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Li M, Yuan Y, Hou Z, Hao S, Jin L, Wang B. Human brain organoid: trends, evolution, and remaining challenges. Neural Regen Res 2024; 19:2387-2399. [PMID: 38526275 PMCID: PMC11090441 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.390972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2023] [Revised: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Advanced brain organoids provide promising platforms for deciphering the cellular and molecular processes of human neural development and diseases. Although various studies and reviews have described developments and advancements in brain organoids, few studies have comprehensively summarized and analyzed the global trends in this area of neuroscience. To identify and further facilitate the development of cerebral organoids, we utilized bibliometrics and visualization methods to analyze the global trends and evolution of brain organoids in the last 10 years. First, annual publications, countries/regions, organizations, journals, authors, co-citations, and keywords relating to brain organoids were identified. The hotspots in this field were also systematically identified. Subsequently, current applications for brain organoids in neuroscience, including human neural development, neural disorders, infectious diseases, regenerative medicine, drug discovery, and toxicity assessment studies, are comprehensively discussed. Towards that end, several considerations regarding the current challenges in brain organoid research and future strategies to advance neuroscience will be presented to further promote their application in neurological research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minghui Li
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
- Southwest Hospital/Southwest Eye Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Yuhan Yuan
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Zongkun Hou
- School of Biology and Engineering/School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou Province, China
| | - Shilei Hao
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Liang Jin
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Bochu Wang
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
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2
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Barolo L, Gigante Y, Mautone L, Ghirga S, Soloperto A, Giorgi A, Ghirga F, Pitea M, Incocciati A, Mura F, Ruocco G, Boffi A, Baiocco P, Di Angelantonio S. Ferritin nanocage-enabled detection of pathological tau in living human retinal cells. Sci Rep 2024; 14:11533. [PMID: 38773170 PMCID: PMC11109090 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-62188-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Tauopathies, including Alzheimer's disease and Frontotemporal Dementia, are debilitating neurodegenerative disorders marked by cognitive decline. Despite extensive research, achieving effective treatments and significant symptom management remains challenging. Accurate diagnosis is crucial for developing effective therapeutic strategies, with hyperphosphorylated protein units and tau oligomers serving as reliable biomarkers for these conditions. This study introduces a novel approach using nanotechnology to enhance the diagnostic process for tauopathies. We developed humanized ferritin nanocages, a novel nanoscale delivery system, designed to encapsulate and transport a tau-specific fluorophore, BT1, into human retinal cells for detecting neurofibrillary tangles in retinal tissue, a key marker of tauopathies. The delivery of BT1 into living cells was successfully achieved through these nanocages, demonstrating efficient encapsulation and delivery into retinal cells derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells. Our experiments confirmed the colocalization of BT1 with pathological forms of tau in living retinal cells, highlighting the method's potential in identifying tauopathies. Using ferritin nanocages for BT1 delivery represents a significant contribution to nanobiotechnology, particularly in neurodegenerative disease diagnostics. This method offers a promising tool for the early detection of tau tangles in retinal tissue, with significant implications for improving the diagnosis and management of tauopathies. This study exemplifies the integration of nanotechnology with biomedical science, expanding the frontiers of nanomedicine and diagnostic techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenzo Barolo
- Department of Biochemical Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Ylenia Gigante
- Center for Life Nano- and Neuro-Science, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 00161, Rome, Italy
- D-Tails Srl BC, 00165, Rome, Italy
| | - Lorenza Mautone
- Center for Life Nano- and Neuro-Science, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 00161, Rome, Italy
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia Ghirga
- Center for Life Nano- and Neuro-Science, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 00161, Rome, Italy
- D-Tails Srl BC, 00165, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandro Soloperto
- Center for Life Nano- and Neuro-Science, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandra Giorgi
- Department of Biochemical Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Ghirga
- Department of Chemistry and Technology of Drugs, Sapienza-University of Rome, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Martina Pitea
- Center for Life Nano- and Neuro-Science, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 00161, Rome, Italy
- D-Tails Srl BC, 00165, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessio Incocciati
- Department of Biochemical Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Mura
- Research Center on Nanotechnologies Applied to Engineering of Sapienza (CNIS), Sapienza University of Rome, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Giancarlo Ruocco
- Center for Life Nano- and Neuro-Science, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 00161, Rome, Italy
- Department of Physics, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Alberto Boffi
- Department of Biochemical Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185, Rome, Italy
- Center for Life Nano- and Neuro-Science, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 00161, Rome, Italy
- D-Tails Srl BC, 00165, Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Baiocco
- Department of Biochemical Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185, Rome, Italy.
- Center for Life Nano- and Neuro-Science, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 00161, Rome, Italy.
| | - Silvia Di Angelantonio
- Center for Life Nano- and Neuro-Science, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 00161, Rome, Italy.
- D-Tails Srl BC, 00165, Rome, Italy.
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185, Rome, Italy.
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Hossain MK, Kim HR, Chae HJ. Aging phenotype in AD brain organoids: Track to success and challenges. Ageing Res Rev 2024; 96:102256. [PMID: 38460555 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2024.102256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2023] [Revised: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/11/2024]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) poses a complex challenge, with abnormal protein accumulation in the brain causing memory loss and cognitive decline. Traditional models fall short in AD research, prompting interest in 3D brain organoids (BOs) from human stem cells. These findings hold promise for unveiling the mechanisms of AD, especially in relation to aging. However, an understanding of the aging impact of AD remains elusive. BOs offer insight but face challenges. This review delves into the role of BOs in deciphering aging-related AD and acknowledges limitations. Strategies to enhance BOs for accurate aging modeling in AD brains are suggested. Strengthened by molecular advancements, BOs have the potential to uncover the aging phenotype, advancing AD research.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hyung-Ryong Kim
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Dentistry, Jeonbuk National University, Jeonju 54896, Republic of Korea.
| | - Han Jung Chae
- School of Pharmacy, Jeonbuk National University, Jeonju 54896, Republic of Korea.
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Ferrucci L, Cantando I, Cordella F, Di Angelantonio S, Ragozzino D, Bezzi P. Microglia at the Tripartite Synapse during Postnatal Development: Implications for Autism Spectrum Disorders and Schizophrenia. Cells 2023; 12:2827. [PMID: 38132147 PMCID: PMC10742295 DOI: 10.3390/cells12242827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2023] [Revised: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Synapses are the fundamental structures of neural circuits that control brain functions and behavioral and cognitive processes. Synapses undergo formation, maturation, and elimination mainly during postnatal development via a complex interplay with neighboring astrocytes and microglia that, by shaping neural connectivity, may have a crucial role in the strengthening and weakening of synaptic functions, that is, the functional plasticity of synapses. Indeed, an increasing number of studies have unveiled the roles of microglia and astrocytes in synapse formation, maturation, and elimination as well as in regulating synaptic function. Over the past 15 years, the mechanisms underlying the microglia- and astrocytes-dependent regulation of synaptic plasticity have been thoroughly studied, and researchers have reported that the disruption of these glial cells in early postnatal development may underlie the cause of synaptic dysfunction that leads to neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Ferrucci
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Rome Sapienza, 00185 Rome, Italy; (L.F.); (F.C.); (S.D.A.); (D.R.)
| | - Iva Cantando
- Department of Fundamental Neurosciences, University of Lausanne, 1005 Lausanne, Switzerland;
| | - Federica Cordella
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Rome Sapienza, 00185 Rome, Italy; (L.F.); (F.C.); (S.D.A.); (D.R.)
- Center for Life Nano- & Neuro-Science, IIT, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia Di Angelantonio
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Rome Sapienza, 00185 Rome, Italy; (L.F.); (F.C.); (S.D.A.); (D.R.)
- Center for Life Nano- & Neuro-Science, IIT, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Davide Ragozzino
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Rome Sapienza, 00185 Rome, Italy; (L.F.); (F.C.); (S.D.A.); (D.R.)
- IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, 00179 Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Bezzi
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Rome Sapienza, 00185 Rome, Italy; (L.F.); (F.C.); (S.D.A.); (D.R.)
- Department of Fundamental Neurosciences, University of Lausanne, 1005 Lausanne, Switzerland;
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Cordella F, Ferrucci L, D’Antoni C, Ghirga S, Brighi C, Soloperto A, Gigante Y, Ragozzino D, Bezzi P, Di Angelantonio S. Human iPSC-Derived Cortical Neurons Display Homeostatic Plasticity. LIFE (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 12:life12111884. [PMID: 36431019 PMCID: PMC9696876 DOI: 10.3390/life12111884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Revised: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Maintaining the excitability of neurons and circuits is fundamental for healthy brain functions. The global compensatory increase in excitatory synaptic strength, in response to decreased activity, is one of the main homeostatic mechanisms responsible for such regulation. This type of plasticity has been extensively characterized in rodents in vivo and in vitro, but few data exist on human neurons maturation. We have generated an in vitro cortical model system, based on differentiated human-induced pluripotent stem cells, chronically treated with tetrodotoxin, to investigate homeostatic plasticity at different developmental stages. Our findings highlight the presence of homeostatic plasticity in human cortical networks and show that the changes in synaptic strength are due to both pre- and post-synaptic mechanisms. Pre-synaptic plasticity involves the potentiation of neurotransmitter release machinery, associated to an increase in synaptic vesicle proteins expression. At the post-synaptic level, we report an increase in the expression of post-synaptic density proteins, involved in glutamatergic receptor anchoring. These results extend our understanding of neuronal homeostasis and reveal the developmental regulation of its expression in human cortical networks. Since induced pluripotent stem cell-derived neurons can be obtained from patients with neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative diseases, our platform offers a versatile model for assessing human neural plasticity under physiological and pathological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Cordella
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
- Center for Life Nano- & Neuro-Science of Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Ferrucci
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Chiara D’Antoni
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
- Center for Life Nano- & Neuro-Science of Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia Ghirga
- Center for Life Nano- & Neuro-Science of Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Carlo Brighi
- Center for Life Nano- & Neuro-Science of Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), 00161 Rome, Italy
- CrestOptics S.p.A., Via di Torre Rossa 66, 00165 Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandro Soloperto
- Center for Life Nano- & Neuro-Science of Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Ylenia Gigante
- Center for Life Nano- & Neuro-Science of Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), 00161 Rome, Italy
- D-Tails s.r.l., Via di Torre Rossa 66, 00165 Rome, Italy
| | - Davide Ragozzino
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
- Santa Lucia Foundation, European Center for Brain Research, 00143 Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Bezzi
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
- Department of Fundamental Neurosciences, University of Lausanne, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
- Correspondence: or (P.B.); or (S.D.A.)
| | - Silvia Di Angelantonio
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
- Center for Life Nano- & Neuro-Science of Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), 00161 Rome, Italy
- D-Tails s.r.l., Via di Torre Rossa 66, 00165 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence: or (P.B.); or (S.D.A.)
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Soloperto A, Quaglio D, Baiocco P, Romeo I, Mori M, Ardini M, Presutti C, Sannino I, Ghirga S, Iazzetti A, Ippoliti R, Ruocco G, Botta B, Ghirga F, Di Angelantonio S, Boffi A. Rational design and synthesis of a novel BODIPY-based probe for selective imaging of tau tangles in human iPSC-derived cortical neurons. Sci Rep 2022; 12:5257. [PMID: 35347170 PMCID: PMC8960764 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-09016-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Numerous studies have shown a strong correlation between the number of neurofibrillary tangles of the tau protein and Alzheimer's disease progression, making the quantitative detection of tau very promising from a clinical point of view. However, the lack of highly reliable fluorescent probes for selective imaging of tau neurofibrillary tangles is a major challenge due to sharing similar β–sheet motifs with homologous Amyloid-β fibrils. In the current work, we describe the rational design and the in silico evaluation of a small-size focused library of fluorescent probes, consisting of a BODIPY core (electron acceptor) featuring highly conjugated systems (electron donor) with a length in the range 13–19 Å at C3. Among the most promising probes in terms of binding mode, theoretical affinity and polarity, BT1 has been synthesized and tested in vitro onto human induced pluripotent stem cells derived neuronal cell cultures. The probe showed excellent photophysical properties and high selectivity allowing in vitro imaging of hyperphosphorylated tau protein filaments with minimal background noise. Our findings offer new insight into the structure-activity relationship of this class of tau selective fluorophores, paving the way for boosting tau tangle detection in patients possibly through retinal spectral scans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Soloperto
- Center for Life Nano- & Neuro-Science, Istituto Italiano Di Tecnologia, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Deborah Quaglio
- Department of Chemistry and Technology of Drugs, Department of Excellence 2018-2022, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Baiocco
- Center for Life Nano- & Neuro-Science, Istituto Italiano Di Tecnologia, 00161, Rome, Italy.,Department of Biochemical Sciences "A. Rossi Fanelli", Sapienza University of Rome, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Isabella Romeo
- Center for Life Nano- & Neuro-Science, Istituto Italiano Di Tecnologia, 00161, Rome, Italy.,Department of Chemistry and Technology of Drugs, Department of Excellence 2018-2022, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Mattia Mori
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, Department of Excellence 2018-2022, University of Siena, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Matteo Ardini
- Department of Life, Health, and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, 67100, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Caterina Presutti
- Center for Life Nano- & Neuro-Science, Istituto Italiano Di Tecnologia, 00161, Rome, Italy.,Department of Biochemical Sciences "A. Rossi Fanelli", Sapienza University of Rome, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Ida Sannino
- Center for Life Nano- & Neuro-Science, Istituto Italiano Di Tecnologia, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia Ghirga
- Center for Life Nano- & Neuro-Science, Istituto Italiano Di Tecnologia, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonia Iazzetti
- Department of Basic Biotechnological Sciences, Intensivological and Perioperative Clinics, Catholic University of Sacred Heart, 00168, Rome, Italy
| | - Rodolfo Ippoliti
- Department of Life, Health, and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, 67100, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Giancarlo Ruocco
- Center for Life Nano- & Neuro-Science, Istituto Italiano Di Tecnologia, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Bruno Botta
- Department of Chemistry and Technology of Drugs, Department of Excellence 2018-2022, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Ghirga
- Department of Chemistry and Technology of Drugs, Department of Excellence 2018-2022, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185, Rome, Italy.
| | - Silvia Di Angelantonio
- Center for Life Nano- & Neuro-Science, Istituto Italiano Di Tecnologia, 00161, Rome, Italy. .,Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185, Rome, Italy.
| | - Alberto Boffi
- Center for Life Nano- & Neuro-Science, Istituto Italiano Di Tecnologia, 00161, Rome, Italy.,Department of Biochemical Sciences "A. Rossi Fanelli", Sapienza University of Rome, 00185, Rome, Italy
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