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Nahon DM, Vila Cuenca M, van den Hil FE, Hu M, de Korte T, Frimat JP, van den Maagdenberg AMJM, Mummery CL, Orlova VV. Self-assembling 3D vessel-on-chip model with hiPSC-derived astrocytes. Stem Cell Reports 2024:S2213-6711(24)00148-6. [PMID: 38876110 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2024.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Revised: 05/16/2024] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 06/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Functionality of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) relies on the interaction between endothelial cells (ECs), pericytes, and astrocytes to regulate molecule transport within the central nervous system. Most experimental models for the BBB rely on freshly isolated primary brain cells. Here, we explored human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) as a cellular source for astrocytes in a 3D vessel-on-chip (VoC) model. Self-organized microvascular networks were formed by combining hiPSC-derived ECs, human brain vascular pericytes, and hiPSC-derived astrocytes within a fibrin hydrogel. The hiPSC-ECs and pericytes showed close interactions, but, somewhat unexpectedly, addition of astrocytes disrupted microvascular network formation. However, continuous fluid perfusion or activation of cyclic AMP (cAMP) signaling rescued the vascular organization and decreased vascular permeability. Nevertheless, astrocytes did not affect the expression of proteins related to junction formation, transport, or extracellular matrix, indicating that, despite other claims, hiPSC-derived ECs do not entirely acquire a BBB-like identity in the 3D VoC model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dennis M Nahon
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Leiden University Medical Centre, 2333ZA Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Marc Vila Cuenca
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Leiden University Medical Centre, 2333ZA Leiden, the Netherlands; Department of Clinical Genetics, Leiden University Medical Centre, 2333ZA Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Francijna E van den Hil
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Leiden University Medical Centre, 2333ZA Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Michel Hu
- Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Centre, 2333ZA Leiden, the Netherlands; Department of Neurology, Leiden University Medical Centre, 2333ZA Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Tessa de Korte
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Leiden University Medical Centre, 2333ZA Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Jean-Philippe Frimat
- Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Centre, 2333ZA Leiden, the Netherlands; Department of Neurology, Leiden University Medical Centre, 2333ZA Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Arn M J M van den Maagdenberg
- Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Centre, 2333ZA Leiden, the Netherlands; Department of Neurology, Leiden University Medical Centre, 2333ZA Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Christine L Mummery
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Leiden University Medical Centre, 2333ZA Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Valeria V Orlova
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Leiden University Medical Centre, 2333ZA Leiden, the Netherlands.
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2
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Porkoláb G, Mészáros M, Szecskó A, Vigh JP, Walter FR, Figueiredo R, Kálomista I, Hoyk Z, Vizsnyiczai G, Gróf I, Jan JS, Gosselet F, Pirity MK, Vastag M, Hudson N, Campbell M, Veszelka S, Deli MA. Synergistic induction of blood-brain barrier properties. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2316006121. [PMID: 38748577 PMCID: PMC11126970 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2316006121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 05/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Blood-brain barrier (BBB) models derived from human stem cells are powerful tools to improve our understanding of cerebrovascular diseases and to facilitate drug development for the human brain. Yet providing stem cell-derived endothelial cells with the right signaling cues to acquire BBB characteristics while also retaining their vascular identity remains challenging. Here, we show that the simultaneous activation of cyclic AMP and Wnt/β-catenin signaling and inhibition of the TGF-β pathway in endothelial cells robustly induce BBB properties in vitro. To target this interaction, we present a small-molecule cocktail named cARLA, which synergistically enhances barrier tightness in a range of BBB models across species. Mechanistically, we reveal that the three pathways converge on Wnt/β-catenin signaling to mediate the effect of cARLA via the tight junction protein claudin-5. We demonstrate that cARLA shifts the gene expressional profile of human stem cell-derived endothelial cells toward the in vivo brain endothelial signature, with a higher glycocalyx density and efflux pump activity, lower rates of endocytosis, and a characteristic endothelial response to proinflammatory cytokines. Finally, we illustrate how cARLA can improve the predictive value of human BBB models regarding the brain penetration of drugs and targeted nanoparticles. Due to its synergistic effect, high reproducibility, and ease of use, cARLA has the potential to advance drug development for the human brain by improving BBB models across laboratories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gergő Porkoláb
- Institute of Biophysics, Biological Research Centre, Hungarian Research Network, SzegedH-6726, Hungary
- Doctoral School of Biology, University of Szeged, SzegedH-6720, Hungary
| | - Mária Mészáros
- Institute of Biophysics, Biological Research Centre, Hungarian Research Network, SzegedH-6726, Hungary
| | - Anikó Szecskó
- Institute of Biophysics, Biological Research Centre, Hungarian Research Network, SzegedH-6726, Hungary
- Doctoral School of Biology, University of Szeged, SzegedH-6720, Hungary
| | - Judit P. Vigh
- Institute of Biophysics, Biological Research Centre, Hungarian Research Network, SzegedH-6726, Hungary
- Doctoral School of Biology, University of Szeged, SzegedH-6720, Hungary
| | - Fruzsina R. Walter
- Institute of Biophysics, Biological Research Centre, Hungarian Research Network, SzegedH-6726, Hungary
| | | | - Ildikó Kálomista
- In Vitro Metabolism Laboratory, Gedeon Richter, BudapestH-1103, Hungary
| | - Zsófia Hoyk
- Institute of Biophysics, Biological Research Centre, Hungarian Research Network, SzegedH-6726, Hungary
| | - Gaszton Vizsnyiczai
- Institute of Biophysics, Biological Research Centre, Hungarian Research Network, SzegedH-6726, Hungary
| | - Ilona Gróf
- Institute of Biophysics, Biological Research Centre, Hungarian Research Network, SzegedH-6726, Hungary
| | - Jeng-Shiung Jan
- Department of Chemical Engineering, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan70101, Taiwan
| | - Fabien Gosselet
- Laboratoire de la Barriére Hémato-Encéphalique, Université d’Artois, Lens62307, France
| | - Melinda K. Pirity
- Institute of Genetics, Biological Research Centre, Hungarian Research Network, SzegedH-6726, Hungary
| | - Monika Vastag
- In Vitro Metabolism Laboratory, Gedeon Richter, BudapestH-1103, Hungary
| | - Natalie Hudson
- Smurfit Institute of Genetics, Trinity College Dublin, DublinD02 VF25, Ireland
| | - Matthew Campbell
- Smurfit Institute of Genetics, Trinity College Dublin, DublinD02 VF25, Ireland
| | - Szilvia Veszelka
- Institute of Biophysics, Biological Research Centre, Hungarian Research Network, SzegedH-6726, Hungary
| | - Mária A. Deli
- Institute of Biophysics, Biological Research Centre, Hungarian Research Network, SzegedH-6726, Hungary
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3
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Huang Y, Xu R, Liu Q, Zhang X, Mao Y, Yang Y, Gu X, Liu Y, Ma Z. Glucose competition between endothelial cells in the blood-spinal cord barrier and infiltrating regulatory T cells is linked to sleep restriction-induced hyperalgesia. BMC Med 2024; 22:189. [PMID: 38715017 PMCID: PMC11077863 DOI: 10.1186/s12916-024-03413-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sleep loss is a common public health problem that causes hyperalgesia, especially that after surgery, which reduces the quality of life seriously. METHODS The 48-h sleep restriction (SR) mouse model was created using restriction chambers. In vivo imaging, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), immunofluorescence staining and Western blot were performed to detect the status of the blood-spinal cord barrier (BSCB). Paw withdrawal mechanical threshold (PWMT) was measured to track mouse pain behavior. The role of infiltrating regulatory T cells (Tregs) and endothelial cells (ECs) in mouse glycolysis and BSCB damage were analyzed using flow cytometry, Western blot, CCK-8 assay, colorimetric method and lactate administration. RESULTS The 48-h SR made mice in sleep disruption status and caused an acute damage to the BSCB, resulting in hyperalgesia and neuroinflammation in the spinal cord. In SR mice, the levels of glycolysis and glycolysis enzymes of ECs in the BSCB were found significantly decreased [CON group vs. SR group: CD31+Glut1+ cells: p < 0.001], which could cause dysfunction of ECs and this was confirmed in vitro. Increased numbers of infiltrating T cells [p < 0.0001] and Treg population [p < 0.05] were detected in the mouse spinal cord after 48-h SR. In the co-cultured system of ECs and Tregs in vitro, the competition of Tregs for glucose resulted in the glycolysis disorder of ECs [Glut1: p < 0.01, ENO1: p < 0.05, LDHα: p < 0.05; complete tubular structures formed: p < 0.0001; CCK8 assay: p < 0.001 on 24h, p < 0.0001 on 48h; glycolysis level: p < 0.0001]. An administration of sodium lactate partially rescued the function of ECs and relieved SR-induced hyperalgesia. Furthermore, the mTOR signaling pathway was excessively activated in ECs after SR in vivo and those under the inhibition of glycolysis or co-cultured with Tregs in vitro. CONCLUSIONS Affected by glycolysis disorders of ECs due to glucose competition with infiltrating Tregs through regulating the mTOR signaling pathway, hyperalgesia induced by 48-h SR is attributed to neuroinflammation and damages to the barriers, which can be relieved by lactate supplementation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yulin Huang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital Medical School, Nanjing University, No. 321 of Zhongshan Road, Nanjing, 210008, China
| | - Rui Xu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital Medical School, Nanjing University, No. 321 of Zhongshan Road, Nanjing, 210008, China
| | - Qi Liu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital Medical School, Nanjing University, No. 321 of Zhongshan Road, Nanjing, 210008, China
| | - Xiao Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital Medical School, Nanjing University, No. 321 of Zhongshan Road, Nanjing, 210008, China
| | - Yanting Mao
- Department of Anesthesiology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital Medical School, Nanjing University, No. 321 of Zhongshan Road, Nanjing, 210008, China
| | - Yan Yang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital Medical School, Nanjing University, No. 321 of Zhongshan Road, Nanjing, 210008, China
| | - Xiaoping Gu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital Medical School, Nanjing University, No. 321 of Zhongshan Road, Nanjing, 210008, China.
| | - Yue Liu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital Medical School, Nanjing University, No. 321 of Zhongshan Road, Nanjing, 210008, China.
| | - Zhengliang Ma
- Department of Anesthesiology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital Medical School, Nanjing University, No. 321 of Zhongshan Road, Nanjing, 210008, China.
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4
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Patel R, Cui A, Bosco P, Akcan U, Richters E, Delgado PB, Agalliu D, Sproul AA. Generation of hiPSC-derived brain microvascular endothelial cells using a combination of directed differentiation and transcriptional reprogramming strategies. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.04.03.588012. [PMID: 38903080 PMCID: PMC11188081 DOI: 10.1101/2024.04.03.588012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/22/2024]
Abstract
The blood-brain barrier (BBB), formed by specialized brain microvascular endothelial cells (BMECs), regulates brain function in health and disease. In vitro modeling of the human BBB is limited by the lack of robust protocols to generate BMECs from human iPSCs (hiPSCs). Here, we report generation of reprogrammed BMECs (rBMECs) through combining hiPSC differentiation into BBB-primed endothelial cells (bpECs) and reprogramming with two BBB transcription factors, FOXF2 and ZIC3. rBMECs express a subset of the BBB gene repertoire including tight junctions and transporters, exhibit higher paracellular barrier properties, lower caveolar-mediated transcytosis, and equivalent p-glycoprotein activity compared to primary HBMECs, and can be activated by oligomeric Aβ42. We then generated an hiPSC-derived 3D neurovascular system that incorporates rBMECs, pericytes, and astrocytes using the MIMETAS platform. This novel 3D system closely resembles the in vivo BBB at structural and functional levels and can be used to study pathogenic mechanisms of neurological diseases.
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5
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Ganesan S, Dharmarajan A, Sudhir G, Perumalsamy LR. Unravelling the Road to Recovery: Mechanisms of Wnt Signalling in Spinal Cord Injury. Mol Neurobiol 2024:10.1007/s12035-024-04055-1. [PMID: 38421469 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-024-04055-1] [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: 10/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a complex neurodegenerative pathology that consistently harbours a poor prognostic outcome. At present, there are few therapeutic strategies that can halt neuronal cell death and facilitate functional motor recovery. However, recent studies have highlighted the Wnt pathway as a key promoter of axon regeneration following central nervous system (CNS) injuries. Emerging evidence also suggests that the temporal dysregulation of Wnt may drive cell death post-SCI. A major challenge in SCI treatment resides in developing therapeutics that can effectively target inflammation and facilitate glial scar repair. Before Wnt signalling is exploited for SCI therapy, further research is needed to clarify the implications of Wnt on neuroinflammation during chronic stages of injury. In this review, an attempt is made to dissect the impact of canonical and non-canonical Wnt pathways in relation to individual aspects of glial and fibrotic scar formation. Furthermore, it is also highlighted how modulating Wnt activity at chronic time points may aid in limiting lesion expansion and promoting axonal repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suchita Ganesan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Sri Ramachandra Faculty of Biomedical Sciences and Technology, Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, Chennai, India
| | - Arun Dharmarajan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Sri Ramachandra Faculty of Biomedical Sciences and Technology, Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, Chennai, India
- Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Curtin University, Bentley, Perth, WA, 6102, Australia
- Curtin Medical School, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia
- School of Human Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA, Australia
- Sri Ramachandra Faculty of Clinical Research, Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, Chennai, India
| | - G Sudhir
- Department of Orthopedics and Spine Surgery, Sri Ramachandra Medical College and Research Institute, Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, Chennai, India.
| | - Lakshmi R Perumalsamy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Sri Ramachandra Faculty of Biomedical Sciences and Technology, Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, Chennai, India.
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6
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Deli MA, Porkoláb G, Kincses A, Mészáros M, Szecskó A, Kocsis AE, Vigh JP, Valkai S, Veszelka S, Walter FR, Dér A. Lab-on-a-chip models of the blood-brain barrier: evolution, problems, perspectives. LAB ON A CHIP 2024; 24:1030-1063. [PMID: 38353254 DOI: 10.1039/d3lc00996c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
A great progress has been made in the development and use of lab-on-a-chip devices to model and study the blood-brain barrier (BBB) in the last decade. We present the main types of BBB-on-chip models and their use for the investigation of BBB physiology, drug and nanoparticle transport, toxicology and pathology. The selection of the appropriate cell types to be integrated into BBB-on-chip devices is discussed, as this greatly impacts the physiological relevance and translatability of findings. We identify knowledge gaps, neglected engineering and cell biological aspects and point out problems and contradictions in the literature of BBB-on-chip models, and suggest areas for further studies to progress this highly interdisciplinary field. BBB-on-chip models have an exceptional potential as predictive tools and alternatives of animal experiments in basic and preclinical research. To exploit the full potential of this technique expertise from materials science, bioengineering as well as stem cell and vascular/BBB biology is necessary. There is a need for better integration of these diverse disciplines that can only be achieved by setting clear parameters for characterizing both the chip and the BBB model parts technically and functionally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mária A Deli
- HUN-REN Biological Research Centre, Institute of Biophysics, Szeged, Hungary.
| | - Gergő Porkoláb
- HUN-REN Biological Research Centre, Institute of Biophysics, Szeged, Hungary.
- Doctoral School of Biology, University of Szeged, Hungary
| | - András Kincses
- HUN-REN Biological Research Centre, Institute of Biophysics, Szeged, Hungary.
| | - Mária Mészáros
- HUN-REN Biological Research Centre, Institute of Biophysics, Szeged, Hungary.
| | - Anikó Szecskó
- HUN-REN Biological Research Centre, Institute of Biophysics, Szeged, Hungary.
- Doctoral School of Biology, University of Szeged, Hungary
| | - Anna E Kocsis
- HUN-REN Biological Research Centre, Institute of Biophysics, Szeged, Hungary.
| | - Judit P Vigh
- HUN-REN Biological Research Centre, Institute of Biophysics, Szeged, Hungary.
- Doctoral School of Biology, University of Szeged, Hungary
| | - Sándor Valkai
- HUN-REN Biological Research Centre, Institute of Biophysics, Szeged, Hungary.
| | - Szilvia Veszelka
- HUN-REN Biological Research Centre, Institute of Biophysics, Szeged, Hungary.
| | - Fruzsina R Walter
- HUN-REN Biological Research Centre, Institute of Biophysics, Szeged, Hungary.
| | - András Dér
- HUN-REN Biological Research Centre, Institute of Biophysics, Szeged, Hungary.
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7
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Li H, Cui J, Hu C, Li H, Luo X, Hao Y. Identification and Analysis of ZIC-Related Genes in Cerebellum of Autism Spectrum Disorders. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat 2024; 20:325-339. [PMID: 38410689 PMCID: PMC10895985 DOI: 10.2147/ndt.s444138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder with significant genetic heterogeneity. The ZIC gene family can regulate neurodevelopment, especially in the cerebellum, and has been implicated in ASD-like behaviors in mice. We performed bioinformatic analysis to identify the ZIC gene family in the ASD cerebellum. Methods We explored the roles of ZIC family genes in ASD by investigating (i) the association of ZIC genes with ASD risk genes from the Simons Foundation Autism Research Initiative (SFARI) database and ZIC genes in the brain regions of the Human Protein Atlas (HPA) database; (ii) co-expressed gene networks of genes positively and negatively correlated with ZIC1, ZIC2, and ZIC3, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis of genes in these networks; and (iii) the relationship between ZIC1, ZIC2, ZIC3, and their related genes with cerebellar immune cells and stromal cells in ASD patients. Results (i) ZIC1, ZIC2, and ZIC3 were associated with neurodevelopmental disorders and risk genes related to ASD in the human cerebellum and (ii) ZIC1, ZIC2, and ZIC3 were highly expressed in the cerebellum, which may play a pathogenic role by affecting neuronal development and the cerebellar internal environment in patients with ASD, including immune cells, astrocytes, and endothelial cells. (iii) OLFM3, SLC27A4, GRB2, TMED1, NR2F1, and STRBP are closely related to ZIC1, ZIC2, and ZIC3 in ASD cerebellum and have good diagnostic accuracy. (iv) ASD mice in the maternal immune activation model demonstrated that Zic3 and Nr2f1 levels were decreased in the immune-activated cerebellum. Conclusion Our study supports the role of ZIC1, ZIC2, and ZIC3 in ASD pathogenesis and provides potential targets for early and accurate prediction of ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heli Li
- Division of Child Healthcare, Department of Pediatrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, People's Republic of China
| | - Jinru Cui
- Division of Child Healthcare, Department of Pediatrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, People's Republic of China
| | - Cong Hu
- Division of Child Healthcare, Department of Pediatrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, People's Republic of China
| | - Hao Li
- Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoping Luo
- Department of Pediatrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, People's Republic of China
| | - Yan Hao
- Division of Child Healthcare, Department of Pediatrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, People's Republic of China
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8
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Klip A, De Bock K, Bilan PJ, Richter EA. Transcellular Barriers to Glucose Delivery in the Body. Annu Rev Physiol 2024; 86:149-173. [PMID: 38345907 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-physiol-042022-031657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/15/2024]
Abstract
Glucose is the universal fuel of most mammalian cells, and it is largely replenished through dietary intake. Glucose availability to tissues is paramount for the maintenance of homeostatic energetics and, hence, supply should match demand by the consuming organs. In its journey through the body, glucose encounters cellular barriers for transit at the levels of the absorbing intestinal epithelial wall, the renal epithelium mediating glucose reabsorption, and the tight capillary endothelia (especially in the brain). Glucose transiting through these cellular barriers must escape degradation to ensure optimal glucose delivery to the bloodstream or tissues. The liver, which stores glycogen and generates glucose de novo, must similarly be able to release it intact to the circulation. We present the most up-to-date knowledge on glucose handling by the gut, liver, brain endothelium, and kidney, and discuss underlying molecular mechanisms and open questions. Diseases associated with defects in glucose delivery and homeostasis are also briefly addressed. We propose that the universal problem of sparing glucose from catabolism in favor of translocation across the barriers posed by epithelia and endothelia is resolved through common mechanisms involving glucose transfer to the endoplasmic reticulum, from where glucose exits the cells via unconventional cellular mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amira Klip
- Cell Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada;
| | - Katrien De Bock
- Laboratory of Exercise and Health, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH), Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Philip J Bilan
- Cell Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada;
| | - Erik A Richter
- The August Krogh Section for Molecular Physiology, Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports, Faculty of Science, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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9
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Gastfriend BD, Snyder ME, Holt HE, Daneman R, Palecek SP, Shusta EV. Notch3 directs differentiation of brain mural cells from human pluripotent stem cell-derived neural crest. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2024; 10:eadi1737. [PMID: 38306433 PMCID: PMC10836734 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adi1737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/04/2024]
Abstract
Brain mural cells regulate development and function of the blood-brain barrier and control blood flow. Existing in vitro models of human brain mural cells have low expression of key mural cell genes, including NOTCH3. Thus, we asked whether activation of Notch3 signaling in hPSC-derived neural crest could direct the differentiation of brain mural cells with an improved transcriptional profile. Overexpression of the Notch3 intracellular domain (N3ICD) induced expression of mural cell markers PDGFRβ, TBX2, FOXS1, KCNJ8, SLC6A12, and endogenous Notch3. The resulting N3ICD-derived brain mural cells produced extracellular matrix, self-assembled with endothelial cells, and had functional KATP channels. ChIP-seq revealed that Notch3 serves as a direct input to relatively few genes in the context of this differentiation process. Our work demonstrates that activation of Notch3 signaling is sufficient to direct the differentiation of neural crest to mural cells and establishes a developmentally relevant differentiation protocol.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin D Gastfriend
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Margaret E Snyder
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Hope E Holt
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Richard Daneman
- Departments of Neurosciences and Pharmacology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Sean P Palecek
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Eric V Shusta
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
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10
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Manukjan N, Chau S, Caiment F, van Herwijnen M, Smeets HJ, Fulton D, Ahmed Z, Blankesteijn WM, Foulquier S. Wnt7a Decreases Brain Endothelial Barrier Function Via β-Catenin Activation. Mol Neurobiol 2023:10.1007/s12035-023-03872-0. [PMID: 38147228 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-023-03872-0] [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: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/27/2023]
Abstract
The blood-brain barrier consists of tightly connected endothelial cells protecting the brain's microenvironment from the periphery. These endothelial cells are characterized by specific tight junction proteins such as Claudin-5 and Occludin, forming the endothelial barrier. Disrupting these cells might lead to blood-brain barrier dysfunction. The Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway can regulate the expression of these tight junction proteins and subsequent barrier permeability. The aim of this study was to investigate the in vitro effects of Wnt7a mediated β-catenin signaling on endothelial barrier integrity. Mouse brain endothelial cells, bEnd.3, were treated with recombinant Wnt7a protein or XAV939, a selective inhibitor of Wnt/β-catenin mediated transcription to modulate the Wnt signaling pathway. The involvement of Wnt/HIF1α signaling was investigated by inhibiting Hif1α signaling with Hif1α siRNA. Wnt7a stimulation led to activation and nuclear translocation of β-catenin, which was inhibited by XAV939. Wnt7a stimulation decreased Claudin-5 expression mediated by β-catenin and decreased endothelial barrier formation. Wnt7a increased Hif1α and Vegfa expression mediated by β-catenin. However, Hif1α signaling pathway did not regulate tight junction proteins Claudin-5 and Occludin. Our data suggest that Wnt7a stimulation leads to a decrease in tight junction proteins mediated by the nuclear translocation of β-catenin, which hampers proper endothelial barrier formation. This process might be crucial in initiating endothelial cell proliferation and angiogenesis. Although HIF1α did not modulate the expression of tight junction proteins, it might play a role in brain angiogenesis and underlie pathogenic mechanisms in Wnt/HIF1α signaling in diseases such as cerebral small vessel disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Narek Manukjan
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Maastricht University, 50 Universiteitssingel, P.O. Box 616, Maastricht, 6200 MD, The Netherlands
- CARIM-School for Cardiovascular Diseases, Maastricht University, P.O. Box 616, Maastricht, 6200 MD, The Netherlands
- Neuroscience and Ophthalmology, Institute of Inflammation and Ageing, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, B15 2TT, Birmingham, UK
| | - Steven Chau
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Maastricht University, 50 Universiteitssingel, P.O. Box 616, Maastricht, 6200 MD, The Netherlands
| | - Florian Caiment
- Department of Toxicogenomics, GROW - School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University, P.O. Box 616, Maastricht, 6200 MD, The Netherlands
| | - Marcel van Herwijnen
- Department of Toxicogenomics, GROW - School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University, P.O. Box 616, Maastricht, 6200 MD, The Netherlands
| | - Hubert J Smeets
- Department of Toxicogenomics, GROW - School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University, P.O. Box 616, Maastricht, 6200 MD, The Netherlands
- MHeNs-School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, P.O. Box 616, Maastricht, 6200 MD, The Netherlands
| | - Daniel Fulton
- Neuroscience and Ophthalmology, Institute of Inflammation and Ageing, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, B15 2TT, Birmingham, UK
| | - Zubair Ahmed
- Neuroscience and Ophthalmology, Institute of Inflammation and Ageing, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, B15 2TT, Birmingham, UK.
- Centre for Trauma Sciences Research, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK.
| | - W Matthijs Blankesteijn
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Maastricht University, 50 Universiteitssingel, P.O. Box 616, Maastricht, 6200 MD, The Netherlands.
- CARIM-School for Cardiovascular Diseases, Maastricht University, P.O. Box 616, Maastricht, 6200 MD, The Netherlands.
| | - Sébastien Foulquier
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Maastricht University, 50 Universiteitssingel, P.O. Box 616, Maastricht, 6200 MD, The Netherlands.
- CARIM-School for Cardiovascular Diseases, Maastricht University, P.O. Box 616, Maastricht, 6200 MD, The Netherlands.
- MHeNs-School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, P.O. Box 616, Maastricht, 6200 MD, The Netherlands.
- Department of Neurology, Maastricht University Medical Center+, P.O. Box 5800, Maastricht, 6202 AZ, The Netherlands.
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11
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Omar OMF, Kimble AL, Cheemala A, Tyburski JD, Pandey S, Wu Q, Reese B, Jellison ER, Li Y, Hao B, Yan R, Murphy PA. Targeted inCITE-Seq Analysis Identifies the Loss of Nuclear TDP-43 in Endothelium as a Mediator of Blood Brain Barrier Signaling Pathway Dysfunction in Neurodegeneration. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.12.13.571178. [PMID: 38168276 PMCID: PMC10760156 DOI: 10.1101/2023.12.13.571178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Despite the importance of the endothelium in the regulation of the blood brain barrier (BBB) in aging and neurodegenerative disease, difficulties in extracting endothelial cell (EC) nuclei have limited analysis of these cells. In addition, nearly all Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) and Frontotemporal Degeneration (FTD), and a large portion of Alzheimer's Disease (AD) exhibit neuronal TDP-43 aggregation, leading to loss of nuclear function, but whether TDP-43 is similarly altered in human BBB ECs is unknown. Here we utilize a novel technique for the enrichment of endothelial and microglial nuclei from human cortical brain tissues, combined with inCITE-seq, to analyze nuclear proteins and RNA transcripts in a large cohort of healthy and diseased donors. Our findings reveal a unique transcriptional signature in nearly half of the capillary endothelial cells across neurodegenerative states, characterized by reduced levels of nuclear β-Catenin and canonical downstream genes, and an increase in TNF/NF-kB target genes. We demonstrate that this does not correlate with increased nuclear p65/NF-kB, but rather a specific loss of nuclear TDP-43 in these disease associated ECs. Comparative analysis in animal models with targeted disruption of TDP-43 shows that this is sufficient to drive these transcriptional alterations. This work reveals that TDP-43 is a critical governor of the transcriptional output from nuclear p65/NF-kB, which has paradoxical roles in barrier maintenance and also barrier compromising inflammatory responses, and suggests that disease specific loss in ECs contributes to BBB defects observed in the progression of AD, ALS and FTD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omar M F Omar
- Center for Vascular Biology, University of Connecticut Medical School, Farmington CT
| | - Amy L Kimble
- Center for Vascular Biology, University of Connecticut Medical School, Farmington CT
| | - Ashok Cheemala
- Center for Vascular Biology, University of Connecticut Medical School, Farmington CT
| | - Jordan D Tyburski
- Center for Vascular Biology, University of Connecticut Medical School, Farmington CT
| | - Swati Pandey
- Center for Vascular Biology, University of Connecticut Medical School, Farmington CT
| | - Qian Wu
- Department of Pathology, University of Connecticut Medical School, Farmington CT
| | - Bo Reese
- Center for Genome Innovation, University of Connecticut, Storrs CT
| | - Evan R Jellison
- Department of Immunology, University of Connecticut Medical School, Farmington CT
| | - Yunfeng Li
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biophysics, Farmington CT
| | - Bing Hao
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biophysics, Farmington CT
| | - Riqiang Yan
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Connecticut Medical School, Farmington CT
| | - Patrick A Murphy
- Center for Vascular Biology, University of Connecticut Medical School, Farmington CT
- Department of Immunology, University of Connecticut Medical School, Farmington CT
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Connecticut Medical School, Farmington CT
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12
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Alkhalifa AE, Al-Ghraiybah NF, Odum J, Shunnarah JG, Austin N, Kaddoumi A. Blood-Brain Barrier Breakdown in Alzheimer's Disease: Mechanisms and Targeted Strategies. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:16288. [PMID: 38003477 PMCID: PMC10671257 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242216288] [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: 10/16/2023] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is a unique and selective feature of the central nervous system's vasculature. BBB dysfunction has been observed as an early sign of Alzheimer's Disease (AD) before the onset of dementia or neurodegeneration. The intricate relationship between the BBB and the pathogenesis of AD, especially in the context of neurovascular coupling and the overlap of pathophysiology in neurodegenerative and cerebrovascular diseases, underscores the urgency to understand the BBB's role more deeply. Preserving or restoring the BBB function emerges as a potentially promising strategy for mitigating the progression and severity of AD. Molecular and genetic changes, such as the isoform ε4 of apolipoprotein E (ApoEε4), a significant genetic risk factor and a promoter of the BBB dysfunction, have been shown to mediate the BBB disruption. Additionally, receptors and transporters like the low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 1 (LRP1), P-glycoprotein (P-gp), and the receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGEs) have been implicated in AD's pathogenesis. In this comprehensive review, we endeavor to shed light on the intricate pathogenic and therapeutic connections between AD and the BBB. We also delve into the latest developments and pioneering strategies targeting the BBB for therapeutic interventions, addressing its potential as a barrier and a carrier. By providing an integrative perspective, we anticipate paving the way for future research and treatments focused on exploiting the BBB's role in AD pathogenesis and therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Amal Kaddoumi
- Department of Drug Discovery and Development, Harrison College of Pharmacy, Auburn University, 720 S. Donahue Dr., Auburn, AL 36849, USA; (A.E.A.); (N.F.A.-G.); (J.O.); (J.G.S.); (N.A.)
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13
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Seregin AA, Smirnova LP, Dmitrieva EM, Zavialova MG, Simutkin GG, Ivanova SA. Differential Expression of Proteins Associated with Bipolar Disorder as Identified Using the PeptideShaker Software. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:15250. [PMID: 37894929 PMCID: PMC10607299 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242015250] [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: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The prevalence of bipolar disorder (BD) in modern society is growing rapidly, but due to the lack of paraclinical criteria, its differential diagnosis with other mental disorders is somewhat challenging. In this regard, the relevance of proteomic studies is increasing due to the development of methods for processing large data arrays; this contributes to the discovery of protein patterns of pathological processes and the creation of new methods of diagnosis and treatment. It seems promising to search for proteins involved in the pathogenesis of BD in an easily accessible material-blood serum. Sera from BD patients and healthy individuals were purified via affinity chromatography to isolate 14 major proteins and separated using 1D SDS-PAGE. After trypsinolysis, the proteins in the samples were identified via HPLC/mass spectrometry. Mass spectrometric data were processed using the OMSSA and X!Tandem search algorithms using the UniProtKB database, and the results were analyzed using PeptideShaker. Differences in proteomes were assessed via an unlabeled NSAF-based analysis using a two-tailed Bonferroni-adjusted t-test. When comparing the blood serum proteomes of BD patients and healthy individuals, 10 proteins showed significant differences in NSAF values. Of these, four proteins were predominantly present in BD patients with the maximum NSAF value: 14-3-3 protein zeta/delta; ectonucleoside triphosphate diphosphohydrolase 7; transforming growth factor-beta-induced protein ig-h3; and B-cell CLL/lymphoma 9 protein. Further exploration of the role of these proteins in BD is warranted; conducting such studies will help develop new paraclinical criteria and discover new targets for BD drug therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander A. Seregin
- Mental Health Research Institute, Tomsk National Research Medical Center, Russian Academy of Sciences, Tomsk 634014, Russia; (A.A.S.)
| | - Liudmila P. Smirnova
- Mental Health Research Institute, Tomsk National Research Medical Center, Russian Academy of Sciences, Tomsk 634014, Russia; (A.A.S.)
| | - Elena M. Dmitrieva
- Mental Health Research Institute, Tomsk National Research Medical Center, Russian Academy of Sciences, Tomsk 634014, Russia; (A.A.S.)
| | | | - German G. Simutkin
- Mental Health Research Institute, Tomsk National Research Medical Center, Russian Academy of Sciences, Tomsk 634014, Russia; (A.A.S.)
| | - Svetlana A. Ivanova
- Mental Health Research Institute, Tomsk National Research Medical Center, Russian Academy of Sciences, Tomsk 634014, Russia; (A.A.S.)
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14
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Bora K, Kushwah N, Maurya M, Pavlovich MC, Wang Z, Chen J. Assessment of Inner Blood-Retinal Barrier: Animal Models and Methods. Cells 2023; 12:2443. [PMID: 37887287 PMCID: PMC10605292 DOI: 10.3390/cells12202443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2023] [Revised: 10/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/08/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Proper functioning of the neural retina relies on the unique retinal environment regulated by the blood-retinal barrier (BRB), which restricts the passage of solutes, fluids, and toxic substances. BRB impairment occurs in many retinal vascular diseases and the breakdown of BRB significantly contributes to disease pathology. Understanding the different molecular constituents and signaling pathways involved in BRB development and maintenance is therefore crucial in developing treatment modalities. This review summarizes the major molecular signaling pathways involved in inner BRB (iBRB) formation and maintenance, and representative animal models of eye diseases with retinal vascular leakage. Studies on Wnt/β-catenin signaling are highlighted, which is critical for retinal and brain vascular angiogenesis and barriergenesis. Moreover, multiple in vivo and in vitro methods for the detection and analysis of vascular leakage are described, along with their advantages and limitations. These pre-clinical animal models and methods for assessing iBRB provide valuable experimental tools in delineating the molecular mechanisms of retinal vascular diseases and evaluating therapeutic drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Jing Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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15
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Chen Y, Zheng D, Wang H, Zhang S, Zhou Y, Ke X, Chen G. Lipocalin 2 in the Paraventricular Thalamic Nucleus Contributes to DSS-Induced Depressive-Like Behaviors. Neurosci Bull 2023; 39:1263-1277. [PMID: 36920644 PMCID: PMC10387009 DOI: 10.1007/s12264-023-01047-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023] Open
Abstract
The incidence rate of anxiety and depression is significantly higher in patients with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) than in the general population. The mechanisms underlying dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced depressive-like behaviors are still unclear. We clarified that IBD mice induced by repeated administration of DSS presented depressive-like behaviors. The paraventricular thalamic nucleus (PVT) was regarded as the activated brain region by the number of c-fos-labeled neurons. RNA-sequencing analysis showed that lipocalin 2 (Lcn2) was upregulated in the PVT of mice with DSS-induced depressive behaviors. Upregulating Lcn2 from neuronal activity induced dendritic spine loss and the secreted protein induced chemokine expression and subsequently contributed to microglial activation leading to blood-brain barrier permeability. Moreover, Lcn2 silencing in the PVT alleviated the DSS-induced depressive-like behaviors. The present study demonstrated that elevated Lcn2 in the PVT is a critical factor for DSS-induced depressive behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yeru Chen
- Department of Anesthesiology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310016, China
| | - Du Zheng
- Department of Anesthesiology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310016, China
| | - Hongwei Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310016, China
| | - Shuxia Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310016, China
| | - Youfa Zhou
- Department of Anesthesiology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310016, China
| | - Xinlong Ke
- Department of Anesthesiology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310016, China
| | - Gang Chen
- Department of Anesthesiology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310016, China.
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16
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Xie Y, He L, Zhang Y, Huang H, Yang F, Chao M, Cao H, Wang J, Li Y, Zhang L, Xin L, Xiao B, Shi X, Zhang X, Tang J, Uhrbom L, Dimberg A, Wang L, Zhang L. Wnt signaling regulates MFSD2A-dependent drug delivery through endothelial transcytosis in glioma. Neuro Oncol 2023; 25:1073-1084. [PMID: 36591963 PMCID: PMC10237416 DOI: 10.1093/neuonc/noac288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Systemic delivery of anti-tumor therapeutic agents to brain tumors is thwarted by the blood-brain barrier (BBB), an organotypic specialization of brain endothelial cells (ECs). A failure of pharmacological compounds to cross BBB is one culprit for the dismal prognosis of glioblastoma (GBM) patients. Identification of novel vascular targets to overcome the challenges posed by the BBB in tumors for GBM treatment is urgently needed. METHODS Temozolomide (TMZ) delivery was investigated in CT2A and PDGFB-driven RCAS/tv-a orthotopic glioma models. Transcriptome analysis was performed on ECs from murine gliomas. Mfsd2a deficient, Cav1 deficient, and Mfsd2a EC-specific inducible mice were developed to study the underlying molecular mechanisms. RESULTS We demonstrated that inhibiting Wnt signaling by LGK974 could increase TMZ delivery and sensitize glioma to chemotherapy in both murine glioma models. Transcriptome analysis of ECs from murine gliomas revealed that Wnt signaling inhibition enhanced vascular transcytosis as indicated by the upregulation of PLVAP and downregulation of MFSD2A. Mfsd2a deficiency in mice enhances TMZ delivery in tumors, whereas constitutive expression of Mfsd2a in ECs suppresses the enhanced TMZ delivery induced by Wnt pathway inhibition in murine glioma. In addition, Wnt signaling inhibition enhanced caveolin-1 (Cav1)-positive caveolae-mediated transcytosis in tumor ECs. Moreover, Wnt signaling inhibitor or Mfsd2a deficiency fails to enhance TMZ penetration in tumors from Cav1-deficient mice. CONCLUSIONS These results demonstrated that Wnt signaling regulates MFSD2A-dependent TMZ delivery through a caveolae-mediated EC transcytosis pathway. Our findings identify Wnt signaling as a promising therapeutic target to improve drug delivery for GBM treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Xie
- China-Sweden International Joint Research Center for Brain Diseases, Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Medicinal Plant Resource and Natural Pharmaceutical Chemistry, National Engineering Laboratory for Resource Developing of Endangered Chinese Crude Drugs in Northwest of China, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi’an, 710119, China
| | - Liqun He
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, Rudbeck Laboratory, 75185, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Yanyu Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, 710032, China
| | - Hua Huang
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, Rudbeck Laboratory, 75185, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Fan Yang
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, Rudbeck Laboratory, 75185, Uppsala, Sweden
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin Neurological Institute, Key Laboratory of Post-Neuro-injury Neuro-Repair and Regeneration in Central Nervous System, Ministry of Education and Tianjin City, Tianjin 300052, China
| | - Min Chao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tangdu Hospital of the Fourth Military Medical University, 569 Xinsi Road, Xi’an, 710038, China
| | - Haiyan Cao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tangdu Hospital of the Fourth Military Medical University, 569 Xinsi Road, Xi’an, 710038, China
| | - Jianhao Wang
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, Rudbeck Laboratory, 75185, Uppsala, Sweden
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin Neurological Institute, Key Laboratory of Post-Neuro-injury Neuro-Repair and Regeneration in Central Nervous System, Ministry of Education and Tianjin City, Tianjin 300052, China
| | - Yaling Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Xi’an People’s Hospital (Xi’an Fourth Hospital), Xi’an, 710005, China
| | - Lingxue Zhang
- China-Sweden International Joint Research Center for Brain Diseases, Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Medicinal Plant Resource and Natural Pharmaceutical Chemistry, National Engineering Laboratory for Resource Developing of Endangered Chinese Crude Drugs in Northwest of China, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi’an, 710119, China
| | - Lele Xin
- China-Sweden International Joint Research Center for Brain Diseases, Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Medicinal Plant Resource and Natural Pharmaceutical Chemistry, National Engineering Laboratory for Resource Developing of Endangered Chinese Crude Drugs in Northwest of China, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi’an, 710119, China
| | - Bing Xiao
- China-Sweden International Joint Research Center for Brain Diseases, Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Medicinal Plant Resource and Natural Pharmaceutical Chemistry, National Engineering Laboratory for Resource Developing of Endangered Chinese Crude Drugs in Northwest of China, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi’an, 710119, China
| | - Xinxin Shi
- China-Sweden International Joint Research Center for Brain Diseases, Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Medicinal Plant Resource and Natural Pharmaceutical Chemistry, National Engineering Laboratory for Resource Developing of Endangered Chinese Crude Drugs in Northwest of China, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi’an, 710119, China
| | - Xue Zhang
- China-Sweden International Joint Research Center for Brain Diseases, Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Medicinal Plant Resource and Natural Pharmaceutical Chemistry, National Engineering Laboratory for Resource Developing of Endangered Chinese Crude Drugs in Northwest of China, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi’an, 710119, China
| | - Jiefu Tang
- Trauma Center, First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan University of Medicine, Huaihua, 418000, China
| | - Lene Uhrbom
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, Rudbeck Laboratory, 75185, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Anna Dimberg
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, Rudbeck Laboratory, 75185, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Liang Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tangdu Hospital of the Fourth Military Medical University, 569 Xinsi Road, Xi’an, 710038, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- China-Sweden International Joint Research Center for Brain Diseases, Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Medicinal Plant Resource and Natural Pharmaceutical Chemistry, National Engineering Laboratory for Resource Developing of Endangered Chinese Crude Drugs in Northwest of China, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi’an, 710119, China
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17
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Ding J, Lee SJ, Vlahos L, Yuki K, Rada CC, van Unen V, Vuppalapaty M, Chen H, Sura A, McCormick AK, Tomaske M, Alwahabi S, Nguyen H, Nowatzke W, Kim L, Kelly L, Vollrath D, Califano A, Yeh WC, Li Y, Kuo CJ. Therapeutic blood-brain barrier modulation and stroke treatment by a bioengineered FZD 4-selective WNT surrogate in mice. Nat Commun 2023; 14:2947. [PMID: 37268690 PMCID: PMC10238527 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-37689-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Derangements of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) or blood-retinal barrier (BRB) occur in disorders ranging from stroke, cancer, diabetic retinopathy, and Alzheimer's disease. The Norrin/FZD4/TSPAN12 pathway activates WNT/β-catenin signaling, which is essential for BBB and BRB function. However, systemic pharmacologic FZD4 stimulation is hindered by obligate palmitoylation and insolubility of native WNTs and suboptimal properties of the FZD4-selective ligand Norrin. Here, we develop L6-F4-2, a non-lipidated, FZD4-specific surrogate which significantly improves subpicomolar affinity versus native Norrin. In Norrin knockout (NdpKO) mice, L6-F4-2 not only potently reverses neonatal retinal angiogenesis deficits, but also restores BRB and BBB function. In adult C57Bl/6J mice, post-stroke systemic delivery of L6-F4-2 strongly reduces BBB permeability, infarction, and edema, while improving neurologic score and capillary pericyte coverage. Our findings reveal systemic efficacy of a bioengineered FZD4-selective WNT surrogate during ischemic BBB dysfunction, with potential applicability to adult CNS disorders characterized by an aberrant blood-brain barrier.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Ding
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Sung-Jin Lee
- Surrozen, Inc. South San Francisco, South San Francisco, CA, 94080, USA
| | - Lukas Vlahos
- Department of Systems Biology, Columbia University, Columbia, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Kanako Yuki
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Cara C Rada
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Vincent van Unen
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
- Institute for Immunity, Transplantation and Infection, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | | | - Hui Chen
- Surrozen, Inc. South San Francisco, South San Francisco, CA, 94080, USA
| | - Asmiti Sura
- Surrozen, Inc. South San Francisco, South San Francisco, CA, 94080, USA
| | - Aaron K McCormick
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Madeline Tomaske
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Samira Alwahabi
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Huy Nguyen
- Surrozen, Inc. South San Francisco, South San Francisco, CA, 94080, USA
| | - William Nowatzke
- Surrozen, Inc. South San Francisco, South San Francisco, CA, 94080, USA
| | - Lily Kim
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Lisa Kelly
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Douglas Vollrath
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Andrea Califano
- Department of Systems Biology, Columbia University, Columbia, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Wen-Chen Yeh
- Surrozen, Inc. South San Francisco, South San Francisco, CA, 94080, USA
| | - Yang Li
- Surrozen, Inc. South San Francisco, South San Francisco, CA, 94080, USA
| | - Calvin J Kuo
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA.
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18
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Jezierski A, Huang J, Haqqani AS, Haukenfrers J, Liu Z, Baumann E, Sodja C, Charlebois C, Delaney CE, Star AT, Liu Q, Stanimirovic DB. Mouse embryonic stem cell-derived blood-brain barrier model: applicability to studying antibody triggered receptor mediated transcytosis. Fluids Barriers CNS 2023; 20:36. [PMID: 37237379 DOI: 10.1186/s12987-023-00437-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Blood brain barrier (BBB) models in vitro are an important tool to aid in the pre-clinical evaluation and selection of BBB-crossing therapeutics. Stem cell derived BBB models have recently demonstrated a substantial advantage over primary and immortalized brain endothelial cells (BECs) for BBB modeling. Coupled with recent discoveries highlighting significant species differences in the expression and function of key BBB transporters, the field is in need of robust, species-specific BBB models for improved translational predictability. We have developed a mouse BBB model, composed of mouse embryonic stem cell (mESC-D3)-derived brain endothelial-like cells (mBECs), employing a directed monolayer differentiation strategy. Although the mBECs showed a mixed endothelial-epithelial phenotype, they exhibited high transendothelial electrical resistance, inducible by retinoic acid treatment up to 400 Ω cm2. This tight cell barrier resulted in restricted sodium fluorescein permeability (1.7 × 10-5 cm/min), significantly lower than that of bEnd.3 cells (1.02 × 10-3 cm/min) and comparable to human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived BECs (2.0 × 10-5 cm/min). The mBECs expressed tight junction proteins, polarized and functional P-gp efflux transporter and receptor mediated transcytosis (RMT) receptors; collectively important criteria for studying barrier regulation and drug delivery applications in the CNS. In this study, we compared transport of a panel of antibodies binding species selective or cross-reactive epitopes on BBB RMT receptors in both the mBEC and human iPSC-derived BEC model, to demonstrate discrimination of species-specific BBB transport mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Jezierski
- Human Health Therapeutics Research Centre, National Research Council of Canada, ON, Ottawa, Canada.
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada.
| | - Jez Huang
- Human Health Therapeutics Research Centre, National Research Council of Canada, ON, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Arsalan S Haqqani
- Human Health Therapeutics Research Centre, National Research Council of Canada, ON, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Julie Haukenfrers
- Human Health Therapeutics Research Centre, National Research Council of Canada, ON, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Ziying Liu
- Human Health Therapeutics Research Centre, National Research Council of Canada, ON, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Ewa Baumann
- Human Health Therapeutics Research Centre, National Research Council of Canada, ON, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Caroline Sodja
- Human Health Therapeutics Research Centre, National Research Council of Canada, ON, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Claudie Charlebois
- Human Health Therapeutics Research Centre, National Research Council of Canada, ON, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Christie E Delaney
- Human Health Therapeutics Research Centre, National Research Council of Canada, ON, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Alexandra T Star
- Human Health Therapeutics Research Centre, National Research Council of Canada, ON, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Qing Liu
- Human Health Therapeutics Research Centre, National Research Council of Canada, ON, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Danica B Stanimirovic
- Human Health Therapeutics Research Centre, National Research Council of Canada, ON, Ottawa, Canada
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19
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Bei J, Miranda-Morales EG, Gan Q, Qiu Y, Husseinzadeh S, Liew JY, Chang Q, Krishnan B, Gaitas A, Yuan S, Felicella M, Qiu WQ, Fang X, Gong B. Circulating exosomes from Alzheimer's disease suppress VE-cadherin expression and induce barrier dysfunction in recipient brain microvascular endothelial cell. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.04.03.535441. [PMID: 37066187 PMCID: PMC10103966 DOI: 10.1101/2023.04.03.535441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Background Blood-brain barrier (BBB) breakdown is a component of the progression and pathology of Alzheimer's disease (AD). BBB dysfunction is primarily caused by reduced or disorganized tight junction or adherens junction proteins of brain microvascular endothelial cell (BMEC). While there is growing evidence of tight junction disruption in BMECs in AD, the functional role of adherens junctions during BBB dysfunction in AD remains unknown. Exosomes secreted from senescent cells have unique characteristics and contribute to modulating the phenotype of recipient cells. However, it remains unknown if and how these exosomes cause BMEC dysfunction in AD. Objectives This study aimed to investigate the potential roles of AD circulating exosomes and their RNA cargos in brain endothelial dysfunction in AD. Methods We isolated exosomes from sera of five cases of AD compared with age- and sex-matched cognitively normal controls using size-exclusion chromatography technology. We validated the qualities and particle sizes of isolated exosomes with nanoparticle tracking analysis and atomic force microscopy. We measured the biomechanical natures of the endothelial barrier of BMECs, the lateral binding forces between live BMECs, using fluidic force miscopy. We visualized the paracellular expressions of the key adherens junction protein VE-cadherin in BMEC cultures and a 3D BBB model that employs primary human BMECs and pericytes with immunostaining and evaluated them using confocal microscopy. We also examined the VE-cadherin signal in brain tissues from five cases of AD and five age- and sex-matched cognitively normal controls. Results We found that circulating exosomes from AD patients suppress the paracellular expression levels of VE-cadherin and impair the barrier function of recipient BMECs. Immunostaining analysis showed that AD circulating exosomes damage VE-cadherin integrity in a 3D model of microvascular tubule formation. We found that circulating exosomes in AD weaken the BBB depending on the RNA cargos. In parallel, we observed that microvascular VE-cadherin expression is diminished in AD brains compared to normal controls. Conclusion Using in vitro and ex vivo models, our study illustrates that circulating exosomes from AD patients play a significant role in mediating the damage effect on adherens junction of recipient BMEC of the BBB in an exosomal RNA-dependent manner. This suggests a novel mechanism of peripheral senescent exosomes for AD risk.
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20
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Du F, Shusta EV, Palecek SP. Extracellular matrix proteins in construction and function of in vitro blood-brain barrier models. FRONTIERS IN CHEMICAL ENGINEERING 2023. [DOI: 10.3389/fceng.2023.1130127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is a highly impermeable barrier separating circulating blood and brain tissue. A functional BBB is critical for brain health, and BBB dysfunction has been linked to the pathophysiology of diseases such as stroke and Alzheimer’s disease. A variety of models have been developed to study the formation and maintenance of the BBB, ranging from in vivo animal models to in vitro models consisting of primary cells or cells differentiated from human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs). These models must consider the composition and source of the cellular components of the neurovascular unit (NVU), including brain microvascular endothelial cells (BMECs), brain pericytes, astrocytes, and neurons, and how these cell types interact. In addition, the non-cellular components of the BBB microenvironment, such as the brain vascular basement membrane (BM) that is in direct contact with the NVU, also play key roles in BBB function. Here, we review how extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins in the brain vascular BM affect the BBB, with a particular focus on studies using hPSC-derived in vitro BBB models, and discuss how future studies are needed to advance our understanding of how the ECM affects BBB models to improve model performance and expand our knowledge on the formation and maintenance of the BBB.
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21
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Khamis ZI, Sarker DB, Xue Y, Al-Akkary N, James VD, Zeng C, Li Y, Sang QXA. Modeling Human Brain Tumors and the Microenvironment Using Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15041253. [PMID: 36831595 PMCID: PMC9954701 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15041253] [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: 01/26/2023] [Revised: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Brain cancer is a group of diverse and rapidly growing malignancies that originate in the central nervous system (CNS) and have a poor prognosis. The complexity of brain structure and function makes brain cancer modeling extremely difficult, limiting pathological studies and therapeutic developments. Advancements in human pluripotent stem cell technology have opened a window of opportunity for brain cancer modeling, providing a wealth of customizable methods to simulate the disease in vitro. This is achieved with the advent of genome editing and genetic engineering technologies that can simulate germline and somatic mutations found in human brain tumors. This review investigates induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-based approaches to model human brain cancer. The applications of iPSCs as renewable sources of individual brain cell types, brain organoids, blood-brain barrier (BBB), and brain tumor models are discussed. The brain tumor models reviewed are glioblastoma and medulloblastoma. The iPSC-derived isogenic cells and three-dimensional (3D) brain cancer organoids combined with patient-derived xenografts will enhance future compound screening and drug development for these deadly human brain cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahraa I. Khamis
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA
- Department of Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering, FAMU-FSU College of Engineering, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32310, USA
- High-Performance Materials Institute, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32310, USA
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Molecular Immunology, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences-I, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Drishty B. Sarker
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA
| | - Yu Xue
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA
| | - Nancy Al-Akkary
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Molecular Immunology, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences-I, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Viviana D. James
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA
| | - Changchun Zeng
- Department of Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering, FAMU-FSU College of Engineering, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32310, USA
- High-Performance Materials Institute, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32310, USA
| | - Yan Li
- Department of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, FAMU-FSU College of Engineering, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA
- Institute of Molecular Biophysics, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA
| | - Qing-Xiang Amy Sang
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA
- Institute of Molecular Biophysics, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-850-644-8683; Fax: +1-850-644-8281
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22
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Bei J, Miranda-Morales EG, Gan Q, Qiu Y, Husseinzadeh S, Liew JY, Chang Q, Krishnan B, Gaitas A, Yuan S, Felicella M, Qiu WQ, Fang X, Gong B. Circulating Exosomes from Alzheimer's Disease Suppress Vascular Endothelial-Cadherin Expression and Induce Barrier Dysfunction in Recipient Brain Microvascular Endothelial Cell. J Alzheimers Dis 2023; 95:869-885. [PMID: 37661885 DOI: 10.3233/jad-230347] [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] [Indexed: 09/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Blood-brain barrier (BBB) breakdown is a crucial aspect of Alzheimer's disease (AD) progression. Dysfunction in BBB is primarily caused by impaired tight junction and adherens junction proteins in brain microvascular endothelial cells (BMECs). The role of adherens junctions in AD-related BBB dysfunction remains unclear. Exosomes from senescent cells have unique characteristics and contribute to modulating the phenotype of recipient cells. However, it remains unknown if and how these exosomes cause BMEC dysfunction in AD. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to investigate the impact of AD circulating exosomes on brain endothelial dysfunction. METHODS Exosomes were isolated from sera of AD patients and age- and sex-matched cognitively normal controls using size-exclusion chromatography. The study measured the biomechanical nature of BMECs' endothelial barrier, the lateral binding forces between live BMECs. Paracellular expressions of the key adherens junction protein vascular endothelial (VE)-cadherin were visualized in BMEC cultures and a 3D BBB model using human BMECs and pericytes. VE-cadherin signals were also examined in brain tissues from AD patients and normal controls. RESULTS Circulating exosomes from AD patients reduced VE-cadherin expression levels and impaired barrier function in recipient BMECs. Immunostaining analysis demonstrated that AD exosomes damaged VE-cadherin integrity in a 3D microvascular tubule formation model. The study found that AD exosomes weakened BBB integrity depending on their RNA content. Additionally, diminished microvascular VE-cadherin expression was observed in AD brains compared to controls. CONCLUSION These findings highlight the significant role of circulating exosomes from AD patients in damaging adherens junctions of recipient BMECs, dependent on exosomal RNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiani Bei
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Ernesto G Miranda-Morales
- Department of Neurology, Mitchell Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Qini Gan
- Alzheimer's Disease Center, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Yuan Qiu
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Sorosh Husseinzadeh
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Jia Yi Liew
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Qing Chang
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Balaji Krishnan
- Department of Neurology, Mitchell Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Angelo Gaitas
- The Estelle and Daniel Maggin Department of Neurology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Subo Yuan
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Michelle Felicella
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Wei Qiao Qiu
- Alzheimer's Disease Center, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Xiang Fang
- Department of Neurology, Mitchell Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Bin Gong
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
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23
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Nishihara H, Perriot S, Gastfriend BD, Steinfort M, Cibien C, Soldati S, Matsuo K, Guimbal S, Mathias A, Palecek SP, Shusta EV, Pasquier RD, Engelhardt B. Intrinsic blood-brain barrier dysfunction contributes to multiple sclerosis pathogenesis. Brain 2022; 145:4334-4348. [PMID: 35085379 PMCID: PMC10200307 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awac019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2021] [Revised: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 07/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Blood-brain barrier (BBB) breakdown and immune cell infiltration into the CNS are early hallmarks of multiple sclerosis (MS). The mechanisms leading to BBB dysfunction are incompletely understood and generally thought to be a consequence of neuroinflammation. Here, we have challenged this view and asked if intrinsic alterations in the BBB of MS patients contribute to MS pathogenesis. To this end, we made use of human induced pluripotent stem cells derived from healthy controls and MS patients and differentiated them into brain microvascular endothelial cell (BMEC)-like cells as in vitro model of the BBB. MS-derived BMEC-like cells showed impaired junctional integrity, barrier properties and efflux pump activity when compared to healthy controls. Also, MS-derived BMEC-like cells displayed an inflammatory phenotype with increased adhesion molecule expression and immune cell interactions. Activation of Wnt/β-catenin signalling in MS-derived endothelial progenitor cells enhanced barrier characteristics and reduced the inflammatory phenotype. Our study provides evidence for an intrinsic impairment of BBB function in MS patients that can be modelled in vitro. Human iPSC-derived BMEC-like cells are thus suitable to explore the molecular underpinnings of BBB dysfunction in MS and will assist in the identification of potential novel therapeutic targets for BBB stabilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hideaki Nishihara
- Theodor Kocher Institute, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Sylvain Perriot
- Laboratory of Neuroimmunology, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV) and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Benjamin D Gastfriend
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Marel Steinfort
- Theodor Kocher Institute, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Celine Cibien
- Theodor Kocher Institute, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Sasha Soldati
- Theodor Kocher Institute, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Kinya Matsuo
- Theodor Kocher Institute, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Sarah Guimbal
- Theodor Kocher Institute, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Amandine Mathias
- Laboratory of Neuroimmunology, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV) and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Sean P Palecek
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Eric V Shusta
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Renaud Du Pasquier
- Laboratory of Neuroimmunology, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV) and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Britta Engelhardt
- Theodor Kocher Institute, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
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24
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Linville RM, Sklar MB, Grifno GN, Nerenberg RF, Zhou J, Ye R, DeStefano JG, Guo Z, Jha R, Jamieson JJ, Zhao N, Searson PC. Three-dimensional microenvironment regulates gene expression, function, and tight junction dynamics of iPSC-derived blood-brain barrier microvessels. Fluids Barriers CNS 2022; 19:87. [PMID: 36333694 PMCID: PMC9636829 DOI: 10.1186/s12987-022-00377-1] [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: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
The blood-brain barrier (BBB) plays a pivotal role in brain health and disease. In the BBB, brain microvascular endothelial cells (BMECs) are connected by tight junctions which regulate paracellular transport, and express specialized transporter systems which regulate transcellular transport. However, existing in vitro models of the BBB display variable accuracy across a wide range of characteristics including gene/protein expression and barrier function. Here, we use an isogenic family of fluorescently-labeled iPSC-derived BMEC-like cells (iBMECs) and brain pericyte-like cells (iPCs) within two-dimensional confluent monolayers (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) tissue-engineered microvessels to explore how 3D microenvironment regulates gene expression and function of the in vitro BBB. We show that 3D microenvironment (shear stress, cell-ECM interactions, and cylindrical geometry) increases BBB phenotype and endothelial identity, and alters angiogenic and cytokine responses in synergy with pericyte co-culture. Tissue-engineered microvessels incorporating junction-labeled iBMECs enable study of the real-time dynamics of tight junctions during homeostasis and in response to physical and chemical perturbations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raleigh M Linville
- Institute for Nanobiotechnology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA.
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | - Matthew B Sklar
- Institute for Nanobiotechnology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Gabrielle N Grifno
- Institute for Nanobiotechnology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Renée F Nerenberg
- Institute for Nanobiotechnology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Justin Zhou
- Institute for Nanobiotechnology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Robert Ye
- Institute for Nanobiotechnology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jackson G DeStefano
- Institute for Nanobiotechnology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Zhaobin Guo
- Institute for Nanobiotechnology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Ria Jha
- Institute for Nanobiotechnology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - John J Jamieson
- Institute for Nanobiotechnology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Nan Zhao
- Institute for Nanobiotechnology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Peter C Searson
- Institute for Nanobiotechnology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA.
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA.
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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25
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Matsuoka RL, Buck LD, Vajrala KP, Quick RE, Card OA. Historical and current perspectives on blood endothelial cell heterogeneity in the brain. Cell Mol Life Sci 2022; 79:372. [PMID: 35726097 PMCID: PMC9209386 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-022-04403-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Revised: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Dynamic brain activity requires timely communications between the brain parenchyma and circulating blood. Brain-blood communication is facilitated by intricate networks of brain vasculature, which display striking heterogeneity in structure and function. This vascular cell heterogeneity in the brain is fundamental to mediating diverse brain functions and has long been recognized. However, the molecular basis of this biological phenomenon has only recently begun to be elucidated. Over the past century, various animal species and in vitro systems have contributed to the accumulation of our fundamental and phylogenetic knowledge about brain vasculature, collectively advancing this research field. Historically, dye tracer and microscopic observations have provided valuable insights into the anatomical and functional properties of vasculature across the brain, and these techniques remain an important approach. Additionally, recent advances in molecular genetics and omics technologies have revealed significant molecular heterogeneity within brain endothelial and perivascular cell types. The combination of these conventional and modern approaches has enabled us to identify phenotypic differences between healthy and abnormal conditions at the single-cell level. Accordingly, our understanding of brain vascular cell states during physiological, pathological, and aging processes has rapidly expanded. In this review, we summarize major historical advances and current knowledge on blood endothelial cell heterogeneity in the brain, and discuss important unsolved questions in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryota L Matsuoka
- Department of Neurosciences, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA. .,Department of Molecular Medicine, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA.
| | - Luke D Buck
- Department of Neurosciences, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA.,Department of Molecular Medicine, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA
| | - Keerti P Vajrala
- Department of Neurosciences, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA.,Department of Molecular Medicine, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA.,Kansas City University College of Osteopathic Medicine, Kansas City, MO 64106, USA
| | - Rachael E Quick
- Department of Neurosciences, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA.,Department of Molecular Medicine, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA
| | - Olivia A Card
- Department of Neurosciences, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA.,Department of Molecular Medicine, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA
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26
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Linville RM, Searson PC. Next-generation in vitro blood-brain barrier models: benchmarking and improving model accuracy. Fluids Barriers CNS 2021; 18:56. [PMID: 34876171 PMCID: PMC8650371 DOI: 10.1186/s12987-021-00291-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
With the limitations associated with post-mortem tissue and animal models, In vitro BBB models enable precise control of independent variables and microenvironmental cues, and hence play an important role in studying the BBB. Advances in stem cell technology and tissue engineering provide the tools to create next-generation in vitro BBB models with spatial organization of different cell types in 3D microenvironments that more closely match the human brain. These models will be capable of assessing the physiological and pathological responses to different perturbations relevant to health and disease. Here, we review the factors that determine the accuracy of in vitro BBB models, and describe how these factors will guide the development of next-generation models. Improving the accuracy of cell sources and microenvironmental cues will enable in vitro BBB models with improved accuracy and specificity to study processes and phenomena associated with zonation, brain region, age, sex, ethnicity, and disease state.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raleigh M Linville
- Institute for Nanobiotechnology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Peter C Searson
- Institute for Nanobiotechnology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA.
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA.
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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