence indicate that psychiatric disorders are commonly associated with the triad neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and excitotoxicity, and that glial cells may contribute to the gliotoxicity process. Conversely, glioprotective molecules attenuate glial damage by generating specific responses that can protect glial cells themselves and/or neurons, resulting in improved central nervous system (CNS) functioning. In this regard, resveratrol is well-recognized as a glioprotective molecule, including in clinical studies of schizophrenia and autism. This review will provide a summary of the dual role of antipsychotics on neurochemical parameters associated with glial functions and will highlight the potential activity of glioprotective molecules to improve the action of antipsychotics.

hiPSC-Derived Cells as Models for Drug Discovery 2.0

Human-induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) serve as a sustainable resource for studying the molecular foundation of disease development, including initiation and deterioration [...]

Microglia sequelae: brain signature of innate immunity in schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is a psychiatric disorder with significant impact on individuals and society. The current pharmacologic treatment, which principally alleviates psychosis, is focused on neurotransmitters modulation, relying on drugs with severe side effects and ineffectiveness in a significant percentage of cases. Therefore, and due to difficulties inherent to diagnosis and treatment, it is vital to reassess alternative cellular and molecular drug targets. Distinct risk factors - genetic, developmental, epigenetic, and environmental - have been associated with disease onset and progression, giving rise to the proposal of different pathophysiological mechanisms and putative pharmacological targets. Immunity is involved and, particularly microglia - innate immune cells of the central nervous system, critically involved in brain development - have captured attention as cellular players. Microglia undergo marked morphologic and functional alterations in the human disease, as well as in animal models of schizophrenia, as reported in several original papers. We cluster the main findings of clinical studies by groups of patients: (1) at ultra-high risk of psychosis, (2) with a first episode of psychosis or recent-onset schizophrenia, and (3) with chronic schizophrenia; in translational studies, we highlight the time window of appearance of particular microglia alterations in the most well studied animal model in the field (maternal immune activation). The organization of clinical and translational findings based on schizophrenia-associated microglia changes in different phases of the disease course may help defining a temporal pattern of microglia changes and may drive the design of novel therapeutic strategies.

Vesicular Glutamate Release from Feeder-FreehiPSC-Derived Neurons

Human-induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) represent one of the main and powerful tools for the in vitro modeling of neurological diseases. Standard hiPSC-based protocols make use of animal-derived feeder systems to better support the neuronal differentiation process. Despite their efficiency, such protocols may not be appropriate to dissect neuronal specific properties or to avoid interspecies contaminations, hindering their future translation into clinical and drug discovery approaches. In this work, we focused on the optimization of a reproducible protocol in feeder-free conditions able to generate functional glutamatergic neurons. This protocol is based on a generation of neuroprecursor cells differentiated into human neurons with the administration in the culture medium of specific neurotrophins in a Geltrex-coated substrate. We confirmed the efficiency of this protocol through molecular analysis (upregulation of neuronal markers and neurotransmitter receptors assessed by gene expression profiling and expression of the neuronal markers at the protein level), morphological analysis, and immunfluorescence detection of pre-synaptic and post-synaptic markers at synaptic boutons. The hiPSC-derived neurons acquired Ca²⁺-dependent glutamate release properties as a hallmark of neuronal maturation. In conclusion, our study describes a new methodological approach to achieve feeder-free neuronal differentiation from hiPSC and adds a new tool for functional characterization of hiPSC-derived neurons.