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Yin Z, Kang J, Cheng X, Gao H, Huo S, Xu H. Investigating Müller glia reprogramming in mice: a retrospective of the last decade, and a look to the future. Neural Regen Res 2025; 20:946-959. [PMID: 38989930 DOI: 10.4103/nrr.nrr-d-23-01612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Müller glia, as prominent glial cells within the retina, plays a significant role in maintaining retinal homeostasis in both healthy and diseased states. In lower vertebrates like zebrafish, these cells assume responsibility for spontaneous retinal regeneration, wherein endogenous Müller glia undergo proliferation, transform into Müller glia-derived progenitor cells, and subsequently regenerate the entire retina with restored functionality. Conversely, Müller glia in the mouse and human retina exhibit limited neural reprogramming. Müller glia reprogramming is thus a promising strategy for treating neurodegenerative ocular disorders. Müller glia reprogramming in mice has been accomplished with remarkable success, through various technologies. Advancements in molecular, genetic, epigenetic, morphological, and physiological evaluations have made it easier to document and investigate the Müller glia programming process in mice. Nevertheless, there remain issues that hinder improving reprogramming efficiency and maturity. Thus, understanding the reprogramming mechanism is crucial toward exploring factors that will improve Müller glia reprogramming efficiency, and for developing novel Müller glia reprogramming strategies. This review describes recent progress in relatively successful Müller glia reprogramming strategies. It also provides a basis for developing new Müller glia reprogramming strategies in mice, including epigenetic remodeling, metabolic modulation, immune regulation, chemical small-molecules regulation, extracellular matrix remodeling, and cell-cell fusion, to achieve Müller glia reprogramming in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiyuan Yin
- Key Lab of Visual Damage and Regeneration & Restoration of Chongqing, Southwest Eye Hospital, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
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2
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Zhan Y, Lou H, Shou R, Li A, Shang J, Jin Y, Li L, Zhu L, Lu X, Fan X. Maternal exposure to E 551 during pregnancy leads to genome-wide DNA methylation changes and metabolic disorders in the livers of pregnant mice and their fetuses. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 465:133233. [PMID: 38118196 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.133233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2023] [Revised: 12/09/2023] [Accepted: 12/10/2023] [Indexed: 12/22/2023]
Abstract
The widespread use of nanoparticles in the food industry has raised concerns regarding their potential adverse effects on human health, particularly in vulnerable populations, including pregnant mothers and fetuses. However, studies evaluating the reproductive and developmental toxicity of food-grade nanomaterials are limited. This study investigated the potential risks of prenatal dietary exposure to food-grade silica nanoparticles (E 551) on maternal health and fetal growth using conventional toxicological and epigenetic methods. The results showed that prenatal exposure to a high-dose of E 551 induces fetal resorption. Moreover, E 551 significantly accumulates in maternal and fetal livers, triggering a hepatic inflammatory response. At the epigenetic level, global DNA methylation is markedly altered in the maternal and fetal livers. Genome-wide DNA methylation sequencing revealed affected mCG, mCHG, and mCHH methylation landscapes. Subsequent bioinformatic analysis of the differentially methylated genes suggests that E 551 poses a risk of inducing metabolic disorders in maternal and fetal livers. This is further evidenced by impaired glucose tolerance in pregnant mice and altered expression of key metabolism-related genes and proteins in maternal and fetal livers. Collectively, the results of this study highlighted the importance of epigenetics in characterizing the potential toxicity of maternal exposure to food-grade nanomaterials during pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingqi Zhan
- Pharmaceutical Informatics Institute, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - He Lou
- Pharmaceutical Informatics Institute, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Rongshang Shou
- Pharmaceutical Informatics Institute, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Anyao Li
- Pharmaceutical Informatics Institute, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Jiaxin Shang
- Pharmaceutical Informatics Institute, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Yanyan Jin
- Pharmaceutical Informatics Institute, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Lu Li
- Pharmaceutical Informatics Institute, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; National Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Modernization, Innovation Center of Yangtze River Delta, Zhejiang University, Jiaxing 314102, China
| | - Lidan Zhu
- Pharmaceutical Informatics Institute, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Xiaoyan Lu
- Pharmaceutical Informatics Institute, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Hangzhou 310058, China; Jinhua Institute of Zhejiang University, Jinhua, Zhejiang 321016, China.
| | - Xiaohui Fan
- Pharmaceutical Informatics Institute, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; National Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Modernization, Innovation Center of Yangtze River Delta, Zhejiang University, Jiaxing 314102, China; Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Hangzhou 310058, China; Jinhua Institute of Zhejiang University, Jinhua, Zhejiang 321016, China.
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3
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Bellon A. Comparing stem cells, transdifferentiation and brain organoids as tools for psychiatric research. Transl Psychiatry 2024; 14:127. [PMID: 38418498 PMCID: PMC10901833 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-024-02780-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/01/2024] Open
Abstract
The inaccessibility of neurons coming directly from patients has hindered our understanding of mental illnesses at the cellular level. To overcome this obstacle, six different cellular approaches that carry the genetic vulnerability to psychiatric disorders are currently available: Olfactory Neuroepithelial Cells, Mesenchymal Stem Cells, Pluripotent Monocytes, Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells, Induced Neuronal cells and more recently Brain Organoids. Here we contrast advantages and disadvantages of each of these six cell-based methodologies. Neuronal-like cells derived from pluripotent monocytes are presented in more detail as this technique was recently used in psychiatry for the first time. Among the parameters used for comparison are; accessibility, need for reprograming, time to deliver differentiated cells, differentiation efficiency, reproducibility of results and cost. We provide a timeline on the discovery of these cell-based methodologies, but, our main goal is to assist researchers selecting which cellular approach is best suited for any given project. This manuscript also aims to help readers better interpret results from the published literature. With this goal in mind, we end our work with a discussion about the differences and similarities between cell-based techniques and postmortem research, the only currently available tools that allow the study of mental illness in neurons or neuronal-like cells coming directly from patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alfredo Bellon
- Penn State Hershey Medical Center, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, Hershey, PA, USA.
- Penn State Hershey Medical Center, Department of Pharmacology, Hershey, PA, USA.
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4
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Horisawa K, Miura S, Araki H, Miura F, Ito T, Suzuki A. Transcription factor-mediated direct cellular reprogramming yields cell-type specific DNA methylation signature. Sci Rep 2023; 13:22317. [PMID: 38102164 PMCID: PMC10724236 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-49546-8] [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: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Direct reprogramming, inducing the conversion of one type of somatic cell into another by the forced expression of defined transcription factors, is a technology with anticipated medical applications. However, due to the many unresolved aspects of the induction mechanisms, it is essential to thoroughly analyze the epigenomic state of the generated cells. Here, we performed comparative genome-wide DNA methylation analyses of mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) and cells composing organoids formed by intestinal stem cells (ISCs) or induced ISCs (iISCs) that were directly induced from MEFs. We found that the CpG methylation state was similar between cells forming ISC organoids and iISC organoids, while they differed widely from those in MEFs. Moreover, genomic regions that were differentially methylated between ISC organoid- and iISC organoid-forming cells did not significantly affect gene expression. These results demonstrate the accuracy and safety of iISC induction, leading to the medical applications of this technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenichi Horisawa
- Division of Organogenesis and Regeneration, Medical Institute of Bioregulation, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan
| | - Shizuka Miura
- Division of Organogenesis and Regeneration, Medical Institute of Bioregulation, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan
| | - Hiromitsu Araki
- Insect Science and Creative Entomology Center, Kyushu University Graduate School of Agriculture, Fukuoka, 819-0395, Japan
| | - Fumihito Miura
- Department of Biochemistry, Kyushu University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan
| | - Takashi Ito
- Department of Biochemistry, Kyushu University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan
| | - Atsushi Suzuki
- Division of Organogenesis and Regeneration, Medical Institute of Bioregulation, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan.
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5
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Hirano M, Yamada Y. Reprogramming of pancreatic islet cells for regeneration and rejuvenation. Curr Opin Genet Dev 2023; 82:102099. [PMID: 37611379 DOI: 10.1016/j.gde.2023.102099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Revised: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023]
Abstract
The pancreatic β cell, which produces insulin, is a terminally differentiated cell type that divides rarely. Consequently, the regenerative ability of β cells is limited and irreversible diabetes occurs after severe loss of β-cell function. In view of such poor regenerative capacity, considerable research efforts have been made to promote the expansion of functional insulin-producing cells as a regenerative therapy for diabetes. Here, we discuss recent findings regarding the robust expansion of functional mature islet cells both in vivo and ex vivo through MYCL-mediated reprogramming. We also describe the potential prospects for the application of reprogramming technologies to regenerative therapy and rejuvenation of islet cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michitada Hirano
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
| | - Yasuhiro Yamada
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan.
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Traxler L, Lucciola R, Herdy JR, Jones JR, Mertens J, Gage FH. Neural cell state shifts and fate loss in ageing and age-related diseases. Nat Rev Neurol 2023; 19:434-443. [PMID: 37268723 PMCID: PMC10478103 DOI: 10.1038/s41582-023-00815-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Most age-related neurodegenerative diseases remain incurable owing to an incomplete understanding of the disease mechanisms. Several environmental and genetic factors contribute to disease onset, with human biological ageing being the primary risk factor. In response to acute cellular damage and external stimuli, somatic cells undergo state shifts characterized by temporal changes in their structure and function that increase their resilience, repair cellular damage, and lead to their mobilization to counteract the pathology. This basic cell biological principle also applies to human brain cells, including mature neurons that upregulate developmental features such as cell cycle markers or glycolytic reprogramming in response to stress. Although such temporary state shifts are required to sustain the function and resilience of the young human brain, excessive state shifts in the aged brain might result in terminal fate loss of neurons and glia, characterized by a permanent change in cell identity. Here, we offer a new perspective on the roles of cell states in sustaining health and counteracting disease, and we examine how cellular ageing might set the stage for pathological fate loss and neurodegeneration. A better understanding of neuronal state and fate shifts might provide the means for a controlled manipulation of cell fate to promote brain resilience and repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Larissa Traxler
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Raffaella Lucciola
- Laboratory of Genetics, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Joseph R Herdy
- Laboratory of Genetics, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Jeffrey R Jones
- Laboratory of Genetics, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Jerome Mertens
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.
- Laboratory of Genetics, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, USA.
| | - Fred H Gage
- Laboratory of Genetics, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, USA.
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7
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Martin S, Poppe D, Olova N, O'Leary C, Ivanova E, Pflueger J, Dechka J, Simmons RK, Cooper HM, Reik W, Lister R, Wolvetang EJ. Embryonic Stem Cell-Derived Neurons as a Model System for Epigenome Maturation during Development. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:genes14050957. [PMID: 37239317 DOI: 10.3390/genes14050957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Revised: 04/16/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
DNA methylation in neurons is directly linked to neuronal genome regulation and maturation. Unlike other tissues, vertebrate neurons accumulate high levels of atypical DNA methylation in the CH sequence context (mCH) during early postnatal brain development. Here, we investigate to what extent neurons derived in vitro from both mouse and human pluripotent stem cells recapitulate in vivo DNA methylation patterns. While human ESC-derived neurons did not accumulate mCH in either 2D culture or 3D organoid models even after prolonged culture, cortical neurons derived from mouse ESCs acquired in vivo levels of mCH over a similar time period in both primary neuron cultures and in vivo development. mESC-derived neuron mCH deposition was coincident with a transient increase in Dnmt3a, preceded by the postmitotic marker Rbfox3 (NeuN), was enriched at the nuclear lamina, and negatively correlated with gene expression. We further found that methylation patterning subtly differed between in vitro mES-derived and in vivo neurons, suggesting the involvement of additional noncell autonomous processes. Our findings show that mouse ESC-derived neurons, in contrast to those of humans, can recapitulate the unique DNA methylation landscape of adult neurons in vitro over experimentally tractable timeframes, which allows their use as a model system to study epigenome maturation over development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sally Martin
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Daniel Poppe
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence in Plant Energy Biology, School of Molecular Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
- Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Nelly Olova
- Epigenetics ISP, The Babraham Institute, Cambridge CB22 3AT, UK
| | - Conor O'Leary
- Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Elena Ivanova
- Epigenetics ISP, The Babraham Institute, Cambridge CB22 3AT, UK
| | - Jahnvi Pflueger
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence in Plant Energy Biology, School of Molecular Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
- Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Jennifer Dechka
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Rebecca K Simmons
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence in Plant Energy Biology, School of Molecular Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
- Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Helen M Cooper
- Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Wolf Reik
- Epigenetics ISP, The Babraham Institute, Cambridge CB22 3AT, UK
- The Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Hinxton CB10 1SA, UK
| | - Ryan Lister
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence in Plant Energy Biology, School of Molecular Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
- Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Ernst J Wolvetang
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
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Chen J, Huang L, Yang Y, Xu W, Qin Q, Qin R, Liang X, Lai X, Huang X, Xie M, Chen L. Somatic Cell Reprogramming for Nervous System Diseases: Techniques, Mechanisms, Potential Applications, and Challenges. Brain Sci 2023; 13:brainsci13030524. [PMID: 36979334 PMCID: PMC10046178 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13030524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Nervous system diseases present significant challenges to the neuroscience community due to ethical and practical constraints that limit access to appropriate research materials. Somatic cell reprogramming has been proposed as a novel way to obtain neurons. Various emerging techniques have been used to reprogram mature and differentiated cells into neurons. This review provides an overview of somatic cell reprogramming for neurological research and therapy, focusing on neural reprogramming and generating different neural cell types. We examine the mechanisms involved in reprogramming and the challenges that arise. We herein summarize cell reprogramming strategies to generate neurons, including transcription factors, small molecules, and microRNAs, with a focus on different types of cells.. While reprogramming somatic cells into neurons holds the potential for understanding neurological diseases and developing therapeutic applications, its limitations and risks must be carefully considered. Here, we highlight the potential benefits of somatic cell reprogramming for neurological disease research and therapy. This review contributes to the field by providing a comprehensive overview of the various techniques used to generate neurons by cellular reprogramming and discussing their potential applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiafeng Chen
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China
| | - Lijuan Huang
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China
| | - Yue Yang
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China
| | - Wei Xu
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China
| | - Qingchun Qin
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China
| | - Rongxing Qin
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China
| | - Xiaojun Liang
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China
| | - Xinyu Lai
- Key Laboratory of Longevity and Aging-Related Diseases of Chinese Ministry of Education, Nanning 530021, China
| | - Xiaoying Huang
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China
| | - Minshan Xie
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China
| | - Li Chen
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China
- Key Laboratory of Longevity and Aging-Related Diseases of Chinese Ministry of Education, Nanning 530021, China
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9
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Direct Cell Reprogramming and Phenotypic Conversion: An Analysis of Experimental Attempts to Transform Astrocytes into Neurons in Adult Animals. Cells 2023; 12:cells12040618. [PMID: 36831283 PMCID: PMC9954435 DOI: 10.3390/cells12040618] [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: 11/29/2022] [Revised: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Central nervous system (CNS) repair after injury or disease remains an unresolved problem in neurobiology research and an unmet medical need. Directly reprogramming or converting astrocytes to neurons (AtN) in adult animals has been investigated as a potential strategy to facilitate brain and spinal cord recovery and advance fundamental biology. Conceptually, AtN strategies rely on forced expression or repression of lineage-specific transcription factors to make endogenous astrocytes become "induced neurons" (iNs), presumably without re-entering any pluripotent or multipotent states. The AtN-derived cells have been reported to manifest certain neuronal functions in vivo. However, this approach has raised many new questions and alternative explanations regarding the biological features of the end products (e.g., iNs versus neuron-like cells, neural functional changes, etc.), developmental biology underpinnings, and neurobiological essentials. For this paper per se, we proposed to draw an unconventional distinction between direct cell conversion and direct cell reprogramming, relative to somatic nuclear transfer, based on the experimental methods utilized to initiate the transformation process, aiming to promote a more in-depth mechanistic exploration. Moreover, we have summarized the current tactics employed for AtN induction, comparisons between the bench endeavors concerning outcome tangibility, and discussion of the issues of published AtN protocols. Lastly, the urgency to clearly define/devise the theoretical frameworks, cell biological bases, and bench specifics to experimentally validate primary data of AtN studies was highlighted.
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10
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Tan DS, Cheung SL, Gao Y, Weinbuch M, Hu H, Shi L, Ti SC, Hutchins AP, Cojocaru V, Jauch R. The homeodomain of Oct4 is a dimeric binder of methylated CpG elements. Nucleic Acids Res 2023; 51:1120-1138. [PMID: 36631980 PMCID: PMC9943670 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkac1262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Revised: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Oct4 is essential to maintain pluripotency and has a pivotal role in establishing the germline. Its DNA-binding POU domain was recently found to bind motifs with methylated CpG elements normally associated with epigenetic silencing. However, the mode of binding and the consequences of this capability has remained unclear. Here, we show that Oct4 binds to a compact palindromic DNA element with a methylated CpG core (CpGpal) in alternative states of pluripotency and during cellular reprogramming towards induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). During cellular reprogramming, typical Oct4 bound enhancers are uniformly demethylated, with the prominent exception of the CpGpal sites where DNA methylation is often maintained. We demonstrate that Oct4 cooperatively binds the CpGpal element as a homodimer, which contrasts with the ectoderm-expressed POU factor Brn2. Indeed, binding to CpGpal is Oct4-specific as other POU factors expressed in somatic cells avoid this element. Binding assays combined with structural analyses and molecular dynamic simulations show that dimeric Oct4-binding to CpGpal is driven by the POU-homeodomain whilst the POU-specific domain is detached from DNA. Collectively, we report that Oct4 exerts parts of its regulatory function in the context of methylated DNA through a DNA recognition mechanism that solely relies on its homeodomain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daisylyn Senna Tan
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Shun Lai Cheung
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Ya Gao
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Maike Weinbuch
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China,Institute for Molecular Medicine, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Haoqing Hu
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Liyang Shi
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Gene Regulation and Systems Biology, Department of Biology, School of Life Sciences, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Shih-Chieh Ti
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Andrew P Hutchins
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Gene Regulation and Systems Biology, Department of Biology, School of Life Sciences, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Vlad Cojocaru
- STAR-UBB Institute, Babeş-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, Romania,Computational Structural Biology Group, Utrecht University, The Netherlands,Max Planck Institute for Molecular Biomedicine, Münster, Germany
| | - Ralf Jauch
- To whom correspondence should be addressed. Tel: +852 3917 9511; Fax: +852 28559730;
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11
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Aversano S, Caiazza C, Caiazzo M. Induced pluripotent stem cell-derived and directly reprogrammed neurons to study neurodegenerative diseases: The impact of aging signatures. Front Aging Neurosci 2022; 14:1069482. [PMID: 36620769 PMCID: PMC9810544 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2022.1069482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Many diseases of the central nervous system are age-associated and do not directly result from genetic mutations. These include late-onset neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs), which represent a challenge for biomedical research and drug development due to the impossibility to access to viable human brain specimens. Advancements in reprogramming technologies have allowed to obtain neurons from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) or directly from somatic cells (iNs), leading to the generation of better models to understand the molecular mechanisms and design of new drugs. Nevertheless, iPSC technology faces some limitations due to reprogramming-associated cellular rejuvenation which resets the aging hallmarks of donor cells. Given the prominent role of aging for the development and manifestation of late-onset NDDs, this suggests that this approach is not the most suitable to accurately model age-related diseases. Direct neuronal reprogramming, by which a neuron is formed via direct conversion from a somatic cell without going through a pluripotent intermediate stage, allows the possibility to generate patient-derived neurons that maintain aging and epigenetic signatures of the donor. This aspect may be advantageous for investigating the role of aging in neurodegeneration and for finely dissecting underlying pathological mechanisms. Here, we will compare iPSC and iN models as regards the aging status and explore how this difference is reported to affect the phenotype of NDD in vitro models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Aversano
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Carmen Caiazza
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Massimiliano Caiazzo
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy,Department of Pharmaceutics, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences (UIPS), Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands,*Correspondence: Massimiliano Caiazzo,
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12
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Sierra-Pagan JE, Garry DJ. The regulatory role of pioneer factors during cardiovascular lineage specification – A mini review. Front Cardiovasc Med 2022; 9:972591. [PMID: 36082116 PMCID: PMC9445115 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2022.972591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the number one cause of death worldwide. Ischemic heart disease contributes to heart failure and has considerable morbidity and mortality. Therefore, alternative therapeutic strategies are urgently needed. One class of epigenetic regulators known as pioneer factors has emerged as an important tool for the development of regenerative therapies for the treatment of CVD. Pioneer factors bind closed chromatin and remodel it to drive lineage specification. Here, we review pioneer factors within the cardiovascular lineage, particularly during development and reprogramming and highlight the implications this field of research has for the future development of cardiac specific regenerative therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier E. Sierra-Pagan
- Cardiovascular Division, Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - Daniel J. Garry
- Cardiovascular Division, Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
- Stem Cell Institute, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
- Paul and Sheila Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
- *Correspondence: Daniel J. Garry
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13
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Identification of microRNAs related with neural germ layer lineage-specific progenitors during reprogramming. J Mol Histol 2022; 53:623-634. [DOI: 10.1007/s10735-022-10082-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2021] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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14
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Barbé L, Finkbeiner S. Genetic and Epigenetic Interplay Define Disease Onset and Severity in Repeat Diseases. Front Aging Neurosci 2022; 14:750629. [PMID: 35592702 PMCID: PMC9110800 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2022.750629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Repeat diseases, such as fragile X syndrome, myotonic dystrophy, Friedreich ataxia, Huntington disease, spinocerebellar ataxias, and some forms of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, are caused by repetitive DNA sequences that are expanded in affected individuals. The age at which an individual begins to experience symptoms, and the severity of disease, are partially determined by the size of the repeat. However, the epigenetic state of the area in and around the repeat also plays an important role in determining the age of disease onset and the rate of disease progression. Many repeat diseases share a common epigenetic pattern of increased methylation at CpG islands near the repeat region. CpG islands are CG-rich sequences that are tightly regulated by methylation and are often found at gene enhancer or insulator elements in the genome. Methylation of CpG islands can inhibit binding of the transcriptional regulator CTCF, resulting in a closed chromatin state and gene down regulation. The downregulation of these genes leads to some disease-specific symptoms. Additionally, a genetic and epigenetic interplay is suggested by an effect of methylation on repeat instability, a hallmark of large repeat expansions that leads to increasing disease severity in successive generations. In this review, we will discuss the common epigenetic patterns shared across repeat diseases, how the genetics and epigenetics interact, and how this could be involved in disease manifestation. We also discuss the currently available stem cell and mouse models, which frequently do not recapitulate epigenetic patterns observed in human disease, and propose alternative strategies to study the role of epigenetics in repeat diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lise Barbé
- Center for Systems and Therapeutics, Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, CA, United States
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
- Department of Physiology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Steve Finkbeiner
- Center for Systems and Therapeutics, Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, CA, United States
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
- Department of Physiology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
- *Correspondence: Steve Finkbeiner,
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15
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Balsalobre A, Drouin J. Pioneer factors as master regulators of the epigenome and cell fate. Nat Rev Mol Cell Biol 2022; 23:449-464. [PMID: 35264768 DOI: 10.1038/s41580-022-00464-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 44.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Pioneer factors are transcription factors with the unique ability to initiate opening of closed chromatin. The stability of cell identity relies on robust mechanisms that maintain the epigenome and chromatin accessibility to transcription factors. Pioneer factors counter these mechanisms to implement new cell fates through binding of DNA target sites in closed chromatin and introduction of active-chromatin histone modifications, primarily at enhancers. As master regulators of enhancer activation, pioneers are thus crucial for the implementation of correct cell fate decisions in development, and as such, they hold tremendous potential for therapy through cellular reprogramming. The power of pioneer factors to reshape the epigenome also presents an Achilles heel, as their misexpression has major pathological consequences, such as in cancer. In this Review, we discuss the emerging mechanisms of pioneer factor functions and their roles in cell fate specification, cellular reprogramming and cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aurelio Balsalobre
- Laboratoire de génétique moléculaire, Institut de recherches cliniques de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Jacques Drouin
- Laboratoire de génétique moléculaire, Institut de recherches cliniques de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada.
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16
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Whole Genome DNA Methylation Profiling of D2 Medium Spiny Neurons in Mouse Nucleus Accumbens Using Two Independent Library Preparation Methods. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:genes13020306. [PMID: 35205351 PMCID: PMC8872013 DOI: 10.3390/genes13020306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2021] [Revised: 02/01/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
DNA methylation plays essential roles in various cellular processes. Next-generation sequencing has enabled us to study the functional implication of DNA methylation across the whole genome. However, this approach usually requires a substantial amount of genomic DNA, which limits its application to defined cell types within a discrete brain region. Here, we applied two separate protocols, Accel-NGS Methyl-Seq (AM-seq) and Enzymatic Methyl-seq (EM-seq), to profile the methylome of D2 dopamine receptor-expressing medium spiny neurons (D2-MSNs) in mouse nucleus accumbens (NAc). Using 40 ng DNA extracted from FACS-isolated D2-MSNs, we found that both methods yielded comparably high-quality methylome data. Additionally, we identified numerous unmethylated regions (UMRs) as cell type-specific regulatory regions. By comparing the NAc D2-MSN methylome with the published methylomes of mouse prefrontal cortex excitatory neurons and neural progenitor cells (NPCs), we identified numerous differentially methylated CpG and non-CpG regions. Our study not only presents a comparison of these two low-input DNA whole genome methylation profiling protocols, but also provides a resource of DNA methylome of mouse accumbal D2-MSNs, a neuron type that has critical roles in addiction and other neuropsychiatric disorders.
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17
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Barak M, Fedorova V, Pospisilova V, Raska J, Vochyanova S, Sedmik J, Hribkova H, Klimova H, Vanova T, Bohaciakova D. Human iPSC-Derived Neural Models for Studying Alzheimer's Disease: from Neural Stem Cells to Cerebral Organoids. Stem Cell Rev Rep 2022; 18:792-820. [PMID: 35107767 PMCID: PMC8930932 DOI: 10.1007/s12015-021-10254-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
During the past two decades, induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) have been widely used to study mechanisms of human neural development, disease modeling, and drug discovery in vitro. Especially in the field of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), where this treatment is lacking, tremendous effort has been put into the investigation of molecular mechanisms behind this disease using induced pluripotent stem cell-based models. Numerous of these studies have found either novel regulatory mechanisms that could be exploited to develop relevant drugs for AD treatment or have already tested small molecules on in vitro cultures, directly demonstrating their effect on amelioration of AD-associated pathology. This review thus summarizes currently used differentiation strategies of induced pluripotent stem cells towards neuronal and glial cell types and cerebral organoids and their utilization in modeling AD and potential drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Barak
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Veronika Fedorova
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Veronika Pospisilova
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Raska
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Simona Vochyanova
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jiri Sedmik
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
- International Clinical Research Center, St. Anne's Faculty Hospital Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Hana Hribkova
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Hana Klimova
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Tereza Vanova
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
- International Clinical Research Center, St. Anne's Faculty Hospital Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Dasa Bohaciakova
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University Brno, Brno, Czech Republic.
- International Clinical Research Center, St. Anne's Faculty Hospital Brno, Brno, Czech Republic.
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18
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Hirano M, So Y, Tsunekawa S, Kabata M, Ohta S, Sagara H, Sankoda N, Taguchi J, Yamada Y, Ukai T, Kato M, Nakamura J, Ozawa M, Yamamoto T, Yamada Y. MYCL-mediated reprogramming expands pancreatic insulin-producing cells. Nat Metab 2022; 4:254-268. [PMID: 35145326 DOI: 10.1038/s42255-022-00530-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
β cells have a limited capacity for regeneration, which predisposes towards diabetes. Here, we show that, of the MYC family members, Mycl plays a key role in proliferation of pancreatic endocrine cells. Genetic ablation of Mycl causes a reduction in the proliferation of pancreatic endocrine cells in neonatal mice. By contrast, the expression of Mycl in adult mice stimulates the proliferation of β and α cells, and the cells persist after withdrawal of Mycl expression. A subset of the expanded α cells give rise to insulin-producing cells after this withdrawal. Transient Mycl expression in vivo is sufficient to normalize the hyperglycaemia of diabetic mice. In vitro expression of Mycl similarly provokes active replication in islet cells, even in those from aged mice. Finally, we show that MYCL stimulates the division of human adult cadaveric islet cells. Our results demonstrate that the induction of Mycl alone expands the functional β-cell population, which may provide a regenerative strategy for β cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michitada Hirano
- Division of Stem Cell Pathology, Center for Experimental Medicine and Systems Biology, Institute of Medical Science, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yusei So
- Division of Stem Cell Pathology, Center for Experimental Medicine and Systems Biology, Institute of Medical Science, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shin Tsunekawa
- Division of Diabetes, Department of Internal Medicine, Aichi Medical University School of Medicine, Aichi, Japan
| | - Mio Kabata
- Department of Life Science Frontiers, Center for iPS Cell Research and Application (CiRA), Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Sho Ohta
- Division of Stem Cell Pathology, Center for Experimental Medicine and Systems Biology, Institute of Medical Science, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Sagara
- Medical Proteomics Laboratory, Institute of Medical Science, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Nao Sankoda
- Division of Stem Cell Pathology, Center for Experimental Medicine and Systems Biology, Institute of Medical Science, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Jumpei Taguchi
- Division of Stem Cell Pathology, Center for Experimental Medicine and Systems Biology, Institute of Medical Science, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yosuke Yamada
- Department of Diagnostic Pathology, Kyoto University Hospital, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Tomoyo Ukai
- Division of Stem Cell Pathology, Center for Experimental Medicine and Systems Biology, Institute of Medical Science, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Makoto Kato
- Division of Diabetes, Department of Internal Medicine, Aichi Medical University School of Medicine, Aichi, Japan
| | - Jiro Nakamura
- Division of Diabetes, Department of Internal Medicine, Aichi Medical University School of Medicine, Aichi, Japan
| | - Manabu Ozawa
- Laboratory of Reproductive Systems Biology, Center for Experimental Medicine and Systems Biology, Institute of Medical Science, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takuya Yamamoto
- Department of Life Science Frontiers, Center for iPS Cell Research and Application (CiRA), Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
- AMED-CREST, AMED, Tokyo, Japan
- Institute for the Advanced Study of Human Biology (WPI-ASHBi), Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
- Medical-risk Avoidance Based on iPS Cells Team, RIKEN Center for Advanced Intelligence Project (AIP), Kyoto, Japan
| | - Yasuhiro Yamada
- Division of Stem Cell Pathology, Center for Experimental Medicine and Systems Biology, Institute of Medical Science, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.
- AMED-CREST, AMED, Tokyo, Japan.
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19
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BMPR2 promoter methylation and its expression in valvular heart disease complicated with pulmonary artery hypertension. Aging (Albany NY) 2021; 13:24580-24604. [PMID: 34793329 PMCID: PMC8660616 DOI: 10.18632/aging.203690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Valvular heart disease (VHD) is a common heart disease that affects blood flow. It usually requires heart surgery. Valvular heart disease complicated with pulmonary artery hypertension (VHD-PAH) may be lethal due to heart failure that results from increased heart burden. It is important for these patients to seek early treatment in order to minimize the heart damage. However, there is no reliable diagnosis method in VHD. In this study, we found DNA methylation was increased at the promoter of BMPR2 gene in the VHD patients compared with the healthy controls. This finding was confirmed by an independent cohort study of VHD patients and healthy controls. In addition, BMPR2 mRNA levels were reduced in the plasma of the VHD patients. There is strong correlation between BMPR2 promoter DNA methylation and the severity of VHD. Indeed, we found that both BMPR2 promoter DNA methylation and BMPR2 mRNA levels in the plasma are good biomarkers of VHD by themselves, with the respective AUC value of 0.879 and 0.725, respectively. When they were used in combination, the diagnostic value was even better, with the AUC value of 0.93. Consistent with the results in the VHD patients, we observed decreased BMPR2 and increased fibrosis in the lung of a PAH model mouse. BMPR2 was also decreased in the hearts of the PAH mice, whereas BMP4 was increased. Furthermore, BMPR2 was reduced in the heart valve tissue samples of human VHD patients after valve replacement with moderate/severe PAH compared with those with mild PAH. There was also increased apoptosis in the hearts of the PAH mice. BMPR2 promoter DNA methylation and its expression appear to be good biomarkers for VHD. Our results also suggest that DNA methylation may cause PAH through deregulation of BMP signaling and increased apoptosis.
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20
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Li B, Hon GC. Single-Cell Genomics: Catalyst for Cell Fate Engineering. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2021; 9:748942. [PMID: 34733831 PMCID: PMC8558416 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2021.748942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2021] [Accepted: 10/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
As we near a complete catalog of mammalian cell types, the capability to engineer specific cell types on demand would transform biomedical research and regenerative medicine. However, the current pace of discovering new cell types far outstrips our ability to engineer them. One attractive strategy for cellular engineering is direct reprogramming, where induction of specific transcription factor (TF) cocktails orchestrates cell state transitions. Here, we review the foundational studies of TF-mediated reprogramming in the context of a general framework for cell fate engineering, which consists of: discovering new reprogramming cocktails, assessing engineered cells, and revealing molecular mechanisms. Traditional bulk reprogramming methods established a strong foundation for TF-mediated reprogramming, but were limited by their small scale and difficulty resolving cellular heterogeneity. Recently, single-cell technologies have overcome these challenges to rapidly accelerate progress in cell fate engineering. In the next decade, we anticipate that these tools will enable unprecedented control of cell state.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boxun Li
- Cecil H. and Ida Green Center for Reproductive Biology Sciences, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States
| | - Gary C. Hon
- Cecil H. and Ida Green Center for Reproductive Biology Sciences, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States
- Division of Basic Reproductive Biology Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Bioinformatics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States
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21
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Mertens J, Herdy JR, Traxler L, Schafer ST, Schlachetzki JCM, Böhnke L, Reid DA, Lee H, Zangwill D, Fernandes DP, Agarwal RK, Lucciola R, Zhou-Yang L, Karbacher L, Edenhofer F, Stern S, Horvath S, Paquola ACM, Glass CK, Yuan SH, Ku M, Szücs A, Goldstein LSB, Galasko D, Gage FH. Age-dependent instability of mature neuronal fate in induced neurons from Alzheimer's patients. Cell Stem Cell 2021; 28:1533-1548.e6. [PMID: 33910058 PMCID: PMC8423435 DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2021.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 112] [Impact Index Per Article: 37.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2020] [Revised: 02/17/2021] [Accepted: 04/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Sporadic Alzheimer's disease (AD) exclusively affects elderly people. Using direct conversion of AD patient fibroblasts into induced neurons (iNs), we generated an age-equivalent neuronal model. AD patient-derived iNs exhibit strong neuronal transcriptome signatures characterized by downregulation of mature neuronal properties and upregulation of immature and progenitor-like signaling pathways. Mapping iNs to longitudinal neuronal differentiation trajectory data demonstrated that AD iNs reflect a hypo-mature neuronal identity characterized by markers of stress, cell cycle, and de-differentiation. Epigenetic landscape profiling revealed an underlying aberrant neuronal state that shares similarities with malignant transformation and age-dependent epigenetic erosion. To probe for the involvement of aging, we generated rejuvenated iPSC-derived neurons that showed no significant disease-related transcriptome signatures, a feature that is consistent with epigenetic clock and brain ontogenesis mapping, which indicate that fibroblast-derived iNs more closely reflect old adult brain stages. Our findings identify AD-related neuronal changes as age-dependent cellular programs that impair neuronal identity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jerome Mertens
- Laboratory of Genetics, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, USA; Neural Aging Laboratory, Institute of Molecular Biology, CMBI, Leopold-Franzens-University Innsbruck, Tyrol, Austria.
| | - Joseph R Herdy
- Laboratory of Genetics, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, USA; Neural Aging Laboratory, Institute of Molecular Biology, CMBI, Leopold-Franzens-University Innsbruck, Tyrol, Austria; Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Larissa Traxler
- Laboratory of Genetics, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, USA; Neural Aging Laboratory, Institute of Molecular Biology, CMBI, Leopold-Franzens-University Innsbruck, Tyrol, Austria
| | - Simon T Schafer
- Laboratory of Genetics, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Johannes C M Schlachetzki
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Lena Böhnke
- Laboratory of Genetics, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, USA; Neural Aging Laboratory, Institute of Molecular Biology, CMBI, Leopold-Franzens-University Innsbruck, Tyrol, Austria
| | - Dylan A Reid
- Laboratory of Genetics, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Hyungjun Lee
- Laboratory of Genetics, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Dina Zangwill
- Laboratory of Genetics, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Diana P Fernandes
- Laboratory of Genetics, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Ravi K Agarwal
- Laboratory of Genetics, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Raffaella Lucciola
- Laboratory of Genetics, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Lucia Zhou-Yang
- Neural Aging Laboratory, Institute of Molecular Biology, CMBI, Leopold-Franzens-University Innsbruck, Tyrol, Austria
| | - Lukas Karbacher
- Neural Aging Laboratory, Institute of Molecular Biology, CMBI, Leopold-Franzens-University Innsbruck, Tyrol, Austria
| | - Frank Edenhofer
- Department of Genomics, Stem Cells & Regenerative Medicine, Institute of Molecular Biology, CMBI, Institute of Molecular Biology and CMBI, Leopold-Franzens-University Innsbruck, Tyrol, Austria
| | - Shani Stern
- Laboratory of Genetics, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, USA; Sagol Department of Neurobiology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Steve Horvath
- Department of Human Genetics, Department of Biostatistics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Apua C M Paquola
- Laboratory of Genetics, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, USA; Lieber Institute for Brain Development, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Christopher K Glass
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Shauna H Yuan
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA; University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, Department of Neurology, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Manching Ku
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Attila Szücs
- Neuronal Cell Biology Research Group, Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Lawrence S B Goldstein
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA; Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA; Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Douglas Galasko
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Fred H Gage
- Laboratory of Genetics, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, USA.
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22
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Zocher S, Overall RW, Berdugo-Vega G, Rund N, Karasinsky A, Adusumilli VS, Steinhauer C, Scheibenstock S, Händler K, Schultze JL, Calegari F, Kempermann G. De novo DNA methylation controls neuronal maturation during adult hippocampal neurogenesis. EMBO J 2021; 40:e107100. [PMID: 34337766 PMCID: PMC8441477 DOI: 10.15252/embj.2020107100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2020] [Revised: 06/28/2021] [Accepted: 07/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Adult neurogenesis enables the life‐long addition of functional neurons to the hippocampus and is regulated by both cell‐intrinsic molecular programs and behavioral activity. De novo DNA methylation is crucial for embryonic brain development, but its role during adult hippocampal neurogenesis has remained unknown. Here, we show that de novo DNA methylation is critical for maturation and functional integration of adult‐born neurons in the mouse hippocampus. Bisulfite sequencing revealed that de novo DNA methyltransferases target neuronal enhancers and gene bodies during adult hippocampal neural stem cell differentiation, to establish neuronal methylomes and facilitate transcriptional up‐regulation of neuronal genes. Inducible deletion of both de novo DNA methyltransferases Dnmt3a and Dnmt3b in adult neural stem cells did not affect proliferation or fate specification, but specifically impaired dendritic outgrowth and synaptogenesis of newborn neurons, thereby hampering their functional maturation. Consequently, abolishing de novo DNA methylation modulated activation patterns in the hippocampal circuitry and caused specific deficits in hippocampus‐dependent learning and memory. Our results demonstrate that proper establishment of neuronal methylomes during adult neurogenesis is fundamental for hippocampal function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Zocher
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Dresden, Germany.,Center for Regenerative Therapies Dresden (CRTD), Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Rupert W Overall
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Dresden, Germany.,Center for Regenerative Therapies Dresden (CRTD), Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Gabriel Berdugo-Vega
- Center for Regenerative Therapies Dresden (CRTD), Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Nicole Rund
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Dresden, Germany.,Center for Regenerative Therapies Dresden (CRTD), Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Anne Karasinsky
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Dresden, Germany.,Center for Regenerative Therapies Dresden (CRTD), Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Vijay S Adusumilli
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Dresden, Germany.,Center for Regenerative Therapies Dresden (CRTD), Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Christina Steinhauer
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Dresden, Germany.,Center for Regenerative Therapies Dresden (CRTD), Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Sina Scheibenstock
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Dresden, Germany.,Center for Regenerative Therapies Dresden (CRTD), Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Kristian Händler
- PRECISE Platform for Single Cell Genomics and Epigenomics, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Joachim L Schultze
- PRECISE Platform for Single Cell Genomics and Epigenomics, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Federico Calegari
- Center for Regenerative Therapies Dresden (CRTD), Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Gerd Kempermann
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Dresden, Germany.,Center for Regenerative Therapies Dresden (CRTD), Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
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23
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Vasan L, Park E, David LA, Fleming T, Schuurmans C. Direct Neuronal Reprogramming: Bridging the Gap Between Basic Science and Clinical Application. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:681087. [PMID: 34291049 PMCID: PMC8287587 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.681087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2021] [Accepted: 06/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Direct neuronal reprogramming is an innovative new technology that involves the conversion of somatic cells to induced neurons (iNs) without passing through a pluripotent state. The capacity to make new neurons in the brain, which previously was not achievable, has created great excitement in the field as it has opened the door for the potential treatment of incurable neurodegenerative diseases and brain injuries such as stroke. These neurological disorders are associated with frank neuronal loss, and as new neurons are not made in most of the adult brain, treatment options are limited. Developmental biologists have paved the way for the field of direct neuronal reprogramming by identifying both intrinsic cues, primarily transcription factors (TFs) and miRNAs, and extrinsic cues, including growth factors and other signaling molecules, that induce neurogenesis and specify neuronal subtype identities in the embryonic brain. The striking observation that postmitotic, terminally differentiated somatic cells can be converted to iNs by mis-expression of TFs or miRNAs involved in neural lineage development, and/or by exposure to growth factors or small molecule cocktails that recapitulate the signaling environment of the developing brain, has opened the door to the rapid expansion of new neuronal reprogramming methodologies. Furthermore, the more recent applications of neuronal lineage conversion strategies that target resident glial cells in situ has expanded the clinical potential of direct neuronal reprogramming techniques. Herein, we present an overview of the history, accomplishments, and therapeutic potential of direct neuronal reprogramming as revealed over the last two decades.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lakshmy Vasan
- Sunnybrook Research Institute, Biological Sciences Platform, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Eunjee Park
- Sunnybrook Research Institute, Biological Sciences Platform, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Luke Ajay David
- Sunnybrook Research Institute, Biological Sciences Platform, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Taylor Fleming
- Sunnybrook Research Institute, Biological Sciences Platform, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Carol Schuurmans
- Sunnybrook Research Institute, Biological Sciences Platform, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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Mattiassi S, Rizwan M, Grigsby CL, Zaw AM, Leong KW, Yim EKF. Enhanced efficiency of nonviral direct neuronal reprogramming on topographical patterns. Biomater Sci 2021; 9:5175-5191. [PMID: 34128504 DOI: 10.1039/d1bm00400j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Nonviral direct neuronal reprogramming holds significant potential in the fields of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. However, the issue of low reprogramming efficiency poses a major barrier to its application. We propose that topographical cues, which have been applied successfully to enhance lineage-directed differentiation and multipotent stem cell transdifferentiation, could improve nonviral direct neuronal reprogramming efficiency. To investigate, we used a polymer-BAM (Brn2, Ascl1, Myt1l) factor transfection polypex to reprogram primary mouse embryonic fibroblasts. Using a multiarchitecture chip, we screened for patterns that may improve transfection and/or subsequent induced neuron reprogramming efficiency. Selected patterns were then investigated further by analyzing β-tubulin III (TUJ1) and microtubule-associated protein 2 (MAP2) protein expression, cell morphology and electrophysiological function of induced neurons. Certain hierarchical topographies, with nanopatterns imprinted on micropatterns, significantly improved the percentage of TUJ1+ and MAP2+ cells. It is postulated that the microscale base pattern enhances initial BAM expression while the nanoscale sub-pattern promotes subsequent maturation. This is because the base pattern alone increased expression of TUJ1 and MAP2, while the nanoscale pattern was the only pattern yielding induced neurons capable of firing multiple action potentials. Nanoscale patterns also produced the highest fraction of cells showing spontaneous synaptic activity. Overall, reprogramming efficiency with one dose of polyplex on hierarchical patterns was comparable to that of five doses without topography. Thus, topography can enhance nonviral direct reprogramming of fibroblasts into induced neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina Mattiassi
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Waterloo, 200 University Ave. W, Waterloo, Ontario N2L 3G1, Canada.
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25
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Abstract
Direct cell fate conversion of human somatic cells into induced neurons (iNs) is often regarded as a highly concerted one-step process. In this issue of Cell Stem Cell, Cates et al. (2021) dissect the iN conversion trajectory into two largely independent steps and identify key players at each stage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph R Herdy
- Neural Aging Laboratory, Institute of Molecular Biology, CMBI, Leopold-Franzens-University Innsbruck, Austria; Laboratory of Genetics, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Lukas Karbacher
- Neural Aging Laboratory, Institute of Molecular Biology, CMBI, Leopold-Franzens-University Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Jerome Mertens
- Neural Aging Laboratory, Institute of Molecular Biology, CMBI, Leopold-Franzens-University Innsbruck, Austria; Laboratory of Genetics, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, USA.
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26
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The regulation mechanisms and the Lamarckian inheritance property of DNA methylation in animals. Mamm Genome 2021; 32:135-152. [PMID: 33860357 DOI: 10.1007/s00335-021-09870-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2020] [Accepted: 04/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
DNA methylation is a stable and heritable epigenetic mechanism, of which the main functions are stabilizing the transcription of genes and promoting genetic conservation. In animals, the direct molecular inducers of DNA methylation mainly include histone covalent modification and non-coding RNA, whereas the fundamental regulators of DNA methylation are genetic and environmental factors. As is well known, competition is present everywhere in life systems, and will finally strike a balance that is optimal for the animal's survival and reproduction. The same goes for the regulation of DNA methylation. Genetic and environmental factors, respectively, are responsible for the programmed and plasticity changes of DNA methylation, and keen competition exists between genetically influenced procedural remodeling and environmentally influenced plastic alteration. In this process, genetic and environmental factors collaboratively decide the methylation patterns of corresponding loci. DNA methylation alterations induced by environmental factors can be transgenerationally inherited, and exhibit the characteristic of Lamarckian inheritance. Further research on regulatory mechanisms and the environmental plasticity of DNA methylation will provide strong support for understanding the biological function and evolutionary effects of DNA methylation.
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27
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Iyer AA, Groves AK. Transcription Factor Reprogramming in the Inner Ear: Turning on Cell Fate Switches to Regenerate Sensory Hair Cells. Front Cell Neurosci 2021; 15:660748. [PMID: 33854418 PMCID: PMC8039129 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2021.660748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2021] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-mammalian vertebrates can restore their auditory and vestibular hair cells naturally by triggering the regeneration of adjacent supporting cells. The transcription factor ATOH1 is a key regulator of hair cell development and regeneration in the inner ear. Following the death of hair cells, supporting cells upregulate ATOH1 and give rise to new hair cells. However, in the mature mammalian cochlea, such natural regeneration of hair cells is largely absent. Transcription factor reprogramming has been used in many tissues to convert one cell type into another, with the long-term hope of achieving tissue regeneration. Reprogramming transcription factors work by altering the transcriptomic and epigenetic landscapes in a target cell, resulting in a fate change to the desired cell type. Several studies have shown that ATOH1 is capable of reprogramming cochlear non-sensory tissue into cells resembling hair cells in young animals. However, the reprogramming ability of ATOH1 is lost with age, implying that the potency of individual hair cell-specific transcription factors may be reduced or lost over time by mechanisms that are still not clear. To circumvent this, combinations of key hair cell transcription factors have been used to promote hair cell regeneration in older animals. In this review, we summarize recent findings that have identified and studied these reprogramming factor combinations for hair cell regeneration. Finally, we discuss the important questions that emerge from these findings, particularly the feasibility of therapeutic strategies using reprogramming factors to restore human hearing in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amrita A. Iyer
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
- Program in Genetics & Genomics, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Andrew K. Groves
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
- Program in Genetics & Genomics, Houston, TX, United States
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
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28
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Samoylova EM, Baklaushev VP. Cell Reprogramming Preserving Epigenetic Age: Advantages and Limitations. BIOCHEMISTRY (MOSCOW) 2021; 85:1035-1047. [PMID: 33050850 DOI: 10.1134/s0006297920090047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Our understanding of cell aging advanced significantly since the discovery of this phenomenon by Hayflick and Moorhead in 1961. In addition to the well-known shortening of telomeric regions of chromosomes, cell aging is closely associated with changes of the DNA methylation profile. Establishing, maintaining, or reversing epigenetic age of a cell is central to the technology of cell reprogramming. Two distinct approaches - iPSC- and transdifferentiation-based cell reprogramming - affect differently epigenetic age of the cells. The iPSC-based reprogramming protocols are generally believed to result in the reversion of DNA methylation profiles towards less differentiated states, while the original methylation profiles are preserved in the direct trans-differentiation protocols. Clearly, in order to develop adequate model of CNS pathologies, one has to have thorough understanding of the biological roles of DNA methylation in the development, maintenance of functional activity, tissue and cell diversity, restructuring of neural networks during learning, as well as in aging-associated neuronal decline. Direct cell reprogramming is an excellent alternative and a valuable supplement to the iPSC-based technologies both as a source of mature cells for modeling of neurodegenerative diseases, and as a novel powerful strategy for in vivo cell replacement therapy. Further advancement of the regenerative and personalized medicine will strongly depend on optimization of the production of patient-specific autologous cells involving alternative approaches of direct and indirect cell reprogramming that take into account epigenetic age of the starting cell material.
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Affiliation(s)
- E M Samoylova
- Federal Research Clinical Center, FMBA of Russia, Moscow, 115682, Russia.
| | - V P Baklaushev
- Federal Research Clinical Center, FMBA of Russia, Moscow, 115682, Russia
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29
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Direct cell reprogramming: approaches, mechanisms and progress. Nat Rev Mol Cell Biol 2021; 22:410-424. [PMID: 33619373 DOI: 10.1038/s41580-021-00335-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 162] [Impact Index Per Article: 54.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The reprogramming of somatic cells with defined factors, which converts cells from one lineage into cells of another, has greatly reshaped our traditional views on cell identity and cell fate determination. Direct reprogramming (also known as transdifferentiation) refers to cell fate conversion without transitioning through an intermediary pluripotent state. Given that the number of cell types that can be generated by direct reprogramming is rapidly increasing, it has become a promising strategy to produce functional cells for therapeutic purposes. This Review discusses the evolution of direct reprogramming from a transcription factor-based method to a small-molecule-driven approach, the recent progress in enhancing reprogrammed cell maturation, and the challenges associated with in vivo direct reprogramming for translational applications. It also describes our current understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying direct reprogramming, including the role of transcription factors, epigenetic modifications, non-coding RNAs, and the function of metabolic reprogramming, and highlights novel insights gained from single-cell omics studies.
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30
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Oproescu AM, Han S, Schuurmans C. New Insights Into the Intricacies of Proneural Gene Regulation in the Embryonic and Adult Cerebral Cortex. Front Mol Neurosci 2021; 14:642016. [PMID: 33658912 PMCID: PMC7917194 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2021.642016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2020] [Accepted: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Historically, the mammalian brain was thought to lack stem cells as no new neurons were found to be made in adulthood. That dogma changed ∼25 years ago with the identification of neural stem cells (NSCs) in the adult rodent forebrain. However, unlike rapidly self-renewing mature tissues (e.g., blood, intestinal crypts, skin), the majority of adult NSCs are quiescent, and those that become 'activated' are restricted to a few neurogenic zones that repopulate specific brain regions. Conversely, embryonic NSCs are actively proliferating and neurogenic. Investigations into the molecular control of the quiescence-to-proliferation-to-differentiation continuum in the embryonic and adult brain have identified proneural genes encoding basic-helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcription factors (TFs) as critical regulators. These bHLH TFs initiate genetic programs that remove NSCs from quiescence and drive daughter neural progenitor cells (NPCs) to differentiate into specific neural cell subtypes, thereby contributing to the enormous cellular diversity of the adult brain. However, new insights have revealed that proneural gene activities are context-dependent and tightly regulated. Here we review how proneural bHLH TFs are regulated, with a focus on the murine cerebral cortex, drawing parallels where appropriate to other organisms and neural tissues. We discuss upstream regulatory events, post-translational modifications (phosphorylation, ubiquitinylation), protein-protein interactions, epigenetic and metabolic mechanisms that govern bHLH TF expression, stability, localization, and consequent transactivation of downstream target genes. These tight regulatory controls help to explain paradoxical findings of changes to bHLH activity in different cellular contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana-Maria Oproescu
- Sunnybrook Research Institute, Biological Sciences Platform, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Sisu Han
- Sunnybrook Research Institute, Biological Sciences Platform, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Carol Schuurmans
- Sunnybrook Research Institute, Biological Sciences Platform, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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31
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Molecular Mechanisms Underlying Ascl1-Mediated Astrocyte-to-Neuron Conversion. Stem Cell Reports 2021; 16:534-547. [PMID: 33577795 PMCID: PMC7940254 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2021.01.006] [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: 06/18/2019] [Revised: 01/12/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Direct neuronal reprogramming potentially provides valuable sources for cell-based therapies. Proneural gene Ascl1 converts astrocytes into induced neuronal (iN) cells efficiently both in vitro and in vivo. However, the underlying mechanisms are largely unknown. By combining RNA sequencing and chromatin immunoprecipitation followed by high-throughput sequencing, we found that the expression of 1,501 genes was markedly changed during the early stages of Ascl1-induced astrocyte-to-neuron conversion and that the regulatory regions of 107 differentially expressed genes were directly bound by ASCL1. Among Ascl1's direct targets, Klf10 regulates the neuritogenesis of iN cells at the early stage, Myt1 and Myt1l are critical for the electrophysiological maturation of iN cells, and Neurod4 and Chd7 are required for the efficient conversion of astrocytes into neurons. Together, this study provides more insights into understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying Ascl1-mediated astrocyte-to-neuron conversion and will be of value for the application of direct neuronal reprogramming. RNA-seq and ChIP-seq were used to study Ascl1-induced astrocyte-to-neuron conversion Early Klf10 regulates neuritogenesis and electrophysiological properties of iN cells Myt1 and Myt1l are critical for the electrophysiological maturation of iN cells Neurod4 and Chd7 are required for efficient conversion of astrocytes to neurons
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32
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Wu Y, Zhang X, Wang J, Jin G, Zhang X. Research progress of the transcription factor Brn4 (Review). Mol Med Rep 2021; 23:179. [PMID: 33398372 PMCID: PMC7809911 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2020.11818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2020] [Accepted: 11/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Brain 4 (Brn4) is a transcription factor belonging to the POU3 family, and it is important for the embryonic development of the neural tube, inner ear and pancreas. In addition, it serves a crucial role in neural stem cell differentiation and reprogramming. The present review aimed to summarize the chromosomal location, species homology, protein molecular structure and tissue distribution of Brn4, in addition to its biological processes, with the aim of providing a reference of its structure and function for further studies, and its potential use as a gene therapy target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuying Wu
- Department of Anatomy, Co-Innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Medical School, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, P.R. China
| | - Xunrui Zhang
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Xinglin College, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226008, P.R. China
| | - Jue Wang
- Department of Anatomy, Co-Innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Medical School, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, P.R. China
| | - Guohua Jin
- Department of Anatomy, Co-Innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Medical School, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, P.R. China
| | - Xinhua Zhang
- Department of Anatomy, Co-Innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Medical School, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, P.R. China
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33
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D’Souza GX, Rose SE, Knupp A, Nicholson DA, Keene CD, Young JE. The application of in vitro-derived human neurons in neurodegenerative disease modeling. J Neurosci Res 2021; 99:124-140. [PMID: 32170790 PMCID: PMC7487003 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.24615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2019] [Revised: 02/19/2020] [Accepted: 02/27/2020] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
The development of safe and effective treatments for age-associated neurodegenerative disorders is an on-going challenge faced by the scientific field. Key to the development of such therapies is the appropriate selection of modeling systems in which to investigate disease mechanisms and to test candidate interventions. There are unique challenges in the development of representative laboratory models of neurodegenerative diseases, including the complexity of the human brain, the cumulative and variable contributions of genetic and environmental factors over the course of a lifetime, inability to culture human primary neurons, and critical central nervous system differences between small animal models and humans. While traditional rodent models have advanced our understanding of neurodegenerative disease mechanisms, key divergences such as the species-specific genetic background can limit the application of animal models in many cases. Here we review in vitro human neuronal systems that employ stem cell and reprogramming technology and their application to a range of neurodegenerative diseases. Specifically, we compare human-induced pluripotent stem cell-derived neurons to directly converted, or transdifferentiated, induced neurons, as both model systems can take advantage of patient-derived human tissue to produce neurons in culture. We present recent technical developments using these two modeling systems, as well as current limitations to these systems, with the aim of advancing investigation of neuropathogenic mechanisms using these models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gary X. D’Souza
- Department of Neurological Sciences, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Shannon E. Rose
- Department of Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Allison Knupp
- Department of Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Daniel A. Nicholson
- Department of Neurological Sciences, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - C. Dirk Keene
- Department of Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Jessica E. Young
- Department of Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine (ISCRM), University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
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34
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Nemoto A, Kobayashi R, Yoshimatsu S, Sato Y, Kondo T, Yoo AS, Shiozawa S, Okano H. Direct Neuronal Reprogramming of Common Marmoset Fibroblasts by ASCL1, microRNA-9/9*, and microRNA-124 Overexpression. Cells 2020; 10:E6. [PMID: 33375083 PMCID: PMC7822173 DOI: 10.3390/cells10010006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2020] [Revised: 12/14/2020] [Accepted: 12/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus) has attracted considerable attention, especially in the biomedical science and neuroscience research fields, because of its potential to recapitulate the complex and multidimensional phenotypes of human diseases, and several neurodegenerative transgenic models have been reported. However, there remain several issues as (i) it takes years to generate late-onset disease models, and (ii) the onset age and severity of phenotypes can vary among individuals due to differences in genetic background. In the present study, we established an efficient and rapid direct neuronal induction method (induced neurons; iNs) from embryonic and adult marmoset fibroblasts to investigate cellular-level phenotypes in the marmoset brain in vitro. We overexpressed reprogramming effectors, i.e., microRNA-9/9*, microRNA-124, and Achaete-Scute family bHLH transcription factor 1, in fibroblasts with a small molecule cocktail that facilitates neuronal induction. The resultant iNs from embryonic and adult marmoset fibroblasts showed neuronal characteristics within two weeks, including neuron-specific gene expression and spontaneous neuronal activity. As directly reprogrammed neurons have been shown to model neurodegenerative disorders, the neuronal reprogramming of marmoset fibroblasts may offer new tools for investigating neurological phenotypes associated with disease progression in non-human primate neurological disease models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akisa Nemoto
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Keio University, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan; (A.N.); (R.K.); (S.Y.); (T.K.); (S.S.)
| | - Reona Kobayashi
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Keio University, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan; (A.N.); (R.K.); (S.Y.); (T.K.); (S.S.)
- Laboratory for Marmoset Neural Architecture, RIKEN Center for Brain Science, Wako City, Saitama 351-0198, Japan;
| | - Sho Yoshimatsu
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Keio University, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan; (A.N.); (R.K.); (S.Y.); (T.K.); (S.S.)
- Laboratory for Marmoset Neural Architecture, RIKEN Center for Brain Science, Wako City, Saitama 351-0198, Japan;
- Laboratory for Proteolytic Neuroscience, RIKEN Center for Brain Science, Wako City, Saitama 351-0198, Japan
| | - Yuta Sato
- Laboratory for Marmoset Neural Architecture, RIKEN Center for Brain Science, Wako City, Saitama 351-0198, Japan;
- Graduate School of Science and Technology, Keio University, Kanagawa 223-8522, Japan
| | - Takahiro Kondo
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Keio University, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan; (A.N.); (R.K.); (S.Y.); (T.K.); (S.S.)
- Laboratory for Marmoset Neural Architecture, RIKEN Center for Brain Science, Wako City, Saitama 351-0198, Japan;
| | - Andrew S. Yoo
- Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA;
| | - Seiji Shiozawa
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Keio University, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan; (A.N.); (R.K.); (S.Y.); (T.K.); (S.S.)
- Institute of Animal Experimentation, School of Medicine, Kurume University, Fukuoka 830-0011, Japan
| | - Hideyuki Okano
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Keio University, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan; (A.N.); (R.K.); (S.Y.); (T.K.); (S.S.)
- Laboratory for Marmoset Neural Architecture, RIKEN Center for Brain Science, Wako City, Saitama 351-0198, Japan;
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35
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Ross SE, Angeloni A, Geng FS, de Mendoza A, Bogdanovic O. Developmental remodelling of non-CG methylation at satellite DNA repeats. Nucleic Acids Res 2020; 48:12675-12688. [PMID: 33271598 PMCID: PMC7736785 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkaa1135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2020] [Revised: 11/03/2020] [Accepted: 11/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
In vertebrates, DNA methylation predominantly occurs at CG dinucleotides however, widespread non-CG methylation (mCH) has been reported in mammalian embryonic stem cells and in the brain. In mammals, mCH is found at CAC trinucleotides in the nervous system, where it is associated with transcriptional repression, and at CAG trinucleotides in embryonic stem cells, where it positively correlates with transcription. Moreover, CAC methylation appears to be a conserved feature of adult vertebrate brains. Unlike any of those methylation signatures, here we describe a novel form of mCH that occurs in the TGCT context within zebrafish mosaic satellite repeats. TGCT methylation is inherited from both male and female gametes, remodelled during mid-blastula transition, and re-established during gastrulation in all embryonic layers. Moreover, we identify DNA methyltransferase 3ba (Dnmt3ba) as the primary enzyme responsible for the deposition of this mCH mark. Finally, we observe that TGCT-methylated repeats are specifically associated with H3K9me3-marked heterochromatin suggestive of a functional interplay between these two gene-regulatory marks. Altogether, this work provides insight into a novel form of vertebrate mCH and highlights the substrate diversity of vertebrate DNA methyltransferases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel E Ross
- Genomics and Epigenetics Division, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, New South Wales 2010, Australia
- St Vincent's Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales 2010, Australia
| | - Allegra Angeloni
- Genomics and Epigenetics Division, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, New South Wales 2010, Australia
- St Vincent's Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales 2010, Australia
| | - Fan-Suo Geng
- Genomics and Epigenetics Division, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, New South Wales 2010, Australia
- St Vincent's Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales 2010, Australia
| | - Alex de Mendoza
- School of Biological and Chemical Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, London, E1 4NS, UK
| | - Ozren Bogdanovic
- Genomics and Epigenetics Division, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, New South Wales 2010, Australia
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales 2052, Australia
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36
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Stricker SH, Götz M. Epigenetic regulation of neural lineage elaboration: Implications for therapeutic reprogramming. Neurobiol Dis 2020; 148:105174. [PMID: 33171228 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2020.105174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2020] [Revised: 10/19/2020] [Accepted: 11/06/2020] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
The vulnerability of the mammalian brain is mainly due to its limited ability to generate new neurons once fully matured. Direct conversion of non-neuronal cells to neurons opens up a new avenue for therapeutic intervention and has made great strides also for in vivo applications in the injured brain. These great achievements raise the issue of adequate identity and chromatin hallmarks of the induced neurons. This may be particularly important, as aberrant epigenetic settings may reveal their adverse effects only in certain brain activity states. Therefore, we review here the knowledge about epigenetic memory and partially resetting of chromatin hallmarks from other reprogramming fields, before moving to the knowledge in direct neuronal reprogramming, which is still limited. Most importantly, novel tools are available now to manipulate specific epigenetic marks at specific sites of the genome. Applying these will eventually allow erasing aberrant epigenetic memory and paving the way towards new therapeutic approaches for brain repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan H Stricker
- Institute for Stem Cell Research, Helmholtz Zentrum Muenchen, German Research Center for Environmental Health, 82152 Planegg, Germany; Physiological Genomics, Biomedical Center (BMC), Ludwig-Maximilians Universitaet Muenchen, 82152 Planegg, Munich, Germany; MCN Junior Research Group, Munich Center for Neurosciences, Ludwig-Maximilian-Universität, BioMedical Center, Grosshaderner Strasse 9, Planegg-Martinsried 82152, Germany.
| | - Magdalena Götz
- Institute for Stem Cell Research, Helmholtz Zentrum Muenchen, German Research Center for Environmental Health, 82152 Planegg, Germany; Physiological Genomics, Biomedical Center (BMC), Ludwig-Maximilians Universitaet Muenchen, 82152 Planegg, Munich, Germany; SYNERGY, Excellence Cluster of Systems Neurology, BioMedical Center (BMC), Ludwig-Maximilians-Universitaet Muenchen, 82152 Planegg, Munich, Germany.
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37
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Wang J, He Q, Zhang K, Sun H, Zhang G, Liang H, Guo J, Hao L, Ke J, Chen S. Quick Commitment and Efficient Reprogramming Route of Direct Induction of Retinal Ganglion Cell-like Neurons. Stem Cell Reports 2020; 15:1095-1110. [PMID: 33096050 PMCID: PMC7663790 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2020.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2020] [Revised: 09/22/2020] [Accepted: 09/22/2020] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Direct reprogramming has been widely explored to generate various types of neurons for neurobiological research and translational medicine applications, but there is still no efficient reprogramming method to generate retinal ganglion cell (RGC)-like neurons, which are the sole projection neurons in the retina. Here, we show that three transcription factors, Ascl1, Brn3b, and Isl1, efficiently convert fibroblasts into RGC-like neurons (iRGCs). Furthermore, we show that the competence of cells to enter iRGC reprogramming route is determined by the cell-cycle status at a very early stage of the process. The iRGC reprogramming route involves intermediate states that are characterized by a transient inflammatory-like response followed by active epigenomic and transcriptional modifications. Our study provides an efficient method to generate iRGCs, which would be a valuable cell source for potential glaucoma cell replacement therapy and drug screening studies, and reveals the key cellular events that govern successful neuronal fate reprogramming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510623, China
| | - Qinghai He
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510623, China
| | - Ke Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510623, China
| | - Hui Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510623, China
| | - Gong Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510623, China
| | - Huilin Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510623, China
| | - Jingyi Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510623, China
| | - Lili Hao
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510623, China
| | - Jiangbin Ke
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510623, China
| | - Shuyi Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510623, China.
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38
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Carter JL, Halmai JANM, Fink KD. The iNs and Outs of Direct Reprogramming to Induced Neurons. Front Genome Ed 2020; 2:7. [PMID: 34713216 PMCID: PMC8525349 DOI: 10.3389/fgeed.2020.00007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2020] [Accepted: 07/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Understanding of cell-type specific transcription factors has promoted progress in methods for cellular reprogramming, such as directly reprogramming somatic cells to induced neurons (iN). Methods for direct reprogramming require neuronal-fate determining gene activation via neuron-specific microRNAs, chemical modulation of key neuronal signaling pathways or overexpression via viral vectors, with some reprogramming strategies requiring a combination of these methods to induce the neuronal-cell fate. These methods have been employed in a multitude of cell types, including fibroblasts, hepatocytes, peripheral blood mononuclear, and T cells. The ability to create iN from skin biopsies and blood samples coupled with recent advancements in artificially inducing age- and disease-associated phenotypes are accelerating the development of disease models for late-onset neurodegenerative disorders. Here, we review how activation of the neuronal transcriptome alters the epigenetic landscape of the donor cell to facilitate reprogramming to neurons. We also discuss the advantages of using DNA binding domains such as CRISPR/dCas9 to overcome epigenetic barriers to induce neuronal-cell fate by activating endogenous neuronal cell-fate determining genes.
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39
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Egawa N, Suzuki H, Takahashi R, Hayakawa K, Li W, Lo EH, Arai K, Inoue H. From in vitro to in vivo reprogramming for neural transdifferentiation: An approach for CNS tissue remodeling using stem cell technology. J Cereb Blood Flow Metab 2020; 40:1739-1751. [PMID: 32423328 PMCID: PMC7446571 DOI: 10.1177/0271678x20910324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Advances in stem cell technology have provided three approaches to address the demanding issue of the treatment of intractable neurological disease. One of the approaches is the screening of compounds attenuating pathological phenotypes in stem-cell based models. A second approach consists of exogenous-targeted cell supplementation to the lesion with stem cell-derived differentiated cells. A third approach involves in vivo direct programming to transdifferentiate endogenous somatic cells and to boost CNS tissue remodeling. In this review, we outline research advances in stem cell technology of direct reprogramming in vitro and in vivo and discuss the future challenge of tissue remodeling by neural transdifferentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naohiro Egawa
- Department of Neurology, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan.,iPSC-based Drug Discovery and Development Team, RIKEN BioResource Research Center (BRC), Kyoto, Japan.,Center for iPS Cell Research and Application (CiRA), Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Hidefumi Suzuki
- Department of Neurology, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan.,iPSC-based Drug Discovery and Development Team, RIKEN BioResource Research Center (BRC), Kyoto, Japan.,Center for iPS Cell Research and Application (CiRA), Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Ryosuke Takahashi
- Department of Neurology, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Kazuhide Hayakawa
- Neuroprotection Research Laboratories, Departments of Radiology and Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Wenlu Li
- Neuroprotection Research Laboratories, Departments of Radiology and Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Eng H Lo
- Neuroprotection Research Laboratories, Departments of Radiology and Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ken Arai
- Neuroprotection Research Laboratories, Departments of Radiology and Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Haruhisa Inoue
- iPSC-based Drug Discovery and Development Team, RIKEN BioResource Research Center (BRC), Kyoto, Japan.,Center for iPS Cell Research and Application (CiRA), Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan.,Medical-risk Avoidance based on iPS Cells Team, RIKEN Center for Advanced Intelligence Project (AIP), Kyoto, Japan
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40
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Choi H, Baek S, Cho B, Kim S, Kim J, Chang Y, Shin J, Kim J. Epitranscriptomic N 6-Methyladenosine Modification Is Required for Direct Lineage Reprogramming into Neurons. ACS Chem Biol 2020; 15:2087-2097. [PMID: 32633479 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.0c00265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
N6-methyladenosine (m6A), a conserved epitranscriptomic modification of eukaryotic mRNA (mRNA), plays a critical role in a variety of biological processes. Here, we report that m6A modification plays a key role in governing direct lineage reprogramming into induced neuronal cells (iNs). We found that m6A modification is required for the remodeling of specific mRNAs required for the neuronal direct conversion. Inhibition of m6A methylation by Mettl3 knockdown decreased the efficiency of direct lineage reprogramming, whereas increased m6A methylation by Mettl3 overexpression increased the efficiency of iN generation. Moreover, we found that transcription factor Btg2 is a functional target of m6A modification for efficient iN generation. Taken together, our results suggest the importance of establishing epitranscriptomic remodeling for the cell fate conversion into iNs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hwan Choi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Dongguk University, Seoul 04620, South Korea
| | - Soonbong Baek
- Developmental Disorders & Rare Diseases Research Group, Korea Brain Research Institute, Daegu 40162, Republic of Korea
| | - Byounggook Cho
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Dongguk University, Seoul 04620, South Korea
| | - Siyoung Kim
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Dongguk University, Seoul 04620, South Korea
| | - Junyeop Kim
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Dongguk University, Seoul 04620, South Korea
| | - Yujung Chang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Dongguk University, Seoul 04620, South Korea
| | - Jaein Shin
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Dongguk University, Seoul 04620, South Korea
| | - Jongpil Kim
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Dongguk University, Seoul 04620, South Korea
- Department of Chemistry, Dongguk University, Seoul 04620, South Korea
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41
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Barbagiovanni G, Gabriele M, Testa G. KMT2B and Neuronal Transdifferentiation: Bridging Basic Chromatin Mechanisms to Disease Actionability. Neurosci Insights 2020; 15:2633105520928068. [PMID: 32596666 PMCID: PMC7297493 DOI: 10.1177/2633105520928068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2020] [Accepted: 04/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The role of bona fide epigenetic regulators in the process of neuronal transdifferentiation was until recently largely uncharacterized, despite their key role in the physiological processes of neural fate acquisition and maintenance. In this commentary, we describe the main findings of our recent paper “KMT2B is selectively required for neuronal transdifferentiation, and its loss exposes dystonia candidate genes,” where we investigated the role of this histone H3K4 methyltransferase during mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) to induced neuronal cells (iNs) direct conversion. Indeed, Kmt2b–/– MEFs, transduced with three neuronal-specific transcription factors (TFs), Brn2, Ascl1, and Myt1l, show lower transdifferentiation efficiency, defective iN maturation, and augmented alternative cell fates acquisition, with respect to controls. Here, we went beyond the data, hypothesizing how KMT2B executes its fundamental role. In particular, we supposed that MYT1L, which has been proven to be fundamental for iN maturation and the switch-off of alternative cell fates, directly or indirectly needs KMT2B. Indeed, KMT2B could be important both to make MYT1L-target genes accessible, because MYT1L is not a pioneer TF and preferentially binds to open chromatin, and to activate MYT1L-downstream genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Barbagiovanni
- Department of Experimental Oncology, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Michele Gabriele
- Department of Experimental Oncology, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy.,Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Giuseppe Testa
- Department of Experimental Oncology, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy.,Department of Oncology and Haemato-Oncology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.,Human Technopole, Milan, Italy
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42
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Mendelsohn AR, Larrick JW. Epigenetic Age Reversal by Cell-Extrinsic and Cell-Intrinsic Means. Rejuvenation Res 2020; 22:439-446. [PMID: 31578938 DOI: 10.1089/rej.2019.2271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Reversal of aging by factors or drugs that reprogram adult cells to induced pluripotent stem cells suggests that at least at the cellular level aging may be reversible by resetting somatic cell state to a "ground state." An open question has been whether such rejuvenation is possible in whole organisms, especially in mammals. A related key question is whether rejuvenation can be dissociated from dedifferentiation. Several recent reports suggest that one prominent biomarker of mammalian aging, age-associated DNA methylation (DNAm) state that has been used to create DNAm age (DNAma) clocks, can be partially reversed by intrinsic treatment of cells with sets of reprogramming factors without affecting cell fate. Partial reprogramming using a superset of reprogramming factors applied transiently or subset of Yamanaka factors applied continually can increase regenerative potential, and reverse DNAma, while maintaining cell identity. Alternatively, a cell-extrinsic manipulation can accomplish something similar. A small preliminary clinical trial in humans suggests that systemic treatment with a cocktail of growth hormone, dehydroepiandrosterone, and metformin could also partially reverse DNAma and at the same time regenerate the thymus, which shrinks with age. Important questions are raised: How completely does reversing DNAma clocks embody a reversal of other age-related phenotypes, such as functional decline in strength, cognition, or immunity? How universal are these epigenetic changes at the tissue and cell levels? For example, do populations of younger stem cells exist that respond to these manipulations and then only confer the appearance of decreasing DNAma as they proliferate and differentiate? Together, these studies have profound implications for the development of antiaging and healthspan-enhancing therapies. A combination of both intrinsic and extrinsic modalities will most likely provide an optimal benefit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew R Mendelsohn
- Panorama Research Institute, Sunnyvale, California.,Regenerative Sciences Institute, Sunnyvale, California
| | - James W Larrick
- Panorama Research Institute, Sunnyvale, California.,Regenerative Sciences Institute, Sunnyvale, California
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43
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Schlachetzki JCM, Toda T, Mertens J. When function follows form: Nuclear compartment structure and the epigenetic landscape of the aging neuron. Exp Gerontol 2020; 133:110876. [PMID: 32068088 DOI: 10.1016/j.exger.2020.110876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2019] [Revised: 01/29/2020] [Accepted: 02/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The human brain is affected by cellular aging. Neurons are primarily generated during embryogenesis and early life with a limited capacity for renewal and replacement, making them some of the oldest cells in the human body. Our present understanding of neurodegenerative diseases points towards advanced neuronal age as a prerequisite for the development of these disorders. While significant progress has been made in understanding the relationship between aging and neurological disease, it will be essential to delve further into the molecular mechanisms of neuronal aging in order to develop therapeutic interventions targeting age-related brain dysfunction. In this mini review, we highlight recent findings on the relationship between the aging of nuclear structures and changes in the epigenetic landscape during neuronal aging and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johannes C M Schlachetzki
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Tomohisa Toda
- Nuclear Architecture in Neural Plasticity and Aging, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Dresden, Germany.
| | - Jerome Mertens
- Institute of Molecular Biology & CMBI, Leopold-Franzens-University Innsbruck, Austria; Laboratory of Genetics, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, USA.
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44
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Wang J, Jiang X, Zhao L, Zuo S, Chen X, Zhang L, Lin Z, Zhao X, Qin Y, Zhou X, Yu XY. Lineage reprogramming of fibroblasts into induced cardiac progenitor cells by CRISPR/Cas9-based transcriptional activators. Acta Pharm Sin B 2020; 10:313-326. [PMID: 32082976 PMCID: PMC7016296 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2019.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2019] [Revised: 08/26/2019] [Accepted: 08/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Overexpression of exogenous lineage-determining factors succeeds in directly reprogramming fibroblasts to various cell types. Several studies have reported reprogramming of fibroblasts into induced cardiac progenitor cells (iCPCs). CRISPR/Cas9-mediated gene activation is a potential approach for cellular reprogramming due to its high precision and multiplexing capacity. Here we show lineage reprogramming to iCPCs through a dead Cas9 (dCas9)-based transcription activation system. Targeted and robust activation of endogenous cardiac factors, including GATA4, HAND2, MEF2C and TBX5 (G, H, M and T; GHMT), can reprogram human fibroblasts toward iCPCs. The iCPCs show potentials to differentiate into cardiomyocytes, smooth muscle cells and endothelial cells in vitro. Addition of MEIS1 to GHMT induces cell cycle arrest in G2/M and facilitates cardiac reprogramming. Lineage reprogramming of human fibroblasts into iCPCs provides a promising cellular resource for disease modeling, drug discovery and individualized cardiac cell therapy.
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45
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HORISAWA K, SUZUKI A. Direct cell-fate conversion of somatic cells: Toward regenerative medicine and industries. PROCEEDINGS OF THE JAPAN ACADEMY. SERIES B, PHYSICAL AND BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES 2020; 96:131-158. [PMID: 32281550 PMCID: PMC7247973 DOI: 10.2183/pjab.96.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
Cells of multicellular organisms have diverse characteristics despite having the same genetic identity. The distinctive phenotype of each cell is determined by molecular mechanisms such as epigenetic changes that occur throughout the lifetime of an individual. Recently, technologies that enable modification of the fate of somatic cells have been developed, and the number of studies using these technologies has increased drastically in the last decade. Various cell types, including neuronal cells, cardiomyocytes, and hepatocytes, have been generated using these technologies. Although most direct reprogramming methods employ forced transduction of a defined sets of transcription factors to reprogram cells in a manner similar to induced pluripotent cell technology, many other strategies, such as methods utilizing chemical compounds and microRNAs to change the fate of somatic cells, have also been developed. In this review, we summarize transcription factor-based reprogramming and various other reprogramming methods. Additionally, we describe the various industrial applications of direct reprogramming technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenichi HORISAWA
- Division of Organogenesis and Regeneration, Medical Institute of Bioregulation, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
| | - Atsushi SUZUKI
- Division of Organogenesis and Regeneration, Medical Institute of Bioregulation, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
- Correspondence should be addressed: A. Suzuki, Division of Organogenesis and Regeneration, Medical Institute of Bioregulation, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan (e-mail: )
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46
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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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47
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Chen S, Zhang J, Zhang D, Jiao J. Acquisition of functional neurons by direct conversion: Switching the developmental clock directly. J Genet Genomics 2019; 46:459-465. [PMID: 31771824 DOI: 10.1016/j.jgg.2019.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2019] [Revised: 09/20/2019] [Accepted: 10/08/2019] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Identifying approaches for treating neurodegeneration is a thorny task but is important for a growing number of patients. Researchers have focused on discovering the underlying molecular mechanisms of reprogramming and optimizing the technologies for acquiring neurons. Direct conversion is one of the most important processes for treating neurological disorders. Induced neurons derived from direct conversion, which bypass the pluripotency stage, are more effective, more quickly obtained, and are safer than those produced via induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). Based on iPSC strategies, scientists have derived methods to obtain functional neurons by direct conversion, such as neuron-related transcriptional factors, small molecules, microRNAs, and epigenetic modifiers. In this review, we discuss the present strategies for direct conversion of somatic cells into functional neurons and the potentials of direct conversion for producing functional neurons and treating neurodegeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuangquan Chen
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Juan Zhang
- Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Dongming Zhang
- Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Jianwei Jiao
- Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China; Co-Innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, China; Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China.
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48
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Pereira M, Birtele M, Rylander Ottosson D. Direct reprogramming into interneurons: potential for brain repair. Cell Mol Life Sci 2019; 76:3953-3967. [PMID: 31250034 PMCID: PMC6785593 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-019-03193-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2018] [Revised: 06/11/2019] [Accepted: 06/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The brain tissue has only a limited capacity for generating new neurons. Therefore, to treat neurological diseases, there is a need of other cell sources for brain repair. Different sources of cells have been subject of intense research over the years, including cells from primary tissue, stem cell-derived cells and reprogrammed cells. As an alternative, direct reprogramming of resident brain cells into neurons is a recent approach that could provide an attractive method for treating brain injuries or diseases as it uses the patient's own cells for generating novel neurons inside the brain. In vivo reprogramming is still in its early stages but holds great promise as an option for cell therapy. To date, both inhibitory and excitatory neurons have been obtained via in vivo reprogramming, but the precise phenotype or functionality of these cells has not been analysed in detail in most of the studies. Recent data shows that in vivo reprogrammed neurons are able to functionally mature and integrate into the existing brain circuitry, and compose interneuron phenotypes that seem to correlate to their endogenous counterparts. Interneurons are of particular importance as they are essential in physiological brain function and when disturbed lead to several neurological disorders. In this review, we describe a comprehensive overview of the existing studies involving brain repair, including in vivo reprogramming, with a focus on interneurons, along with an overview on current efforts to generate interneurons for cell therapy for a number of neurological diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Pereira
- Department of Experimental Medical Science and Lund Stem Cell Center BMC, Lund University, 22141, Lund, Sweden
| | - Marcella Birtele
- Department of Experimental Medical Science and Lund Stem Cell Center BMC, Lund University, 22141, Lund, Sweden
| | - Daniella Rylander Ottosson
- Department of Experimental Medical Science and Lund Stem Cell Center BMC, Lund University, 22141, Lund, Sweden.
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49
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Maussion G, Demirova I, Gorwood P, Ramoz N. Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells; New Tools for Investigating Molecular Mechanisms in Anorexia Nervosa. Front Nutr 2019; 6:118. [PMID: 31457016 PMCID: PMC6700384 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2019.00118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2019] [Accepted: 07/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a dramatic psychiatric disorder characterized by dysregulations in food intake and reward processing, involving molecular and cellular changes in several peripheral cell types and central neuronal networks. Genomic and epigenomic analyses have allowed the identification of multiple genetic and epigenetic modifications highlighting the complex pathophysiology of AN. Behavioral and genetic rodent models have been used to recapitulate and investigate, with some limitations, the cellular and molecular changes that potentially underlie eating disorders. In the last 5 years, the use of induced pluripotent stem cells (IPSCs), combined with CRISPR-Cas9 technology, has led to the generation of specific neuronal cell subtypes engineered from human somatic samples, representing a powerful tool to complement observations made in human samples and data collected from animal models. Systems biology using IPSCs has indeed proved to be a valuable approach for the study of metabolic disorders, in addition to neurodevelopmental and psychiatric disorders. The manuscript, while reviewing the main findings related to the genetic, epigenetic, and cellular bases of AN, will present how new studies published, or to be performed, in the field of IPSC-derived cells should improve our current understanding of the pathophysiology of AN and provide potential therapeutic strategies addressing specific endophenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gilles Maussion
- Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Iveta Demirova
- Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Philip Gorwood
- INSERM U1266, Institute of Psychiatry and Neuroscience of Paris, Paris, France.,Hôpital Sainte-Anne (CMME), University Paris-Descartes, Paris, France
| | - Nicolas Ramoz
- INSERM U1266, Institute of Psychiatry and Neuroscience of Paris, Paris, France
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50
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Luo C, Lee QY, Wapinski O, Castanon R, Nery JR, Mall M, Kareta MS, Cullen SM, Goodell MA, Chang HY, Wernig M, Ecker JR. Global DNA methylation remodeling during direct reprogramming of fibroblasts to neurons. eLife 2019; 8:40197. [PMID: 30644360 PMCID: PMC6333439 DOI: 10.7554/elife.40197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2018] [Accepted: 12/19/2018] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Direct reprogramming of fibroblasts to neurons induces widespread cellular and transcriptional reconfiguration. Here, we characterized global epigenomic changes during the direct reprogramming of mouse fibroblasts to neurons using whole-genome base-resolution DNA methylation (mC) sequencing. We found that the pioneer transcription factor Ascl1 alone is sufficient for inducing the uniquely neuronal feature of non-CG methylation (mCH), but co-expression of Brn2 and Mytl1 was required to establish a global mCH pattern reminiscent of mature cortical neurons. Ascl1 alone induced promoter CG methylation (mCG) of fibroblast specific genes, while BAM overexpression additionally targets a competing myogenic program and directs a more faithful conversion to neuronal cells. Ascl1 induces local demethylation at its binding sites. Surprisingly, co-expression with Brn2 and Mytl1 inhibited the ability of Ascl1 to induce demethylation, suggesting a contextual regulation of transcription factor - epigenome interaction. Finally, we found that de novo methylation by DNMT3A is required for efficient neuronal reprogramming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chongyuan Luo
- Genomic Analysis Laboratory, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, United States.,Howard Hughes Medical Institute, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, United States
| | - Qian Yi Lee
- Department of Pathology, Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, United States.,Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, United States
| | - Orly Wapinski
- Center for Personal Dynamic Regulomes, Stanford University, Stanford, United States
| | - Rosa Castanon
- Genomic Analysis Laboratory, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, United States
| | - Joseph R Nery
- Genomic Analysis Laboratory, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, United States
| | - Moritz Mall
- Department of Pathology, Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, United States
| | - Michael S Kareta
- Department of Pathology, Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, United States
| | - Sean M Cullen
- Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine Center, Program in Developmental Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, United States
| | - Margaret A Goodell
- Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine Center, Program in Developmental Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, United States
| | - Howard Y Chang
- Center for Personal Dynamic Regulomes, Stanford University, Stanford, United States.,Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, United States
| | - Marius Wernig
- Department of Pathology, Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, United States
| | - Joseph R Ecker
- Genomic Analysis Laboratory, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, United States.,Howard Hughes Medical Institute, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, United States
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